About Cliffhanger Climbing Gyms

Eric Furlotte (ACMG CGI level II)

Eric has been climbing for more than half of his life, and the things he loves most about climbing are the sense of fulfillment it brings him and the incredible quality of people he meets through the climbing community. He has traveled to various climbing destinations across Canada, the United States, and South East Asia. Eric moved to Vancouver twelve years ago and promptly began working for Cliffhanger. Over the years he has worked as a belayer, top rope, lead and technique instructor, and route setter. Eric was promoted to Assistant Manager in 2001, and in 2002 he became the gym’s Manager. Eric is always eager to share his knowledge of climbing with members of the gym, and finds himself continually inspired by old and and new climbers alike.  When Eric isn’t managing the gym, you might find him skiing, kite surfing, or (of course!) climbing in Squamish.

Thomas began climbing in the summer of 2008, in the Wilderness Leadership Program at the Squamish Campus of Capilano University. Thomas spent a lot of his free time after school climbing in the Smoke Bluffs, and like most of us in the climbing community, he quickly fell in love with climbing—and it’s now one of the most enjoyable aspects of his life. Thomas started working as a belayer at Cliffhanger in September of 2009, and has since moved into the roles of Floor Supervisor, Introductory Course Instructor, and Junior Program Coach. In November of 2010, Thomas earned his Level 1 Climbing Gym Instructor Certification from the ACMG. Besides Squamish, Thomas loves to climb on Tung Lung Chau in Hong Kong, and his favourite types of climbing are slab and crack. His most memorable climbing moment would be going up the Apron of the Chief (Diedre) in his first week of climbing (yes, he did a multi-pitch climb on his fifth day!). When Thomas is not climbing, he enjoys photography, hiking, rollerblading, and playing table tennis or ice hockey. Above all, Thomas loves climbing because of the people he meets, and most importantly because of the peace and happiness he gets from it.

Adam has been climbing for nine years now, and started at the ripe old age of 16. Adam first cut his teeth on climbing in the ‘Trek Program’ at Prince of Wales Secondary School, which instantly made him a regular climber at Cliffhanger gyms. While seeking a part-time job in university, the gym he had already spent years climbing at seemed like a natural choice—and the rest is history. Adam loves helping people learn new climbing skills, and feels that he, too, is constantly learning something new when he teaches. Outside of climbing, Adam is employed full-time as a programmer; but this doesn’t stop him from showing up at Cliffhanger every week to share his passion for climbing with new students.

Ian Lammers

Ian started climbing seven years ago in the southwestern desert of New Mexico. He fell in love not only with climbing, but also with his home crag of Hueco Tanks (a place that should be on everyone’s climbing destination list, in his opinion). During that time, he became a volunteer and climbing guide for the park, where he worked to restore and maintain the fragile desert environment, and improve access for both traveling and local climbers. Ian began working for Cliffhanger shortly after moving to Vancouver about two years ago, and is currently employed as a route setter and floor supervisor. He has a natural love of bouldering, but has recently begun traditional climbing. His long term project is Right Martini in Hueco Tanks—which he recommends everyone to check out on YouTube, immediately. When Ian isn’t climbing, you can find him DJing at random events around East Vancouver.

Brian Antonio (ACMG CGI Level II)

Brian enjoys an active lifestyle and harbors a fierce passion for the Great Outdoors. In addition to cycling, rollerblading, running, hiking, and camping, he is often seen cruising around the city on his motorcycle.  Brian is an ACMG Level 2 Climbing Gym Instructor. His duties at the gym include desk administration, floor supervision, teaching introductory & lead courses as well as being a Jr. program coach.   Brian is also an accomplished ballroom & Latin dancer and dance teacher. He also has numerous competition credentials and has been accredited through the CDTA as well as the WPDTA.

Elizabeth McManus

Elizabeth started climbing in 1992, and very quickly caught the climbing bug. Elizabeth has been a part of the Cliffhanger team for going on nine years now, and has worked as a belayer, instructor, and desk staff.  Currently you can find Elizabeth floor supervising and assisting the desk on Tuesday evenings. Her favorite part of working at the gym is the positive atmosphere, as well as the encouragement and support she gets from staff and guests alike. Elizabeth loves inspiring new climbers and sharing her passion with them. Though her outdoor climbing exploits have dwindled in the past few years, she hopes to travel to Canada’s East Coast soon in order to conquer “Maggie” in Flatrock, Newfoundland.