It might sound lofty, but hear me out—climbing has this incredible way of bringing people together. It’s about problem-solving, trust, and shared experiences. And when we lean into that, it becomes a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and building bridges.

Let’s start with the basics. Climbing is inherently collaborative. Even if you’re climbing solo, you’re probably engaging with others—sharing beta, spotting, or just cheering each other on. That dynamic creates opportunities for connection that you don’t always find in other sports. It’s not about competing against someone else; it’s about pushing yourself, and there’s something so unifying about that.

But here’s the thing: for climbing to truly foster inclusivity and equity, we have to be intentional. It’s not enough to say, “Everyone’s welcome here.” We need to actively create spaces where everyone feels welcome. And that starts with acknowledging that not everyone has the same access or experience.

Take gear, for example. It’s expensive. Shoes, harnesses, chalk bags—it all adds up. For a lot of people, that cost is a major barrier to entry. If we want climbing to be inclusive, we need to address that. Some gyms are doing great work in this area by offering gear rentals or discounts for beginners. Others are partnering with organizations to provide free gear for underrepresented groups. That’s the kind of action that moves the needle.

Then there’s representation. When you walk into a gym or scroll through climbing media, who do you see? If the answer is a homogenous group of people, that’s a problem. When we see climbers of all backgrounds—different races, genders, body types—it sends a message: this space is for everyone. And representation isn’t just about who’s climbing. It’s about who’s working at the gym, who’s coaching, and who’s making decisions about the space. Equity means everyone gets a seat at the table, not just those who already feel comfortable pulling up a chair.

Now, let’s talk about the power of community. One of the best ways climbing can foster inclusivity is by building supportive networks. When climbers come together—whether through gyms, outdoor meetups, or social media—they create opportunities to connect and learn from one another. Those connections can be life-changing, especially for people who might feel isolated in the sport. It’s why organizations like Brown Girls Climb and Brothers of Climbing are so important. They’re not just creating access; they’re creating belonging.

But let’s be real—none of this happens overnight. Fostering inclusivity and equity in climbing requires a cultural shift. It means gyms and outdoor spaces have to think beyond just business as usual. It means climbers need to check their biases and make an effort to be welcoming. And it means all of us need to advocate for change, whether that’s calling out exclusionary behavior or supporting initiatives that bring new people into the sport.

What I love about climbing is that it teaches you to problem-solve. You look at a route, figure out what’s not working, and try something new. We can apply that same mindset to creating a more inclusive climbing culture. What’s not working? How do we fix it? And how do we keep pushing forward?