A fun side hustle, or a career? Lots of climbers want to become routesetters, but once they get a peek behind that curtain, the work might not seem as glamorous as they originally thought. Is routesetting a sustainable career? Why are so many experienced routesetters leaving the industry? What can we do to keep the profession going (and growing)?
This month we’re talking with Kenny Benson and Morgan Young about what it means to be a professional routesetter, and how we can keep moving forward.
FREE ONLINE DISCUSSION
NOVEMBER 12TH @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:
DECEMBER 10 & JANUARY 14
@6PM MT
(Monthly on 2nd Tuesday)
Meet your hosts and guests:
| Kenny Benson holds a USAC L4, has over a decade of full-time commercial setting experience, and was recently promoted to Routesetting Director for Momentum. His career has spanned setting at local, regional and divisional events to working on Youth Sport and Bouldering National Championships, Collegiate and Para National Championships, and two IFSC Para World Cups. In a field that is physically demanding and rapidly evolving, he has been focused on staying adaptable—both in his setting work and his approach to longevity in the industry. He believes with age comes the challenge of maintaining the same level of performance, but also the opportunity to lean into experience, strategy and creativity to continue contributing meaningfully to your setting teams. |  |
| Morgan Young is the Head Setter at Seattle Bouldering Project, a role he has held across multiple gyms for 15 years. |  |
| 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. |  |
Climbing Business Journal is an independent news outlet dedicated to covering the indoor climbing industry. Here you will find the latest coverage of climbing industry news, gym developments, industry best practices, risk management, climbing competitions, youth coaching and routesetting. Have an article idea? CBJ loves to hear from readers like you!
