The increase of Asian climbers in Toronto

In the past year, the number Asian climbers in our city and the GTA has increased. By “Asian” I’m referring to folks of Southeast-Asian ethnicity including Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Japanese, and Filipino. I’ve observed this personally in the gyms and generally meeting new climbers at events. Apparently, it’s becoming a “thing” and us Asians are just really into climbing. 

This is such great news on many levels. It means we are being seen and continuing to do what we love. It means we are trying new things and not feeling intimidated or uncomfortable. It means stereotypes are being broken. It also means climbing has evolved – from the predominantly white, male-dominated sport it once was prior to the 1980′s to a more diverse one. The sport and community, generally speaking, are welcoming of everyone and our sport has blossomed in popularity.

As an Asian climber I see this as the first step, the start of momentum of good things. This is the start of increased involvement and passion. Beginning at gyms we start by enjoying a new sport, then we progress and take it outdoors. We learn bouldering technique, how to tie knots, how to stretch our muscles properly. With enough interest encouragement, I’m hoping more of us will take up positions of leadership – setting routes, mentoring new climbers, running workshops and clinics. I’m hoping more of us will be an example by leaving no trace when outdoors, and encouraging others to do so.

Let’s keep the motion going, and continue showing up and being seen. Let’s take it a step further and strive for positions of leadership and education where, traditionally, we never existed.