Kansas City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of rock climbing, but its climbing community is thriving and growing stronger every year. Thanks to the Kansas City Climbing Community, locals and visitors alike can find their way onto the wall, whether it’s inside one of the area’s many gyms or outside at nearby crags.
“Kansas City Climbing Community recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, so it is an honor to continue its legacy of helping climbers connect and learn new skills or visit new environments,” says Emma F., known as "m," the current President of KCCC. “KCCC's original goal was to both keep outdoor climbs safely bolted and to organize climbing trips. We strive to embody that mission, plus open access to a sport that can be very daunting and at times inaccessible to some audiences. We hope to co-create a culture that welcomes and empowers people of different skill levels, body types, ages, and genders to build skills and trust.”
The KCCC story began in the winter of 1983 when local climbers Bob Allison and friends came together to build a community around their love of climbing. Today, KCCC hosts monthly meetups, outdoor trips, and educational clinics, all while maintaining and advocating for local crags and trails.
“I started climbing about four years ago and immediately fell in love with its sense of playfulness and artistry. I love making shapes on the wall and connecting with my body in a gracious way that is constantly evolving. Climbing is so fun physically but is also a huge mind game—I climb because it's fun, but I return because it helps me practice physical and emotional skills that help me grow into a better person, such as communication, self-regulation as I move through fear, trust in those around me, and patience.
“I started volunteering with KCCC three years ago, posting on social media and co-hosting meetups, and my projects have grown to include accessibility initiatives. I want all people to be able to try the sport that brings our little community so much joy and gratitude.”
Local climbing gyms like RoKC, Sequence, and IBEX offer year-round opportunities to climb, but KCCC makes it easy to step beyond the walls as well.
“KCCC hosts at least one meetup each month, rotating between gyms, local crags, and off the wall activities such as coffee hang outs or clean ups. Some are themed, but all people are welcome. We additionally host at least two trips a year in spring and fall to crags two to five hours away from KC. ”
These trips bring together climbers wanting to venture outside of the Kansas City climbing scene. In April, they gathered 40 new climbers with over 100 returning climbers for a trip to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Arkansas.
“These trips are for all skill levels, and are really wonderful times to try climbing outside for the first time, try new climbing spots, or simply connect with your community in a different setting. Additionally, KCCC replaces bolts in crags that require maintenance.”
Looking ahead, the next upcoming event is the KCCC’s Family Trip, happening June 12th-15th at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch.
“We ask that parents be responsible for their children’s belays, but our trips welcome all levels and ages. More information will be posted on our newsletter, and Facebook and Instagram pages.”
The $20 a year membership helps fund everything from new bolts to trip dinners. Members also get perks like discounts at local climbing gyms and gear shops.
"KCCC is completely volunteer run and relies on donations, so if anyone feels called to contribute to these projects, they can donate at web.climbkccc.com/donations. If anyone would like to host a climbing event or meetup, we would love to offer our support. Our goal is to expand community, helping each person who climbs to know someone else's name and thus feel empowered to welcome others into the fold. If you have an idea, we'd love to hear it."
For more information, visit web.climbkccc.com
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Kate Neuenschwander
Originally published in Lee's Summit City Lifestyle