What is this meetup for?
OutClimb is a a Minnesota-based organization dedicated to making climbing accessible to as many trans and queer people as possible. This includes creating a welcoming space for queer, non-binary, and trans people of all backgrounds and skill levels. Climbing is historically white, cisgender, heterosexual, and male dominated; OutClimb looks to change that by providing a queer organized and led space where folks can hangout, climb, and learn with each other.
It would be fantastic for folks to come out, climb, be queer, and learn new stuff. Anyone and everyone is welcome, bring your friends!
Discounts
If it's your first time at any Vertical Endeavors locations mention you’re there for OutClimb and receive a free day day pass and harness rental. (Shoe rentals extra)
What is Bouldering?
Indoor bouldering is a type of rock climbing that involves climbing shorter artificial rock walls over large pads without ropes or harnesses. This type of climbing has fewer barriers because it does not require the technical skills used for ropes and the only special equipment needed is climbing shoes. It is available at all Vertical Endeavors locations, although it is not as popular as Top Rope or Sport climbing.
What is an Auto Belay?
An auto belay is a mechanical device that automatically lowers a climber to the ground after they finish climbing or fall. This device operates in place of a belayer in a setup that functioning very similar to top rope climbing. Vertical Endeavors provides training on how to use their auto belay system to all climbers as part of their orientation.
What is Top Rope Climbing?
Top rope climbing is a type of rock climbing where a climber is attached to a rope that runs from the top of a climbing route to a belayer on the ground. Falls are very low risk because the belayer catches the climber almost immediately. Top Rope belay requires some knowledge and technique and Vertical Endeavors requires that you test to demonstrate competency before you are allowed to belay climbers. However you can still be belayed by someone who has passed their belay test and has a blue, green, or yellow card.
What is Sport Climbing?
Sport climbing is a type of rock climbing where the climber ascends a route by clipping their rope to pre-placed protection points (called bolts) as they climb. Securing the rope into any type of protection as a climber ascends is known as lead climbing. This is a riskier type of climbing because it has the potential for high consequence falls. Before sport climbing you are tested for demonstrate competency in sport climbing and lead belay techniques. Although climbers may still be top rope belayed by someone who has passes the lead belay test.
First time at Vertical Endeavors?
Fill out a waiver and watch the orientation video in advance, then show up 15 minutes early to complete the tour and orientation before the event!
To join Queer Beta at Vertical Endeavors you will need a day pass or a membership. Remember to check out the discounts section above.
What do I wear and where can I change?
Vertical Endeavors have gendered locker rooms with lockers inside and outside of them for you to use
Normal clothes for the gym or yoga are great options to wear. The walls and climbing holds can be abrasive so consider wearing clothes that cover your knees and legs. Overall you do not want to restrict your movement, while protecting your skin, and keeping cool while exercising.
Some attendees use hearing protection that matches their sensory needs; and some use masks for heath reasons, to reduce the spread of infectious disease, or the chalk dust in the air. Please consider your own needs and the health of other climbers when you make these choices.
Is there parking at Vertical Endeavors Bloomington?
Vertical Endeavors Blooming has a free parking lot. Be sure to park only in designated spaces and check that those are not reserved for neighboring businesses at that time.
What happens at a meetup?
They start with introductions, announcements, then move onto climbing together. Your day pass is good until the gym closes.