Working at the front desk at the gym means you hear this question a lot. ‘How do I find a belay partner?’ While bouldering is easy to jump into, finding a belay partner to rope up with can be more of a challenge. “It’s such a shame when people cancel their membership because their belay partner has moved or is injured,” said Berkeley Ironworks staff Monica Aranda. “Especially when I know we get requests for belay partners nightly. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t be psyched for a new climbing partner!”
Stephanie Jim, who works at Great Western Power Company as the Kids Camp director, is trying to tackle the problem. “When I was younger, I loved watching the TV show Cheers,” said Stephanie. “It made me happy to see a place where someone knows your name. I see this gym as my very own Cheers. It’s a not just a work out facility or my job, it’s a community. I want everyone to feel like a part of it.” This was the motivation behind ‘Partner Parties’; fun events where members and guests can meet new climbing partners.
If you’re interested in participating, the next Partner Party at GWPC is on May 22nd from 6pm-8pm. If you’re a member, swipe your magical membership card and you’re in! If you’re a guest, simply pony up for your day pass and no one will be the wiser. To get started, head over to the smoke stack in the middle of the rope walls. There, you’ll find snacks to lure you in, and new friends to keep you coming back for more!
“One you pick up a partner card, and write your name on the top,” explains Stephanie. ” For each new person you climb or belay with, you’l write their names down and check in at the partner table to get a raffle ticket.” Boulderers are also encouraged to come out! For each new person you meet in the bouldering area (ie. give beta to, high five, etc), add their name to the card and exchange it for a ticket. Raffle winners will be announced every 20 – 30 minutes. You’ll win anything from a t-shirt to a chalk bag!
This is just one example of the fun events that Touchstone employees put on for their communities. “Wouldn’t it be great if the minute you stepped into the gym, you recognized 5-10 friendly faces that immediately made you feel at home?” said Stephanie. To find out more about the upcoming Partner Party at GWPC, be sure to check out the Facebook page and invite your friends.
Other partner finding events are on the calendar at The Studio in San Jose, Berkeley Ironworks, Mission Cliffs and Diablo Rock Gym. Find new partners and make the gym a place where everyone knows your name!
