Open Boulder Socials at TCA

You Asked, We Listened: Introducing Open Socials at The Newsroom & The Mothership

At TCA, we’ve always been about more than just pulling on plastic, we’re about the people who fill our walls every day. Recently, we crunched the numbers and read through the comments from our Annual Survey, and one message came through loud and clear: you want more ways to connect.

While our Queer Socials and Women’s Bouldering Socials are thriving, many of you asked for a space that is open to everyone, a place where solo climbers can find a buddy, and newcomers can feel like regulars from day one.

What is an Open Boulder Social?

The concept is simple: it’s a dedicated evening for bouldering and community. There’s no need to book, no extra fee beyond your standard entry, and absolutely no pressure.

Whether you’ve just finished your induction or you’re a seasoned veteran looking for a fresh perspective on a project, these sessions are designed to break down the barriers to meeting new people.

The Details

• Location: The Newsroom (Glasgow) & The Mothership (Bristol). See webpages for timings.

• Format: Bouldering only.

• Booking: None! Just turn up and climb.

• The Perk: To make it even easier to get started, we’re offering Free Shoe Hire for all social participants.

Friendly Faces, No Formalities

We know that walking into a busy centre alone can be a bit daunting. To help break the ice, a TCA Instructor will be present at every session.

It’s important to note: this isn’t a coached session. There’s no formal training or technical syllabus. Instead, our staff are there to act as facilitators—making introductions, helping groups form, and perhaps offering a cheeky bit of beta if you’re stuck on a tricky sequence.

Why the Change?

Your feedback showed that while the climbing at TCA is top-tier, the “social” side of bouldering is what keeps you coming back. You wanted a low-stakes environment to meet like-minded climbers or simply a group to grab a coffee with after a session.

“I love the vibe, but as a solo climber, it can be hard to break into groups.” — Survey Feedback

The Open Social is our answer to that. It’s a space where the “open” applies to everyone—all genders, all abilities, and all levels of experience.

How to Get Involved

Ready to join? Just check the The Newsroom or The Mothership pages for session times on our website, rock up, and let reception know you’re here for the Open Social.

Grab your free shoes, find the instructor on the mats, and get climbing. We can’t wait to see some new friendships (and maybe some shared sends) taking shape.

See you on the mats!