Rab & Boulder UK Join Forces To Empower Women In Climbing

UK outdoor brand Rab (owned by Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd.) is partnering with Boulder UK to encourage more women to take up climbing and continue to enjoy the sport. The collaboration centers on Boulder UK’s Women’s Social initiative, a monthly event hosted by different accomplished female climbers.

The Rab Women’s Social combines a relaxed climbing session with Boulder UK coaches, community building, and inspirational talks on the full range of climbing disciplines as well as performance sports psychology, coaching and more. Held on the last Thursday of each month, the initiative provides a welcoming space for women of all skill levels – from complete beginners to elite climbers – to connect, learn, and grow.

“We want the Rab Women’s Social at Boulder UK to be a source of fun, psyche, learning, and community for women of all levels and backgrounds,” says Tanya Meredith, Boulder UK Co-owner. “These events provide an important platform to raise the profile of women in climbing, who are out there doing really cool things.”

Boulder UK is a state-of-the-art climbing facility located in the Walton Summit area of Preston. It was opened in September 2017 by a team of dedicated climbers. This team was heavily inspired by the original Boulder UK climbing centre, opened in Blackburn in 2003. www.boulderuk.co.uk.

Jessica Burton, UK Marketing Manager at Rab, emphasises the partnership’s broader impact: “Our mission is to inspire, support and motivate adventurers and mountain people, so introducing newcomers to climbing indoors offers a fantastic chance to learn, develop technique, and build confidence for their outdoor pursuits – and Boulder UK is the perfect place for this. Tanya, Neil and their team have created an inspiring and supportive atmosphere that nurtures young talent through development pathways, as well as engaging with individuals who just want to climb for the social. It’s brilliant to see their sponsored athletes acting as role models at all levels.”

Located near some of the UK’s most renowned outdoor climbing destinations in the Lake District and Yorkshire, Boulder UK has been a cornerstone of the climbing community since 2003. The Preston facility offers more than just a training space – its mission is to provide an inclusive state-of-the-art facility that motivates new and experienced climbers to realise their full potential.

The partnership extends beyond the monthly Socials. Rab will also be a headline sponsor of the Plywood Masters, the longest-running bouldering-only competition, which celebrates community, skill, and the inclusive spirit of climbing. Future plans include outdoor climbing experiences in collaboration with Esther Foster Climbing Coaching & Guiding, bridging the gap between indoor training and outdoor adventures. “We’re looking forward to evolving our socials with our members and taking them outdoors,” Tanya explains, highlighting the progressive nature of the initiative.