People
Meet the Dockers: Conor Skillbeck and James Skinner
From spotting potential in a rapidly changing corner of Canning Town to building a thriving climbing community, founders James Skinner and Conor Skillbeck have helped make Rise Climbing one of Royal Docks' most active social spaces.
Since opening in 2022, the independent bouldering gym has grown from a passion project into a community hub, recently expanding thanks to the support of its members. In this Meet the Dockers interview, we spoke with Conor about why they chose Caxton Works, the importance of making climbing accessible, and whats next for Rise Climbing.
Tell us a bit about yourselves and the team behind Rise Climbing
Conor and I are the founders of Rise Climbing. We've both been climbing for around 20 years and came from different careers, but we shared a passion for the sport and wanted to create a space of our own.
We opened our doors in 2022 and have been fully independent ever since. As founders, we are really involved in the day-to-day running of the centre, from pouring coffees to cleaning toilets to setting routes.
How do you make it welcoming for people who are new to climbing?
Anyone can climb and there is something for everyone. You do not always have to go high, and there is lots of support through classes and the people around you.
Sometimes people worry about coming into a space where others know more than them, but with Rise you can tell straight away that everyone wants you to succeed. If you try something hard and make progress, that is what matters.
Visitors using the indoor bouldering facilities at Rise Climbing
You recently expanded into the neighbouring unit after a successful Crowdfunder campaign. What inspired the expansion, and what has it enabled Rise Climbing to offer the community?
We wanted to expand so we could improve what we offer and continue bringing new experiences to our community. It is about attracting new people while continuing to serve those already part of the space.
The expansion has brought new facilities for everyone, from expert climbers to beginners and people who have never tried climbing.
We are fortunate to have such a supportive membership base, who encouraged us to launch a Crowdfunder. We exceeded our £10,000 goal by over £2,000, which helped us open the new unit earlier this year.
How has the expansion changed the experience at Rise Climbing?
There is now more climbing and more facilities for everyone at every level. That means more space to train, more beginner climbing, and more room to relax and spend time.
What role do you hope Rise Climbing plays in the local community as it grows?
It has been great to be part of the Royal Docks community, with so many different people coming together to climb and have fun. We offer sessions for local residents and work with schools and youth groups.
We want to continue supporting the community as we grow and create more events that bring people together. Being based at Caxton Works also allows us to bring different parts of the community together. People come here to meet and spend time together, and that feels important for the area.
Find out more
Whether you're a seasoned climber or trying bouldering for the first time, Rise Climbing welcomes visitors of all abilities.
Visit Rise Climbing
11 Nobel Way
Canning Town
London, E16 2BZ
Discover upcoming sessions, classes and events on the Rise Climbing website or follow Rise Climbing on Instagram for the latest news and community updates.
