LATEST ARTICLES

Climb Insider: community perspectives, US Nationals

image of routesetter

Just a few thoughts

Here in the US it’s a big weekend – National Championships in Salt Lake City. Over 200 top athletes including 5 champions from 2023 and 2 Olympians. Good luck to all competitors, volunteers and staff! Beyond comps below you’ll find a fresh perspectives on gyms, routesetting, climbing partners, and media. Consider a donation to support survivors of Hurricane Helene. See The Freshest Job Posts Here

Community & Culture

Trango Holds Pardners

Hurricane Helene

World Cups

Comp Scene

Atomik Adjustable Pinches

For Routesetters

For Managers

Training Tips

Manage Edgeworks Facilities – Climbing Jobs Weekly 2024 October 10

dream job at Edgeworks Climbing Gyms CBJ hosts the most active job board for climbing businesses and organizations. Below are the latest posts from this past week…
Facilities Manager Edgeworks Bellevue/Seattle/Tacoma, WA “The Facilities Manager is responsible for the day-to-day inspection, maintenance, repair and construction of Edgeworks facilities, equipment and expansion/improvement projects. The Facilities Manager reports to the Director of Operations and works in collaboration with the Gym Operations managers of each location as well as specific department managers/directors to ensure that the facilities and equipment are maintained and operating in order to provide the highest quality experience for customers and staff. In addition, the Facilities Manager collaborates in the planning and management of special projects and/or construction projects for expansion/improvement of Edgeworks Climbing facilities.”
Elevate Climbing Walls

JOB SEEKER TIPS:

Boundaries at work: Why they matter and how to set them By CareerBuilder “If you’re not good with boundaries or need to go above and beyond to prove yourself, try to shift your perspective. When you attach your self-worth to work, it can be challenging to stop working. You may feel like you always need to go that extra mile and work until you gain recognition to feel good about yourself. This path sets you up for burnout and leads to a constant cycle with a hole in your day-to-day living you can never fill. Instead, strive to see your worth beyond your work.” Read the full article here

LATEST JOB OPENINGS

See all current jobs // Post your job FT = full time PT = part time
RECENT/TOP JOB POSTS AT CBJ LOCATION TYPE
Recreation Leader at City of Huntsville Huntsville, AL PT – other
Programs Manager at The Pad San Luis Obispo, CA PT – manager
Website Admin at Climbing Business Journal Remote/Boulder, CO PT – other
Routesetter at Rock Climb Fairfield Fairfield, CT FT – routesetter
Routesetter at HiClimb Honolulu, HI FT – routesetter
Youth Programs Instructor at Salt Pump Scarborough/Portsmouth, ME/NH PT – instructor
Routesetter at Pulse Climbing Hunter and Newcastle, NSW Temp – routesetter
Comp Head Coach at Mesa Rim Reno, NV FT – coach
Programs Manager at The Pad Binghamton, NY PT – manager
Assistant Manager at RocVentures Rochester, NY FT – manager
Wall Drafter at EP Climbing Bend, OR FT – manufacturing
Site Manager at The Gravity Vault Lehigh Valley, PA FT – manager
Facilities Manager at Edgeworks Bellevue/Seattle/Tacoma, WA FT – manager

Career Centers of Climbing Industry

NAMETYPELOCATION
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/access-fund.pngAccess Fundhttps://www.accessfund.org/about/careersorganizationUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wi-adventure-rock.pngAdventure Rockhttps://adventurerock.com/jobs/facilityUSA - WI
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-alpine.pngAlpine Climbing Adventure Fitnesshttps://climbatalpine.com/about/careers/facilityUSA - CA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/american-alpine-club.pngAmerican Alpine Clubhttps://americanalpineclub.org/jobsorganizationUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pa-ascend.pngASCEND Climbinghttps://www.ascendclimbing.com/ascend-jobsfacilityUSA - OH, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-ascent-studio.pngAscent Studiohttps://ascentstudio.com/employment/facilityUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouldering-project-1.pngBouldering Project (pick location)https://boulderingproject.com/facilityUSA - MN, TX, UT, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ab-calgary-climbing-centre.jpgCalgary Climbing Centrehttps://calgaryclimbing.com/employment/facilityCanada - AB
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/central-rock-gym-1.pngCentral Rock Gymhttps://centralrockgym.com/careers/facilityUSA - CT, FL, MA, NY, RI
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/eldorado-wall-company.pngEldorado Climbinghttps://eldowalls.com/pages/careersproductUSA - CO - Louisville
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/entre-prises.pngEP Climbinghttps://epclimbing.com/na/en/ep-usa-careersproductUSA - OR - Bend
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/everlast.pngEverlast / Kumiki / Groperz / eXpressionhttps://everlastclimbing.com/pages/careersproductUSA - MN
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/il-first-ascent.pngFA Climbinghttps://faclimbing.com/careers/facilityUSA - IL, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/on-guelph-grotto.pngGuelph Grottohttps://www.guelphgrotto.com/careersfacilityCanada - ON - Guelph
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/head-rush.pngHead Rush Technologies // TRUBLUEhttps://trublueclimbing.com/about/careersproductUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/tn-high-point.pngHigh Point Climbing & Fitnesshttps://www.highpointclimbing.com/employmentfacilityUSA - AL, TN
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/impact.pngIMPACThttps://impactclimbing.com/careers/productCanada - ON - Milton
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/on-junction.pngJunction Climbing Centrehttps://www.junctionclimbing.com/employment-opportunitiesfacilityCanada - ON - London
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ma-metrorock.pngMetroRockhttps://metrorock.com/facilityUSA - MA, NY, VT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/momentum-1.pngMomentumhttps://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/df699b76-9e67-4daa-9236-27d597e75dbf/Momentum-LLCfacilityUSA - TX, UT, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/movement-1.pngMovement Gymshttps://movementgyms.com/careers/facilityUSA - CA, CO, IL, MD, OR, TX, VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/olc-architecture.pngOLC Architecturehttps://www.olcdesigns.com/about-us/#teammemberserviceUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/onsite.pngOnSitehttps://www.theonsite.com/careersproductCanada - QC
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/organic.pngOrganic Climbinghttps://organicclimbing.com/pages/employment-opportunitiesproductUSA - PA - Philipsburg
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/va-peak-experiences.pngPeak Experienceshttps://www.peakexperiences.com/employmentfacilityUSA - VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/salon-de-lescalade.pngSalon de l'Escaladehttps://www.salon-escalade.com/vertical-jobs/recruteurs/organizationFrance
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nm-stone-age.pngStone Agehttps://climbstoneage.com/employment-staff/facilityUSA - NM - Albuquerque
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ut-the-front.pngThe Fronthttps://thefrontclimbingclub.com/careers/facilityUSA - UT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/the-gravity-vault.pngThe Gravity Vaulthttps://gravityvault.com/careersfacilityUSA - CA, NJ, NY, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-the-pad.pngThe Padhttps://www.thepadclimbing.org/employment/facilityUSA - CA, NV
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-the-spot.pngThe Spothttps://www.thespotgym.com/careersfacilitiesUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/trango.pngTrango // Tenayahttps://trango.com/pages/careersproductUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/treadwall-fitness.pngTreadwallhttps://treadwallfitness.com/careers/productUSA - MA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nc-triangle-rock-club.pngTriangle Rock Club (choose location)https://www.trianglerockclub.com/morrisville/about/employment/facilityUSA - NC, VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-ubergrippen.pngUbergrippenhttps://ugclimbing.com/jobs/facilityUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/UK-Climbing.pngUKC (jobs in UK)https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/job_finder/organizationUnited Kingdom
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/vertical-solutions.jpgVertical Solutions // Habit // Proxy // Pebblehttps://vsclimbinggyms.com/company/careersproductUSA - UT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wa-vertical-world.pngVertical Worldhttps://verticalworld.com/facilityUSA - WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-vital.pngVitalhttps://www.vitalclimbinggym.com/careersfacilityUSA - CA, NY, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/walltopia.pngWalltopiahttps://careers.walltopia.com/productsBulgaria

Climb Insider: clinics, webinars, podcasts, and comp news

image of climber in comp

Just a few thoughts

World Cup season is almost over (links to watch Seoul below) and IFSC just announced their 2025 schedule. News from CEC and USAC too. Some great athlete podcasts, and one with a top veteran setter. Clinics, certifications, a webinar, an online discussion, and insights about market research. Lots of new products and services. And a photo contest! See The Freshest Job Posts Here

Community & Culture

Elevate Climbing Walls

World Cups

Comp Scene

Trango Holds Pardners

For Routesetters

For Managers

Training Tips

Become RocVentures’s Assistant Manager – Climbing Jobs Weekly 2024 October 3

rocventures header image CBJ hosts the most active job board for climbing businesses and organizations. Below are the latest posts from this past week…
Assistant Manager Rocventures Rochester, NY “The Assistant Manager is responsible for ensuring members and guests have the best possible climbing experience at RocVentures. They serve as the liaison between the climbing community, management team, and front-of-house staff. Essential skills for this position include exceptional customer service, the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage staff, create a positive work environment, stay well-organized both in the office and at the front desk, and make critical decisions in the moment. This position reports directly to the General Manager and Owners.”
Eldorado Climbing

JOB SEEKER TIPS:

Interviews Are Easy When You Prep These Three Things By Noto Group “Once you’ve got a comfortable understanding of the qualities and questions that may be explored in your interview, take time to think about stories that demonstrate your capabilities in these areas. You can’t know for sure what questions you’ll be asked and which stories you might use, but revisiting your experiences prior to an interview will keep details top of mind and easy to access on the spot, when pressure is a bit higher and racking your brain for information is a bit harder.” Read the full article here

LATEST JOB OPENINGS

See all current jobs // Post your job FT = full time PT = part time
RECENT/TOP JOB POSTS AT CBJ LOCATION TYPE
Routesetter at High Altitude Fitness Truckee/Incline Village, CA/NV FT – routesetter
Routesetter at Movement Centennial, CO FT – routesetter
Youth Team Manager at Movement Englewood, CO FT – coach, manager
Website Admin at Climbing Business Journal Remote/Boulder, CO PT – other
Routesetter at Rock Climb Fairfield Fairfield, CT FT – routesetter
Routesetter at HiClimb Honolulu, HI FT – routesetter
Head Coach at Bouldering Project Sommerville, MA FT – coach
Routesetter at Pulse Climbing Hunter and Newcastle, NSW Temp – routesetter
Comp Head Coach at Mesa Rim Reno, NV FT – coach
Assistant Manager at RocVentures Rochester, NY FT – manager
Marketing Director at Portland Rock Gym Portland, OR FT – manager, mktg/sales
Routesetter at Portland Rock Gym Portland, OR FT – routesetter
Director of Routesetting at Stone Co. College Station, TX PT – routesetter
Regional Facilities Manager at Movement Dallas, TX FT – manufacturing

Career Centers of Climbing Industry

NAMETYPELOCATION
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/access-fund.pngAccess Fundhttps://www.accessfund.org/about/careersorganizationUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wi-adventure-rock.pngAdventure Rockhttps://adventurerock.com/jobs/facilityUSA - WI
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-alpine.pngAlpine Climbing Adventure Fitnesshttps://climbatalpine.com/about/careers/facilityUSA - CA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/american-alpine-club.pngAmerican Alpine Clubhttps://americanalpineclub.org/jobsorganizationUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pa-ascend.pngASCEND Climbinghttps://www.ascendclimbing.com/ascend-jobsfacilityUSA - OH, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-ascent-studio.pngAscent Studiohttps://ascentstudio.com/employment/facilityUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouldering-project-1.pngBouldering Project (pick location)https://boulderingproject.com/facilityUSA - MN, TX, UT, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ab-calgary-climbing-centre.jpgCalgary Climbing Centrehttps://calgaryclimbing.com/employment/facilityCanada - AB
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/central-rock-gym-1.pngCentral Rock Gymhttps://centralrockgym.com/careers/facilityUSA - CT, FL, MA, NY, RI
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/eldorado-wall-company.pngEldorado Climbinghttps://eldowalls.com/pages/careersproductUSA - CO - Louisville
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/entre-prises.pngEP Climbinghttps://epclimbing.com/na/en/ep-usa-careersproductUSA - OR - Bend
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/everlast.pngEverlast / Kumiki / Groperz / eXpressionhttps://everlastclimbing.com/pages/careersproductUSA - MN
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/il-first-ascent.pngFA Climbinghttps://faclimbing.com/careers/facilityUSA - IL, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/on-guelph-grotto.pngGuelph Grottohttps://www.guelphgrotto.com/careersfacilityCanada - ON - Guelph
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/head-rush.pngHead Rush Technologies // TRUBLUEhttps://trublueclimbing.com/about/careersproductUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/tn-high-point.pngHigh Point Climbing & Fitnesshttps://www.highpointclimbing.com/employmentfacilityUSA - AL, TN
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/impact.pngIMPACThttps://impactclimbing.com/careers/productCanada - ON - Milton
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/on-junction.pngJunction Climbing Centrehttps://www.junctionclimbing.com/employment-opportunitiesfacilityCanada - ON - London
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ma-metrorock.pngMetroRockhttps://metrorock.com/facilityUSA - MA, NY, VT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/momentum-1.pngMomentumhttps://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/df699b76-9e67-4daa-9236-27d597e75dbf/Momentum-LLCfacilityUSA - TX, UT, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/movement-1.pngMovement Gymshttps://movementgyms.com/careers/facilityUSA - CA, CO, IL, MD, OR, TX, VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/olc-architecture.pngOLC Architecturehttps://www.olcdesigns.com/about-us/#teammemberserviceUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/onsite.pngOnSitehttps://www.theonsite.com/careersproductCanada - QC
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/organic.pngOrganic Climbinghttps://organicclimbing.com/pages/employment-opportunitiesproductUSA - PA - Philipsburg
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/va-peak-experiences.pngPeak Experienceshttps://www.peakexperiences.com/employmentfacilityUSA - VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/salon-de-lescalade.pngSalon de l'Escaladehttps://www.salon-escalade.com/vertical-jobs/recruteurs/organizationFrance
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nm-stone-age.pngStone Agehttps://climbstoneage.com/employment-staff/facilityUSA - NM - Albuquerque
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ut-the-front.pngThe Fronthttps://thefrontclimbingclub.com/careers/facilityUSA - UT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/the-gravity-vault.pngThe Gravity Vaulthttps://gravityvault.com/careersfacilityUSA - CA, NJ, NY, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-the-pad.pngThe Padhttps://www.thepadclimbing.org/employment/facilityUSA - CA, NV
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-the-spot.pngThe Spothttps://www.thespotgym.com/careersfacilitiesUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/trango.pngTrango // Tenayahttps://trango.com/pages/careersproductUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/treadwall-fitness.pngTreadwallhttps://treadwallfitness.com/careers/productUSA - MA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nc-triangle-rock-club.pngTriangle Rock Club (choose location)https://www.trianglerockclub.com/morrisville/about/employment/facilityUSA - NC, VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-ubergrippen.pngUbergrippenhttps://ugclimbing.com/jobs/facilityUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/UK-Climbing.pngUKC (jobs in UK)https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/job_finder/organizationUnited Kingdom
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/vertical-solutions.jpgVertical Solutions // Habit // Proxy // Pebblehttps://vsclimbinggyms.com/company/careersproductUSA - UT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wa-vertical-world.pngVertical Worldhttps://verticalworld.com/facilityUSA - WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-vital.pngVitalhttps://www.vitalclimbinggym.com/careersfacilityUSA - CA, NY, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/walltopia.pngWalltopiahttps://careers.walltopia.com/productsBulgaria

October 30 Webinar: Building with Purpose – Balancing Passion, People and Profit for Lasting Impact

Building with Purpose - Balancing Passion, People and Profit for Lasting Impact

Is your new gym project well-balanced?

To successfully bring a meaningful building project to life, it’s essential to balance passion with practical business needs. Focusing on People, Purpose and Profit can help you align your vision with long-term sustainability:
  • People: Create something that resonates with and serves a community.
  • Purpose: Build around a mission that reflects your passion and vision.
  • Profit: Ensure financial stability to fund the project’s growth and sustain its future.
Whether you’re operating a nonprofit or a for-profit business, generating sufficient revenue is critical. It gives you the freedom to shape your project’s future, explore new opportunities, and continue developing what you’re passionate about. Without a sustainable profit model, even the most inspiring project won’t last. This session is a great fit for anyone planning or dreaming about a new climbing gym location. Ready to learn more? Join us Wednesday, October 30th at 10:00am MDT. Host Chris Ryan of Chris Ryan Studio will lead this webinar as part of the ongoing CBJ Climbing Gym Management Series. CBJ Members: RSVP Here for Free Access** Not a Member? Purchase Access Here for $59
Trango Holds Pardners

All staff of CBJ members are invited!

**Live webinars are offered as a FREE member benefit to staff of CBJ member businesses at the Biz level and above (check if your employer is a member here). Each staff member must RSVP, although managers can RSVP for multiple staff. On-demand video recordings are available to staff at Plus or Premium member businesses and individual purchasers. Questions about accessing these recordings? Email us at info@climbingbusinessjournal.com. See All CBJ Webinar Recordings Here

Meet your presenter:

Chris Ryan Studio, led by building design and development consultant Chris Ryan AIA, works with climbing gym owners to turn their ideas into successfully completed building projects and thriving businesses. Together, we organize top-tier projects with a combination of advising, financial planning and analysis, and visualizations. www.chrisryanstudio.com Chris Ryan Studio
 

Climb Insider: our communities and our industry

image of climber in comp

Just a few thoughts

Great variety of freshies for you this week. Talks with legends. Lessons from marginalized communities. An exploration of belaying. An Olympian’s story. Comp announcements. World Cup news. Webinars for gym staff and managers. Updates from industry trade shows. A huge new outdoor wall in Spain. Good stuff. Make sure you vote in the Grip Showcase SLC by Sept 29! See The Freshest Job Posts Here

Community & Culture

OnSite

World Cups

Comp Scene

Our Industry

Atomik Adjustable Pinches

For Routesetters

For Managers

Routeset at HiClimb – Climbing Jobs Weekly 2024 September 26

hiclimb header image CBJ hosts the most active job board for climbing businesses and organizations. Below are the latest posts from this past week…
Routesetter HiClimb Honolulu, HI “The Route Setter is an experienced setter who will work directly for the Route Setting Manager (RSM) to help shape the team as well as set. For this position you must be highly proficient in rigging and setting roped routes. You will also be expected to set high quality boulder problems, based on community needs while still expressing your individual style and skill.”
Elevate Climbing Walls

JOB SEEKER TIPS:

Career Capital: Definition, Importance and How To Leverage It By Indeed “Career capital is any skill, piece of knowledge, credential, personality trait, financial resource or connection that helps you produce economic value or produce a greater influence in the future. Professionals often use these skills and experiences as leverage in initially building their careers. Career capital typically helps professionals invest in themselves and develop a breadth of traits that help them advance in their careers.” Read the full article here

LATEST JOB OPENINGS

See all current jobs // Post your job FT = full time PT = part time
RECENT/TOP JOB POSTS AT CBJ LOCATION TYPE
Coach with Routesetting Duties at Bolder Calgary, AB FT – coach
Front Desk Supervisor at Movement Centennial, CO FT – front desk, manager
Youth Program Coach at Whetstone Fort Collins, CO PT – coach
Website Admin at Climbing Business Journal Remote/Boulder, CO PT – other
Routesetter at Rock Climb Fairfield Fairfield, CT FT – routesetter
Routesetter at HiClimb Honolulu, HI FT – routesetter
Routesetter at North Mass Boulder Indianapolis, IN FT – routesetter
Comp Head Coach at Mesa Rim Reno, NV FT – coach
Marketing Director at Portland Rock Gym Portland, OR FT – manager, mktg/sales
Routesetter at Portland Rock Gym Portland, OR FT – routesetter
Regional Facilities Manager at Movement Dallas, TX FT – manufacturing
Youth Instructor at Half Moon Seattle, WA PT – instructor

Career Centers of Climbing Industry

NAMETYPELOCATION
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/access-fund.pngAccess Fundhttps://www.accessfund.org/about/careersorganizationUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wi-adventure-rock.pngAdventure Rockhttps://adventurerock.com/jobs/facilityUSA - WI
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-alpine.pngAlpine Climbing Adventure Fitnesshttps://climbatalpine.com/about/careers/facilityUSA - CA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/american-alpine-club.pngAmerican Alpine Clubhttps://americanalpineclub.org/jobsorganizationUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pa-ascend.pngASCEND Climbinghttps://www.ascendclimbing.com/ascend-jobsfacilityUSA - OH, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-ascent-studio.pngAscent Studiohttps://ascentstudio.com/employment/facilityUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouldering-project-1.pngBouldering Project (pick location)https://boulderingproject.com/facilityUSA - MN, TX, UT, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ab-calgary-climbing-centre.jpgCalgary Climbing Centrehttps://calgaryclimbing.com/employment/facilityCanada - AB
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/central-rock-gym-1.pngCentral Rock Gymhttps://centralrockgym.com/careers/facilityUSA - CT, FL, MA, NY, RI
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/eldorado-wall-company.pngEldorado Climbinghttps://eldowalls.com/pages/careersproductUSA - CO - Louisville
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/entre-prises.pngEP Climbinghttps://epclimbing.com/na/en/ep-usa-careersproductUSA - OR - Bend
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/everlast.pngEverlast / Kumiki / Groperz / eXpressionhttps://everlastclimbing.com/pages/careersproductUSA - MN
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/il-first-ascent.pngFA Climbinghttps://faclimbing.com/careers/facilityUSA - IL, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/on-guelph-grotto.pngGuelph Grottohttps://www.guelphgrotto.com/careersfacilityCanada - ON - Guelph
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/head-rush.pngHead Rush Technologies // TRUBLUEhttps://trublueclimbing.com/about/careersproductUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/tn-high-point.pngHigh Point Climbing & Fitnesshttps://www.highpointclimbing.com/employmentfacilityUSA - AL, TN
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/impact.pngIMPACThttps://impactclimbing.com/careers/productCanada - ON - Milton
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/on-junction.pngJunction Climbing Centrehttps://www.junctionclimbing.com/employment-opportunitiesfacilityCanada - ON - London
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ma-metrorock.pngMetroRockhttps://metrorock.com/facilityUSA - MA, NY, VT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/momentum-1.pngMomentumhttps://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/df699b76-9e67-4daa-9236-27d597e75dbf/Momentum-LLCfacilityUSA - TX, UT, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/movement-1.pngMovement Gymshttps://movementgyms.com/careers/facilityUSA - CA, CO, IL, MD, OR, TX, VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/olc-architecture.pngOLC Architecturehttps://www.olcdesigns.com/about-us/#teammemberserviceUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/onsite.pngOnSitehttps://www.theonsite.com/careersproductCanada - QC
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/organic.pngOrganic Climbinghttps://organicclimbing.com/pages/employment-opportunitiesproductUSA - PA - Philipsburg
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/va-peak-experiences.pngPeak Experienceshttps://www.peakexperiences.com/employmentfacilityUSA - VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/salon-de-lescalade.pngSalon de l'Escaladehttps://www.salon-escalade.com/vertical-jobs/recruteurs/organizationFrance
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nm-stone-age.pngStone Agehttps://climbstoneage.com/employment-staff/facilityUSA - NM - Albuquerque
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ut-the-front.pngThe Fronthttps://thefrontclimbingclub.com/careers/facilityUSA - UT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/the-gravity-vault.pngThe Gravity Vaulthttps://gravityvault.com/careersfacilityUSA - CA, NJ, NY, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-the-pad.pngThe Padhttps://www.thepadclimbing.org/employment/facilityUSA - CA, NV
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-the-spot.pngThe Spothttps://www.thespotgym.com/careersfacilitiesUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/trango.pngTrango // Tenayahttps://trango.com/pages/careersproductUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/treadwall-fitness.pngTreadwallhttps://treadwallfitness.com/careers/productUSA - MA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nc-triangle-rock-club.pngTriangle Rock Club (choose location)https://www.trianglerockclub.com/morrisville/about/employment/facilityUSA - NC, VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-ubergrippen.pngUbergrippenhttps://ugclimbing.com/jobs/facilityUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/UK-Climbing.pngUKC (jobs in UK)https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/job_finder/organizationUnited Kingdom
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/vertical-solutions.jpgVertical Solutions // Habit // Proxy // Pebblehttps://vsclimbinggyms.com/company/careersproductUSA - UT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wa-vertical-world.pngVertical Worldhttps://verticalworld.com/facilityUSA - WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-vital.pngVitalhttps://www.vitalclimbinggym.com/careersfacilityUSA - CA, NY, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/walltopia.pngWalltopiahttps://careers.walltopia.com/productsBulgaria

34 New Climbing Products and Services for Summer/Fall 2024

Buyer's Guide Summer/Fall 2024 School is back in session, sweater weather is arriving in many places, the colors are starting to change, and those signs can only mean one thing: the fall climbing season is here! The autumn sending has already been going down at crags and gyms, fueled no doubt by pumpkin spice and everything nice but also by the latest climbing products and services. This Buyer’s Guide features dozens of new arrivals and innovations at industry brands, from high-performance chalk to customizable gear protectors, speed holds adapted to youth climbers, an entire youth training center concept, and an assisted climbing device designed to open climbing up to more people—regardless of physical ability. Enjoy! BRANDS INCLUDED BELOW: 12ClimbArtLineAsanaButoraCapitanClimbing CoversEPEscapeFlashed  –Footing VerticalFriction LabsGnarly DoodsGranite InsuranceGriptoniteMaverick Climbing – Organic ClimbingPetzlPower CompanyRopelessSoiLLSpider ChalkThe North FaceTrango SEE OTHER BUYER GUIDES HERE
Elevate Climbing Walls

12Climb

12Climb has created an app that tracks your climbing, with easy activity logging to help motivate you for new achievements. The app also has features for gym operators, including Route Management, where you can add routes to the app with QR tags; Events, with live ratings, different level groups and custom filters; and Analytics, with information about your visitor’s preferences, routes and setters. The Basic gym management option is free, while the Premium option is $69/month (or $59/month with the annual billing). 12Climb

ArtLine

New from ArtLine: speed holds finally adapted to youth climbers! The shape is based on the official IFSC model but in a smaller size and with more pronounced grips. The FFME has determined a standardized setup of 8 meters high with a 5° inclination, made up of 12 handholds and 4 footholds. Its layout is similar to the official senior grid but is lower, and the holds are closer together to facilitate the ascent of smaller sized bodies. ArtLine is distributed in North America by Bold Climbing. ArtLine

Asana

The Couch Crash Pad is the newest addition to Asana‘s lineup. Whether you’re setting up your home woodie, sprucing up your van or just looking for a stylish and comfy place to relax, this versatile piece has you covered. The new pad fits most crash pad couch frames and is made of dual-density foam. $199, with free shipping. Asana

Butora

The Sierra is a new, intermediate-style shoe with a lace closure system from Butora. The medium-stiff shoe features an ABS midsole, laced closure system for precision fit, and a comfortable upper. A stiffer midsole platform paired with a power-inducing last shape results in a high-value edging shoe at a great price point. The Sierra’s last features a full-sole construction, for increased stability while edging on the smallest of holds, as well as heel tensioning that runs from heel to forefoot—providing all-around comfort and increased power and precision in the forefoot for superb edging performance. Offered in a unisex med-high volume fit—priced at $139.95 for climbers—the Sierra is part of Butora’s lineup as a high-value, high-performance edging shoe with a lace closure system. Butora

Capitan

Capitan, a CRM software platform for climbing gyms, has launched its new automated membership referral system. The referral system drives membership growth by leveraging the enthusiasm and network of existing members. Through Capitan’s Climber App, members can easily access and share their unique referral codes with friends and family. For more information, schedule a call here to explore how the new referral system can help your organization or contact info@hellocapitan.com. Capitan

Climbing Covers

Take your gear to the next level of branding. Climbing Covers from Conscious Climbers™ provides customizable gear protection designed to meet the unique needs of gyms, professional climbers, guiding companies and lifestyle brands. The covers aren’t just eye candy; they also offer protection from wear and tear, improving your gear’s longevity. Customizable quickdraw covers are $860 for 350 units, or scale up with 700 units for $1715. Climbing Covers

EP Climbing

EP Climbing, a climbing wall manufacturer and official supplier to the IFSC and USA Climbing, is now offering a complete Youth Training Center. Designed with input from top youth coaches and routesetters, the facility concept was built to meet the highest standards for athlete development. Key features of the design include a 1,200-square-foot bouldering wall with competition angles, a 14-foot spray wall for advanced training, and a $10,000 allowance for elite-level holds and volumes. The build also comes with durable, 12” UCS Spirit nylon bouldering pads and has customization options for future expansion. Invest in excellence with a comprehensive training center, starting at $160,000. EP Climbing

Escape Climbing

Chunky Nuggets Chalk from Escape Climbing, as the name suggests, consists of larger, coarser particles, in contrast to the smooth, fine particles found in Escape’s Feather Dust chalk. Particle size is a matter of personal preference; climbers who appreciate chunky chalk often enjoy breaking the chunks into a powder and working the chalk into their fingertips. The larger particles can create a more textured surface on your hands, providing a subtly different grip experience. Chunky Nuggets Chalk adheres to your hands, so you have more coverage with less product—which means fewer interruptions, less mess, and more focus on the climbing moves ahead. $12.99 for 200g or $59.61 for 7 gallons.

Flashed

Flashed worked closely with professional routesetters to develop its new 21.5 Setter Bucket to add to your kit. The setter bucket comes with a 21.5-gallon, collapsible plastic bucket; no need to shop around for a separate plastic bucket, it all comes as one. It can easily fold down to 4” in height when not in use—saving valuable storage space—and comes in three standard colors (grape, raspberry, sage). There’s also a bespoke option, where you can use your creativity to brand and design it as you want. Made from robust materials, the Setter Bucket is built to be durable and reliable for all the rigors routesetting demands. $189.99

Footing Vertical

After a rewarding career in climbing, brothers Bassa and Mickaël Mawem felt the need to share their passion beyond the usual boundaries of the sport. Their goal is simple: to provide access to climbing for everyone. Footing Vertical is an ambitious project to allow anyone, regardless of physical ability, to be able to enter a climbing gym and climb with the same freedom as any other climber. ELSA, their proof of concept, is a mechatronic system developed for load balancing that can learn how much weight to remove from a person and follow their movements all the way to the top of the route, eliminating some or all of the physical demands of climbing. This proof of concept is currently being transformed into CAMI, a climbing assistance system capable of automatically adapting to the type of climber, their disability or condition, and their progress over time. Read more about Les frères Mawem’s project here. You can preorder the device on the Footing Vertical website. Footing Vertical

Friction Labs

Athletic Hands from Friction Labs is a restorative hand cream that’s purpose-built for athletes. Developed in partnership with dermatologists and tested by Friction Lab’s Pro Team, the product quickly aids in the recovery of active, dry skin—keeping athletes’ hands in top condition to perform their best. The 75 mL/2.5 oz tube of Athletic Hands should be enough for approximately 100-150 applications. $29.99 Friction Labs

Gnarly Doods

Gnarly Dood’s newest drops are here. The Chalk Bags ($21.95)—crafted from durable materials—feature a drawstring closure, an adjustable belt and a brush holder. Each bag depicts a scene from some of the top climbing destinations in the world. Other new products include the Gnar Hat ($27.95), Quickdraw Pouches ($24.95) and Chalk Buckets ($29.95).

Granite Insurance

Granite Insurance recently unveiled its new Adventure Insurance Program. Built upon a foundation of rewarding, industry-specific risk management characteristics—such as accredited operations and documented training practices—the program represents a significant development in the insurance sector. The Adventure Program currently serves the following industries, with future expansion ahead: Ziplines and Aerial Park; Climbing Gyms; Mountain Coasters; Haunted Attractions; River Outfitters; Guides & Outfitters; Adventure Parks. For more information about the the Adventure Insurance Program and Granite Insurance, visit www.graniteinsurance.com or contact info@graniteinsurance.com. Granite Insurance

Griptonite

Griptonite’s new Route Manager tool allows routesetters to overview their gym’s inventory and layout at a glance, operate in bulk on tasks—setting, stripping, printing and exporting—and more. The software was designed from the ground up to work on larger screens in a browser, making it easier to perform day-to-day tasks in the app and providing the screen real estate for several brand-new flows—such as a calendar, task canvas and data dashboard. The Basic Package allows for 1 seat at £20 per month, Advanced for 3 seats at £65 per month, and Pro for unlimited seats at £85 per month. Route Manager is a “bolt-on” to Griptonite’s existing app products and works in conjunction with them.

Maverick Climbing

Maverick Climbing, a new venture by industry veteran Jerad Wells, officially launched in April of 2024. With over 75 years of combined experience, the team at Maverick Climbing has seen the costs and challenges that typically come with designing and building climbing walls. Maverick Climbing helps transform spaces into dynamic, state-of-the-art environments, connecting gym owners to cutting-edge designs and swift installations—all with a dedication to delivering you world-class climbing walls at highly competitive prices. Maverick Climbing

Organic Climbing

In a continued effort to reduce and reuse their off-cuts of foam, Organic Climbing has developed a burly bed for your canine companion, or pillow for use around the house, camp or van. Constructed from the same materials as Organic’s crash pads, the beds are designed for everyday use indoors and outdoors. On the outside, you’ll find a 1000d Nylon top with light TPU coating and a 1050d ballistic nylon bottom. A hidden side zipper allows an internal pillow of shredded foam to be removed, so the outside can be washed. No extraneous handles or webbing to chew on. Loosely filled to allow for easy nesting. Organic’s Recycled Dog Bed is currently available in two sizes and two colorways. $54-$68 Organic Climbing

Petzl

From headlamps to gear for climbing and progressing in the mountains, Petzl products are designed from an endless pursuit to create efficient, ergonomic and lightweight solutions—tools designed to make life easier for those seeking to go further. Petzl’s new NEOX® belay device ($149.95) with cam-assisted blocking was built for lead climbing and has an integrated wheel that allows you to smoothly and quickly pay out slack to the climber. Also new for 2024 is Petzl’s line of ergonomic chalk bags: the Saka ($24.95), Sakapoche ($29.95) and Bandi ($19.95). And Petzl’s line of harnesses for gym and outdoor climbing—the Corax ($79.95), Corax LT ($69.95) and Corax LT Women ($69.95)—have updated colorways.

Power Company

The Power Company recently released a new online course and evaluation tool crafted to help climbers better understand and self-assess their movement skills. The goal is to provide a means of accurately identifying where to focus their efforts for more efficient improvement. Owner and coach Kris Hampton had spent years working with clients and other coaches who struggled to successfully identify weaknesses when it comes to climbing movement, often failing to make the distinction between rehearsing a single move and fully understanding a concept; between successfully using a technique and actually building a skill. The solution? By breaking down climbing movement into five basic concepts—what Kris refers to as the “five atomic elements”—and explaining how each one is working in some combination for every move we make, the course provides a new way to think about and understand climbing movement, as well as practical methods for incorporating element-targeting drills into gym sessions. After taking into account feedback from an initial subscribers-only cohort, Kris and the team at The Power Company have made some improvements to the course, called The Atomic Elements of Movement, which is now available for enrollment ($49 for lifetime access to course content and updates).

The Power Company


Ropeless

In 2021, the team at Ropeless met with Disruptive Materials to discuss the idea of developing liquid chalk that would utilize Upsalite®. According to Ropeless, Upsalite®—a material developed by nanotechnology specialists in Uppsala, Sweden—is a mesoporous magnesium carbonate that’s “capable of absorbing moisture at a rate ten times greater than conventional magnesium carbonate.” The end result of the collaboration between the two companies is now on the market: Super Flash, liquid chalk made with Upsalite®. Ropeless

So iLL

So iLL has two new climbing shoes: The Roam Soft ($169.00)—designed and built on a hand-shaped, downturned last by Fred Nicole—is a soft slipper (no midsole) developed with Jason Momoa as part of the So iLL x On The Roam collection. ROAM Soft features a three-way, stretch-knit entry with an elastic band stitched to a durable, comfortable, unlined vegan microsuede upper. The shoe is tensioned from under the toe to the back of the heel, and the laser-etched rand generates tension as well. The Torque ($179.00) features a durable and comfortable, unlined vegan microsuede upper with an elastic integrated tongue and pull tab. The shape of the toe is intended for precise footwork, with rubber made to be thick enough to feel stable but thin enough to maintain sensitivity. Torque is suitable for any outdoor bouldering as well as indoor bouldering, especially climbing on large volumes.

Spider Chalk

New from Spider Chalk: Ghost Grip Clear Chalk Crystals ($19.99). No mess, invisible crystalline chalk repels water, decreases sweat and enhances grip for sports, from rock climbing to weightlifting. Spider Chalk’s new, ultra-concentrated chalk crystals result in better grip for a longer time, with only a tiny amount of powder. The Ghost Grip leaves practically no residue and can be used in most environments that ban powder chalk. Spider Chalk

The North Face

The North Face is excited to introduce LIGHTRANGE™, a new-to-market product technology providing strong UPF protection and enhanced wicking benefits. Engineered with micro-grid weave technology, the slim fit, FlashDryTM materials offer enhanced moisture management to help keep you comfortable, allowing for flexibility and free movements. The LIGHTRANGE™ collection includes two hero products: the LIGHTRANGE SUN HOODIE and the LIGHTRANGE SHADOW TEE. Pricing ranges between $45-$80. The North Face

Trango

Every ounce on your rack can make a difference. That reason is why Trango developed the At⌀mic Sling. According to Trango, the new, proprietary weave is 20 percent lighter and stronger than Dyneema, 40 percent stronger than Kevlar, 15 percent more abrasion resistant than carbon steel, and 8 times stronger than high-strength steel. The At⌀mic slings are naturally waterproof and highly resistant to abrasion, UV light, and chemicals. At a featherweight 14.5 g for the 60 CM length, the slings are designed to not hold you back. Available in 60cm ($12.95), 120cm ($21.95), 180cm ($29.95) and 240cm ($39.95). Trango

Want to include your products and services?

Each season we publish a Buyer’s Guide featuring recently released products and services for climbing facilities and insiders. Contact us to be included in the future.

Alaska Gym Encourages Climbers to “Send It and Vote”

0
Alaska Rock Gym's Send It and Vote poster
Each election season, a number of U.S. climbing gyms have encouraged voting in their communities, and this year is no exception. Alaska Rock Gym’s “Send It and Vote” poster (pictured) is free for any climbing gym to print and share with the climbers in their gym. (Image courtesy of Alaska Rock Gym)
As the 2024 elections in the United States approach, Alaska Rock Gym (ARG) has launched a nonpartisan effort to encourage more people in the climbing industry to register to vote and head to the polls this coming November. The initiative includes a “Send It and Vote” poster with a QR code that links to vote.gov, a U.S. government website with information on registering to vote, voting in person, mail-in and absentee voting, accessibility accommodations, and more. (The poster files can be downloaded, printed and shared here.) Over the years, numerous businesses and organizations in the climbing and outdoor industries have encouraged voting ahead of elections. In 2020, for instance, Climbing Business Journal interviewed Michael Cano and Korina Scanlon about Armadillo Boulder’s collaboration with MOVE Texas, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization which had set up a voter registration booth at the gym. The Access Fund, American Alpine Club and Patagonia also participated in voting initiatives that year, to name a few examples from around the country.
Trango Holds Pardners
According to statistics shared by Bob Butera, an ARG community member and voting rights advocate helping with the gym’s initiative, only 23% of eligible voters aged 18-29 cast a ballot in the most recent midterm elections. Butera notes that a significant portion of climbers fall into that age bracket; based on findings published in the Climbing Wall Association’s 2019 Indoor Climber Survey, 65% of climbers who participated in that survey were 19-34 years old. “The team at Alaska Rock Gym believes voting is important!” says Nicole Jolyn, General Manager at the gym. “With direct access to a large portion of these eligible voters, ARG asks for your support to communicate the importance of exercising the civil duty to vote. With the support of Climbing Business Journal, we’re reminding all climbers to Send it AND Vote!” The 11×17 poster was designed by a local graphic artist, Dean Potter, and is accessible for free here. Climbing gyms are welcome to print out the poster and hang it around their gym, share it at the front desk, or email it to gym members. If you would like a mailed copy of the poster, please contact Bob Butera at butera.ak@gmail.com with your gym’s name and mailing address.

New Competition Series Launches in California

0
A youth climbing competition at Sender One
Over half a dozen California climbing gyms have come together to host the new Pacific Climbing Series, a bouldering competition circuit for youth climbers that gets underway on Saturday. (All photos courtesy of Jason Chang @theshortbeta at Sender One Training Center)
The Pacific Climbing Series, a new circuit of youth bouldering competitions at various California and Nevada gyms, kicks off this weekend (September 21), with events at The Oaks Touchstone in Berkeley and Mesa Rim Academy in San Diego. The series will continue through October and November, with a total of four qualifying comps in Southern California and four qualifying comps in the northern Pacific region. The events will funnel into a championship final, which is slated for December 7th at Touchstone Pacific Pipe in Oakland. The cost of (early) registration is $75 per event. Although the timing of the Pacific Climbing Series’ creation aligns with pushback that many of the participating gyms gave to USA Climbing’s proposed National Training Center project, the roots of the new series trace back to the early days of the COVID pandemic, in 2020. “One of the only silver linings of COVID was that it brought together all of the gyms that really had never talked to each other before,” Wes Shih, co-founder of Sender One, told CBJ. (Sender One is one of the gyms participating in the new Pacific Climbing Series, and Shih is one of the series’ creators.) “Even the gyms coming together about the [USA Climbing] National Training Center, that came from communication channels that opened because of COVID.”
Eldorado Climbing
The Pacific Climbing Series aims to differentiate itself from USA Climbing’s competitions, particularly by attracting a more recreational cohort than the USA Climbing competitions, while still being a “real” competition, according to Shih and other participating gyms owners. “I think some of us [gym owners] realized not that we wanted to ‘stick it’ to USA Climbing, but more that we all run competitions, we all see where competitions have gone and where they continue to go, and we all think that there is a need—or something underserved—that’s not being paid attention to,” Shih said. “This was gyms around California with pretty close ties after COVID saying, ‘Hey, we all run competitions anyway, and we all feel this pull…It’s an experiment in ways, other than USA Climbing comps, that we can balance the competitive aspects with other interests, like inclusivity of more skill and interest levels of competitors, community-building, etc.” Shih cited other youth sports, such as soccer, that have abundant options of leagues for varying levels. He considers the Pacific Climbing Series, particularly in this inaugural “pilot season,” to be a venture to find out if the climbing industry will embrace this form of recreational—albeit, still competitive—league that spans multiple gyms. And although gyms’ limited resources will mean that some facilities will have to choose whether to host a Pacific Climbing Series competition or a USA Climbing series, there is no provision or expectation of hosting exclusivity. For example, Shih’s Sender One in Lakewood, California, is hosting a Pacific Climbing Series event on November 2 and a USA Climbing Speed qualifying event in the spring.
More competition bouldering at Sender One
Shih points to the “close ties” that formed between many climbing gyms after COVID’s onset as one of the catalysts behind the Pacific Climbing Series’ creation.
Ian McIntosh, CEO of Mesa Rim gyms, sees the Pacific Climbing Series as a rising tide that can raise all boats—and provide more competition options for more people. “The [Pacific Climbing Series] was born from a genuine interest in collaborating with our neighboring gyms to collectively explore alternative ways to serve the youth climbing community,” McIntosh told CBJ. “Most of the participating gyms have hosted some form of youth series over the years, so this year we decided to try something bigger together. This is a pilot program, and we will learn a lot in the process that can be applied to future iterations. I believe it is in the best interest of the competitive climbing community to explore alternative competition structures and to continue developing opportunities for both experienced and aspiring athletes to grow and thrive as competitors.” Both McIntosh and Shih think that the Pacific Climbing Series, by operating outside of the USA Climbing framework, will have more freedom for operational creativity and format diversity. “[USA Climbing] comps all have a way that’s grown over time of how they’re run, and the quality you can expect from them because of their constraints,” explained Shih. “By decoupling recreational competition from the only provider in town, that lets us have more flexibility in what we can do or what we’re able to invest in.”
Trango Holds Pardners
The Pacific Climbing Series is working on a real-time (electronic) scoring system, and is also basing youth competitors’ age categories on single calendar years—a difference from the current USA Climbing (and IFSC) format. Scores for each Pacific Climbing Series event will follow a two-zone-per-boulder point system, in a structure that the series is labeling a hybrid modified redpoint format. In fact, the Pacific Climbing Series’ structure and format largely resulted from feedback to surveys, which were given to members of participating gyms earlier in the year. Still, it is all subject to change as Shih, McIntosh and other gym owners try to fine-tune the concept. “The Pacific Climbing Series really is an experiment,” Shih reiterated, “trying to address this need that we all feel.” Stay tuned to CBJ for additional information about the new Pacific Climbing Series.