How to find climbing partners: the 5 best ways
Why is finding a climbing partner so hard?
Climbing is hard sport. But often finding a climbing partner is harder. If you have ever felt like this, you're not alone. The good news is this is problem is solvable. Here are five ways that actually work.
The Traditional Way: gyms and crags
The gym or the crag is one of the best ways to meet climbers - because everyone there already shares your hobby. Most people at the crag or gym are very approachable. This works really well if you are local to an area, but if you're moving around, or are looking for climbing partners for specific objectives, this can be a bit of an inefficient method.
The Modern Way: Oak, a Partner finding app
As mentioned in the Climbing.com magazine - the Oak app is "the most effective online way" to find a climbing partners. It's the biggest partner-finding app in the world, allowing you to browse climbing profiles before you rope up, search for climbers or mountaineers based on your specific objective, or even join climbing communities known as "Groups" (because climbing can be more fun with more people!) Oak is the best solution for finding climbing partners near you.
Guided courses and skills clinics
Skills courses and guided days put you alongside people at a similar stage who are actively trying to improve - which makes swapping numbers at the end of the day easy. Oak offers guided courses too, so you can level up your skills and meet potential partners in one go.
Online climbing forums and communities
Reddit's r/climbing and r/alpinism communities have millions of members. Facebook Groups (worldwide), Mountain Project (US), and UKC (UK) can be really helpful, especially if you are specific with what you are searching for. One thing to note: ensure to validate the other person's climbing experience before roping up.
Climbing clubs and mountaineering associations
Joining a climbing club is a somewhat traditional method, but it still works. Clubs organise regular meet-ups, weekend trips and skill workshops. In the US, the American Alpine Club has local chapters across the country. In the UK, the British Mountaineering Council lists hundreds of affiliated clubs. Most countries have an equivalent national body with a club directory.
Ready to find your next climbing partner?
Download Oak and connect with climbers near you — browse profiles, find partners for your specific objectives, and join climbing communities.