Ground Up Climbing Centre in Squamish Celebrates One Year
Drew Copeland of the West Coast visits Ground Up days before the Squamish climbing gym celebrates its one year anniversary to speak to owner and manager Lauren Watson.
One year ago, Squamish got its first commercial climbing gym. The Ground Up Climbing Centre has become a cornerstone of the climbing community in town. The gym has youth teams, provides performance training for those looking to up their game and is generally the place people come to pull on plastic or hang out.
Squamish, as one of Canada’s top climbing destinations is a distinct environment in which to run a climbing gym. There are countless strong and focused climbers from around the world, many of which climb at Ground Up. “We made it!” said Watson. “We are one year old. Before this place was built lots of people said it wouldn’t work, but here we are; thriving, providing and able to keep challenging ourselves to be the best hub of climbing for our community.
“Our growing membership of climbers are psyched on getting stronger, getting better and they inspire us every day, we have the most amazing community.”
What have been the most challenging parts since opening? We have been focused on change this whole year–getting better means constantly trying new programs, new route/boulder layouts, new hours, new equipment. There is still a lot more on the way, but I think we are lucky to have a community that has patience for us to learn; we ask what they want and try to provide it as best we can.
What aspects of running the gym are you finding rewarding? Youth team and programs, growing a community of strong, connected and well-grounded climbers who understand their bodies, their motivations and how to best achieve their goals.
Squamish is home to strong and focused climbers who have been training at Ground Up for the past year and will help it stay open for years to come. Don’t miss out on Ground Up’s one year anniversary party on Dec. 10.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
