A Year of Basecamp

Climbing gym staff rooms all look like this.

I have been climbing more around Christchurch, getting used to the grading system and fighting my way through sheep and choss to get the sends, but this post brings us back to Toronto, to my friends and fellow climbers who are celebrating the anniversary of Basecamp Climbing Gym.

I signed on to the project in October of 2015, while working at Joe Rockhead's. Matt seemed like a nice enough guy, and the gym was super close to my house. Despite the fact that the institution itself opened up many months late, this enterprise has been an amazing part of many people's lives, and my own, since its beginning.

I love working in climbing gyms. It's something that I would do if I were independently wealthy. I love the energy, the fellow staff, and teaching people to share my passion is really incredible. Watching people that you taught as they crush hard climbs, as they really 'become climbers', is a wonderful thing. But Basecamp is a little more than that.

The Place

Conveniently, this downtown spectacle is super easy to access and wonderfully built. It's not huge, but thanks to Max Summerlee's dedication to wall density, the number of amazing, unique, and climbable routes is staggering. The setters have made astounding use of the area and, because of the number of different setters and the climb turn-around, the routes vary greatly, making for an interesting experience every visit.

The Programs I've taught climbing for over four years and the intro-package at Basecamp is the best deal going. The top-rope lesson is safe, quick, and engaging. The lead climbing course is a testament to Mark Smith's nearly 20 years of climbing. It's intense, versatile, and it tells you everything you need to know for leading indoors and outdoors. The technique classes are descriptive and informative, and can improve your climbing at any level. And Rockfit is an interesting way to stay in great shape while augmenting your climbing experience.

Mark as Pikachu, LA on the importance of buddy checks.

The Staff

I'm a bit biased here, but the staff at this gym are second-to-none. I've been

interacting with climbing gym personnel for years, and these guys take the cake. The desk staff is charming as hell, the instructors are stellar human beings, and the floor staff are happy, well-informed, interesting people who just want to help you climb your best. As far as working with them goes, I've never worked with a better group of people. It's a joy to wake up not dreading a colleague or interaction, especially in this kind of customer service. I have never had better shifts.

All in All

I want to ship my congratulations overseas to my friends at Basecamp, not just the staff but the members as well. It's a wonderful passion we all share, and there just isn't a place that fosters it as well as this downtown Toronto gym. I know this upcoming year will be a spectacular one for the whole crew back home, and I'm sending my love. If you haven't yet been to Basecamp, or are considering climbing, but are nervous about the experience, I strongly recommend just walking in and saying 'Hi'. They'll help you take it from there.