Carlos (aka Los) was introduced to climbing while on a family trip to Colorado in 2013. He instantly fell in love with it and knew that he wanted to make climbing a part of his life. He has been with UpTown Climbing since inception and has gone from welcoming people at the front desk to teaching several of UpTown’s classes. He has taught climbing and belaying skills to so many of the new climbers that it seems he knows all of our members. While always willing to offer a belay to a new visitor or help a newer climber with techniques or some beta, he is primarily known for having some of the best calves in the gym. Best for Intermediate & below.

Haley does 2 things: studies mechanical engineering and climbs. She began climbing in 2020 and working with UpTown a year later. As a 5-foot-tall climber, Haley relies on her flexibility, technique, and strength to conquer difficult routes. She has visited several outdoor climbing locations in Alabama, Colorado, and Montana, and she loves meeting new people during those trips. She has also worked with our Summer Camps and is happy to meet any climber where they are with their coaching needs. In her free time (okay, more than two things) she paints, plays music, cooks with friends, and researches future adventures. Best for Intermediate & below, and short-person beta.

Josh is a climbing encyclopedia, having grown up around the sport. He got his start climbing at an early age by way of his dad’s passion for the sport, climbing during the week and spending weekends cragging up in NH. He knows a ton about gear, from your helmeted head to your climbing-shoe-curled toes, and is always willing to share his knowledge and honest opinions of it all. Josh maintains a laid-back approach and emphasizes keeping it fun on the wall while also encouraging good ethics and proper technique on both ends of the rope. Best for Strong Intermediate and below.

Kal is a native of Walker, Louisiana, but has lived in Baton Rouge for the past four years, with professional experience that includes teaching children and teens. Currently, studying Physics and Computer Science at LSU, they hope to become a physicist. Kal’s favorite routes involve balance, flexibility, and solid mantles. For them, climbing is a journey towards discovering the universe. They have explored the outdoors and climbing on trips to Colorado and Alabama, on both boulders and sport routes. They look forward to connecting with others, helping them uncover their potential, and sharing the same joy they feel every time they reach new heights! Best for Beginning climbers.

Kaleb has a love for all things strange and spooky. A Baton Rouge local who's been with UpTown since its inception, he is also our trivia night master of ceremonies. He fell into climbing by accident through the sport of caving (probably searching for mummies). While looking for a practical workout to mimic underground obstacles, he decided to give rock climbing a shot. Since that first climbing experience he has been [meat-] hooked. Kaleb has now been above and below ground for over a decade, in several countries and states. Best for Intermediate & below.

Lee has been working as a coach, fitness instructor, and personal trainer since gaining his degree in Kinesiology from LSU in 2004. He has dedicated his time to learning techniques from different movement backgrounds, including martial arts, acrobatics, rock climbing, and physical therapy. One of his biggest passions, rock climbing, has culminated in the opening of UpTown Climbing.
He is a Climbing Wall Instructor provider with the Climbing Wall Association. Add Head Route-setter and Head Coach for UpTown to his creds. Good for nearly all abilities.

Marina has always loved being active. She started with gymnastics and archery and is now on to rock climbing. Being a bit of a thrill seeker, it was no surprise she fell in love with the sport. Marina was first introduced to climbing here at UpTown and has been obsessed with it ever since. She now enjoys coaching out UpTown Kids Climbing Club and helping our younger climbers grow in the sport. She is always eager and excited to meet new people and introduce them to climbing. When she’s not at the gym Marina can be found reading, playing guitar, and obsessing over her cat Cinder. Best for Beginning climbers.

Tylerrr was pestered into climbing by a friend. One visit became four. Four visits became four-times-a-week. And he spends much of his free time watching climbing videos and documentaries. Tyler’s climbing style involves lots of crimps and technical movements on slabs, primarily on top-rope and lead climbing, but occasionally a hard boulder route. He loves a good project, happily spending months and dozens of sessions working a single hard problem/route. Rumor has it that he has a whiteboard diagram of his current project “Merchant of Venice” at home. His training proficiencies include Route reading, climbing technique, the projecting process, resting during a climb, climbing mindset and mental game. Best for Intermediate ropes & below.