Welcome to Planet Granite Sunnyvale!
Welcome to Planet Granite Sunnyvale! With over 28,000 square feet of climbing, PG Sunnyvale has up to 60-foot high walls with over 200 top rope and lead routes, including steep lead terrain and hand-carved cracks. In addition to offering a full yoga program, cardio and fitness, PG Sunnyvale also has an outdoor bouldering area, F10 Fitness and cycling classes.
Square feet of climbing space
Top rope and lead routes, with some reaching as high as 60 feet
Boulder problems including an indoor/outdoor climbing venue
OUR STORY
Planet Granite Sunnyvale opened in 2006, when we realized we had outgrown our first Santa Clara facility. Dreaming big, and recognizing a new need for even more fitness and yoga facilities alongside climbing, we planned Sunnyvale as our largest gym to date! When it opened with 25,000 square feet of terrain, Planet Granite helped usher in a new era of gym climbing.Since then, we’ve continued to expand our offerings, adapting to the needs of our members. On Sunnyvale’s first birthday, we expanded our top rope terrain to include a chamber (now a members’ favorite) known as the Ice Box. Two years later, we ripped out the outside bouldering and replaced it with fun stemming terrain and steep hard walls, bringing our total climbing space up to 28,600 square feet. More recent improvements focused on our interior: adding skylights, reducing our energy footprint, and most recently, creating additional lifting space for our F10 athletes and members.
PHOTO GALLERY
MEET OUR STAFF
Nick Gerrard
Gym Director
about me
You may remember Nick from the old Santa Clara days when he worked event staff and set routes. Well, after a five-year intermission he’s back. When he’s not working or climbing at Planet Granite, he can often be found clipping draws or cruising boulder fields with a crash pad on his back. And when a break from climbing is needed, he’s usually on the mat training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
skills
Nick’s accomplishments include bouldering V10, sport climbing 5.13b.
Classes taught
Belay Lesson, Beginner Rock Climbing, Balance and Technique, Power and Endurance, Lead Class
Kyle Hernandez
Assistant Director
about me
Kyle a native Californian moved to Oregon to attend the University of Oregon and is now back in California. He fell in love with climbing in 2008 his sophomore year and spent the next few years taking every climbing course offered… some multiple times. While he initially focused on sport climbing, recently bouldering has become more of a focus. Any free time Kyle has is spent exploring the outdoors with his trusty canine sidekick Sam.
Lucas
Assistant Director - Retail
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
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’
Max Stuart
Supervisor | Instructor | Retail Coordinator
About me
Climbing, Canyoneering, and Surfing characterizes my lifestyle for the time being, it’s no surprise that California has a hold on me.
Skills
My primary goal as a climber is to be well rounded. That’s why Bouldering, Sport, and Traditional climbing all appeal to me equally. Each style compliments the other well and creates the perfect mix for fun!
Roxanne
Marketing Coordinator & Front Desk | Instructor
About Me
I got hooked on climbing sophomore year of college in Santa Cruz. At the gym I found a supportive community that helped push me to become a more powerful climber. Many of the climbers I met shared my passion for the outdoors. I love hiking, camping, and laying on the beach (or anywhere the sun is shining).
Outside of climbing and the outdoors I like to draw, paint, and check out different art exhibits. I also enjoy baking bread, attempting to solve riddles, and hearing new jokes!
Skills
I enjoy working with others and encouraging climbers up whatever route they’re working on. Personally, I like stemmy routes. They make me think and they challenge my balancing skills.
JJ Jancek
Supervisor
about me
Having found climbing through rehabbing an injury due to other sports, I finally found a community and activity that I feel I can grow with for a long time. The climbing community has given me countless opportunities to experience unique areas of the state of California, and I hope this sport will continue to take me to some awesome places around the world.
skills
“Although the unique movements of climbing were difficult to translate over from previous sports I used to play, I find myself enjoying any movements involving mantling or stemming. If there is even a shred of opportunity to knee-bar, I’m going for it. I highly enjoys psyching kids up in a new sport. ”
Classes taught
Belay classes & private lessons
Amy
Membership Administrator
About me
Long days and tall walls get Amy motivated. After moving to CA from the East Coast, she has topped out a number of Sierra classics including the Incredible Hulk, the Rostrum, and the breathtaking Northwest face of Half Dome. She is constantly trying to push her limits both indoors and out and loves inspiring others to do the same.
Skills
Amy knows gear, she has spent a lot of time refining her systems, and can quickly convey her knowledge.
Justin
Head Coach | Routesetter
about me
I started climbing 8 years ago and haven’t stopped since. Primarily focused on sport climbing and bouldering, I’ve been as far as Thailand in pursuit of my love for the sport. Originally from Monterey, I am new to the area and always happy to meet new people.
skills
My climbing style has evolved into an even mix of dynamic and static movements and I’m always looking to increase the efficiency of my technique and movement. I have a lot of experience adapting sequences to different body types and skill levels so feel free to ask for help!
Classes taught
Lead I: Intro to Lead and Belay Lessons
Joey
Front Desk | Instructor
About me
I’m a sport climber at heart. If I don’t have a rope attached, I get scaaaared!! However, every once in a while I pretend to love bouldering. I don’t do crack climbing because I think it is too painful. Maybe I’m doing it wrong?
Skills
Fantastic Foot work and use of feet to steer body up the wall I can offer a simplified look at climbing with a focus on using your feet and body position to make climbing as efficient as possible. I slow things down so it is possible to relax and plan ahead while on the wall. I can help drive your physical conditioning toward climbing goals, all while keeping you in the game mentally.
James
Lead Supervisor
about me
James grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains with a Yosemite big wall climber as a dad. James started climbing with his father at the age of two and enjoys climbing with his dad and friends in and outside of the gym. If James had to choose one form of climbing, it would be climbing trad outside. “Nothing compares to the adventure and excitement you feel while climbing traditionally in the outdoors!”
James works at Planet Granite not only because he is passionate about climbing but he inspires to help as many people as possible through recreation. As a climber, James knows how amazing one can feel after accomplishing a climb and that is why he wants to offer this experience to every person who walks through our doors.
skills
Working as a zip-line guide in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I found a passion to teach and encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and experience the outdoors to its fullest potential. I am a skilled multi-pitch climber as well as an experienced back packer. Some of my favorite memories and greatest accomplishments are climbing The Royal Arches (16 pitches, 1,600ft) with my dad in Yosemite. As well as Spending six days in the Eastern Sierras where I took a cross-country route ( A.K.A. No Trail) to the summit of Mt. Sill. California’s sixth highest Peak. (14,153ft).
Derek
Front Desk | Instructor
about me
Widely considered by many to be the “modern godfather of plastic climbing.” He is at home powering through PG’s hardest boulders or pushing through the best that the constant wall has to offer. When not engrossed in climbing, he is thinking about the finer things in life such as aged French cheeses or hearty cassoulets. He enjoys sitting in the afternoon sun, reading romance novels and snacking on an assortment of cheeses and crudités.
classes
Belay Lessons
skills
He is the chef de cuisine at his quaint estate in the hills. A self-taught world class dancer, from hip hop to River Dance he has the skills to impress the most highly esteemed critics. Playing his ukulele “Marvin” during the storm of the century while sailing around Cape Horn. Jack of all trades, but a master of none. He is the self-proclaimed most interesting man in the world (sorry Dos Equis guy, you have been dethroned). *Mic Drop*
This message is endorsed by Planet Granite Belmont’s Manager, Evan Pearce.
Karen
Front Desk | Instructor
about me
In 2007 I began my adventure with Planet Granite. Life in the corporate world in Silicon Valley wasn’t fulfilling the need for excitement, adventure and really fun people. Being a part of this community has enhanced my quality of life and kept me smiling and laughing.
Skills
My climbing skills are my own and I am the best at what ever I climb no matter the grade. I love working with kids and adults who have no problem showing up for fun.
I Teach
“I teach having fun, how to meet people and occasionally a belay lesson. I am the Singles and Swingers party planner. We have events every second Thursday of each month. Look at our Facebook page for the monthly themes. ”
Gerald
Front Desk | Instructor
about me
A true gypsy at heart, I was born to travel. I just moved to the Bay Area in August, and it is a great place to live and eat and work and climb! I have been climbing about two and a half years and I cannot get enough of it. From trad climbing at Seneca Rocks, to sport lead at the New, and even ice climbing in the Dacks, I have done a lot and want to do it all! Climbing has taken me to some great places surrounded me with great people.
skills
I have taught Intro and Advanced classes for people from 5 to 93 years old! I have been lucky enough to instruct people from a variety of backgrounds, and have had regular experience with blind, hard of hearing, and special needs climbers. I love talking and helping all who are psyched to climb!
Nick
Front Desk | Instructor | Rock Monkey/Advanced Team Coach
about me
I got into climbing my sophomore year of high school, climbing in my friends garage. My senior year I came to Planet Granite for the first time and not more than a month later I had a job at the best climbing gym ever! I’ve been working at PG since June of 2014 and I’ve been climbing for about 5 years now. Climbing is the thing I’m most psyched about but if I’m not climbing I like to ride anything with 2 wheels.
skills
I don’t have any particular skills when it comes to actually climbing, I’m just psyched to be on the wall chuffing my way up. Since I coach kids anywhere from 6 to 15 years old, I would like to say I’m good with kids and getting them excited to climb. I will talk to literally anyone about climbing!
Riley
Front Desk | Instructor
about me
I grew up the Bay Area, spending most of my time hiking, canoeing, and eventually climbing all across California. I learned to climb in Tuolumne and climbed outside with friends for a few years before I learned about PG. I worked with the BSA at their boy scout camps, teaching climbing and hiking for a few years before I came here. I was brought in one day to PG and fell in love with the whole atmosphere, and have been teaching and climbing ever since.
skills
I spend a lot of time teaching others of all ages. Most of my forte is with kids but I have taught how to teach to many instructors as well. Teaching and climbing are what I love and what I’m good at, so any opportunity to teach climbing I’ll jump on.
Rachel
Front Desk | Instructor
About me
Nature inspires me! From big rocks to microbiology I love it all. As a kid I use to climb around the outside of school jungle gyms and rock climbing was a natural progression from that. Now I find my days are spent trad climbing and slacklining.
Skills
Great at working with people who have a fear of heights. Also have a lot of experience working with kids and enjoy getting them up the wall.
Carly
Front Desk | Instructor
about me
I am a full time chiropractic student and avid climber. I have been climbing for about three years, predominantly sandstone sport climbing. Climbing has allowed me to travel all over the world pursuing good rock and good weather. Now I am excited to call California home, and explore the area rock!
skills
My favorite style of climbing, and probably what I’m best at, is overhanging sport climbing! Now that I live in California I am excited to increase my experience climbing on granite and bouldering.
classes
Belay & private lessons.
Kyle
Front Desk | Instructor
about me
Kyle is a very energetic and bright person. Loves to do anything active from biking, skiing, to of course climbing. If you ever want an entertaining story, just ask about one of his scars.
skills
If you are having trouble with thinking outside of the box, Kyle is your guy. Not your average person, he can always find a way up that is different from others. He also knows how to have fun, making him not only work well with kids, but bring the fun back into things with adults. His biggest strength would have to be dynamic movement. Anything dyno would be his favorite climbs.
Jess
Youth Programs Coordinator
About Me
While climbing has been something I’ve loved for many years, I’ve only recently begun climbing more consistently. I’m excit-ed to take this opportunity at planet granite to explore the world of climbing and make connections with others who feel the same! Whether it’s climbing rocks or trees, beach volley-ball, or taking my pup on a hike, I love being outdoors.
Skills
Most of my experience comes from working with my community. I’ve worked with folks of all ages and back-grounds as a crisis counselor as well as an educator. I currently teach kids in grades K-7, so I’d say I’m pretty good with kids and have plenty of patience.
Din
Front Desk | Instructor
About Me
Hello. Din here. Spelled Din, but pronounced Dean. I fell in love with climbing when I first visited Castle Rock State Park and I’ve been exploring new places to climb ever since. Some of my favorite spots are Lover’s Leap near Tahoe and El Potrero Chico in Mexico. I’m an adrenaline junky who loves taking huge whippers and sending hard routes. For me, climbing is more about everything else – exploring new places, meeting new people, and learning about your limits and pushing them.
Skills
I’m great with the kids! I love putting a smile on their faces, helping them get over fears and accomplish their goals! I also love talking gear – anything and everything related to climbing.
Cole
Front Desk | Instructor
About Me
I have been climbing for about 6 years off and on, working at multiple gyms across the country, but Planet Granite has always been my home. Climbing opened up my life to limitless new experiences, and I am still learning more about this awesome sport whilst continuing to discover myself along the way. I studied Screenwriting at Chapman University in hopes to one day publish my own comic books. Currently I am working on developing my own web-series about life at the climbing gym, be sure to ask me about it!
Skills
I started out as a bouldering purist, but recently fell in love with sport climbing after going to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky (a must-see crag). My other favorite crags include Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (for my bouldering roots), and the one and only, Castle Rock State Park (for sentimental value). In the gym, you’ll probably find me whipping on the Constant Wall, so hit me up for a climb!
Arjay
Front Desk | Instructor | Coach
About Me
I was born and raised in Monterey,CA. I moved up to the South Bay in the beginning of 2017 for something different. I started climbing in 2014 , but I didn’t start climbing seriously until I was taken under the wings of PG’s very own boy wonder, Nick Risner. Everything that I’ve become and everything that I will become is indebted to him. I gravitate towards bouldering more because of its conveniences , but I still enjoy chuffing and getting pumped on some ropes.
Skills
If you ever see me at the gym climbing/train (which is pretty much everyday) or snacking on some delicious food while working the front desk, feel free to ask me for anything! I absolutely love helping others, whether or not it’s climbing related.
Vicky
Front Desk | Instructor
About Me
My name is Vicky and I’m a rock-climbing-traveling-dance-sugar-sleep enthusiast. I’ve flirted with rock-climbing most of my life, but I didn’t fully commit until a few years ago… Since then, I’ve tried to grab every climbing opportunity that’s come my way.
In my free time, I’ve been working on earning my Clinical Psychology PhD (~I can read minds!~), so if you ever want to chat about traveling, climbing, or humans, come find me!
Skills
I have lots of experience working with and coaching kids, I love taking action-shots of climbers, and I really enjoy challenging myself in PG’s yoga classes. Also, I can eat almost four slices of pizza in one sitting.
Potter
Front Desk | Instructor
About Me
I go by Potter- yes, just like Harry Potter. I am currently a full-time student, part-time worker. I am working towards a BS in Industrial Technology: Manufacturing Systems with a minor in Business at SJSU. At first I am a relatively quiet person, but once you get to know me I open up and have a chill personality.
Skills
I wouldn’t say I’m a great climber, but I love to boulder. I used to have an extreme fear of heights, but climbing has really helped me out with that. I am very easy to talk to about anything.
Justin E.
Front Desk | Instructor
About Me
I started climbing because nothing really accentuates the wavy nature of my hair like chalk does. Harnesses don’t fit me very well, so bouldering is kinda my thing.
Skills
I think my strongest skill in climbing is actually going climbing! I’m fairly new to this sport so it wasn’t the easiest thing to make new friends and go to new places. I’m just glad I found such an accepting community in the realm of climbing.
Jay
Front Desk | Instructor
About Me
I have been climbing for about three years now and working at PG for about two. I started out working as Event Staff for a summer job but I decided to stick around and continue work-ing at PG. I worked as Event Staff for about a year and a half before I went to the Front Desk. In my spare time I enjoy bouldering, sport climbing, and playing chess.
Skills
I really enjoy crimpy climbs with big moves and I despise slopers. I have bouldered V7 and sport climbed 5.12b. I really like working with kids which is the reason I started out as Event Staff.
Troy
Front Desk | Instructor
About Me
I’m just a philosophy student who likes to climb things, stay active, go outside, play video games, and eat good food. Ask me about my kimura 😉
Skills
I think bouldering is my strong suit and I especially love powerful dynamic moves. I love teaching and meeting different people, so don’t be afraid to approach me at the wall!