Just a few thoughts

Climbing wall have long been a feature at schools and rec centers. But is there a new era coming? A few perspectives below. Plus some routesetting conversations, another nice tactics video from Roy, and a homewall to envy.

Community & Culture

• An Electrical Accident Destroyed My Hands. Relearning How to Climb Was a Gift. (Melissa Strong, Climbing-dot-com)
• The Ascent Will be Televised (Andrew Bisharat, Evening Sends)
• Video: Board Climbing With a Hold-Making Legend (Wedge Climbing)

Comp Scene

• USA High School National Rankings 2026 (ASCL)
• Rab CWIF 2026 – Round-Up (the last one ever!) (Rob Greenwood, UK Climbing)
• GB Paraclimbing Team Announced for 2026 Season (BMC)
• World Climbing Welcomes ACF (World Climbing / IFSC)
• Video: 2026 Nationals at Flowstate Bouldering Philippines (Walltopia)

Industry Scene

• Strike at Climb Up – in Aubervilliers, the fight continues (Matthew Amaré, Vertige Media)
• Is this the end of the outdoor boom in the United States? (Matthew Amaré, Vertige Media)
• Dates Announced for 7th Edition (Salon de l’Escalade)

For Managers

• How Climbing Walls Build Inclusive Campus Communities (Elevate Climbing Walls)
• Why Climbing Walls Are Becoming a Cornerstone of Modern Recreation Facilities (Walltopia, Athletic Business)
• The opening of an indoor climbing gym – between the pleasure of climbing and commercial strategy (Laurence Guyon, La Fabrique Verticale)

For Routesetters

• Podcast: Creative Ego: The Good and The Bad – Zuoyi Phang (Holly Chen, CBJ)
• Podcast: Sweden is great! (Beta Routesetting)
• When does a climb stop being yours? (The Movement Routesetting)
• Video: The Tasteful Art of Routesetting – Changing Corners (Roy Quanstrom, Trango)

Training Tips

• Podcast: Tyler Nelson – Building Strong Shoulders, Doing The Right Amount Of Work, and The Problem With Prehab (The Testpiece)
• Podcast: Why Climbers Are So Anxious About Food –  And What to Do About It (Neely Quinn, TrainingBeta)
• A Smarter Way To Build Stronger Fingers – New Research On Tendon Training For Climbers (PhysiVāntage)
• Video: Ultimate A2 Pulley Injury Recovery Guide (Hooper’s Beta)

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.