What we’re about
3-C (casual climbing club)
Have you tried (or wanted to try) climbing or bouldering but found yourself feeling overwhelmed by the focus and dedication of other climbers?
I started climbing back in 2013 through a large club in London. Looking back on this time I realised how lucky I was – the club was so large I managed to find a crew of friends who loved climbing and the health and mental benefits that come with it without taking it too seriously. I managed to make some of the most rewarding friendships I have had in my life through this club and I think it was mainly because our shared enjoyment of climbing (and other outdoor sports) afforded us deeply rewarding social connections.
I’ve tried a few different clubs since returning to Australia but have felt the social element was an after-thought and mainly served to discuss current projects, new climbs to try or (let’s face it) basking in our latest glory:
• Completing that 23 they’ve been projecting
• Speaking at length about their latest “on-sight” climb
• Discussing climbing routes/techniques/projects/trips at the exclusion of all other topics (which often lead to close relationships).
3-C (casual climbing club) is a group that focuses on building meaningful relationships through rocksports (and, possibly, other outdoor activities) without the undertone of competitiveness. If these examples are familiar points of frustration/boredom/intimidation for you then 3-C is for you.
My plan is to initially host fortnightly bouldering sessions in Collingwood and/or Bayswater, followed by optional socialising over a drink/dinner. Once 3-C has sufficient interest, I will look to incorporate roped climbing sessions into the fortnightly cycle. Eventually I would like to host some climbing weekends and possibly branch out into mountain biking or even skiing/snowboarding.
About me: I am a medical professional in my mid 40s who moved to Melbourne in Jan 2020 (yes, that’s right). I enjoy a handful of different interests in a purely casual capacity (my profession is as serious as I get), climbing is just one of these.
Please note: climbing and bouldering are dangerous sports, the use of the word “casual” is not an invitation for irresponsible or careless behaviour. Successful (which I consider as injury free) climbing or bouldering requires support from attentive and careful belayers or spotters. Participating in rock-sports and other outdoor adventures requires an acceptance of risk. You must take care of your own self but even a “casual” belayer/spotter has an extremely important responsibility.
Group values
The group was founded on four values: 1. inclusion, 2. mutual respect, 3. community and 4. safety.
- Inclusion in the literal sense not HR sense. Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no official “core group”. I encourage everyone to make an effort to help new members feel included. The intention is to keep 3C open to regulars, newbies and casual attenders alike.
- Respect in the sense of mutual acceptance of others’ autonomy and sense of self. I want everyone to feel comfortable and safe without pressuring others to be different from who they are. Different opinions are welcome: it is possible to agree-to-disagree and still be friends who can enjoy a climb together.
- I envision 3C as community of people who look forward to seeing each other and catching up. My role is more of a facilitator role: organising events and maintaining the vibe/milieux of the group. The group itself will be as much yours as mine. I am open to suggestions, comments, criticisms and complaints. Anyone who has thoughts on an event or wants to bring a new person into the group will find me very receptive to your ideas.
- I want everyone here to feel comfortable and unthreatened. Meetup had some issues – I heard accounts of members being harassed by people aggressively trying to meet a romantic partner. 3C is not a dating service and complaints about behaviour like this will be taken very seriously. At the same time, we are all adults and can make our own decisions about the nature of connections we might make with others. If there is someone in the group you would like to get to know my suggestion is that you start by saying hi at an event. Leave the creepy, unsolicited DMs out of it.