Harnessing Loyalty Points: Boosting Member Retention and Engagement in Your Gym With Approach

Approach
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Harnessing Loyalty Points: Boosting Member Retention and Engagement in Your Gym With Approach
Gym customer redeeming loyalty points
More common in fitness gyms and other industries, loyalty points programs can benefit climbing gym communities too, and Approach has a quick guide to help gyms get started. (All images courtesy of Approach)
Gyms are always seeking creative ways to encourage members to engage with their business. One strategy gaining traction in the fitness industry and beyond is the use of loyalty points programs. These programs not only incentivize regular attendance but can also foster a sense of community and build a deeper connection between members and the gym. The fun, competitive spirit of the climbing world lends itself incredibly well to the use of Loyalty Points to gamify the gym experience in a positive way. Let’s delve into how loyalty points can serve as powerful tools to enhance member retention and engagement, benefitting gyms and members:

Building Loyalty Through Rewards

Loyalty points systems in climbing gyms could be set up for various actions that contribute to the wellness journey and goals of members. These actions could include:
  1. Attendance: Rewarding members for visiting the gym regularly encourages them to maintain a consistent workout routine.
  2. Achievements: Recognizing milestones, such as reaching a certain number of check-ins or completing certain certifications, helps keep motivation high.
  3. Referrals: Offering points for referring new members can not only boost enrollment but also strengthen the community by encouraging members to share their positive experiences.

Enhancing Member Engagement

Beyond incentivizing behavior, loyalty points can significantly enhance member engagement through:
  • Goal Setting: Members can set goals based on accumulating points, such as earning enough points that they can redeem for gear, gym swag, or whatever else the gym may want to offer.
  • Competition: Introducing leaderboards or friendly competitions based on points can foster a sense of camaraderie among members striving toward common goals.
Loyalty Points tracking in Approach
Loyalty points programs can easily be set up in Approach’s platform, which has a dedicated space for tracking redemptions.

Creating a Sense of Community

Climbing gyms are places where people come together to pursue their passion. Loyalty points programs can strengthen this community aspect by:
  • Rewarding Consistency: Recognizing and rewarding members who consistently contribute to the gym’s community can encourage others to engage more deeply.
  • Improving Feedback Loops: Regularly engaging with members through points updates and rewards notifications helps keep them connected to the gym even when they’re not physically present.
  • Fostering Social Interaction: Integrating points programs with social media platforms allows members to share their progress and achievements, further promoting the gym and encouraging others to join.

Implementing an Effective Loyalty Points Program

For a loyalty points program to be successful, it needs to be:
  • Transparent: Members should be able to easily understand how points are earned and redeemed.
  • Accessible: The program should be easy to participate in, ideally integrated into existing gym management software or apps for seamless tracking.
  • Inclusive: Rewards and redemption options should be structured to ensure everyone feels motivated to participate.

Getting Started With Loyalty Points

Loyalty points programs have emerged as powerful tools for gyms to boost member retention and engagement. By rewarding desired behaviors, enhancing member engagement and fostering a sense of community, these programs not only encourage more interaction but also cultivate lasting relationships between members and their gym. As the climbing industry continues to evolve, gyms that embed loyalty points as an integrated feature of their gym management platform can differentiate themselves with a technology-based solution that enables a supportive environment where members thrive. Not sure where to begin with loyalty points? The team at Approach put together a quick guide with three easy frameworks for a Loyalty Points program, as a starting point for gyms. Download it here: CLICK HERE About Approach's quick Loyalty Points guide  
This story was paid for by the sponsor and does not necessarily represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

Australia Bouldering Hub Started From a “Love for Climbing”

Naomi Stevens
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Australia Bouldering Hub Started From a “Love for Climbing”
The prow inside Adrenaline Vault Cockburn
Adrenaline Vault Cockburn, the business’s second bouldering facility, opened one year ago in Perth, Australia, where multiple new gyms have been opening in recent years, alongside climbing’s boom. (All images courtesy of Adrenaline Vault)

Adrenaline Vault Cockburn Cockburn, Perth, Australia

Specs: The first Adrenaline Vault bouldering gym opened in 2017—in the Belmont suburb of Perth, Australia—but the gym’s roots started taking shape years earlier. “The story of Adrenaline Vault (AV) began over a decade ago, born from a deep passion for climbing,” AV Cockburn Marketing and Engagement Officer Kelton Critchett said of the Belmont gym’s origins. “After years of dedication to the sport, we saw a unique opportunity to share our love for climbing with the community.” Six years later, that love for climbing and the first gym’s success motivated owner Chris Chin to expand the business and open a second location—this time in the Cockburn suburb of Perth—in August 2023.

Trango Holds Pardners
 As the fourth largest city in Australia, Perth is home to several commercial climbing gyms, but not as many further south in the city, where AV Cockburn is located. After observing “significant growth and new housing developments” in Cockburn, the AV leadership team saw an opportunity to expand the gym’s community and create a bouldering hub in the burgeoning suburb. “This timing felt perfect to bring our vision to life in a thriving area,” Critchett explained.
Entering the new Cockburn gym
Critchett described the chosen building for the AV expansion gym as an “ideal canvas” for constructing the gym’s climbing walls—which was handled by ICP, an Australia-based climbing gym and wall builder.
Choosing the gym’s location was a big factor for AV, Critchett said, since they wanted to find a building that would accommodate the bouldering walls, amenities and ambience the team had in mind. “The building’s large, open warehouse space, almost perfectly square, provided an ideal canvas for our climbing walls and amenities,” Critchett said. “It created a space akin to an amphitheater that differed from our Belmont facility and other competitors in the state.” Now one year old, the Cockburn facility features 750 square meters (approx. 8,000 square feet) of climbing wall surface on walls reaching 4.5 meters (14.8 feet). Additional amenities include a boutique weight area and coffee bar. Soon, climbers can expect a Tension Board 2 and a spray wall. AV also offers community nights, group instruction, private lessons and birthday parties.
More bouldering walls and social space at AV Cockburn
In addition to a variety of boulder problems, AV Cockburn also provides space to relax, work and drink coffee.
Walls: ICP Flooring: ICP CRM Software: Capitan Website: adrenalinevault.com.au Instagram: @Adrenaline_Vault In Their Words: “At Adrenaline Vault, our mission is to create an atmosphere where fun and excitement are at the heart of every climb. We believe that bouldering is not just a sport but an experience that brings people together.” – Chris Chin, Adrenaline Vault Cockburn Owner

New Climbing Holds & Volumes: August 2024

Climbing Business Journal
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New Climbing Holds & Volumes: August 2024
As all eyes are on Paris for the Olympic Games, it’s a great time to boost your hold inventory, and our August Grip Report highlights the newest grips from 13 leading companies. Subtle volumes, full hold sets and ergonomic shapes are all featured here. With sport climbing back in the spotlight, get these grips and keep the sets fresh in your gym. BRANDS INCLUDED BELOW: 360Holds – Atomik – AVA Volumes – EP Climbing – Kando – Lama Holds – Morpho – Nicros – Ocelot Grips – RSH Holds – Rustam Climbing – Secret Holds – So iLL
Elevate Climbing Walls

360HOLDS

New from 360Holds: Hero Pockets – Edgy Dishes Distribution by: Bold Climbing

AVA VOLUMES

New from AVA Volumes: Base 10° – Base 15° – Base Zero

EP CLIMBING

New from EP Climbing: Ribbon XS – Ribbon Small – Ribbon Medium – Ribbon Large – Ribbon XL

KANDO

New from Kando: PLW 4 – PLW 5 – Widget Incut – Widget Jug – Widget Crescent North American Distribution by: Solostile Climbing Lab

MORPHO

New from Morpho: Flippers – Beans – Rails – Craters North American Distribution by: Solostile Climbing Lab

RUSTAM CLIMBING

New from Rustam Climbing: Lancet – full series Distribution by: Bold Climbing

ATOMIK

New from Atomik: 2 Pack Left and Right Hand Large Bananas

LAMA HOLDS

New from Lama Holds: Crimp Butterfly 26 (pair)

NICROS

New from Nicros: Column 2

OCELOT GRIPS

New from Ocelot Grips: Fade Slopers

RSH HOLDS

New from RSH Holds: Kirra Set B

SECRET HOLDS

New from Secret Holds: Comp β-Set

SO ILL

New from So iLL: Smooth Matte Family

Submit your latest shapes and products

Each month we publish a list of recent hold, volume, and training gear releases. Brands that self-report using this form will be included for free.

From Garage Workshop to World Stage: eXpression Enters the North American Market

Essential Climbing
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From Garage Workshop to World Stage: eXpression Enters the North American Market
eXpression founder Simon Ravaz in front of his homewall
eXpression has come a long way since being founded by Simon Ravaz—pictured in front of his homewall years ago—in his basement in 2003, eventually rising to the World Cup and Olympic stages and now becoming a household name in the North American industry, too. (All photos courtesy of eXpression)
Simon Ravaz was supposed to become a biology teacher. His life took a very different path, but his chosen career required a similar willingness to experiment. It’s paid off: More than 25 years after Ravaz started climbing, eXpression holds are on gym and competition walls all over the world. The tenured French company started in a basement as a way for Ravaz to keep climbing when the weather made it impossible to get on rock outside. As he continued to innovate and expand the business, eXpression became a mainstay on the world stage, filling orders for World Cup competitions and eventually becoming an official hold producer for the climbing at multiple Olympic Games. Now, with its expansion into the North American market through Essential Climbing, eXpression has capped off a complete transformation.

Humble Beginnings

Ravaz cut his climbing teeth when France’s vast network of climbing gyms was in its early years. When he started teaching climbing at age 18, there were few private climbing gyms—most were owned by schools or local city governments, so even if you happened to be a member, you couldn’t access them on, say, a weekend with crummy weather. A student himself, Ravaz climbed on his town’s public wall and began teaching teenagers to climb, eventually forming a small competitive team that went as far as national-level comps. “It’s always a great moment when you see them beating the fear to climb high,” he says. He took pride in watching team members perform well, although doing so also meant spending hours every weekend at competitions. As he gained experience as a climbing coach, Ravaz had an idea of how to climb more often: He could build a small homewall in his parents’ basement in a small town near Lyon, France’s second-largest city. Luckily, his parents supported the idea. Ravaz drove to the hardware store for supplies and collected some old mats from friends who were school teachers. Equipped with a serviceable wall—so serviceable, in fact, that Chris Sharma and a mutual friend once stopped by for a climbing session—Ravaz began setting a variety of routes up to 7c+/8a. Soon, he encountered his next challenge.
Before getting into the business professionally, Ravaz’s passion for climbing holds was born from experiments to stock his homewall with new grips. (Pictured right to left: Ravaz, Sharma and Renald Quatrehomme at Ravaz’s homewall)
“The holds were so pricey, and I didn’t know where to find them,” he explains, adding that the internet, still in its infancy then, wasn’t much help. Ravaz made a few phone calls to request paper catalogs, sent off a check, and waited for a handful of holds to arrive. Of course, he too was a student at the time, so his funds to buy ready-made holds were limited. Ravaz came up with an in-house method for multiplying his existing supply of holds. He invested in simple hold shapes and purchased some plumbers’ silicone. (His father owned a plumbing company and became his silicone supplier.) Each day, he would add another layer of silicone until he had a usable mold. “It’s for plumbing,” he chuckles, “but I didn’t use it for plumbing! It was not perfect, of course, but it worked.”

World Cup-Worthy?

Ravaz’s first iterations of holds were colorless and transparent, and the holds broke easily if he turned the wrench too far while bolting them into the wall. Eventually, he sourced some foam and created a more sophisticated set of shapes, experimented with pigments, and started to wonder: Could this work become a full-time job? His parents and friends were skeptical and assumed he’d finish his training to become a biology teacher, but Ravaz was captivated by the project. Soon, he set his sights on the 2003 World Cup venue in Valence, in the south of France, for the launch of his line of climbing holds.
The first eXpression holds at the 2003 World Cup in Valence
The debut of the first eXpression holds, at a 2003 World Cup booth in Valence, was a hit among gyms and climbers, ultimately convincing Ravaz to expand the business.
When the competition arrived, Ravaz booked a huge booth to spread out his wares—all manufactured in his parents’ garage—and his first catalog (“It was super old-school!” he laughs). Top climbers were impressed, and soon Ravaz was taking orders for French climbing gyms and a few groups in foreign countries, too. Following that debut, eXpression leveled up: Ravaz moved out of the garage and into an actual workshop, produced another catalog and a greater variety of shapes, and subsequently moved into an even bigger workshop space.
First eXpression workshop
It didn’t take long before Ravaz was scaling his hold operation, moving out of the business’s first workshop (pictured) and into a larger space, making way for the brand’s next innovations.

From Stranger to Staple

eXpression’s customer base liked what it was selling. In Europe, polyester was the fashionable material in the early 2000s, but he played with a variety of elements in his mixes—including glass—to create stronger and lighter holds. “We played a lot, and we did some interesting stuff,” Ravaz remembers. That attitude has been crucial to staying on the cutting edge; continual innovation is how eXpression has remained relevant in an evolving holds market, where the materials and shapes look markedly different than they did two decades ago. As the eXpression brand expanded, so did its partnerships, including with the French Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing (FFME), starting in 2012, and with the IFSC at the World Cup events in Chamonix, beginning in 2016.
eXpression holds at the 2023 World Championships in Bern
Since their first World Cup appearance in 2016, eXpression holds have become a staple on the circuit, powering competitions around the world. (Pictured: Ai Mori competing at the 2023 World Championships in Bern; photo by Arthur Delicque)
One of the brand’s proudest accomplishments is its inclusion on the climbing walls at the Tokyo Olympics. The selection committee chose only four hold brands for the sport climbing competition—an even more stringent process than the World Cup operating procedure. Of course, the 2020 Olympic Games didn’t go as planned for anyone. Ravaz remembers athletes having to stay in their rooms during the postponed competition, but he’s still glad eXpression had a presence at the event. It also paved the way for the brand to be selected for the 2024 Olympics that are currently underway—fittingly, in Paris. [Click here for a France TV video report on eXpression’s journey to the Games in Paris, and what’s in store next for the brand.] In fact, eXpression (again one of only four official hold producers) forged a new line of holds, volumes and macros—the Foxes Dual line—specifically for the Paris Games. “We pushed the quality of the texture, the grip, everything,” says Ravaz.
Unboxing of new eXpression Foxes Dual holds
The new Foxes Dual grips (pictured), crafted for the Paris Olympics, and Resets are two of eXpression’s latest creations that are available in North America at Essential Climbing.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

In addition to the quality of its products, eXpression works to innovate in terms of its carbon footprint. “We’re selling plastic,” Ravaz acknowledges. “It’s not the most durable thing, and not super ecological—I’m aware of this.” In its early years, eXpression was produced only in Europe, then shipped containers and pallets all over the world, costing significant time and energy. Since 2021, though, the brand has begun to expand its production to sites in Asia and North America (with each site producing the same shapes), thereby reducing the energy required to ship its products to their final destinations. The expansion into the North American market first started taking shape when eXpression was selected for the Tokyo Olympics, in 2019. Distribution had to be held up during the first year of the pandemic, but today the brand has offices in the U.S. and Canada and is distributed via Essential Climbing to climbing gyms around the continent.
eXpression grips at the 2023 Grip Showcase in Salt Lake City
eXpression holds have been receiving high praise at industry events stateside, placing second at the Grip Showcase in Salt Lake City last year, for instance.
“It took years,” Ravaz says of the brand’s success in North America. He made a series of visits to the U.S. to meet with customers beginning in 2018, and credits some of eXpression’s popularity to its ubiquitous presence on the World Cup circuit, since climbers need to train on the holds they’ll be seeing in competitions.

“A brand for everyone”

“In the beginning, I was doing everything,” Ravaz recalls. “I was shaping, making the molds, pouring the holds, finishing them, packing, shipping. Now, I have a team.” This growth of the business doesn’t just mean Ravaz does less of the day-to-day operations, although he does still make the final call on whether eXpression will produce a specific hold. It also means he’s working alongside a team of professionals who share his passion for holds and drive to be the best around.
Setting with the new Foxes Dual holds
It’s not too late to get your setting crew’s hands on the new Foxes Dual holds from eXpression that Olympians are about to be climbing on, in Paris!
Every few months, Ravaz and the team meet to develop a list of new ideas, iterate on their current products, and start making product sketches. Despite being a staple in local commercial gyms and producing holds for everyone (from flashy macros to foundational PE jugs), Ravaz and his team also manage to innovate—playing with new dual textures in the Resets line, for example. More than 20 years since it began, eXpression is bigger and better than ever—and it’s also still centered on the ethos Ravaz had in mind when he got his start in climbing. “I never forgot those kids,” Ravaz says of the students he coached in the early days of his career and of his homegrown climbing wall, “and I’ll never forget where I came from.”  
This story was paid for by the sponsor and does not necessarily represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

August 28 Webinar: Supercharge Your Marketing With Personalization

Climbing Business Journal
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August 28 Webinar: Supercharge Your Marketing With Personalization
August 28 Webinar: Supercharge Your Marketing With Personalization

How can I maximize my messaging’s effectiveness?

To capture customers’ attention in today’s world, you need a marketing message that resonates—meeting your customers’ needs with the right message at the right time. Many gyms are now turning to technology to launch personalized marketing campaigns with targeted workflows designed to elicit specific actions, including campaigns focused on member retention, new customer acquisition, increased gym utilization, and more. However, the true magic of personalized marketing is its power to help gyms adapt when their messaging isn’t quite hitting the mark. In this session, Ryan Henrich and Luke Miller of Approach will discuss how dynamic, personalized marketing that can adapt to customer actions can be the secret sauce for skyrocketing a gym’s marketing strategy. This session is intended for managers and marketers who want to grow revenue. Join us Wednesday, August 28th at 11:00am MDT. Hosts Ryan Henrich and Luke Miller from Approach will lead this webinar as part of the ongoing CBJ Climbing Gym Management Series. CBJ Members: RSVP Here for Free Access** Not a Member? Purchase Access Here for $59
Eldorado Climbing

All staff of CBJ members are invited!

**Live webinars are offered as a FREE member benefit to staff of CBJ member businesses at the Biz level and above (check if your employer is a member here). Each staff member must RSVP, although managers can RSVP for multiple staff. On-demand video recordings are available to staff at Plus or Premium member businesses and individual purchasers. Questions about accessing these recordings? Email us at info@climbingbusinessjournal.com. See All CBJ Webinar Recordings Here

Meet your presenters:

Ryan Henrich and Luke Miller join us from Approach, a global climbing gym management software provider. With deep expertise in entrepreneurship, Henrich brings a disciplined and creative approach to supporting business owners and leaders with technology solutions designed to optimize their operations. Miller is an accomplished, passionate sales guide and business consultant with a track record of driving revenue along with client success and happiness across a wide range of industries. approach.app Approach - Ryan Henrich and Luke Miller
 

Climb Insider: packed with Olympics and much more

Climbing Business Journal
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Climb Insider: packed with Olympics and much more
image of climber in competition

Just a few thoughts

What surprised me this week is amount of NON Olympic stuff. Podcasts from setters, coaches, instructors. Articles about climbing’s mental game, sustainability, and popularity. Gym news from two continents. Routesetter education events. And more. This may be our most international newsletter ever. Click your browser’s translate button. But of course we’re all watching Paris. The climbing events begin Monday, and there is A LOT of chatter from all corners of our community. This week’s haul is below, and don’t miss our A-to-Z resource with over 100 links to the top stories and insights from across our sport. See The Freshest Job Posts Here

Community & Culture

Eldorado Climbing

The Olympians

Towards the Olympics

Gym Scene

For Managers

Eldorado Climbing

For Routesetters

Training Tips

Head Routesetting at First Ascent – Climbing Jobs Weekly 2024 August 1

Climbing Business Journal
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Head Routesetting at First Ascent – Climbing Jobs Weekly 2024 August 1
first ascent block 37 CBJ hosts the most active job board for climbing businesses and organizations. Below are the latest posts from this past week…
Head Routesetter First Ascent Climbing & Fitness Chicago, IL “The Head Routesetter will provide an exemplary experience for all who visit First Ascent Block 37  through thoughtful implementation and administration of the routesetting program at these locations. Through their work, the Head Routesetter will help foster the continued growth and development of the climbing community. This requires someone with exceptional initiative, problem-solving skills, routesetting experience, and who is solution-oriented and thrives when working with others. You will report to the Gym Manager. This is a full-time salaried position with benefits.”
OnSite

JOB SEEKER TIPS:

7 Types of Work Burnout and How to Combat It By Robin Madell “The problem with this approach, according to Todd, is that when you say yes to everything, it’s easy to lose sight of what you need and deserve. It also leaves you depleted, since no one can effectively do it all. Todd says it’s important to set boundaries in the workplace and learn how to say no in order to ‘free up space to focus on the work tasks that are most important and most aligned to your skill set, make time for self-care and ultimately avoid exhaustion and burnout.'” Read the full article here

LATEST JOB OPENINGS

See all current jobs // Post your job FT = full time PT = part time
RECENT/TOP JOB POSTS AT CBJ LOCATION TYPE
Front Desk at Ground Up Squamish, BC PT – front desk
Routesetter at Bridges Rock Gym El Cerrito, CA PT – routesetter
Marketing Manager at Whetstone Fort Collins, CO PT – mktg/sales
Head Routesetter at First Ascent Chicago, IL FT – routesetter
Youth Programs Director at Central Rock Gym Randolph, MA FT – coach, instructor, manager, mktg/sales, other
Head Routesetter at Big Island Plymouth, MN FT – routesetter
Head Routesetter at Goat Climbing Gym Hackensack, NJ FT – manager, routesetter
Routesetter and Instructor at Of Rock and Chalk Newmarket, ON PT – coach, routesetter
Performance Coach at Rock and Rope Peterborough, ON FT – coach
Routesetter at Rock and Rope Peterborough, ON FT – routesetter
Youth Program Coordinator at Rock and Rope Peterborough, ON FT – other
Routesetter at Bend Rock Gym Bend, OR PT/FT – routesetter
Youth Program and Teams Coach at BlocHaven Greenville, SC PT – coach
Front Desk at Summit Everett Everett, WA FT – front desk
Head Coach at Bouldering Project Seattle, WA FT – coach
Warehouse Assistant at Butora Lander, WY PT – other
Experiential Designer at Movement Remote FT – mktg/sales

Career Centers of Climbing Industry

NAMETYPELOCATION
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http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pa-ascend.pngASCEND Climbinghttps://www.ascendclimbing.com/ascend-jobsfacilityUSA - OH, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-ascent-studio.pngAscent Studiohttps://ascentstudio.com/employment/facilityUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouldering-project-1.pngBouldering Project (pick location)https://boulderingproject.com/facilityUSA - MN, TX, UT, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ab-calgary-climbing-centre.jpgCalgary Climbing Centrehttps://calgaryclimbing.com/employment/facilityCanada - AB
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/central-rock-gym-1.pngCentral Rock Gymhttps://centralrockgym.com/careers/facilityUSA - CT, FL, MA, NY, RI
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/eldorado-wall-company.pngEldorado Climbinghttps://eldowalls.com/pages/careersproductUSA - CO - Louisville
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/entre-prises.pngEP Climbinghttps://epclimbing.com/na/en/ep-usa-careersproductUSA - OR - Bend
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/everlast.pngEverlast / Kumiki / Groperz / eXpressionhttps://everlastclimbing.com/pages/careersproductUSA - MN
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/il-first-ascent.pngFA Climbinghttps://faclimbing.com/careers/facilityUSA - IL, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/on-guelph-grotto.pngGuelph Grottohttps://www.guelphgrotto.com/careersfacilityCanada - ON - Guelph
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/head-rush.pngHead Rush Technologies // TRUBLUEhttps://trublueclimbing.com/about/careersproductUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/tn-high-point.pngHigh Point Climbing & Fitnesshttps://www.highpointclimbing.com/employmentfacilityUSA - AL, TN
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/impact.pngIMPACThttps://impactclimbing.com/careers/productCanada - ON - Milton
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/on-junction.pngJunction Climbing Centrehttps://www.junctionclimbing.com/employment-opportunitiesfacilityCanada - ON - London
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ma-metrorock.pngMetroRockhttps://metrorock.com/facilityUSA - MA, NY, VT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/momentum-1.pngMomentumhttps://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/df699b76-9e67-4daa-9236-27d597e75dbf/Momentum-LLCfacilityUSA - TX, UT, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/movement-1.pngMovement Gymshttps://movementgyms.com/careers/facilityUSA - CA, CO, IL, MD, OR, TX, VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/olc-architecture.pngOLC Architecturehttps://www.olcdesigns.com/about-us/#teammemberserviceUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/onsite.pngOnSitehttps://www.theonsite.com/careersproductCanada - QC
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/organic.pngOrganic Climbinghttps://organicclimbing.com/pages/employment-opportunitiesproductUSA - PA - Philipsburg
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/va-peak-experiences.pngPeak Experienceshttps://www.peakexperiences.com/employmentfacilityUSA - VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/salon-de-lescalade.pngSalon de l'Escaladehttps://www.salon-escalade.com/vertical-jobs/recruteurs/organizationFrance
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http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ut-the-front.pngThe Fronthttps://thefrontclimbingclub.com/careers/facilityUSA - UT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/the-gravity-vault.pngThe Gravity Vaulthttps://gravityvault.com/careersfacilityUSA - CA, NJ, NY, PA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-the-pad.pngThe Padhttps://www.thepadclimbing.org/employment/facilityUSA - CA, NV
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Utah Competition Seeks Climbers Over 50 Years Old; Q&A with Gym Owner Jeff Compas

John Burgman
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Utah Competition Seeks Climbers Over 50 Years Old; Q&A with Gym Owner Jeff Compas
Climbing at Contact Climbing Gym
Climbing at the upcoming World Senior Games in October—climbing’s debut at the annual event—will include a wide range of age divisions, starting at 50+. (All images courtesy of Contact Climbing Gym)
The Huntsman World Senior Games is a massive, multi-sport event that takes place in St. George, Utah, every year. Inviting athletes 50 years and older to participate and compete, the Senior Games is—according to the Games’ website—“dedicated to being the world leader in active aging.” For the first time ever, this year’s Senior Games, which runs from October 7-19, will feature climbing, with age categories including 50+, 55+, 60+ 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+, 85+, 90+, 95+ and 100+. The climbing events will take place at Contact Climbing Gyn, in St. George. (Editor’s Note: Registration is currently open for anyone wanting to participate; the final registration deadline is September 1; additional details can be found here. If any gym wants to help advertise the Senior Games, this flyer—which also includes a QR Code with additional information—can be printed and posted on windows, near the front desk, etc.)
Rockwerx
 Climbing Business Journal caught up with Contact Climbing’s founder, Jeff Compas, who with his wife, Jenny, were largely responsible for climbing’s inclusion in the Senior Games.

CBJ: Tell me more about the process of getting climbing included in the Senior Games.

COMPAS: The Senior Games are a pretty big deal in town, and it’s kind of hard to miss it when it’s happening. I enjoy running and cycling, and I have friends who compete in the Games. I have considered competing myself—I’m 57—but I am not a really strong cyclist or runner, and I really love climbing the best and thought that it would be great if climbing was an event.
Jenny and Jeff Compas
Jeff (right) and Jenny (left) Compas spearheaded the efforts to get climbing included in the Senior Games and have been handling “the heavy lifting” required to bring the competition together.
So, I called up the headquarters of the Senior Games and asked who I should talk with to see if we could arrange to host a climbing event at Contact Climbing. I spoke with John Rosander, who has been the director of sports for the Senior Games for many years. He invited me to come and pitch to their committee. Excited about the prospects, my wife and I put together a presentation with some pictures of senior athletes crushing it outdoors. We showed competition footage of Olympic athletes. We had some pretty good pictures of some of our more senior members at Contact, and we talked about how we envisioned that we could adapt these events to better suit aging athletes (i.e., no bouldering—potential for joint and bone injuries is much higher in that population).
Trango Holds Pardners
 The committee enjoyed the presentation, but they were skeptical that we’d be able to get people to travel to St. George specifically to participate in a climbing event. I told them I’d do all the heavy lifting, including reaching out to contacts in the climbing industry. I’d organize the event and donate the use of the gym space and the routesetting time. To try to get more support from the community, I did an informal survey on the Climbing Gym Operator Facebook group asking if other gym owners would support us and help advertise, and if they thought their community would participate. I reached out personally to gym owners that I know, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Armed with a little more evidence, I went back to the Senior Games [staff] and shared with them the work I’d done. In the meantime, they had been conversing with people and doing a little research on the sport and they were pretty excited about it. They agreed to give it a go.
Belaying and climbing at Contact
Part of the Compases’ pitch to the organizing committee for the Senior Games involved explaining the ins and outs of climbing and showing how it is a sport for people of all ages, including seniors. (Pictured: Contact member Mark Ondrias watches and belays as another member, Deb Evans, climbs)

What were some of the challenges amid that whole process?

We haven’t really encountered what I would call challenges, though it will be very interesting to see how many people actually participate. There is a big difference between people saying, “Yeah! That sounds awesome!” to actually getting on a plane and coming to St. George, Utah, or driving here from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. We do have a thriving community of retired people in St. George—and we have a number of very strong climbers who are 50+. The trick will be getting them all out. I still think there is much work to be done in a short time to generate interest between now and October. It’s my hope to have more than 50 people participate, but we might end up with 15 or 20. Just as easily, we could end up with 100 or more—it will depend, I think, on if someone in each of those communities latches on and gets their friends to participate.
Contact Climbing Gym exterior
The climbing events at the Senior Games this fall will all take place at Contact, the St. George area’s local climbing gym.

Do you feel like seniors are an underserved community in the climbing industry? Is there anything that you wish the industry would do to cater to that particular demographic?

Under-represented, perhaps. I don’t know that gyms really need to do anything special to serve that population better. Climbing is very gentle and is a great full-body workout. It’s easy on your joints (if you’re on ropes) and is great for you mentally, as well as physically. Most gyms are conscientious about setting routes that provide a wide range of difficulty for climbers no matter where they are in the spectrum, and this [intentionality] serves aging athletes well. Climbing gym communities are generally very welcoming and provide a great place for people of all ages to make friends. The barrier to entry into the sport seems to be mostly unawareness or intimidation. I would bet most seniors have acquaintance with climbing because they saw Free Solo or caught glimpses of Janja Garnbret performing feats of superhuman gymnastic ability. They don’t identify with those things at all. So, if there’s something that we need to do as an industry, it would be mostly around education and awareness that climbing is for everyone, and maybe even especially for aging, active people who want to participate in an engaging, community-focused sport. I’m still trying to crack that nut in our community—I think the potential is great.
Inside Contact Climbing Gym
In addition to top rope and lead climbing, there will also be speed climbing at the Senior Games, which will take place on a one-lane speed route that follows IFSC standards.

Are you going to compete at the Senior Games?

I am going to compete, but I’ll probably do a cycling or triathlon event. In order to get all the routes done that we’ll need for the event, I’ll be routesetting with the team. Usually, when you set the routes, it’s kind of not fair to compete in the event. I guess I could compete in the speed event. But it takes me, like, seven minutes to get to the top of that thing.

Ontario’s Newest Bouldering Gym Opens

Naomi Stevens
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Ontario’s Newest Bouldering Gym Opens
image of the climbers crush climber
The Climbers Crush, Owen Sound’s first climbing gym (pictured), opened in Ontario this month after somewhat of a tumultuous journey that worked out in the end, making the opening “even sweeter,” in the words of co-owner Carlin Val. (All photos courtesy of The Climbers Crush)

The Climbers Crush Owen Sound, Ontario 

Specs: The Climbers Crush, the first commercial climbing gym in the Owen Sound area of Ontario, was opened by Carlin and Deb Val on July 6th. Before the bouldering gym’s opening, the climbing gym closest to Owen Sound had been over an hour and a half drive away. “Selfishly, I wanted [a climbing gym] for myself and my family. But also, I wanted to open it up for my community,” said Carlin, a climber of over 25 years. The journey from idea to actualization ended up being a multi-year process, beginning seven years ago when the Vals started looking for a spot for the new gym.

OnSite
 During the property hunt, most suitable facilities required rezoning, Carlin explained, a process many landlords did not want to go through. Due to the size of Owen Sound, a town with an estimated population of less than 22,000 people, it was difficult to find a building large enough to house their vision. Fortunately, the Vals found a former ink recycling center owned by a landlord who “thought the gym would be really good for the community,” Carlin said. The Val’s initially signed a lease for the space on August 31st, 2023, and the business was rezoned from M2 (Heavy Industrial) to M1 (General Industrial), allowing the gym to operate as a community lifestyle business. “That process took almost a year,” Carlin detailed, “and then 30 days after the city approved it, a local neighbor…put in an appeal and halted us for six months.” Carlin said he and Deb did not want to invest in the leasehold improvements or pay to build the climbing walls until they knew that they would be able to open the business as a climbing gym, noting the delay could have taken up to two years. By the end of February 2024, the appeal was fortunately dropped and zoning was approved. “I was expecting delays, but not such a big one right off the start, before we even got going. But it just makes this time even sweeter,” Carlin said, adding that July 6th was the earliest the gym could have opened.
image of the climbers crush co-owner climbing
Carlin (pictured) celebrates the first hold being bolted on the first route set at The Climbers Crush.
The 6,000–square-foot facility hosts 1,500 square feet of climbing wall surface, spread across a 100-foot-long wall that ends in a beginner-friendly auto belay/top rope zone. The Vals have extra space in the facility for an expansion—which they are planning to pursue after the first 18 months of business, once they’ve had time to assess how things have been going at The Climbers Crush. If the expansion isn’t possible, Carlin still wants to ensure he and Deb can keep the gym going strong, so their alternative plan is to open another business in the remaining space that brings in extra income. In addition to running the gym, Carlin and Deb have also been raising their three children, another job on its own. For other operators managing a family-owned gym with their partner, Carlin advises, “If one person is working at the gym and the other one is maintaining the household and kids and balancing that, just be appreciative for both sides. The person in the gym is working really hard, but so is the person at home covering for the person at the gym.”
image of wall construction
Carlin mentioned having immense gratitude for the local community, especially the volunteers who helped with construction, painting and routesetting.
Walls: Onsite Flooring: Onsite CRM Software: Approach Website: climberscrush.com Instagram: @TheClimbersCrush In Their Words: “I couldn’t have done this without the support from the climbing community. We have had a number of volunteers come and help build the wall, paint, and pretty much get this facility up and running. My main mission with this climbing gym is to build a climbing community; we have already done this, and we haven’t opened yet.” – Carlin Val, Co-Owner of The Climbers Crush

Movement Gyms & Access Fund Raise Over $100k for Climbing Conservation

CBJ Press Release Service
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Movement Gyms & Access Fund Raise Over $100k for Climbing Conservation
movement x access fund

Successful Partnership Results in Over $100,000 for Climbing Conservation and Access Initiatives

Boulder, CO (PRUnderground) July 24th, 2024 – Movement Climbing, Yoga and Fitness, the nation’s largest climbing gym operator, proudly announces the success of its recent partnership with Access Fund, the national advocacy organization dedicated to sustainable access and conservation of climbing environments. This collaboration, which kicked off with a special matching-gift fundraising campaign in June 2024, has resulted in over $100,000 to support the preservation and protection of America’s climbing areas.

In June Movement matched donations made to Access Fund, doubling the impact of every contribution. The funds raised will be used to ensure sustainable climbing access and conserve climbing environments across the country. “Movement’s support during our June 2024 fundraising campaign helped Access Fund connect our message of responsible climbing mentorship with their dedicated membership base around the country,” said Dustin O’Reilly, Access Fund Strategic Partnerships Manager. “The Movement team consistently went above and beyond, building a strong partnership to exceed our campaign fundraising goals and help protect America’s climbing,” Movement Climbing, Yoga and Fitness’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephanie Ko, who spearheaded the matching fund campaign as part of the company’s broader community initiative, Move with Purpose, emphasized the importance of expanding climbing access and preserving climbing areas for future generations. “At Movement, we believe climbing should be accessible to everyone who wishes to experience its transformative effects. By supporting Access Fund, we’re ensuring that these climbing areas remain open for all. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and responsible climbing,” said Ko. The Move with Purpose program focuses on reducing barriers to climbing and promoting environmental stewardship. Through this initiative, Movement not only supports conservation efforts but also fosters a sense of responsibility within the climbing community to protect and preserve natural climbing spaces. The success of the June match fundraising campaign marks the beginning of a strong partnership between Movement and Access Fund. Over the coming year, both organizations will continue to work together to provide climbers with the tools, resources, and education necessary to become advocates for responsible outdoor climbing practices. For more information on Movement’s Move with Purpose program and how to get involved, visit Movement’s Move with Purpose. About Access Fund: Access Fund is a national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Through education, stewardship, and advocacy, Access Fund works to protect America’s climbing areas for current and future generations. About Movement Climbing, Yoga and Fitness Movement is the largest nationwide community of indoor climbing gyms. Every Movement facility is committed to growing the climbing community through a shared vision to empower personal transformation. Movement gyms feature bouldering, top-roping, lead climbing, and amenities like yoga studios, functional fitness, cardio zones, and climbing gear shops. Each facility caters to participants of all abilities – from competitive athletes to weekend adventurers and families. Learn more at Movement Gyms.
CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.
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