• Dan (he/him)

    Manager
    Do you hear bass-heavy EDM? Is the scent of Earl Grey wafting under the prow? Then that’s probably Dan behind the desk. Originally from across the pond, Dan grew up surfing and gallivanting along the... wild North Cornish coast before discovering climbing in the dingy walls of East London (since much improved). Soon after, he found that the sea cliffs from his childhood were also climbable and set about finding the friends and gear needed to stay alive when doing so. When not behind the desk you can usually find Dan, face obscured by a camera or laptop, telling stories or approximating art.
  • Kyle (he/him)

    Coach
    Kyle only knows two things in this life: speed and more speed. Y2K survivor and level 60 frost mage in world of warcraft, climbing became his side hustle between being an B-list celebrity and professional... chef in the world’s first and only 4 Michelin Star restaurant. His career was jump-started when he boxed Mike Tyson in his prime and won; he later went on to win multiple olympic gold medals in birdwatching as well as the luge. He then went on to attend every Ivy League just for fun while single-handedly winning the Formula 1 contructor’s championship with a car he made out of driftwood, bubblegum and a pack of Phantom Fireworks. Ask Kyle about life’s greatest mysteries or his homemade pizza dough recipe.
  • TJ (he/him)

    Desk Staff
    Fresh off a 4-month cross-country van life trip, TJ landed in the Bay to pursue a career in Massage Therapy. His relationship with rock climbing began as a carnival worker, supervising the climbing wall at... the Great New York State Fair. It wasn’t until years later in 2015, after moving to Portland, OR, where he was truly introduced to the world of rock climbing and the incredible community that comes with it. With the onset of the Pandemic and navigating life during these trying times, TJ started to lose touch with the world of climbing. Now living in a city with the best gym in the world (Great Western, of course) TJ’s looking to get back to form and meet all the fine people that make up the GW community. Be sure to say hi — especially if you’re looking to chat about Magic the Gathering, synthesizers, and all your favorite vegan restaurants in the Bay.
  • Richy (he/him)

    Desk Staff
    While many need a bed to fall asleep on each night, Richy possesses the unique ability to sleep on the ground easily. When climbing, his chalk bag is typically barren except for twigs and pebbles.... Given these attributes, one could call him a true dirt bagger but then he wouldn’t be able to give in to his vices… Current mood – binge- watching Jeopardy and playing The Office theme song on repeat.
  • Aleks (she/they)

    Desk Staff
    Aleks got their start right here at GW. On the rare occasion they’re not climbing, they like to explore the California wilds and hang at the beach. Catch them bouldering with the bros, throwing unnecessary... heels, and smashing protein shakes. A lover of the natural world and a good bit, Aleks is grateful to call Oakland and GW home.