There’s something special about trying something new alongside a room full of people doing the same: a nervous first reach for a hold, a cheer from the crowd below, a shared laugh at the bottom of the wall. This week, we got to see those moments play out at our first Intro to Bouldering event with MEC Vancouver.
The response blew us away. All three events sold out within 24 hours, and they’re completely free. That told us something we already believed: plenty of people want to try something new, they just need a welcoming place to start.
Bouldering can feel intimidating from the outside. The walls look tall, everyone seems to know what they’re doing, and it’s hard to know where to begin. So we kept things simple and beginner-friendly. Everyone was fitted with bouldering shoes, then MEC’s Elliot led an intro covering the basics: how to fall safely and how to get started on the wall. After a group warm-up, everyone headed onto the wall to try out some routes, with Elliot on hand to answer questions along the way.
What we loved most was how much everyone leaned in. People cheered each other on as they tried routes, celebrated the small wins, and laughed their way through the trickier moments. Bouldering asks you to be brave and a little bit vulnerable, and seeing a room of near-strangers support each other through that is exactly what SPORTAMii is all about.
It was also the perfect way to dip your toes in before committing to buying gear or a gym membership. Because you shouldn’t need to spend a lot just to find out whether you love something.
What’s next?
We’re hosting two more Intro to Bouldering events this month, and we can’t wait. If you missed out this time, keep an eye on our Instagram (@sportamii) for future events. And if the night left you wanting more, you can find bouldering partners near you on the SPORTAMii app.
A huge thank you to MEC and Elliot for hosting us, and to everyone who showed up and gave it a go.
Become a SPORTAMii today.
P.S. We’re new on the scene, and events like this help shape what SPORTAMii becomes. Got an idea for a sport you’d love to try with us? Email social@sportamii.com and say hello!
