Diane Russell - Owner

Co-Owner of Pacific Edge. She got her start in rock climbing at the age of 14 in Boulder, Colorado. Beginning with instruction from the Colorado Mountain Club, climbing quickly became a major focus.  From here she was introduced to mountaineering and ice climbing.  Her first love is the wild places, and she prefers and excels at rock climbing. Her love for the sport and encouraging teaching style made her an excellent guide for the Colorado Mountain School. With more than 45 years of experience in the sport, guiding and climbing has taken her around the world from New Zealand to the Himalayas, to Europe and throughout the United States.  Her extraordinary climbing ability made her a recognized and successful competitor in countless Nationals, World Cups, and climbing at the Extreme Games…and she is still getting out there on real rock. Her most recent adventure brought her back to her love of the backcountry when she hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014 (from Mexico to Canada). You may also find yourself on her thoughtful routes set here at PE signed: Di. Good Luck!

Tom Davis - Owner

The Founder and Co-Owner of Pacific Edge. He has been climbing for over 40 years venturing from the continental United States to Canada, Alaska, South America, Europe, & New Zealand. He is a strong all-around climber with accomplishments on big walls, long free climbs, sport routes, & in high altitude mountaineering. Tom’s climbing home is Yosemite. He has climbed dozens of Walls in the Valley including El Capitan, Half Dome, Washington’s Column, Mt. Watkins, and numerous solo walls. Long Free Climbs are his favorite, and he has done many of the classics including the West Face of El Cap, Astroman, the Rostrum, Blind Faith, Free Stone, The Crucifix, and the Chouinard-Herbert. Further from home, Tom has climbed Denali (20,320'), Huascaran, in Peru (22,200'), Lotus Flower Tower (Northwest Territories), and the North Face of Mt. Robson in Canada. He has completed numerous first ascents at Pinnacles National Monument and in Yosemite. He worked four seasons for the Colorado Outward Bound School and served on the Yosemite Search and Rescue Team in Tuolumne Meadows. Tom is methodical, and determined in his approach to climbing and training. He brings the sum of this extensive experience when teaching his many classes at Pacific Edge.

Larry Leo - Facilities Manager

Larry was our first employee. He is an indispensable asset to the workings of the gym! He is the first person we call when we can’t find something or we need help problem solving. He is always ready with a smile or helping hand, from belaying kids to fixing t-nuts and ropes or hanging a door. He can be seen at all hours of the day and night, the man behind the scenes. Fishing is his favorite pastime, which he does wherever there is water. Fish beware his skill is great! Motorcycle riding and restoring is another hobby. Larry is generous with his time. He may be found helping a friend move or driving an elderly person on a shopping excursion or taking someone out on the bay on his fishing boat. Pacific Edge is fortunate to have him on the staff!

Sage Weseman - Team Edge Head Coach, Head Route Setter, Senior Desk Staff & Instructor (He/Him/His)

Sage is a beast. Not much is known about his history other than that he was basically in full on beast mode from the moment he walked in the door. Some say he is from Santa Cruz, others say he was a boulder that transformed into a man and charged over here from the Sierras. Remember that guy that on-sight flashed your project last night in front of your face? That was this guy. He’ll give you uber- beta on your project and cheer you on while you crush… sstrroonng!!! Sage can also be found at the desk, teaching and coaching the Youth Program or setting some fine routes.

Cedric - General Manager (He/Him/His)

It has been a long and circuitous journey to his new forever home in Santa Cruz. He is originally from Dallas, Texas but don’t let his friendly howdy fool you, he has lived everywhere.  Most recently Cedric moved from Charlotte, North Carolina where he spent 6.5 years as the Director of Facilities and Head Climbing Coach at Inner Peaks.  Cedric wasn’t born a climber, but he got there as quickly as possible.  He started climbing as a boy scout, but in 1994 he stumbled into a climbing gym with a high school wrestling buddy.  From then on he was stuck on the sport.  In 2001 Cedric got his first job in a climbing gym in Provo, Utah and things have steadily gone downhill since.  Cedric is passionate about the climbing industry.   He has worked in every position the climbing gym has to offer from party staff to general manager and he can’t wait to meet y’all!

John - HR Manager/Membership Manager (He/Him/His)

John comes to Pacific Edge by way of the Midwest. Previously John served as General Manager at a climbing gym in Ann Arbor, MI and even a short stint as the director of a hockey club before finding his way back to his true passion of climbing. It was love at first sight between John and Pacific Edge. John enjoys multi-pitch climbing (some of his favorites being Durrance and Epinephrine), sauna conversations, and when the kilter board is set to 20 degrees.

Puja - Yoga & Fitness Manager, Desk Staff (She/Her)

Puja has been teaching yoga in Santa Cruz since 2004. She has taught in multiple yoga studios in the South Bay area ever since. Originally trained in instructing Hot yoga, she now focuses her teaching and practice on Vinyasa Yoga styles. She has trained and traveled extensively with Janet Stone, and has a background in Mysore Ashtanga yoga as well. In 2023 Puja joined the Pacific Edge community as a yoga instructor and has since fallen in love with climbing and the people. She is thrilled to take on the Yoga and Studio Manager role at Pacific Edge as well.

Samir - Retail Manager/Desk Staff/Climbing School (He/Him/His)

Originating from San Diego, California, Samir spent most of his time outside of school hiking and climbing. As a wee lad, Samir would dream about and admire those who had the ability to climb high altitude mountains. Beginning in the gym seemed like the best place to start, and it became quickly apparent that Samir wanted to pursue his dream. Already having the aptitude to hike at high elevations for long distances, learning to become a proficient rock climber was the next step. He is very grateful for the friends he made and being able to cut his teeth at climbing locations like Mt. Woodson, Joshua Tree, and Tahquitz. Samir moved to Santa Cruz to attend UCSC and graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Although not limited to, Samir's favorite type of climbing is adventurous multi-pitch trad with a generous approach. In terms of hiking, Samir’s favorite kinds are long distance days in the backcountry to high peaks. If either of these or the combination of both sound appealing, Samir is always looking for new people to share the experience with. He has a large base of knowledge on the outdoors and is constantly seeking to learn new things. Don’t hesitate to say hello or ask any questions!

Natalie - Youth Programs Manager/Desk Staff (She/Her)

Hi! My name is Natalie (she/her) and I’m originally from Humboldt County (basically a NorCal version of Santa Cruz)! I came to Santa Cruz to work on my PhD in Biology and I currently study gut viruses and gut health. I started climbing seven years ago in college and quickly fell in love with the sport. I love the community at Pac Edge, and coaching the kids through our Youth Programs has been an incredible experience. I love getting to share my passion and help kids feel empowered and confident in themselves. Outside of the gym, you’ll find me shooting photos and videos on the coast, backpacking, and learning guitar. I’ve recently started climbing outdoors and always need recs for good spots. Always happy to chat all things science, climbing and outdoor adventures! You might even catch me dancing behind the desk! Come say hi :)

Julie - Social Media Coordinator/Climbing School (She/Her/Hers)

Hey, I'm Julie! I grew up in LA and moved up to Santa Cruz to attend UCSC where I graduated with a double major in Environmental Studies and Biology. I love running, science, discovering new music, and going on adventures with my friends. I discovered climbing in 2020, when a good friend convinced me to tag along. I immediately fell in love with everything about it - from the mental and physical challenges to the values of the sport. It has introduced me to some incredible people, I have never been a part of a community more supportive and encouraging than this one! You can often find me trying to sneak in some bouldering on my breaks or violently shaking when forced to do top rope.

Hannah - Desk Staff/Donations Support (She/Her/Hers)

A born and raised Santa Cruz local, Hannah began her climbing journey at 11 years old when her parents decided that she go to Pacific Edge and climb rock walls instead of tall trees. She has been here ever since! Hannah has climbed on and over every corner of the gym, including some rare instances of exploring behind the walls (a mysterious and claustrophobic adventure). When not patrolling the front desk, she teaches outdoor science education to little ones and draws science illustrations for publication in paleontology and beyond. She also loves reading, baking, hiking, gardening, film and movies, and newts.

Jessie - Route Setter/Desk Staff (She/Her)

(AKA Jep) was born and raised in Ventura, CA. She first started climbing in 2017 at a local crag in Ojai and fell even more in love with the sport after moving to San Jose for college. During college Jessie worked as belay staff at a Touchstone studio and later desk staff at agility boulders while working toward her masters degree. After she left agility, she started setting at Pacific Edge and hasn’t really left since. Jessie is also an ergonomist, artist, and a huge dog lover.

Andrew - Desk Staff/Setter (He/Him)

Andrew AKA BEEF grew up in Redlands, CA and started rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park as a boy. After falling in love with the sport, he joined his local youth climbing team where he learned to train and pull hard. He took the long way getting to Santa Cruz, with a brief stint working as an acrobat in San Diego and Las Vegas, but eventually made it up north to pursue a degree in Earth Science. Andrew enjoys the many disciplines in climbing, but can often be found bouldering or trad climbing. Although climbing is his main pastime, Andrew enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, reading, and sewing. He's always looking for new climbing partners, so don't hesitate to say hello!

Nate - Desk Staff/Setter (He/Him)

Hello! I’m Nate. I’m originally from Fresno, CA but wound up in Santa Cruz to pursue an undergraduate in Computer Science: Game Design. My climbing history extends farther back than I typically state as my passion for the sport was reignited by a friend who introduced me to Pacific Edge. Ever since I joined the gym I’ve been stoked on bouldering and sport climbing along with the amazing and supportive community the gym fosters. When I’m not climbing I can be found working on programming projects, hiking, watching nature documentaries, and getting outside to enjoy the natural world.

Quin - Desk Staff (He/Him)

Quin grew up in Escondido, CA. Quin started climbing as a kid in Joshua Tree National Monument. He moved to Santa Cruz in 2011 after graduating from UC Davis School of Law. After taking some time off from climbing while attending school, Quin found his way back to climbing in 2013 when he joined the community at Pacific Edge. Since then he has practiced every form of climbing, from bouldering to big walling, so don’t be afraid to ask him for advice or a belay. When he is not climbing, Quin can be found trail running, weight lifting, reading, writing, baking, or hanging out with his family. Though not the quickest guy out there, he is always looking for a running partner and knows just about every local trail (legal and illegal), so hit him up if you are keen or just want a recommendation.

Sasha - Desk Staff (She/Her)

Hello Pac Edge I’m Sasha! I moved to Santa Cruz to go to college to study literature with a focus in poetry. I started climbing a few years ago when a bunch of my friends were members at Pac Edge and I decided to give it a go. I fell in love with the community and the challenge of climbing. I started working youth programs and then desk too! other than climbing I love to read, bake cake, play folk music, and ride my bike. say hi if you see me around! 

Evalani - Community Outreach Coordinator (She/Her)

I grew up in San Francisco playing competitive soccer and working as a trail guide on horseback. Community and especially being part of a team has always been a core part of my life. When I was introduced to climbing, I fell in love with the friendships, stoke, and strong community it continues to bring me. At Pacific Edge, I teach lead and top rope classes. Before that, I coached youth programs and competitive teams at Movement in San Francisco. I love working with youth and community groups, and I’m especially passionate about making climbing inclusive, fun, and safe for everyone. Outside the gym, you’ll usually find me surfing, backpacking, or (more often than not) in the gym climbing with the legendary Cedric. I love the way climbing brings people together, and I’m excited to keep building community here at Pac Edge — give me a shout for any community inquiries, and let’s send!