About Us

Santa Cruz Climbing Club is meant to be an open space for climbers in the Santa Cruz area. We provide a community where climbers can come together to share their passion for climbing, explore new routes, and challenge themselves- physically and mentally, indoors and outdoors. Our mission is to make climbing more accessible to all individuals, and we host and assist with an array of activities throughout the year- these include outdoor climbing trips, BIPOC nights, queer climbing nights, competitions, clinics, and more! The club welcomes all levels, whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber. Join us and be part of a supportive community that will help you reach new heights! 

Santa Cruz Climbing was preceeded by UCSC Climbing, founded by original president Garrett Swelgin and officers Amira Flores, Julie Stone, Andrew Kiedel, Jasper Jones, and Luke Thayer. A rock climbing club at UCSC had been attempted several times in the past, but the efforts made in 2021 were the first ones to succeed. Although this did not lead to the addition of UCSC Climbing to the Athletics and Recreation Department at the University of Santa Cruz, California, they were paramount in providing the club with a vision and guide for the months and years to come. Our founding officers put strong emphasis on equality, improving access, nurturing community, and many more virtues championed by officers to this day! Garrett has since moved on to a career in research, and the legacy is now continued by the following: