Those behind The Hive North Shore hope local residents come to view it as more than just a climbing gym.
"Our tagline is 'Your climbing community,' so we want to be a community for climbers but we also want to be involved in the community and we love developing partnerships and relationships with local businesses and supporting fundraisers," says DeeDee Ryan, marketing and events director.
The original Hive Vancouver was established in Vancouver four years ago and opened its second indoor climbing facility in North Vancouver, at 2270 Dollarton Hwy., in July. In line with the original location, the North Vancouver facility offers, "five-star bouldering problems and bouldering problems that are accessible to everyone.. .. We've made a point to set problems for all skill levels. You can come in having never climbed before and be able to climb something in the gym," says Ryan, adding The Hive also offers all necessary equipment for rent.
What's different about the North Shore facility is that it offers a number of additional general training and fitness areas, including: a private courses room appropriate for one-on-one training; a large fitness space with a variety of equipment ranging from free weights and rowing machines to climbing training equipment; a community space used for youth programs, offering them their own space and climbing wall (intended to reduce intimidation), as well as birthday parties; and a yoga studio.
"We want to be a place that people feel comfortable in, that's a home away from home. And I don't think you can do that without reaching out and being connected within the community as well," says Ryan.
With that in mind, throughout the month of October at both Vancouver and North Vancouver locations they're offering We Love Jugs, a fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - B.C./Yukon. The initiative's name is a nod to the cause as well as the climbing term, as jugs are large, easy to grab climbing holds. This is the fourth year they've run an event for the organization. Last year, The Hive raised $15,000, an amount they're hoping to exceed this time around. This year's format sees half-price Ladies' Nights offered every Friday in October, from 5 to 11 p.m., capped off with a We Love Jugs finale Oct. 30.
One exception is Oct. 23, seeing the Vancouver location closed in order to prepare for the following day's Tour de Bloc 13, part of a Canada-wide bouldering competition series.
The Hive North Shore is set to host a Sport Climbing B.C.-sanctioned competition Dec. 5.
"Both of these events, anyone is welcome to register to compete. We have recreational and experienced categories if someone just wants to come out and see what the competition scene is all about.. .. The public are more than welcome to come and watch the finals," says Ryan.
For more information, visit hivenorthshore.com.
