Project Send: The Wall‑Clocking Wizard of Esplanade
Most people think of Esplanade as the place to catch a jazz concert or soak in a gallery. But Ken and Sarah – the power couple that’s as creative as their wall‑decorated vertical playground – decided the city deserved a different kind of thrill. They sent out a bone‑cracking invitation: “Bring your pony‑tough muscles and your love for memes.”
The Brainchild
Enter Project Send, the bouldering spot that’s basically a superhero rehearsal space. It’s not just a pretty wall; it’s a full‑on experience.
- Colorful holds that glow brighter than a disco ball.
- Routes graded from “Hold my caffeine” to “Bruce Banner out of control.”
- Chalk left for free, so you can leave sweaty fingerprints for the next climber.
- And a café right inside the gym – because after a hard climb you deserve an extra dose of latte-love (veg‑friendly, of course!).
The Founders’ Twist on the Gym Game
Ken (32, web designer) and Sarah (29, video editor) repeated that a good gym is all about people, not just pins and holds. Their rulebook? Community first, adrenaline second.
They rallied friends and family, turned every launch day into a mini‑party, and even scheduled “family Fridays” for staff. The result? A place where strangers become pals and a wall’s climb is less of a solo mission and more of a friendly neighborhood meetup.
Why This is a Game‑Changer
Unlike the mainstream bouldering gyms that focus purely on “climb harder,” Project Send flips the script:
- People, people, people. The focus is on social interaction.
- Lighthearted vibe. You can brag about your crushing body or just chat about the meme you found while hanging.
- Inclusive. Vegan meals, calm lounge areas – it’s all about making everyone feel at home.
Final Thoughts
Ken and Sarah are on a mission to make you feel like the next friendly neighborhood Spider‑Man – ready to swing across the city and take on challenges with a grin. If you’re in Esplanade and craving a new way to workout, grab a chalk bag and join the Project Send crew. Trust us, you’ll leave with a full body, a fresh playlist, and maybe a new best friend.
What does ‘Project Send’ mean?
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What Do “Project” and “Send” Really Mean on the Wall?
Ever heard climbers mumble “project” or shout “send” and wondered if there’s any deeper meaning? Let’s break it down in everyday English.
Project: The Brain‑Dump of Your Next Move
- Think of project as your personal to‑do list for a route.
- When you’re stuck on a tricky seam, you say, “I’ll head back to the gym and work on that project.”
- It’s basically the hunger—those moves you’re still hunting for a solid finish.
Send: The Moment of Truth
- Send pops up when you finally nail the route, one hold at a time.
- Picture your mates shouting, “Come on, send! Send it!” as if cheering a grand finale.
- It’s a clean, celebratory win—boom, you did it!
Why “Project” Meets “Send” Matters
When you combine “project” with “send,” you’re telling the world (or your inner narrator) that you’re working hard to finish something you’ve set out to conquer. It’s not just about the climbers.
- It could be a tough crag, a new fitness milestone, or an attitude shift.
- Climbing isn’t only about muscle—there’s a hefty mental workout you’ll want to master.
Looking Ahead: The Mind‑Set Training
We’re stoked to dive deeper into that psychological side of climbing next. Get ready for more laughs, more “aha!” moments, and a ton of fresh insights to keep you climbing (and thinking) higher… all in one go.
Ken, you’re a web designer. Sarah, you’re a video editor. How did bouldering even come into the picture?
Ken’s Fitness Journey: From TikTok Challenge to Bouldering Buzz
What started as a 75‑day TikTok experiment turned into an unexpected love affair with rock climbing. Here’s how our adventurer hit the wall of monotony, flipped the switch, and found a new rhythm that keeps him energized five times a week.
1⃣ The 75‑Day TikTok Challenge
- Daily workouts: Two different exercises every single day.
- Hydration goal: A full gallon of water to stay on track.
- Progress: Ken was crushing it—strong gains, steady cardio, and a solid routine.
2⃣ The “Boredom Breakout” Moment
By the tail end of the challenge, the sweat‑and‑repetition cycle had worn out Ken’s enthusiasm. He thought, “Enough of the same old grind. Let’s mix it up.”
3⃣ The Discovery of Bouldering
- Inspiration: “Jason Momoa does this fierce rock climbing thing—could be our new cardio!”
- Friends’ influence: His pals already hit the walls, and Ken wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines.
- Trial run: One climbing session, and boom—addiction level 100.
4⃣ Turning Climbing into a Game
Ken now treats each route like a video‑game level. He’s got:
- “Level 1”: You make it onto the first wall—trade the usual workout beat.
- “Level 2”: Nail it again; the endorphins start rolling.
- “Victory Lap”: When you finish, you’ve got that “I did it!” high that masks any work stress.
5⃣ The New Routine (and Frequency)
Ken doesn’t just hit the rock once a week—he’s climbing five days a week. Talk about commitment!
Why This Works
Climbing isn’t just physical; it’s a mental reset. Each ascent offers:
- Problem‑solving drama: Spotting holds, mapping moves.
- Social buzz: Exchange tips, brag about the hardest route.
- Endorphin fireworks: That sweet, “I nailed that climb!” feeling.
6⃣ Takeaway for You
If your workout routine is turning into a “meh” habit, give your fitness life a twist—whether it’s bouldering, HIIT, or a dance class. Find your level, grind it, and enjoy the high that keeps you refreshed beyond Monday’s meeting crush.
Bottom line: Ken proved that switching gears can turn fitness from a chore into a thrilling adventure.
Sarah, you mentioned a fear of heights. How did you combat that to start bouldering. And how does your video editing background fit into the picture?
Our First Utah Mistake‑Made-Bumpy Adventure
Picture this: a couple of green‑horned climbers, hand‑clenched around a rock face that seemed taller than a skyscraper. We’d still been “noobs” back then—and we’re still the same adorable, wipe‑out‑prone kind of duo. The climb? A life‑changer tucked behind the rust‑gold of Utah’s cliffs.
Fear of Heights → Awe‑filled Heights
Cautiously, I let my heart race like a drummer on the wire. The fear was huge, but the view? Mind‑blowing. And the vibe? Way different from a straight‑up gym. Breaking the wall of “I can’t do this” was kinda like a personal cheat‑code—unlocking a whole new level of cool.
Why Video Editing is My One‑Way Ticket to Storytelling
Honestly, editing is where I get to make people feel alive. I’ve spent a ton of time making documentaries, and my favourite work is the kind where you’re looking at real human moments. Nothing beats seeing a buddy chase their passion project—and then cracking that whole routine into a video.
Community‑First: Turning Videos into People‑Centred Plays
When Ken told me “let’s zoom in on the community,” we dove in headfirst and decided, “let’s put YOU at the centre.’’ That’s why you’ll spot:
- Our friends chasing their dreams
- The breathtaking spots where the hard work happens
- All the hands—actual, not just camera‑hands—crafting the experience
The Bottom Line: Growth & Love for Bouldering
We’re all about showcasing personal growth. If someone’s heart gets hooked on bouldering along the way, that’s a win‑win for everyone. The better the people, the better the climb, right?
Project Send is closed on Sundays. Is there a reason behind it?
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Exciting New Schedule: Ready for Family Time?
After chatting with the folks we’re looking to bring onboard—including our very own head coach, Akmal Aziz—we’ve had a lightbulb moment. Turns out the biggest hiccup in service jobs is no time for family. You’re stuck on the clock even on weekends and when a weekday break comes around, you’re left in the middle of the house all alone.
So here’s the fresh plan: we’ll be open late on Friday & Saturday, stretching until 1:30 am. Then, hold the fort—so on Sunday we’re fully closed. This gives everyone a proper breather and nows the staff can finally turn that “all‑day‑on” vibe into a real family vibe.
Why This Works
- Full‑time staff get a long‑term healthy work‑life balance.
- It paves the way for us to bring a family into our lives someday.
- We’re talking quieter nights, more rest, and less guilt.
Quarterly Family Day
Every quarter, we’ll host a special Family Sunday. While the doors are shut for regular business, staff gets the chance to invite kids, grandparents, and friends to try out climbing. Food will be served—no surprise, just hearty family meals! It’s a wholesome initiative we’re proud of.
All of this is aimed at turning our workplace into one that truly cares for the people behind the gears. A place where a company can thrive while everyone’s family life doesn’t suffer. Let’s do this and keep the vibes upbeat and alive!
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What are some of the biggest life lessons you’ve learnt from this venture?
Why Asking for Help Can Be a Game Changer
Stop feeling shy. We built our gym because we didn’t shy away from research and reaching out to real pros in the industry. We knew we weren’t the experts, and that honesty opened the door to amazing talent.
Pulling in the Dream Team
- Mats and walls? Handled by experts. We found folks who weren’t just handy – they were seasoned pros who turned our space into a gem.
- Coaches? Not just any coaches. We brought in highly qualified ones who taught us and helped us grow.
- Open Door Policy – we didn’t dismiss anyone; we welcomed ideas and let the knowledge flow.
Learning to Levitate a Little Fear
As an Asian, you often feel this tug: “I can handle this on my own.” That’s me. But then there’s Ken, the guy who goes out and talks to people, seeks mentors, and asks for guidance. His courage gave me a big push to stop holding back.
The Reality Check
Ask for help today and become the better version of yourself tomorrow. The experience confirmed a simple truth: It’s not a badge of bravery; it’s a bridge to growth.
So… what’s it like having a life partner for a business partner?
Living and Loving in Lockdown
I married Sarah right before COVID hit. That means we got hitched at the exact moment the world pulled the plug on “normal life.” Quarantine became our new normal, and working from home turned out to be a double‑edged sword. We sat at desks that were literally next to each other—so yes, we had a full‑time “date” view every single day.
The Honeymoon Extends
Sure, the first year was full of gray‑clouded drama. We sweat over deadlines, we let a typo build up tension, and we both hissed at the recirculating air filter. But the great thing? Every stressful moment felt like extending our honeymoon. It’s as if we’re stuck in a forever, blissful ceremony that lasts three years, juggling “life” and “love” side by side.
Commute to Chaos
- We keep our roles split, so we’re not stepping on each other’s toes.
- In our first startup, he handled the code, I dove into design.
- Even though we share one office, each of us is guided by our own domain—software vs. media.
- Boundaries matter. We respect each other’s space, even when the whole office feels like a bubble.
When the pandemic forced us to be close, the real challenge was learning how to make those close moments feel less like a hostage situation and more like a partnership. We discovered that division of labor—and a little humor—keeps the engine running smoothly.
Takeaway
Behind every successful work‑from‑home romance is a healthy dance between shared workspace and healthy boundaries. If you can promise to keep your brains and clocks in sync, longevity is just a matter of patience, respect, and a sprinkle of playful “I’m in the kitchen, do you need me?” moments.
Lai, what’s your elevator pitch for first-timers? Send it!
Ken’s Take on Climbing: It’s Simple, Just Come On!
“Just come and experience,” Ken says with a grin. “Let us show you the beauty of climbing.” He’s a man who’s still learning to love every grip, every slide, and every eye‑popping view from the top.
Learning to Love the Fall
Every time Ken grinds on a wall, he’s picking up a new lesson. ⏬ He recently discovered that athletes need to fail a handful of times to actually grow. Even in his day job, he’s asking himself, “How can I fail more so I can reach that next level?” It’s the same idea—flaky after first try, but once you upgrade your failing game, the sky’s the limit.
What Makes the Space Shine
There’s always something fresh to learn or a trick to sharpen. That’s what makes Ken’s climbing hub a killer place to be. It’s a playground where mistakes turn into milestones and every new wall is a brand‑new chance to turn your mishaps into breakthroughs.
- Fresh challenges at every corner
- Real stories of resilience and humor
- Every failure is a stepping stone toward achievement
Ken’s journey proves that climbing isn’t just about muscles; it’s about learning to rock the fall and laugh along the way. He’s eager for you to join him on the walls and experience that magic firsthand.
—Originally penned on Wonderwall.sg
