Evan Pearce

Gym Director

evan@planetgranite.com

about me

Evan has been utilizing an analytical mind and honed problem-solving skills for over ten years, to improve his climbing ability and accomplish ever more challenging goals, at the crag, on the boulders and in the mountains. At Planet Granite, he loves nothing more than to bring those same skills to bear on efforts to improve the climbing abilities, safety skills and fun levels of new and experienced climbers alike.

Skills

Evan’s greatest strength in climbing is a high tolerance for suffering.

Grace

Assistant Director

grace@planetgranite.com

about me

Grace started climbing in 2016 and quickly fell in love with the sport. When she is not trying a new problem in the bouldering rooms you can find her hiking, running, or adventuring with her dog Buddy.

skills

She enjoy long distance running and long traverses on the beach.

Courtney

Assistant Director

about me

I’m not an athlete, but I love athletic things! I studied sports medicine, biomechanics and sports psychology. In 2011, I found the perfect sport for me. I fell head over heel hooks at first V0 and couldn’t get up! Just kidding, I kept going back for more! I pretty much live on the quiet side of life, but am always willing to talk about the little things, habits, cats, and photographs. =]

skills

I’m a movement enthusiast; if you can’t find me bouldering at Belmont, I’m probably lead climbing at PG SF or lifting at PG SV.

Roxanne

Youth Programs Coordinator | Lead Supervisor

about me

Roxanne started bouldering in 2014 and quickly developed a passion for the sport. When not climbing, you will likely find her out in nature with a camera in hand or riding her bike. She enjoys a good book, petting dogs, film photography, and conversations about the universe.

skills

Makes excellent banana bread. Jug holds are her forte. Bi(to be Tri)-lingual (If you speak French practice with her!)

Lucas

Supervisor | Climbing Team Coach

about me

Lucas started climbing at PG in late 2006 with the rock climbing team. When not entering celebrity-look-alike contests, he occasionally rock climbs. Lucas loves bouldering and sport climbing, both inside and outdoors. Currently confused by those strange pieces of metal Trad Climbers use, he hopes to one day figure them out.
classes

Belay Lessons, BRC, B&T, Climbing Team, Climbing/Bouldering Fundamentals, Private Lessons

skills

I am good at all types of bouldering and it is my favorite for sure. I am good with kids. I am also experienced with rope climbing. While my bouldering skills are alright, dancing is my true passion! Especially if Gucci Mane is bumpin’

Justine

Supervisor

about me

After getting her degrees in Sociology and Business at NDNU, Justine began her climbing career after accepting a job at PG Belmont in fall of 2012. Justine quickly found a love for rope climbing in the gym and outdoors. Her favorite places to sport climb are Gold Wall, Shuteye Ridge, Red Rocks, Nevada, and Kalymnos, Greece. In 2015 a climbing trip to Tuolumne turned into a bouldering trip and voila, Justine found a love for bouldering. Justine’s favorite style of climbing are big bouldery move climbs. Aside from climbing, Justine enjoys shooting guns at the range, riding her Vespa around town, skiing in Tahoe and finding a good pun in daily conversations. You’ll likely see Justine at the front desk on weekends and evenings because she works full time for the travel company Skyscanner during the day where she can combine her love for climbing and travel.

skills

Lead Climbing, Short Person Beta, Bouldering

Sasha Schwartz

Head Coach

about me

Sasha joined the community as the Head Coach of the Belmont climbing team in May of 2015. He has been climbing and involved in the climbing industry for over 7 years, starting his stint at Twisters Rock Gym, in the Bay Area. Here he learned how to set, coach, and developed a passion for all things climbing. Within coaching his main focus is on getting the team excited about working hard, because he believes it is the key to constant progression. Currently, in his climbing, the emphasis is on building power and strength through bouldering, but he is constantly looking at expanding his horizons into new and exciting climbing endeavors. The time he has spent in immensely beautiful outdoor areas, such as the Lake Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness and the East Side of the Sierras, have made him aware of the need for educating and mentoring upcoming generations of climbers, as was the case with him. It is with this in mind that he hopes to shape and direct young climbers to become responsible participants and stewards of the sport, both indoors and out.

Tyler

Front Desk and Instructor | Marketing Coordinator

about me

Tyler is a Bay Area native who is currently going to school for Broadcasting and Marketing. He likes to consider himself a true outdoorsman. From snowboarding, to backpacking, and everything in between. Chances are you’ll find Tyler outside in nature. He has spent months in the Montana wilderness as well as spending his youth taking trips to the Sierra’s. He’s always down for an adventure!

skills

Adventuring, comic relief, being LOUD, amateur dog whisperer.

Edder

Retail Coordinator | Front Desk and Instructor

about me

Bay Area homegrown and organic! “Aged Cheddar” began climbing in the summer of 2010. When not training you can still find him in the gym reading the finest books, that’s right..leather bound! He plays a mean game of chess if you ever fancy a challenge. The mental/physical challenges of climbing are why he still climbs today.

classes

Belay Lessons, Private Lessons, Intro to Lead

skills

Pays no attention to letters or numbers on the climbing grade..if it looks fun he’ll attempt it. He recommends that you should too!

Madeline

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

Maddie’s father took her to climb her first wall here at Belmont’s Planet Granite in 2009, and she’s been coming back ever since! If you don’t see her working the desk, belaying kids, or crushing (herself) in the bouldering rooms, she’s probably resting at home with her pets.

skills

Climbing on crimps, Art, Writing, Yelling beta at climbers

Alan

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

Alan became fascinated with climbing in 2012 on an adventure soloing in the Philippines. He enjoys bouldering and is always working on improving his technique and balance. He feels with the right motivation and willpower, you can achieve anything, whether it be in the gym or outdoors.

classes

Belay Lessons, Private Lessons, BRC, Climbing Fundamentals

skills

Static with dynamic sparks

Travis

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

I grew up in the SF bay area and I love and enjoy the outdoors. I’m an eagle scout and believe that pushing yourself to the limit really tests who you are and what you are made of. I love to surf, snowboard, DH mountain bike, and rock climb. Backpacking is also a passion because you get to see the world and all its beauty. Live and love – that’s what it comes down to; learn from your mistakes, try hard and accept failure because if you’re not failing everyday you’re not trying hard enough. Failure may kill some dreams but you learn from them. Doubt and fear of failure will get you nowhere.

skills

I love to do a number of outdoor activities and have a AS degree in psychology. I enjoy teaching because you get to see how excited people get when experiencing something exciting and new. See you around the gym.

Conor

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

Conor is a Bay Area native who started climbing back in 2008. His first love in climbing has always been bouldering, but he also enjoys the occasional roped climb, and is looking to improve his rope skills and knowledge. Conor loves bringing new climbers into the fold, so feel free to say hi and ask for beta!

classes

Belay Lessons, Intro to Lead, Private Lessons, Climbing Team

skills

Long, easy stuff, and holding my breath.

Ben

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

I began climbing in 2010. I enjoy art, books, and the outdoors. I mostly Boulder in the gym. I mostly go to Tuolumne for outdoor climbing.

skills

Mostly boulder.

Aaron

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

Aaron started climbing in high school to fulfill a P.E. requirement and quickly realized how much fun it was. He mostly climbs indoors, but his favorite outdoor destination is Bishop. When he is not climbing, Aaron likes to mountain bike and shoot photos.

skills

Bouldering on jugs, amateur Lucas impersonator, and photography

Christopher

Coach

about me

Chris started climbing in 2009 on the PG Belmont climbing team when he was 14 years old, and has been climbing ever since. He loves to sport climb and loves Owens River Gorge, but you can often find him in the bouldering rooms as well. If he isn’t climbing in the gym you can find him climbing outdoors, biking, or skateboarding.

Michael

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

I first fell in love with rock climbing during my senior year of High School. Once I started, I couldn’t get enough of it. Within the first year climbing I was able to get my lead license. I’m so glad that I can be working at Planet Granite as it is my first job that I’ve ever worked. If I’m not at the gym working or climbing, I’m either at school, or I’m with my friends making some of the best memories ever.

classes

Making good times with friends, adventuring, driving, being able to top rope 5.11d, and eating delicious food.

Taylor

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

Taylor was born and raised in the Bay Area. She has been athletic since she was three years old. She has played many sports like soccer, lacrosse, and Tae Kwon Do. In 2015 she had to stop playing soccer due to an injury, and she began climbing while recovering from surgery. Climbing to her is like meditation even though she is still a little bit afraid of heights. She loves being around and talking to awesome people at the gym. If she isn’t in the gym climbing or working out, she’s at home or school working on a rehabilitation Science degree from San José State University. She hopes to become a Physical Therapist when she is done with school and help people recover to their fullest potential.

skills

Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, sarcasm, and her spirit animal is eiher a sloth or a tiny horse.

James

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

James served 4 years in the Air Force before pursuing a BS in Computer Science in San Francisco. He has been climbing since 2011, but mainly focuses on bouldering. James competed in several youth bouldering competitions in the state of Colorado, where he grew up. He also set bouldering routes for a local gym in South Dakota, where he was stationed. He moved out to California mid-2017 to continue pursuing his passion for climbing.

skills

Competition style bouldering, playing guitar and singing, being a responsible college student.

Katelyn

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

I stumbled into climbing and loved it, and now I work here and its apart of my daily life! Which feels really great. Still a novice but my goal is to get out there on the real rocks! I love this planet, and its people and I want to spend my life improving and giving to the people around me and overall making things better

skills

Singing, organizing, smiling and frolicking

Aria

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

Aria started her climbing career at Planet Granite Belmont in 2014. Although she is afraid of falling and heights, she loves to challenge herself with new heights and types of climbing. Aria loves outdoors activities including: snowboarding, hiking, running, wake-boarding, Ultimate Frisbee, and more. With a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Exercise Science, she has learned to love and appreciate the endless capabilities of the human body. She aspires to be a physical therapist who not only focuses on the climbing population, but also continues to be an advocate for exercise as preventative medicine. If she is not in the gym, she is usually outdoors, eating, or finding exciting new ways to further her knowledge about the exercise science field.

skills

Lifetime learner, fitting into small spaces, and putting a smile on your face

Anna

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

I have lived in the Bay Area my whole life with a majority of it spent swimming at the beach or hiking local trails. I am currently an undergraduate student in Biology that has rediscovered my passion for climbing. Recent climbing in gyms and bouldering in northern California mountains has brought me back to the rock climbing community where I hope to broaden my skills and grow as an athlete.

Kelby

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

I got introduced to climbing in the Midwest while in college in 2013. Once I moved back to the Bay Area it was easy to keep the stoke going and train more since the Belmont gym is so close to home. I prefer training on ropes but you will see me spontaneously climbing on boulders a couple times a week. I also enjoying running, mainly in the skyline area, especially in the summer time.

skills

Soccer, spontaneous mimicking, and crimps!

Caden

Front Desk and Instructor

about me

Caden started climbing in 2016; setting out to face a lifelong fear of heights. He quickly grew to love the sport and never looked back. He lives to camp, and the Redwoods have become his second home. He recently started getting into mountain biking and backpacking, and is excited to push his limits. Caden also has a passion for travel and the arts.

skills

He has mad pinball skills and can draw a perfect circle.