#1 Know the values of the company and event
As a company that encourages People of Color (POC), particularly self-identified Women of Color (WOC), we like to partner with those that reflect similar values to BGC. Arctery’x reached out to attend and cover the event via social media and this is what we’ve learned:
- They value and promote diversity:
The Squamish Nation Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw opened up the event on Thursday night with songs and dances that appreciate the land, sea, and all of its inhabitants. Thank you to Alice Guss and her daughter Dominique Nahanee. In one of the stories, it was mentioned how we have one hand to give and one hand to receive which to me was a reminder that the land will always provide so long as we care and respect it and every living being first. It was also mentioned that we have one leg to kick and one leg to get kicked, which we interpreted to always stay grounded and close to your roots.
- They find worth in proper education and making it accessible:
Typically for any sport, many people start out with experienced friends or at a gym, which can be intimidating. Some gyms offer clinics and the bare basics but maybe you’ve already passed the gym to crag stage, and are ready for more advanced skills, techniques, and training. And even if you’ve never climbed outside before, the Academy has courses for every skill level at a fraction of the cost. When hiring a guide, the cost varies depending on the amount of attendees but the academy has a flat price based on the clinic (think $450 vs $200)
#2 Do You Boo
- When you’re constantly on the go, it can be difficult to remember to eat and sleep! GIRL, these are essential to survival! We made sure top stock up on food, snacks, and any time we walked out the door, we made sure to grab fuel for the body!
- It is also common to stay out late and party during these awesome social events, but if you need sleep, it’s totally fine to go to bed early. Folks may pressure you into sticking around after your bedtime, but having a friend to help you sleep always prepares you for a better day of climbing.
- If you need a rest day, take a rest day. You’ll come back stronger the next day. Take some time to yourself to sit in the hot tub (if you’re in a hotel that has one), read a book, take a hike to the top of The Chief. Whatever it is, listen to your body because it knows what it needs. Also, NAPS.
#3 Community is Key
- Find time to be with your crew, A lot of these festivals, with the exception of Color the Crag, are overwhelmingly white. You can sometimes feel out of place and “the only one”. We did a call out to our communities to see who would be in the area. Leaning on each other is the best thing we can do at these events. Organizing the People of Color meetup with the Belay All was amazing because we not only met local climbers of color, we were able to lean into each other during the event for support.
- If you are going at it solo, as a first timer, these events can be nerve wracking. Our advice to you is to remind yourself that everyone starts somewhere and that you do belong. People are here to learn and to grow. If you don’t feel comfortable, reach out to BGC community, to Flash Foxy community, BOC, and sooooo many more orgs to connect with new people that are going to the event already! Maybe meet up for a day of climbing or for food and drinks. Remember that you’re never alone in any of these events and that we’re here!
Authors: Monserrat Alvarez & Ariel Sam Cervaria
