This week’s CBJ Homewall of the Week may have the most beautiful scenery we’ve ever seen for a homewall, although it’s a pretty simple build. Despite living in the climbing mecca of Bishop, Carlos Tkacz finds a homewall has still been a great investment for that uber-convenient sesh. See past homewalls here.
How long did the wall take you to build?
The wall took somewhere between 8-12 hours to build over the course of two days. I added a kickboard later, on the third day. The wall has been a lifesaver, especially since they closed the local gym and the climbing areas. Having the wall has made quarantine a fair bit easier to handle.
Not including holds and padding, how much did it cost you to build?
For lumber and screws, I spent around $250.
Did anything in particular inspire your wall design?
I learned to climb in Bakersfield, CA, which does not have a decent modern gym. Back then, my dad helped me build a freestanding training wall in the back yard (he is a carpenter). I used that same design to build this wall.
What was the most difficult aspect of the design and build?
At first, I built the whole thing without a kickboard and then decided that I wanted one. Figuring out how to add one on, without taking away from the length of the board, was the hardest part for me.
What would you do differently?
If had a chance to do it over, I would have planned the kickboard from the beginning. Adding it later was such a pain.
What is your favorite aspect?
I think my favorite aspects are the angle – we set ours at 45 degrees, and its a great angle to train – and the accessibility. It’s nice being able to just walk into our front yard and get after it. Also, the view isn’t bad, and it’s never crowded!
Any words of wisdom to aspiring homewallers?
If I had any words of wisdom, I would say just go for it! It isn’t as hard nor as expensive as most people think. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you see online with a design you like and ask for design specs. Also, having a Moon, Tension, or Kilter board is awesome, but don’t be discouraged if those are too expensive. A lot of hold companies are offering discounts right now, and, in times like these, having any wall is better than no wall!
Want us to consider your woodie for a future Homewall of the Week? Submit your homewall here to be considered. If yours is chosen you’ll win a prize pack like this (varied prizes each week):
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