Climber Entitlement

This is an issue that has got to me for a long time from before I even worked for a climbing gym. 

I hate that certain people that haven’t earned or given respect, time or even effort get handed things or think they should be handed things.

A climbing gym from working standpoint and climbing standpoint should always be a safe place to feel welcome and un-pressured. 

Certain people, staff, or members that come in with years of experience climbing outside, or those that couldn’t find success at other gyms, but through friends in the right places, get a prefered position in a gym, those who have that ‘I’m better than everybody’ attitude are not good for any climbing gym. The person who feels like they can’t do anything wrong, yet keeps making mistakes, and then keeps wanting things handed to them is a tough person to embrace.

Prima Donna workers not only affect the staff directly, but also indirectly. No matter if you are a 5.13+ outside climber or been working for a climbing gym for 20 plus years the most important asset is to always stay humble, to be a person that encourages, welcomes, and is not afraid to learn to get better. 

Attitude means a lot in a gym from a staff and climber point of view because it flows to everybody there in one way or another. There is no good reason to say you climbed a certain route when you didn’t just to put yourself above someone or say you are a certain level when you’re not. If you have to pretend to be the main character, you probably are not!

Rock climbing is such a beautiful sport, especially with the community that the sport has within it. I deeply respect the climbers that respect the sport, the setters that always try and grow, and the humility that comes along with real greatness.

Work ethic and attitude says a lot about overall character. You get more respect from me when you worked your way up in the industry. Being thankful and humble about earning your stripes rather than just being handed a position is where character building lies. 

That being said, my advice is to please just stay positive, fun, encouraging, and humble in climbing and in life. I promise, it goes a long way!