GYCO

# 🧗 Welcome to Get Yo Climb On (GYCO)!

Get Your Climb On (GYCO) was created by Michael Dorame back in December 2011 because he wanted to create a san francisco-based climbing community from the ground up that would welcome climbers from all walks of life at all levels. So his first year he took climbers indoor climbing all over San Francisco, then on weekends he took climbers to Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Red Rocks, Las Vegas, El Potrero Chico, Mexico, Joshua Tree, Castle Rock Park in Saratoga, CA, St Helena, Truckee, Krabi / Tonsai, Thailand, and Yangshuo China. He built a commujity and grew it to over 5000+ people and then in April 2019 he got an opportunity to explore Alaska and took a sabbatical. A new organizer was named and they created a new name called Beta Breakers. And while it has all of Michael's legacy content and good vibes the new version grew in a new way. Then Michael returned to San Francisco in late 2019 and create a 2nd version with his GYCO brand. He grew it slowly and organically —this time as a smaller, more intentional space for adventurous souls from all walks of life to come together, climb, connect, and grow.

## 🌍 Who’s This For?

Everyone. Seriously. We welcome:

• Newbies & seasoned crushers
• LGBTQIA+ community
• People of color
• All gender expressions
• Introverts, extroverts & hybrids
• Persons with visible & invisible disabilities
• Families (kids welcome w/ adult)
• Veterans, at‑risk youth, misfits, and miracle‑makers
• Anyone who’s found healing, meaning, or freedom through climbing

## 🧗 What Do We Climb?

• Top Rope, Sport, Trad, Bouldering
• Occasional Free Solo (under 30 ft, with caution)
• Canyoneering, Alpine, and Mountaineering trips

We share gear, knowledge, and rides when we can. All we ask is honesty, curiosity, and community vibes.

## 🛡️ Safety First, Always

Climbing is thrilling but risky. We are not certified guides, so your safety is your responsibility. That said, we promote a safety‑first culture by:

• Reviewing gear use (harnesses, belay devices, knots)
• Helping newer climbers learn
• Watching for wear & tear on gear
• Encouraging belay tests & intro classes
• Sharing resources & experience openly

By participating, you agree not to hold GYCO or its organizers responsible for injuries during or outside of meetups. We climb at our own risk — with each other, not for each other.

## 🎒 No Gear? No Problem.

Rent climbing/camping gear at:

• REI’s Climbing Checklist
• Sports Basement
• Learn knots: Climbing Knots 101
• Watch tips: Climbing Basics on YouTube

## 📊 Understanding Climbing Grades

• Rope Climbing (Yosemite Decimal): 5.0 → 5.15
• Bouldering (V‑Scale): V0 → V16 Start where you’re comfortable. Grow at your own pace.

## 🚗 Outdoor Carpools

Save gas, spots, and the planet. Set up carpools based on where you live — and maybe make a new friend.

## 📅 Meetup Etiquette

• Cancel early (ideally 5–7 days in advance). Emergencies happen — just keep us in the loop.
• No‑shows: 3 strikes = warning, 4 = potential removal. Respect the time, energy, and logistics it takes to make magic happen.

## 🌟 What We’re All About

We climb to grow. We climb to heal. We climb to connect.
Our goal? To create a safe, supportive, life‑enhancing climbing community where fun, transformation, and belonging go hand in chalked hand.
GYCO is a place where climbing might just save your life — because it saved ours.

## 📜 Policies

• Respect all identities — no discrimination, harassment, or exclusion.
• Do not litter, vandalize, steal, or damage belongings.
• Unsafe or reckless behavior = immediate dismissal.
• Turn on Meetup notifications so you don’t miss updates.

## 🎓 Training & Education

We partner with local adventure groups and experienced climbers to provide guidance in disciplines from anchor building to alpine climbing. Additional training or private guided trips may be available through trusted outdoor organizations.

## 💬 Closing Note

Climbing is more than a sport — it’s a community. Here, you’ll find encouragement, safety, and belonging. Whether you’re reaching your first foothold or topping out a challenging route, you’re part of our family.