Our London Début alongside City Bouldering and Pro Climbing League?

There’s always a buzz when we’re amongst people talking about Winter Grit.

A buzz that hits differently compared to other moments, like announcing a new drop or posting something online.

It’s more immediate and real which you can’t really replicate.

That’s what this day was about, finding that energy and being high off it..

When City Bouldering Stratford invited us down for the Pro Climbing League Circuit event, we couldn’t say no - especially how we were already so psyched to attend the main event the following week. It was our first time showcasing WG to London, putting out what we’ve been building in Birmingham in front of a completely new crowd, and seeing how they react.

The day started early. The car was packed out full of stock, rails, patches, bits we thought we’d need and bits we definitely didn’t. 

By the time things got going properly, the place was full. Around 250 climbers moving around, three circuits running across different levels, people warming up, projecting, watching each other. From about midday through to late afternoon, it didn’t really slow down.

There was just constant energy in the room.

It’s in the small moments, someone picking something up and asking about it, someone recognising the brand, someone trying something on and not taking it off. Those real quick fire conversations that rarely happens online

We got to meet other independents, doing their own thing; Sesame Organisation tempting us and everyone else with the best macarons.

We also got involved in the day—putting up a few prizes for winners, contributing to the raffles.

One of the biggest parts of the day for us was showing the patches properly for the first time and doing a live demo of how it can be used in practice (see pics!). Up until now, they’ve lived mostly online. Having the chance to actually explain them in person, the thinking behind them, the sustainability angle, the idea of repairing your gear instead of replacing it, it was really cool.

Long drive down. Long drive back. It was so worth it.