Just a few thoughts
Friends, readers, ROUTESETTERS… we need you. We just dropped our 12th annual Grip List Survey – where YOU shout out and we celebrate your favorite brands. Last year as part of the survey you shared more about routesetting trends, and this year’s survey continues that with some new questions about route density, safety trends, and professional development. KNOW A SETTER? Please ask them to complete our survey! Two winners will get a $250 Rúngne giftcard, and every respondent will get a thank you discount.
See The Freshest Job Posts Here
Community & Culture
- Podcast: Brooke Raboutou – Growing up in a climbing family and climbing the highest grades whilst maintaining balance (Careless Talk)
- Podcast: Alan Watts on Setting for Snowbird, The Drama That Unfolded and The Comp’s Importance to American Indoor Climbing (Kris Hampton, Plug Tone Audio)
- Podcast: Board Talk with Michael Rosato and Joshua Horsley (Testpiece Climbing)
- Podcast: Carl McNeice, Comp Parent (That’s Not Real Climbing)
- Podcast: Will Tariffs Kill The Innovation Engine Of The Outdoor Industry? (Rock Fight)
Comp Scene
- Videos from Chamonix 2025: Lead Finals – Speed Finals (IFSC)
- Super Six for Seo and Anraku (IFSC)
- Are climbing competitions in crisis? (Matthew Amaré, Vertige Media)
- IFSC Vice President discusses hot topics (Matthew Amaré, Vertige Media)
- 2025 Call for Nominations – Board of Directors (Christiane Marceau, CEC)
- Call for Applications – CEC Volunteer Committees (2025–2026 Season) (Christiane Marceau, CEC)
- Sport Climbing Competition Schedule Confirmed for Olympic Games LA28 (USAC)
Crag Scene
- Dozens of New Sport Climbs Just Opened in Rare Deal With a Timber Company (Maya Silver, Outside)
- Opinion – Kids at the Crag are a Menace. I’m Bringing Them Anyways. (Maya Silver, Outside)
For Managers
- Jul 24: Monument Sports – What to Know About CWA’s Industry Practices (CWA)
- AI-Powered Routesetting Management: ClimbAlong’s SPOT System Puts Route Data at Your Fingertips
(ClimbAlong) - Steps in Preparing for a Crisis (Monument Insurance, CWA)
- ABC and Development Through Challenge Launch Aim 2 Change (ABC Walls)
- UIAA accredits first testing lab in North America (UIAA)
For Routesetters
- Aug 12: Mentoring the Next Generation (online discussion ft. Louie Anderson) (CBJ)
- Wanted: Routesetter Opinions for Grip List and Routesetting Trends 2025 Survey (CBJ)
- Podcast: How the Scientific Method Informs Routesetting – Carly Snidow (Holly Chen)
- AI-Powered Routesetting Management: ClimbAlong’s SPOT System Puts Route Data at Your Fingertips
(ClimbAlong) - Routesetter Olympics Round One – 5 Minute Sets (High Altitude Fitness)
- Gear I Love as a Routesetter (Carter Smith, CWA)
Many of the links above are from third-party sources, and the views expressed at those links do not necessarily represent the views of the CBJ editorial team. We share this content to help readers stay informed about what is happening in the industry and the community of climbing.
