Wanted: Routesetter Opinions for Grip List 2024 Survey and Routesetting Trends

2024 Grip List Survey It’s that time of year again! Since 2014, the annual CBJ Grip List survey has provided insights into the top climbing hold and volume brands from around the world. This year’s survey is open to all commercial and competition routesetters. Thank you Butora USA for contributing a prize!

New This Year: Routesetting Trends

This year we’ve added questions about routesetting—movement trends, equipment use, safety procedures,  and more—to help inform an updated Routesetting Trends article for 2024. To add a bit of incentive, we’re giving away your choice of impact driver! VOTE HERE BY JULY 31 For additional resources and research about climbing holds, check out these CBJ articles and resources: PRIOR GRIP LIST AWARDS 2023202220212020201920182017201620152014

24-Hour Bouldering Gym to Open in South Knoxville, Tennessee

image of climbing roots
Inspired in part by a visit to VITAL Carlsbad, Climbing Roots is coming soon to Knoxville, Tennessee, and will feature 24-hour access, two floors of bouldering, and a crack climbing wall. (All Vertical Solutions renderings courtesy of Climbing Roots Bouldering)

Climbing Roots Bouldering Knoxville, Tennessee

Specs: A bouldering gym founded by Lindsay and Nathan Runne is expected to open in Knoxville, Tennessee, in November 2024. “Over ten years ago, I walked into the VITAL bouldering gym in Carlsbad, California, and loved their vibe and the 24-hour-access feature,” Lindsay shared. “I fell in love with the idea of opening a gym with that style and that feel.” Flash forward to February 2023 and Lindsay’s dream of starting her own bouldering gym began to take shape when a friend—who happens to own the building in which Climbing Roots will reside—asked if she wanted to own a climbing gym. “I just looked at him and said, ‘Yes, of course I do,’” Lindsay recalled, and since then she has been working to make it happen. According to Lindsay, the climbing community in the Knoxville area has been growing alongside the sport’s increased popularity in recent years. “We are riding on the wave of excitement…The current gyms are doing a wonderful job with their programs,” she said, while noting capacity limitations. “The Knoxville community is in need of a new climbing gym.”
Trango Holds Pardners
Climbing Roots is under construction in a preexisting building in Baker Creek Bottoms, a large complex at the base of a bike park that’s less than five minutes from where the owners reside. The building complex is also home to several other businesses, such as a restaurant, brewery and apothecary. “South Knoxville has the market for a climbing gym,” Lindsay said of the area. “People want it, and we are excited to provide it. It is something we would want in this location anyway. Now we get to make it exactly how we have dreamed it for so many years.” The 14,000-square-foot facility will feature 18-foot climbing walls and around 6,000 square feet of climbing surface. In having a mix of climbing offerings—from easier climbs to training on multiple training boards, spray walls, and a cave bouldering area—the Runnes hope the gym will cater to climbers of all skill levels. Climbing Roots Bouldering will also feature “plenty of hang out space,” Lindsay said, in addition to 24-hour-access membership options.
image of climbing roots training boards
“We want everyone to feel welcome, so there will be plenty of beginner to intermediate-friendly climbs, but we are going to focus heavily on training as well,” said Lindsay, referring to the cave climbing feature and multiple training boards that are planned for the gym.
For other operators looking to open a climbing facility in 2024, Lindsay recommended developers plan in enough time to “shop around [when making purchasing decisions] even though it takes more work,” while staying grounded and maintaining reasonable expectations for the gym’s design. “Keep plugging along,” Lindsay added, “because the climbing community is growing in an exciting way!” Walls: Vertical Solutions Flooring: Vertical Solutions CRM Software: Approach Website: N/A Instagram: @climbing.roots In Their Words: “Everything takes longer than I would hope. I am not a businesswoman; I don’t have any experience opening a business. It has been a big learning curve, but I have loved learning as I go. I have overcome the challenges of being in the business world as a woman with support from other businesswomen and taking it one step at a time. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the steps, but I tried to just look at what was in front of me and not get ahead of myself.” – Lindsay Runne, Co-Owner and Founder of Climbing Roots Bouldering

Titan: The Wall To Conquer

image of portland rock gym titan wall

EP Climbing is thrilled to announce the launch of our new YouTube mini-series, released on July 4th.  This five episode series, offers an in-depth look at the world of climbing through the lens of the Titan Wall.

The Titan is a bouldering wall created by EP Climbing in collaboration with the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) as the first standard bouldering competition wall.  Designed to inspire the creativity of route setters and challenge climbers, the TITAN offers a remarkable variety of angles and terrain.

The Titan made it’s debut at the World Championships in Bern 2023, and travelled to the IFSC Asian Olympic Qualifier, Indonesia and the Pan American Games in Chile.  The Titan will also premiere at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.

Link to Titan web page: TITAN Boulder | EP Climbing

Series Highlights Include:

Designing of the Titan:  Go behind the scenes to see how the Titan wall was brought to life.  Meet the team of designers and learn about their vision and goals that drove its design.

Revolutionizing Climbing Competitions: Discover how the Titan is changing the game in climbing competitions, introducing new challenges and excitement for climbers and spectators alike.

Routesetting on the Titan:  Gain insights from route setters about their creative process and unique experiences working with the Titan

Climbing on the Titan: Listen to climbers share their personal stories about climbing on this iconic wall.

Watch the Series: YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHGxF6Q1k8GjdY44P0X-oPxABKZvO6LFF

Where can you find the Titan: Tata Steal, India Natural Climb, Spain The Climbing Lab, UK Climbpro Center, Spain Parthian Wandsworth, UK Boulder Indoor, Spain Wyn Skillpark, Switzerland Portland Rock Gym, USA Climbing Mulhouse Centre, France Roch Bihan, France World Championships Bern 2023 IFSC Asian Olympic Qualifier, Indonesia Pan American Games, Chile Training Center, Saudi Arabia Federation Team Delta Rovers Titan, Malaysia Olympic Games, France 2024

For More Information:  Allison Justice – a.justice@epclimbing.com


CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

Trango Signs Climbing Icon Ben Rueck to Elite Team

image of ben rueck Trango, the Colorado-based designer and manufacturer of premier climbing gear and holds, proudly announces the addition of Ben Rueck to its Elite Athlete Team. Rueck joins Jesse Grupper, Kevin Jorgeson, and Drew Ruana on the team. He is a member of Team Tenaya, with Trango serving as the exclusive US distributor for Tenaya footwear. With over two decades of climbing experience, Rueck is renowned for his mastery across various climbing disciplines and his ability to push the sport’s boundaries on diverse rock types. “I fell in love with climbing because it transcends physicality—it’s a unique lens to experience and understand the world,” says Rueck. “My proudest achievement is honing skills across different rock types, from cracks and trad climbing to bouldering and sport climbing.” Rueck selected Trango and Tenaya as partners due to their commitment to providing equipment for versatile climbers like himself. “Trango and Tenaya produce top-tier gear that suits my varied interests, from bouldering and big walls to gym climbing,” explains Rueck. “Their cams and draws are intelligently designed, lightweight, and facilitate easy placements and planning. Tenaya shoes offer an exceptional fit, combining versatility and performance, allowing me to pack just one or two pairs for extensive climbing trips or challenging days on the rocks.” Rueck’s essential gear includes the Tenaya Indalo and Mastia climbing shoes, along with the Trango Prism Harness. image of ben rueck Rueck highlights Trango’s dedication to sustainability, lightweight equipment solutions, and community focus as pivotal in his decision to partner with the brand. “The new alpine quickdraws and quantum carabiners have significantly reduced weight on my trad rack,” says Rueck. “With Trango, light is right, without compromising on safety and durability.” Having overcome injury and surgery, Rueck eagerly anticipates returning to climbing. “I’m driven by exploration and creativity,” he asserts. “I look forward to the collaborations ahead with Trango and Tenaya, and I’m honored to represent these brands as part of the team.” Chris Klinke, president of Trango, is pleased to welcome Ben to the team. “At Trango, we pride ourselves on working with athletes who not only excel at their craft but also help build and support the community,” says Klinke. “Ben is as comfortable opening a new multi-pitch crack climb in the desert as he is mentoring new climbers in the gym. His dedication to the sport embodies the values of Trango and Tenaya.” About Trango Founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1991, Trango is an athlete-driven brand, dedicated to challenging the status quo of climbing and to advancing indoor gym technology. In addition to designing and producing premier climbing equipment, Trango is the sole US distributor for Tenaya climbing shoes. At Trango, we create innovative equipment that climbers trust. Our company is passionate about solution-oriented products that help climbers pursue the sport we love. You can count on Trango gear to deliver something extra, something special, that will contribute to your climbing adventure, indoors or out. 
CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

On Eye-Pro, Ugly Boulders, and Influencers – CBJ Podcast with Kegan Minock

header image for kegan minock podcast
Graphic done by Climbing Business Journal; all photos courtesy of Kegan Minock

Kegan Minock is the Gym Director and Head Routesetter at Gripstone Climbing in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Having gotten his start in the industry through the youth competition scene, Kegan began setting at Lifetime Fitness at the age of 17 before transitioning into setting at commercial facilities and becoming a USAC Level 4 routesetter. His industry career thus far has spanned leading routesetting at the iconic 90s gym ROCK’n & JAM’n to shaping holds of his own for setters. Our conversation today covers industry growing pains, what it means to be a professional routesetter, the evolution of the trade, the ethics of unpaid work, and the effects of social media on routesetting.

Thank you Approach and Bold Climbing for your support! And thank you Devin Dabney for your music!

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro 04:37 – Definition of a professional routesetter 12:54 – Definition of a recreational routesetter 17:19 – From volunteering to a career 19:29 – Thoughts on volunteer positions 22:33 – Travel expenses of guest setting 24:35 – Current state of routesetting professionalization 33:27 – A word from our sponsors 34:10 – Effect of social media on setting 41:10 – Influencer behavior 46:18 – Routesetting misconceptions 54:20 – Sustainability of routesetting 56:18 – Grading 01:00:31 – Climbing strengths 01:05:04 – Closing
Bold Climbing

Abridged Transcript

…Can you define for me what you think is a professional routesetter nowadays?

I think that’s the hardest question. I’ve been struggling to answer that question for a while. The dictionary defines a professional as “someone who is engaged in a specified activity as one’s main paid occupation.” And to that point, I don’t think that many routesetters would be considered professional. I mean, me specifically, I’m the head routesetter of a commercial climbing gym, but that’s only half my time, that’s not my main [income] source. I also am the gym director. We have another setter who’s been at my gym, who’s been setting for over 30 years. He’s an insanely decorated, talented routesetter, but he’s only doing it 20 hours a week. So, at that capacity, we’re not professional routesetters. So, it’s a hard question to answer. What is professional? I don’t think that you have to work in a commercial climbing gym to be a professional setter. There’s plenty of freelance routesetters out there that have put in their time, that have set national events that I would consider to be a professional routesetter. But then that also goes back into the paradox of what I think a professional routesetter is…I unfortunately don’t have a good answer for what a professional routesetter is. You’ll know one when you see one, you’ll know one when you meet one, I think that’s as best [a description] as I can give you.

…With the setting industry being relatively young and still going through some growing pains, do you think a recreational routesetter exists out there? Like, if you set on a homewall, for example?

Yeah, that’s actually where my mind immediately went to. Absolutely, I do think that—and this is, again, not to be derogatory to anybody—homewall routesetters are recreational routesetters. I don’t think I would consider anybody who only sets on homewalls to be a professional routesetter.
image of kegan minock shaping
Well-known as a routesetter and hold shaper, Kegan has seen new holds go from a raw idea to an on-the-wall creation. (Learn more about Kegan’s hold shaping here.)

…What are some of the leaps that the industry has made to go from “most setters are volunteers and unpaid” to now “people can consider this as a profession that they can pursue for hopefully a long time”?

The biggest thing has just been the acceptance that it is skilled labor. So, I think just the whole idea that the industry has recognized that this is an important aspect of indoor climbing. I would argue, biasedly, it’s the most important aspect of indoor climbing. Without routesetters, you don’t have a product in your gym. So, I think that it is something that has been getting a lot better, where people are accepting it as a career path, not just something fun to do, or something that I can just get a free membership at a gym for…

…I know unpaid routesetters are potentially still out there, but my question for you is, should they stay? Should unpaid volunteer positions stay?

Ooh, that’s a tough question…Maybe this is a controversial opinion, I don’t know. I don’t think that it is the responsibility of the industry as a whole to tell small gyms how to operate. If volunteer setter positions make sense for them, that’s what they can make work, and the person who’s going to be doing the setting doesn’t feel taken advantage of, go for it. But I would also argue that if you are one of those gyms where it’s like, “Yeah, we trade for a membership,” I would argue to at least consider what that does to the industry. It might help your gym out, if you’re a small gym that doesn’t really have a budget to have a routesetting program. I get it, you know, co-ops, things like that. But also consider that that could be a detrimental thing to the industry, if it kind of devalues what we do a little bit. I know there’s people that get pretty upset about that, actually…
Rockwerx
I would argue that if you’re the gym that is trying to get a guest setter to come in and do volunteer work, essentially—if you’re not getting paid, it’s volunteer work—just don’t do that. Like, you’re going to get what you pay for, and if you’re not paying for anything, you’re not going to get anything. If you want quality routes, if you’re reaching out to me—the proverbial me, not Kegan, me—if you’re reaching out to me because you want me to routeset in your facility, that means that you know that I can give you a product you want in your facility….If you’re good at something, never do it for free. You know, that’s one of my big things. Routesetters, stop volunteering your time.

…I agree with that, I definitely do. Because I think it allows a lot of people, especially routesetters in the marginalized communities—maybe you’re the only girl in that region who routesets, or if you’re from the queer community, black and brown community—I feel like those people often get taken advantage of the most in those situations. And I hate to see it, and I just want it to stop. Like, pay people for their talents, pay people for their time. You’re asking them to go for a reason, exactly what you said. You’re asking them because they can provide you with something you don’t have. Why are you not paying them?

Exactly.

Where do you think the routesetting industry currently stands in terms of professionalization right now?…

A lot better than we were ten years ago, but we still have a long ways to go. There’s a lot of things setters do that they need to stop doing. There’s also some things that I think that gyms kind of perpetuate with that as well, that gyms need to stop doing, that’s going to help the professionalization of it. Here’s a deep rabbit hole for this: Stop posting videos of you climbing in tennis shoes…Similarly, stop posting videos and photos of you setting without the proper safety gear…Stop posting videos of you doing dangerous things…
Atomik Climbing Holds

How do you think the presence of social media is affecting the industry now?

Here’s my controversial opinion: I think it’s affecting it in a very negative way. There are some positives to it. It’s a great tool for inspiration. If you’re setting your ninth boulder of the day and you’re just like, “Dude, I got nothing, all my ideas are on the wall already,” it’s a very cool tool to be able to look through, like, “Alright, let me check all the boulders that I saved on social media, draw some inspiration from that…” Maybe this is just me being old and grumpy of like, “Oh, that’s not climbing,” but it’s not representative of—if you’re a commercial routesetter—what the majority of your clientele are doing. I think it’s really easy to set a boulder using these big, beautiful macros. Absolutely no hate on climbing holds. I love climbing holds way too much, especially all this new stuff. I mean, I love climbing holds. They’re fun. They’re great. But it’s very easy to set an Instagram-worthy boulder when you have $5000 to $10,000 of fiberglass that you can just put in a compression line and now you’re just doing left, right, left, right, left, right—not really climbing moves on the wall, but it’s going to look nice on social media. People are going to like it, I’m going to get recognition on social media for this boulder that honestly doesn’t climb very good. It looks good, but it doesn’t climb very good…
image of kegan minock climbing
Kegan—pictured climbing on The Nickness in Newlin Creek—still finds time to take a break from all the routesetting and pull on rock outside.

What do you think is one of the major misconceptions about the routesetting industry as believed by the climbing community or the non-routesetting community as a whole?

The big one for me is that it blows people’s minds when I tell them that I was not able to climb one of my climbs. They’re like, “What? You set it. You weren’t able to climb it?” I’m like, “No, dude, it’s really hard. It’s really hard.” [laughs] I’m not this person that’s going to flash everything in a gym. It’s hard. And I think that misconception is kind of a remnant of the old routesetting days where generally it was the strongest people in the gym that were setting the routes. So, you have people where it’s like, “Oh, well, if the setter can’t climb it, nobody else is going to climb it. They’re the strongest people here.” But I think that’s changed in a positive way; I think that the emphasis on setters has been more placed on understanding movement rather than being able to pull hard…

Just because you don’t think you’re strong enough does not mean that you’re not good enough to be a routesetter. This is a whole other rant to get into, but there’s a difference between being a strong climber and being a good climber. And I think good climbers make the best setters. If you can understand movement, if you can understand, “My body needs to be here, not here. I need to drop my knee a little bit farther because it shifts my center of gravity over just enough to be able to weight this hold, to do this move”—if you can understand that, rather than, “I don’t know, I just squeeze harder and then I grab the hold,” you are so much more valuable as a routesetter. So no, routesetters do not need to be able to climb their own climbs…

Climb Insider: setter pods, why add climbing, Olympics

image of climber in competition

Just a few thoughts

A couple nice articles below about how climbing walls can improve your space. Routesetters get a few podcasts, and lots of new shapes to dream about. And of course, more from the Paris Games – athletes, movements, nutrition, and more. The torch went on a skimo outing. Last but not least, congrats to the hundreds of athletes who competed USAC Youth Nationals last week (results). Missed last week’s Insider on July 4th? It was a big one, you can catch up here. See The Freshest Job Posts Here

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Kodiak Becomes Official Partner of USA Climbing

usa climbing spraywall header

Kodiak Will Also Add Soon-to-Be Olympian, Natalia Grossman to its Roster of Signed Athletes

PARK CITY, Utah, July 11, 2024 / Kodiak, renowned for its high-protein, whole grain breakfast products, today announced it is now the official Breakfast and Bars Sponsor of USA Climbing. With products packed with ingredients that Feed Epic Days and Wilder Lives, Kodiak will support these world-class athletes by fueling them for every epic adventure.

With missions that align perfectly, Kodiak will work together with USA Climbing in its efforts to support the well-being, development, and competitive excellence of athletes, as it advances the accessibility and growth of the climbing community nationwide.

“It is such an honor to be an official sponsor of USA Climbing,” said Cory Bayers, CMO of Kodiak. “Epic comes in so many different forms and these athletes truly embody the Kodiak mantra. As a partner, we’re thrilled to be a part of fueling greatness and giving these incredible men and women what they need to conquer their wildest days.”

Through the sponsorship, Kodiak will have the exclusive opportunity to support athletes of all ages by providing premium, delicious breakfasts and snacks at events across the country, as well as through the USA Climbing National Training Center’s new Kodiak Pantry.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with Kodiak Cakes as we prepare for our biggest competition yet,” said  Marc Norman, President and CEO of USA Climbing. “This new partnership comes at a perfect time for the USA Climbing team as we know Kodiak will fuel our athletes with nutritious food options and set them up for success as they take on their next challenge.”

In addition to the sponsorship, Kodiak has signed soon-to-be Olympian Natalia Grossman to its roster of elite athletes, as she prepares to make her Olympic debut at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. In 2021, Natalia won the gold medal for Bouldering in her second World Cup, as well as in the Bouldering World Championships, becoming the first American woman to capture the world title since 1995.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Kodiak’s roster that features so many other incredible and talented athletes,” said Natalia Grossman, USA Climbing Olympic-qualified athlete. “Kodiak’s products are protein-packed and 100% whole grain, ensuring I’m fueled up for every climb. I’m so excited to be taking this next step with a brand that closely aligns with my values and love for the great outdoors and epic adventures.”

Kodiak’s extensive roster of athletes also features several other renowned female climbers, including Emily Harrington, the first woman to successfully free climb El Capitan in 2020 and Quinn Mason who took first place in the 2021 US National Lead Climbing competition. In addition to climbers, Kodiak partners with trail runners, track stars and cyclists who work hard to conquer their respective frontiers and leave the world better than they found it. In addition to their renowned roster, Kodiak also has several well-respected athlete investors including Travis Kelce, CC Sabathia, Joe Burrow and Dak Prescott.

For more information on the Kodiak x USA Climbing partnership, visit KodiakCakes.com, or follow the brand on social @kodiakcakes.

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About Kodiak

On a mission to “Feed Epic Days and Wilder Lives,” Kodiak inspires people to live wilder, wide-open lives by feeding epic days through real breakfasts. Mountain raised among the Wasatch Mountains of Park City, UT, Kodiak strives to make breakfast un-boring – outfitting everyone who is hungry to get out and expand the day’s range with delicious, filling, whole grain greatness while nourishing the land, lives and wildlife that sustain us. For forty years Kodiak has crafted breakfasts with no GMOs, preservatives, or anything artificial with great taste and honest ingredients. For more information about Kodiak, please visit www.kodiakcakes.com or follow the adventure on Instagram @KodiakCakes.

About USA Climbing

USA Climbing is the national governing body for competitive climbing in the United States, supporting athletes, coaches, and events across the country. As a nonprofit organization, USA Climbing’s mission is to promote the growth and development of climbing while advocating for the sport’s values of inclusivity, sportsmanship, and environmental responsibility.


CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

Head Routesetting in Texas for Momentum – Climbing Jobs Weekly 2024 July 11

momentum texas header image CBJ hosts the most active job board for climbing businesses and organizations. Below are the latest posts from this past week…
Regional Head Routesetter Momentum Houston/Katy, TX “Momentum is seeking a passionate and experienced Regional Head Routesetter (RHR) to lead our routesetting team across all our Texas locations. In this pivotal role, you will oversee and manage all aspects of the regional routesetting operations, ensuring consistent quality, safety, and alignment with Momentum’s vision and values.”
Atomik Climbing Holds

JOB SEEKER TIPS:

How To Land a Career Pivot By Eira May “Clarify why you want to make a change. For many people, feeling exhausted and suddenly lukewarm about a job they used to love is a sign that something needs to change. The trick is figuring out what.” 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
Operations Manager at High Altitude Truckee, CA FT – manager
Assistant Youth Programs Instructor at Boulder Rock Club Boulder, CO PT – instructor
Rec. Teams Youth Programs Manager at The Pad Henderson, NV PT – coach, manager
Lead Routesetter at The Pad Binghamton, NY FT – routesetter
Operations Manager at The Pad Binghamton, NY FT – front desk, manager
Head Coach at VITAL Brooklyn, NY PT – coach, manager
Facilities Associate at Movement New York, NY FT – manufacturing
Marketing Director at High Point Chattanooga, TN FT – mktg/sales
Site Manager at Mesa Rim Austin, TX FT – manager
Youth Team Manager/Head Coach at Movement Carrollton, TX FT – coach, manager
Regional Facilities Manager at Movement Dallas, TX FT – manufacturing
Regional Head Routesetter at Momentum Houston/Katy, TX FT – routesetter
Youth Programs Manager at The Front Salt Lake City, UT FT – manager
Routesetter at Sportrock Alexandria/Sterling/Gaithersburg, VA/MD FT – routesetter
Youth Programs Coordinator at Vertical World Seattle, WA FT – other
Traveling Carpenter at Vertical Solutions Anywhere FT – manufacturing
 

Career Centers of Climbing Industry

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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
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Movement & The North Face Celebrate Global Climbing Day with Free Climbing Nationwide

global climbing day header image

Join the Celebration of Climbing and Community with Free Climbing on Saturday, July 13, 2024

DENVER, July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ Movement Climbing, Yoga and Fitness, the nation’s largest climbing gym operator, is thrilled to announce its partnership with The North Face for Global Climbing Day 2024, taking place on Saturday, July 13 where guests can enjoy free climbing, rental gear, intro classes, and swag from The North Face. This worldwide climbing holiday invites enthusiasts of all skill levels to experience the joy of climbing through a day filled with free climbing sessions, gear rental, and facility tours. Global Climbing Day is a celebration of climbing where Movement Gyms nationwide will open their doors to encourage participation, whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting out. This year, The North Face has chosen Movement Gyms as its highlighted gym partner, enhancing the experience with promotional “swag” and special appearances by renowned North Face Athletes such as Shawn Raboutou and Brette Harrington at select Movement locations nationwide. “We are incredibly excited to partner with The North Face for this year’s Global Climbing Day. This event perfectly captures the essence of what we strive to create at Movement: a community where climbers of all levels can come together, share their passion, and push their limits in a supportive and inclusive environment,” said Charlotte Bosley, CMO of Movement Gyms and herself a climber for the last 25+ years. “Together with The North Face, we’re committed to making this Global Climbing Day an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.” Celebrate at a Movement Gym Near You On Global Climbing Day, Movement Gyms across the nation will offer FREE Intro Classes, rental gear, and climbing sessions. Participants can enjoy a variety of activities including competitions, giveaways, and much more. It’s an ideal opportunity to connect with fellow climbers, hone your skills, and immerse yourself in the vibrant climbing community. Participating Locations: California:
  • Movement Belmont
  • Movement Fountain Valley
  • Movement San Francisco
  • Movement Santa Clara
  • Movement Sunnyvale
Colorado:
  • Movement Baker
  • Movement Boulder
  • Movement Centennial
  • Movement Englewood
  • Movement Golden
  • Movement RiNo
Illinois:
  • Movement Lincoln Park
  • Movement Wrigleyville
Maryland:
  • Movement Columbia
  • Movement Hampden
  • Movement Rockville
  • Movement Timonium
New York:
  • Movement Gowanus
  • Movement Harlem
  • Movement LIC
  • Movement Valhalla
Oregon:
  • Movement Portland
Pennsylvania:
  • Movement Callowhill
Texas:
  • Movement Denton
  • Movement Design District
  • Movement Fort Worth
  • Movement Grapevine
  • Movement Plano
  • Movement The Hill
Virginia:
  • Movement Crystal City
Meet The North Face Athletes Don’t miss the chance to meet and climb with some of the world’s top climbers! North Face Athletes will be making special appearances at the following Movement Gym locations: Dallas, TX:
  • Marie-Louise Nkashama
  • Felipe Camargo
Santa Clara, CA:
  • Allison Vest
  • Matt Segal
Centennial, CO:
  • Brette Harrington
  • Chantel Astorga
Gowanus, NY:
  • Sam Elias
  • Shawn Raboutou
Columbia, MD:
  • Anna Pfaff
  • Ben Mayforth
Be sure to share your climbing journey on social media using #GlobalClimbingDay. For more information and to find a Movement climbing gym near you visit: http://www.movementgyms.com About The North Face ® The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, LLC, was founded in 1966 with the goal of preparing outdoor athletes for the rigors of their next adventure. Today we are the world’s leading outdoor brand, creating athlete-tested, expedition-proven products that help people explore and test the limits of human potential. We protect our outdoor playgrounds and minimize our impact on the planet through programs that encourage sustainability. The North Face products are available at premium and specialty retail sporting goods stores globally and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. For more
information, please visit www.thenorthface.com 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.

Third Annual Setter Summit to Elevate Climbing Industry in Salt Lake City

Setter Summit and CBJ Grip Showcase

Salt Lake City, UT – [9 July 2024] – The climbing community is set to converge on Salt Lake City from September 11-14 for the highly anticipated, third annual Setter Summit, a premier networking and educational event dedicated to the art and safety of route setting. Sponsored by the Front Climbing Club, Proxy Climbing, Vertical Solutions, and Petzl, the Setter Summit promises an enriching experience for route setting professionals. This year’s event is targeted towards head and advanced route settings looking to elevate their leadership skillset.

This year’s event is specifically targeted towards head and advanced route setters looking to elevate their leadership skillset. Route setters will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on workshops, attend insightful networking events, gain industry certifications, and participate in collaborative sessions led by industry experts. The event is designed to provide attendees with the tools and knowledge necessary to elevate their route setting skills and certifications, and to stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the climbing world.

Setter Showdown

Running concurrently with the Setter Summit is the highly acclaimed CBJ Grip Showcase, an event sponsored by Proxy Climbing, Vertical Solutions, and The Front Climbing Club. The Grip Showcase will bring together leading climbing hold brands, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore the latest designs and innovations in climbing holds.

“The Setter Summit and Grip Showcase represent a unique convergence of creativity, innovation, and community within the climbing industry,” said Liz Pecknold, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager for Vertical Solutions and Proxy Climbing. “We are excited to bring together such a diverse group of professionals and companies to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and inspire the next generation of route setters.”

Last but not least, the Setter Summit will also run concurrently with Petzl’s Belay Experience Tour, an event focused on the release of Petzl’s latest auto-locking belay device, the Neox. Attendees will have the chance to experience firsthand the innovative features of the Neox, participate in demonstrations, and learn from Petzl’s expert team about the advancements in belay technology.

With Salt Lake City’s reputation as a hub for outdoor recreation and climbing culture, the Setter Summit and Grip Showcase are poised to become cornerstone events in the climbing calendar. Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience filled with learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

Registration for the Setter Summit is now open. For more information and to register, please visit www.proxyclimbing.com.

Join us in Salt Lake City this September to connect, learn, and elevate your climbing game at the Setter Summit and Grip Showcase!

About The Front Climbing Club: The Front Climbing Club is a premier climbing gym dedicated to fostering a vibrant climbing community through exceptional facilities, programs, and events. With locations in Salt Lake City, Millcreek, and Ogden, UT, The Front Climbing Club is committed to promoting the sport of climbing and supporting climbers of all levels.

About Proxy Climbing: Proxy Climbing is a leading manufacturer of high-quality climbing holds. With a focus on innovation and design, Proxy Climbing aims to provide setters and climbers alike with the best possible plastic to enhance their creativity and performance.

About Vertical Solutions: Vertical Solutions is a renowned provider of custom climbing walls and flooring solutions (Habit Climbing) for climbing gyms and facilities nationwide. With a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Vertical Solutions helps create world-class climbing facilities.

About Petzl: Petzl is a world-renowned manufacturer of climbing and professional rope access equipment, dedicated to providing innovative solutions for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. With a strong focus on safety, quality, and performance, Petzl continues to lead the way in developing cutting-edge gear for sport and professional operations.

About Climbing Business Journal: Climbing Business Journal is the world’s leading independent news outlet dedicated to covering the indoor climbing industry. CBJ publishes the latest coverage of climbing industry news, gym developments, industry best practices, risk management, climbing competitions, youth coaching and routesetting.

Contact: Liz Pecknold Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, Vertical Solutions and Proxy Climbing liz.pecknold@vsclimbing.com

For more information about the event, please visit www.proxyclimbing.com


CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.