What is comp setting all about?
With its introduction to the Olympics in 2020, the sport of climbing has entered the public consciousness like never before. Every day, new climbers are walking into gyms, often with expectations that have been shaped by what they’ve seen on television. More and more routesetters are registering for USAC clinics with the dream of one day setting Nationals. Youth climbing teams are growing. Holds seen on World Cup boulders are making appearances on commercial V2s.
Join us as we talk with Cody Grodzki about what it means to be a competition routesetter in the modern age. We’ll chat about how routesetting departments in commercial gyms can introduce climbers to World-Cup-style setting, and how aspiring competition setters can hone their skills at their home gyms…and beyond!
Setters Only! is a series of free online discussions led by Foxman McCarthy-James and Justin Wright from Vortex Routesetting, with relevant guests from across the industry. The panel-discussion-style sessions include time for interactive Q&As with attendees.
Upcoming Dates:
MAY 13 & JUNE 10
@6PM MT
(Monthly on 2nd Tuesday)
Meet your hosts and guests:
| Practicing the craft of routesetting for nearly 20 years, Cody Grodzki has dedicated his life to professionalizing routesetting, educating other setters, and pushing routeseting concepts in the climbing industry. As an owner of both Boulder Union and Syndicate Routesetting—as well as a USAC Level 5 National Chief Routesetter and USAC National Chief Instructor—Cody has worked on a wide range of projects, from local educational workshops and corporate climbing gym consultation to international athlete training and routesetting for the IFSC World Championships. |  |
| Foxman McCarthy-James is an owner and consultant with Vortex Routesetting. She has brought her background in education into her routesetting career, serving on the CWA Routesetting and Work at Height Committees and teaching routesetting clinics around the country. She is passionate about continuing the conversation on how we can make our industry more welcoming and inclusive. |  |
| Justin Wright is an owner and consultant with Vortex Routesetting. He holds a USAC L4 and has developed routesetting teams across the country. Serving on the CWA’s Routesetting and Work At Height Committees, Justin is committed to helping move the climbing industry forward by developing routesetter education pathways and recommending best practices for volunteer Work At Height standards. |  |
