Christoph Gabrysch’s spray wall doubles as a training space and warm-up zone for his nearby projects. He designed his wall in Kempton, Germany, to allow for 6 “real moves” alongside a full-sized campus board. Check out past HWOW here.
When did you build your wall? Was it a COVID baby?
Planning started in March 2019 and the set up began in April. Yes, it was a COVID baby 🙂 My wife and I wanted something to train on and we had some space in our basement.
How long did it take you to build and what did that time look like?
I was lucky to have the support of a friend who is a carpenter and owns all the equipment and tools. On top of that, I work as a gym operator and also built some bigger bouldering walls back in the day.
So in total we only needed two days for the scaffolding and the panels. Finishing the wall (attaching final panels and electricity) did take about five evenings more.
Not including holds and padding, how much did it cost you to build? Any surprises there?
Approximately 1000€ / 1215 USD. No real surprises, but it turned out way cheaper than expected!
What are you doing for padding?
I got some original padding from an old climbing facility which was torn down during the pandemic.
What was your primary incentive for the wall? Did anything in particular inspire your wall design?
I just wanted to have a place for real old-school, basement bouldering with small grips and hard moves. On top of that, it’s the perfect place to warm up for a trip to the nearby rocks (25min drive) with hard projects and no warm-ups. The wall design was inspired by the room. It’s a 30-degree angle.
What was the most difficult aspect of the design and build?
The most difficult was getting all the panels into the basement and over the stairs 🙂
What would you do differently?
Actually nothing. I’m pretty happy with the wall.
Did you make any mistakes along the way or choose to re-do any aspects? If so, what?
No. Several nights planning the wall helped avoid that.
What is your favorite aspect?
To have the opportunity to train and climb whenever I want since the wall is just some steps away.
How often do you use the wall? Do you think you’ll still use it as much when the gyms fully open back up?
I use it 1-2 times a week. But friends use the wall pretty much every day to train. Absolutely! Like I said before, it’s the best place for warm up and a quick evening session.
Any words of wisdom to aspiring homewallers?
Build as big as you can! For me, a homewall has to provide at least 6 “real” moves.
Do you have any connection to climbing brands or gyms?
Yes. I’m “friends” with Red Chili… ambassador status. I’m also the operator of the climbing gym in my hometown: DAV Swoboda Alpin.
Want us to consider your woodie for a future Homewall of the Week? Submit your homewall here to be considered. Winners get a $100 giftcard to Atomik to pick out some goodies for their homewall. Thanks Kenny!
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