Our Story
Some stories start with a handshake—ours started with a first climb.
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Back in 2003, Jesse and Leanne met on a climbing date at a gym in Maple Ridge, BC. That first climb sparked a lifelong partnership built on adventure, challenge, and a shared love for the vertical world.
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In 2011, they moved to Sechelt to start a family. But something was missing—the vibrant climbing community they'd loved in the Lower Mainland. So they did what climbers do best: they built their own.
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In 2018, Strait Up Climbing opened its doors as the Sunshine Coast's only full-service climbing gym (top-rope, lead climbing, auto-belays, and bouldering). Since then, it's become more than a gym—it's a place where climbers of all levels challenge themselves, grow stronger, and belong.
Meet the Owners
Jesse Waldorf – Co-Owner & General Manager
With over 25 years of climbing experience and certifications including ACMG Level 2 CGI and TRCI, Jesse brings deep knowledge to both indoor and outdoor climbing.​
​But what really defines Jesse's approach? His route setting. If you've ever muttered "where the heck do I go from here?" mid-climb (in a good way), you've probably tackled one of Jesse's tricky, puzzle-style routes. He specializes in
brain-teaser climbs with crafty drop knees and sequences that make you think, adapt, and problem-solve your way to the top.
Off the wall, Jesse loves playing guitar—often learning his daughter's favourite Taylor Swift songs so they can sing together. His goal for Strait Up Climbing? A fun, welcoming atmosphere where everyone belongs, with challenging routes that are solid and consistent across every grade.
Leanne Waldorf – Co-Owner & Athletic Director
Leanne has been climbing for over 22 years and brings the heart of an educator to everything she does. As a certified Education Assistant and Behaviour Interventionist, she runs Strait Up Climbing's youth programs and school group lessons—adapting her teaching style to fit each student, not the other way around.
Her route-setting style? Balance-heavy, stemmy corners, and satisfying hand-foot matches. Leanne designs climbs that challenge your body awareness and
movement, making you feel strong and capable when you finally unlock the sequence.
Climbing taught Leanne how to fail, fall, and get back up. That same lesson shows up in her other passion—watercolor painting, where she's created countless "failed" paintings for every beautiful one. She teaches beginner watercolor classes in the community, fostering the same encouraging, try-again spirit she brings to climbing. ​Her motto says it all: "Don't be afraid to fail—be afraid not to try."
The Facility
Strait Up Climbing is the Sunshine Coast's only full-service climbing gym, offering something for everyone—from first-time climbers to seasoned crushers.
What we offer:
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2,400+ square feet of climbing wall surface
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Indoor walls ranging from 24 to 35 feet high
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Dynamic angles from slab climbs to 45-degree overhangs
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600+ square feet of climbing ceiling for advanced challenges
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Bouldering up to 12 feet with portable crash mats
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Customizable geometric features to keep routes fresh and exciting
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Top-rope, lead climbing, auto-belays, and bouldering all under one roof
Whether you're tying your first knot or projecting your next send, our gym is designed to help you challenge yourself, build confidence, and have fun doing it.
Our Community
At Strait Up Climbing, we believe climbing is more than getting to the top—it's about the journey, the growth, and the people you meet along the way.
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Since 2018, we've been a welcoming home for youth, young adults, families, and climbers of all backgrounds. We're here to help you find your strength, push your limits, and connect with a community that's just as passionate as you are.
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Come hang out. Learn to climb. Find your place.
At Strait Up Climbing, we're not just building stronger climbers—we're building a stronger community, one ascent at a time.