Climbing: Building Trust And Lifelong Friendships

9 November 2026Max M, Whittall ‘27

Before climbers take on the wall and leave the ground, there is a short exchange every climber knows by heart.

“Climbing.” 

“Climb on.” 

In two phrases one climber agrees to trust the other with their safety.

For many, this trust is what sets climbing apart from other sports that Brentwood has to offer. Kotaro H, Privett ‘27 explains this pretty simply: “When we top rope, you put your trust in your belayer as they are what is keeping you alive.” It’s a lot of trust to put in one person and it needs trust from both sides. The climber has to let go of their doubt and begin climbing, and the belayer has to stay alert and keep focused on the climber – ready for mistakes or falls.

Aiden W, Whittall ‘26 explained the feeling: “The trust you put in another person to hold you up 100 feet off the ground is like no other and the bond you build while doing so is nothing short of unbreakable.” Not many friendships start with a clear demonstration of reliability. There isn’t need for small talk when your belayer has shown, through action, that they will catch you.

Brentwood’s climbing course also forces students to trust themselves. Ms Knorren, who has watched hundreds of students take on the wall says, “I love climbing because I love watching students learn to trust their bodies and instincts while also rely on one another to be safe out on the wall.” Anyone who has joined climbing and taken on the wall in front of them understands. Between the first hold and the last, their hesitation and fear turns into instinct. Feet find their placements, tired arms find one more pull and the top, which seemed undoable from the floor, is suddenly within their reach. The best part is often the lowering down where a friend is waiting at the bottom ready to congratulate you on your climb – like my partner Kotaro.

That friendship grows naturally from the constant meeting with your climb partner. Kotaro points out that because climbers share the space, they see each other often: “Celebrating each other’s success and helping each other succeed.” In climbing, the person on the next wall isn’t usually a rival. More often they are the one pointing out the next hold you need to find, suggesting a path for a tricky part or cheering when you finally finish the route that has taken you days to beat. Belay partners become climbing buddies and climbing buddies become friends.

In a world where you are taught to be self-reliant, climbing offers a different lesson: strength isn’t about doing everything on your own, but about knowing who has your back and being that person in return. Whether you’re a first timer testing the walls or a regular who knows every route, the climbing rope connects you to something bigger than a single climb.

Max M, Whittall ‘27