Does anyone really know what grades are? If you think the answer to that question is yes, you may want to reconsider. Many routesetting experts would argue the answer is no, and will always be no.
But…there are productive ways to talk about grades, both within your routesetting teams and with your community at large. Join us as we chat with Flannery Shay-Nemirow and Tonde Katiyo about how best to approach this juggernaut of a topic in a way that sets us up for success rather than strife.
DECEMBER 10
@6PM MT
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:
JANUARY 14 & FEBRUARY 11
@6PM MT
(Monthly on 2nd Tuesday)
Meet your hosts and guests:
| Flannery Shay-Nemirow has been setting for over a decade and climbing for 20+ years. In that time, they have set all over the U.S. and Canada, everything from opening sets to clinics to the commercial grind. Now, they’re a USAC Level 4 setter and clinic instructor and just recently became an IFSC Level 3 setter. Currently they live in Tucson, Arizona, where they’re always looking for freelancing jobs to get out of the summer heat. |  |
| Tonde Katiyo began setting in 1995 and has set for national and international competitions all over the world, in addition to commercial gym work. He has been one of the profession’s great thought leaders and has been a vocal proponent of the RIC scale as well as other routesetting workplace advancements. He’s currently contributing to the Australian setting scene where he lives with his family. |  |
| 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. |  |
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