About us

¡Escala! is a multicultural and bilingual space for those who love climbing. Our mission is to make climbing culturally and linguistically accessible to Latinos and Spanish speakers.  

Our members build community by hosting regularly scheduled indoor and outdoor meet-ups.

Contact us to connect with your local group or start a chapter in your area.

Community Guidelines

¡Escala! is:

  • ¡Escala!’s mission is to make climbing culturally and linguistically accessible to Latinos and Spanish speakers. We create spaces for Latino and Spanish-speaking climbers to connect through a shared culture and language. We reflect and celebrate the cultural and linguistic differences found within our communities. We are welcoming to all who join us and support us in furthering our mission.

  • We are native Spanish speakers, non-native speakers, and people connecting or reconnecting with the Spanish language. Participants can choose to speak Spanish or not at their discretion and, if so, should feel safe speaking Spanish at whichever level they are comfortable (e.g., basic, fluent, etc.). Spanish language skills are not required to climb with us.

  • We do not tolerate harassment, intimidation, or bullying of any kind, nor any offensive or degrading comments about things like race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. Likewise, unwanted social, romantic, sexual, or physical advances are not tolerated. Report any behavior that makes you or someone else feel unsafe, unwelcome, or uncomfortable to your local ¡Escala! leader.

  • We celebrate our accomplishments and give each other encouragement. We support each other in our climbing goals and aspirations. We share stoke but not beta. Giving unsolicited suggestions or “beta” is not a polite practice in climbing. Always ask if a climber would like help before offering suggestions and respect their wishes.

  • We are collectively responsible for creating an environment that is safe, conducive to learning, and builds trust and competence. All participants must follow and model best practices for climbing safety. Unsafe or reckless climbing practices will not be tolerated. Participants should seek qualified training for new skills. Belayers must provide attentive and safe belays at all times. We expect everyone of any experience level to communicate if they are unsure or do not know how to perform a skill. Conversely, if a participant is asking for advice or help, knowledgeable participants should share expertise with kindness and understanding. Participants should immediately and directly communicate any safety concerns to climbing partners. Feedback should be given and received with a focus on ensuring safe practices and should not be taken personally. Report any unsafe behavior to your local ¡Escala! leader.

FAQs

  • Of course! We do, however, ask that you read this section carefully to understand how to join if you are not Latino or don’t speak Spanish

    ¡Escala!’s mission is to make climbing culturally and linguistically accessible to Latinos and Spanish speakers. Our objective is to create a space for Latino and Spanish-speaking climbers to connect through a shared culture and language.

    If you do not self-identify as Latino or Spanish-speaking, you are welcome to join as a mindful and respectful ally who acknowledges the need for affinity spaces like this and takes steps to understand and support our mission.

    Please note that someone can be Latino and not speak Spanish. If you self-identify as Latino, please remember that you do not have to speak Spanish to be Latino. Spanish language skills are not required to climb with us.

  • The purpose of meet-ups is to connect Latino and Spanish-speaking climbers. The purpose of meet-ups is not to teach Spanish. While we welcome folks who are practicing language skills they are independently learning, we ask that you do not join a meet-up with the expectation that participants will teach you Spanish.

    If you are learning Spanish on your own, please ensure that your personal interest in learning the language does not undermine the group’s mission to connect Latino and Spanish-speaking climbers. Additionally, be careful not to misrepresent your actual Spanish language fluency on ¡Escala! platforms by using computer-generated translations as this may give Spanish-speaking participants the impression that you will be able to communicate with them in person.

    If you join a meet-up and do not understand what is being said, do not ask participants speaking in Spanish to speak in English.

  • The purpose of meet-ups is to connect Latino and Spanish-speaking climbers. The purpose of the group is not to be a trade-a-belay group. Those who join solely with the intention of finding climbing partners, but are not willing or interested in supporting ¡Escala!’s mission or participating in cultural or language exchange will be reminded of our mission and referred to our community guidelines.