Women* Climb Night took place on Wednesday for the second time this semester. Drawing in a large crowd, the event offered those who identify as women* the experience of engaging with each other while climbing, regardless of skill level.

This event, which occurs on the last Wednesday of every month, is open to all woman*-identifying individuals such as women* who are cisgender, trans, trans-experience and those who are gender-nonbinary or seeking out the community.

Those who identify as women* make up an underrepresented group in the climbing community, so these climb nights began as a way to create a welcoming and safe experience for individuals of all skill levels to experience climbing.

“[The event] doesn’t mean that women* don’t climb, but they’re oftentimes subject to unwarranted feedback from other climbers as climbing is, at times, a very emotionally-driven activity,” said Johnna Ragland, the Adventure Programs coordinator. “While that is not inherently a bad thing, it does not provide the most welcoming environment.”

In the outdoors communities, gatekeeping is less explicit. The challenges minorities face are more subtle, making it important to create environments where different minorities feel safe and encouraged, according to Thomas Getz, a senior in geology.

“Getting into new hobbies and interests can be very intimidating,” Eleanor Horak, a sophomore in liberal studies, said. “Women* Climb Night is an amazing way to introduce people to a new activity in a safe space that makes everyone feel accepted.”

Another climber and senior in industrial engineering, Melia Finn, also feels that the accepting and encouraging space creates a comfortable atmosphere that is important for expanding the climbing community.

“It gives women* a chance to try out the sport in a more comfortable atmosphere, which can make it easier to come back even when it’s not Women* Climb Night,” Finn said.

Along with the issue of underrepresentation of women* in climbing, the visibility of climbing also creates barriers for those who might want to give the sport a try.

“Climbing is intimidating to get into, especially on such an open stage where you are climbing in front of others, and it is very easy to get self-conscious if you are new to the sport,” Ragland said.

Ragland said those who climb often want to feel the accomplishment that comes with finishing a route on their own. However, this can be difficult to do as people can get in their heads or experience other climbers telling them how to climb a route, or ‘beta spray.’

This advice can be unhelpful for women* who want to participate in the sport as the majority of participants are male and the advice given is generally geared towards men.

“Since women* and men progress through their climbing journey differently, having a community of people who can relate to you is a great way to build confidence and skill,” Alex Sigel, a graduate student in the mechanical engineering department said.

Having the wall occupied by women*, for at least one night allows women* to relate to each other’s struggles in climbing and share advice guys may not think of, according to Megan Keitel, another climber and graduate student in community and regional planning.

Climbers also shared that being able to relate to others’ experiences and trade advice also helped ease anxiety about climbing which often comes when being surrounded by men. It also offered new and experienced climbers the opportunity to connect with each other.

“Climbing is a great social activity,” Ragland said. “I get excited when that social community grows, and people who never thought they would enjoy climbing walk away feeling accomplished and like they belong at the wall.”

Maddy Lenaerts, a student worker and junior in global resource systems, shared a similar joy for watching the interactions between attendees and the electric atmosphere.

“It is so fun to see new climbers and seasoned climbers hanging out together in a very open and welcoming setting,” Lenaerts said. “During these events, we employees get to show the joy of climbing and see new climbers fall in love with it like we did.”

Editor’s Note: Reporting done by Reese Copich and Shreya Varrier