Just a few thoughts

For much of the Northern Hemisphere, “sendtember” is rock season. Crags and boulders can be packed, and climbers get to enjoy the typically great conditions of fall. This year, news from the top, where federal land managers are setting new rules, and those opposed are staging their fight. You’ll find that below, as well as a cool video showing how much work goes into those trail rock steps we can take for granted.

And… routesetters of the world, please vote in this year’s Grip List Survey!

See The Freshest Job Posts Here

Community & Culture

By Sep 30: Vertical-Life Photo Contest 2026 – The Aesthetics of Indoor Climbing (Vertical-Life)
Mellow announces the second edition of its international climbing video competition (Alexis Piguel, Grimper)
Working in climbing – passion still doesn’t pay the rent (Vertige Media)

Comp Scene

Sep 4-5: World Climbing Series Koper 2026 (World Climbing / IFSC)
World Climbing Para Series Laval 2026 Recap (USAC)
Summer Send-Off 2026 — Sender One’s Annual End-Of-Summer Bash (CBJ)
USA Team Trials & Executive Director Updates (USA Ice Climbing)
Registration is Open for the 26-27 Season (ASCL)

Crag Scene

Access Fund Sues Trump Administration For Reduction of Bears Ears National Monument (Access Fund)
As Forest Service Rescinds Roadless Rule, the Agency Also Looks to Open Up More Land for Motorized Recreation (Outdoor Alliance)
Outdoor Alliance releases Public Lands at Risk report (Outdoor Alliance)
Piolets d’Or 2026 announces ‘big list’ of last year’s most significant ascents (Planet Mountain)
Video: How hiking trails are made (HowNOT2)

Industry Scene

All About the CWA Canadian Industry Conference (CWA)
Talking to Retailers at OR – Business Is Better Than the Headlines Suggest (Tiffany Montgomery, Shop-Eat-Surf-Outdoor)
Outdoor Industry Association Announces New Hires to Strengthen Leadership Team, Deepen Support for Members and Industry (OIA)

For Managers

For Routesetters

Sep 16-18: Para Routesetting Clinic in Chicago (USAC)
Stuck Hold Decision Flowchart (CWA)
Video: Shanghai Vlog #2 – Route setting in Banana CLimbing in January 2026 (Beta Routesetting)
Podcast: WC Routesetter’s Roundtable (Testpiece Climbing)

Training Tips

Train Smarter, Climb Harder, and Staying in the Game – Despite A Busy Life…and Getting Older (Eric Hörst, PhysiVāntage)
Lattice Training Now Available at Bold Climbing

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.