climbing with consent

Safer gyms.
Better crags.

Empowering and teaching climbers to exercise consent communication, inside and out, to build safer and more inclusive climbing spaces.

meet karli.

Founder, Karli Johnson M.S.ED, is a youth climbing instructor at First Ascent and author of the global best seller, “A Kids Book About Consent”. Karli has been teaching consent communication for over 15 years as a trainer and coach for schools, businesses, and community groups all over the country.

what we teach:

Consent Communication: Clearly ASK for consent and communicate intentions with other climbers, ESPECIALLY as trainers, coaches, and staff.

  • Physical Boundaries: Never touch another climber's body or gear without asking first.

  • Advice & beta: Always ask for consent before offering unsolicited advice or support.

  • Etiquette & Awareness: Always get consent to climb. Be mindful of others' physical space, avoid entering others’ space, and hogging walls.

  • Safety Checks: Before climbing, ask to verify knots and belay systems with your partner, ensuring both parties are prepared and in agreement.

  • Communication styles and terminology: Before climbing, ask your belay or climbing partners the ways they prefer to be communicated with while on the wall.

let’s teach the climbing world consent, together.