Just a few thoughts

Heavy news and perspectives from peer media outlets across the pond. Staffing of climbing gyms has become a hot topic since the pandemic, and this week has related news from some of the largest climbing gym chains in the world. Also below a couple reports from the ABC Conference, data talk, and inspo for setters and shapers.

Community & Culture

• First strike in Arkose’s history (Matthew Amaré, Vertige Media)
• From 300 to 2,000 subscribers: at Movement, the subscriber revolt is gaining momentum (Pierre-Gaël Pasquiou, Vertige Media)
• Climbing District changes direction amid financial difficulties (Pierre-Gaël Pasquiou, Vertige Media)
• Diary of a climbing gym receptionist who hates you, but cordially (Matthew Amaré, Vertige Media)
• In the face of depression, climbing enters the therapeutic field (Pierre-Gaël Pasquiou, Vertige Media)
• The era of connected rooms (Laurence Guyon, Grimper)

Comp Scene

• World Climbing Unveils 2027 International Competition Calendar (World Climbing / IFSC)
• CEC Launches Competition & Events Strategy Task Force – Call for Applications (Christiane Marceau, CEC)
• CEC Announces 2026/27 Athlete Assistance Program Carding Nominations (Kraig Devlin, CEC)

ABC Conference

• Association of British Climbing Walls Summit Re-Cap – A Change in tone (Gavin Heverly, Rise Above Consulting)
• ABC Conference 2026 – A 40-year Old Industry Still Finding Its Feet (Euro Climbing News)

For Managers

• Oct 26-30: Canadian Industry Conference and Certification Summit (CWA)
• 30 New Climbing Products and Services for Fall 2026 (CBJ)
• Climbing Gym Data and What Actions to Take #1 — The Seasonality Myth (Gavin Heverly, Rise Above Consulting)
• How to Open a Thriving Climbing Gym: Key Launch Steps and How Clava Democratizes Gym Management (CBJ)
• 2026 Outdoor Holiday Report Executive Summary (OIA)

For Routesetters

• Video: Behind the Shape – From Idea to Climbing Hold – Shapers Showdown 2026 (Walltopia)
• Video: Setting Oldschool comp boulders at Londons oldest gym (Beta Routesetting)
• Video: Yonder Cream Comp Vlog (Beta Routesetting)

Training Tips

• Want to Get Better at Bouldering? Try the First Move 4 Different Ways. (Tom Randall, Climbing-dot-com)
• Half of Aging Is Optional – The Secrets to Lasting Strength and Peak Performance After 35 (PhysiVāntage)

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.