This tight backyard homewall has LOTS of holds, which you would expect since owner Kegan Minock is a professional hold shaper. He’s also a professional routesetter, who lately has been sharing his insights for homewallers. Check out past HWOW here.
When did you build your wall?
It’s been something I have wanted to do for a long time now but ultimately, once the gym that I work at temporarily closed in mid-March, I think I went two weeks and then needed to climb. I built this around the lat week of March/ first week of April.
How long did it take you to build?
I ended up building half of the wall (the right side at 20 degrees) in about 2 days. After climbing on it for a week or so, my step son and I decided we wanted it bigger so I spend another 2 days doubling it’s size (the left wall is 30 degrees).
Not including holds and padding, how much did it cost you to build?
I think it ended up being around $700-$800. I’m sure I could have done it for less but I wanted to make sure it was safe for my family to use.
Did anything in particular inspire your wall design?
Not really. I’m always drawn to gently overhung walls and find one solid angle rather than a multidimensional wall to be more useful. Besides, volumes can help change the angle if I get bored.
What was the most difficult aspect of the design and build?
The design was quite simple but there were some difficulties actually erecting the wall. I ended up building the frame of each wall in my garage. Moving it out to the back yard was actually the most difficult part of the process. There are a ton of great resources out there that can help with wall designs so I was fairly confident throughout my process.
What would you do differently?
I would probably switch my t-nuts to be screw in rather than the 4 prong ones. I knew the screw in ones take longer and are a little bit more expensive and when I built it, I just wanted to climb as quickly as possible. Looking back, I should have taken the time for the screw in t nuts, they are definitely worth it!
What is your favorite aspect?
I think the coolest thing about building this homewall is having a place for my family to climb. My wife used to climb but then faced an injury and hasn’t really wanted to go back to the gym since and my step son occasionally goes to the gym with me. After building the wall, he and I have climbed on it almost every day! It’s really cool watching him figure out his beta and work through a climb. My wife also started climbing again so it has been a great way for us to get active as a family. She said building it was the best idea I’ve ever had!
Any words of wisdom to aspiring homewallers?
Plan your budget accordingly. Many people build these really amazing walls and then realize that holds are the most expensive part of the build. I’ve seen many people just buy the cheapest holds they can find or even try making their own. Many times I see (in my opinion) incredible home walls that leave me uninspired because of the lack of quality holds. Trust me, they are worth the investment. The higher quality shapes and plastic, the more fun you are going to have on your wall.
Do you have any connection to climbing brands or gyms?
Oh man! Well, Rock’n & Jam’n in Centennial, CO has been my gym. On top of that, I am an athlete for Evolv and Crimp Chimps. and finally, I am a freelance hold shaper and currently shape holds for 8 different companies.
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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