Building community at Core Climbing Gym in Cambridge

A Cambridge climbing gym promises more than just a boost of adrenaline.

On Nov. 1, Core Climbing Gym held a grand re-opening with new ownership and climbing routes that are fresh, exciting, and challenging for all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

“So far, everyone is very positive,” said Core Climbing Gym co-owner Dave Perozzo.

“I don’t know what it is, but climbing just seems to bring out the best in people. It builds such a wonderful community.”

Core Climbing Gym, on Jamieson Parkway, is focused on ‘bouldering’ and climbing fitness.

Bouldering is climbing on shorter walls, up to 15ft high, above thick mats that act as protection for climbers.

Perozzo said this type of climbing might appear too challenging at first for some.

“People might think, OMG! We’re not tied in,” he said. “So, there can be a little bit of fear with it at first.”

Perozzo said with bouldering, you don’t need rope as you do with top rope or sport lead climbing.

“We have thick mats, and you just go for it. It is a little riskier and can come with the odd ankle sprain, but it’s all about learning,” he said.

“I’ve always preferred bouldering. It’s so much fun. You can do it on your own or with a group of people as everyone encourages a climber get through a problem. I’ve seen teams stop talking. They just focus and cheer when they get to the top.”

Whether you are new to bouldering or an experienced climber, Perozzo said everyone can benefit from professional instruction and programming.

“If you’ve never climbed before, you can find a place at the gym to start. And if you have a partner who might be more experienced, the two of you can still climb next to each another, even from different levels,” Perozzo said.

“I have climbed for years. I love it and I love watching people climb. What I enjoy, is that it is like a puzzle. You have to work your way through it. When you get stuck with a problem, you have to try to get out of it.”

Perozzo is also the owner of the Guelph Grotto Climbing Gym. 

Since it first opened 29 years ago, Perozzo has expanded with six other climbing gym locations including London, Squamish, B.C. and Halifax.

The Core Climbing Gym in Cambridge originally opened in 2017 before Perozzo took over the business last month.

Born and raised in Guelph, his passion for climbing began years ago.

"I graduated college and worked at WC Wood in Guelph. A few guys I worked with started climbing too. At that time, we were driving to Toronto to climb, We thought, well what are we going to do when we grow up?" Perozzo said.

"I thought well how about a fitness club or restaurant? My partner suggested, how about a climbing gym? And here we are almost 30 years later."

The sport of climbing is gaining traction in recent years.

Perozzo said climbing offers great benefits for body and mind, including problem-solving, increased strength, improved balance, co-ordination, and social skills.

“I think it’s probably like any other sport, once you find a passion for it. At our gym in Guelph, a lot of people call it there home. And for many, it is their second home, where they feel they welcomed, comfortable and part of a community.”

The Core Climbing Gym in Cambridge offer classes for all levels including beginner introductory to bouldering classes, a number of children and youth programs and camps, and climber's yoga classes.

Groups can also book for corporate, birthday, and school visits.

“For kids, climbing helps build confidence. It makes for positive community and brings out the best in people. For kids that struggle, they get a lot of support when they come here,” Perozzo said.

“They can get strong and fit and they don’t even realize that it’s something that’s good for them because they are having so much fun."

Perozzo said Core Climbing Gym is all about building an inclusive fitness community.

The new Girls, Gays, & Theys Night, offers a LGBTQA+ friendly night open to all skill levels. The goal is to create a positive, comfortable, and productive space for all to perform their best with a focus on community building.

"Some people get through life, and it’s easy. And for others, it's a real really struggle. I want to support everyone. Maybe this was imparted by parents who immigrated from Italy and built a decent life here. There are a lot of people who find it difficult to succeed. I just love seeing them make it. I want to see them get through it," Perozzo said.

“It’s about climbing as a community. That’s what really matters."