4 Reasons to Open a Climbing Gym with IMPACT Climbing

IMPACT Climbing
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4 Reasons to Open a Climbing Gym with IMPACT Climbing
IMPACT Climbing walls at Aspire Whitby
IMPACT Climbing offers a comprehensive solution that includes climbing gym design, construction and consulting services so you can build with confidence, with the ins and outs handled for you. (Pictured: IMPACT Climbing’s work at Aspire Climbing Whitby; all images courtesy of IMPACT Climbing)
Are you ready to transform your passion for climbing into a thriving business? IMPACT Climbing can help you turn that dream into a reality.

The Rising Trend of Climbing Gyms

Climbing gyms have become increasingly popular in recent years, attracting climbers of all ages and skill levels. Interest in fitness options, adventure sports and indoor activities is growing, and climbing gyms offer a unique and exhilarating experience that appeals to a wide range of enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned climber looking for a new challenge or a beginner eager to learn the ropes, a climbing gym can provide a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone to enjoy. Climbing gyms are also renowned for nurturing a feeling of community and camaraderie among climbers, a social benefit that brings even more purpose to your project. In other words, opening a climbing gym isn’t only about pursuing your passion—it’s also a savvy approach to turning your enthusiasm into revenue. With the continued demand for indoor climbing, owning a climbing gym presents an opportunity to leverage this upward trend.
IMPACT Climbing walls
Climbing walls crafted with premium 13-layer birch hardwood, 3D rendering and meticulous installation, ready-made business planning tools…IMPACT Climbing’s products and services are tailored to realizing climbing spaces big and small. (Pictured: Impact Climbing’s work at Seneca College King Campus)

The Benefits of Choosing IMPACT Climbing

When it comes to opening a climbing gym, choosing the right partner is crucial. That’s where IMPACT Climbing comes in: With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Impact Climbing is a leading provider of climbing walls and is trusted by gym owners and climbers around the world. Here are just a few reasons why opening a climbing gym with IMPACT Climbing is a smart choice:
  1. Impeccable Quality: At Impact Climbing, quality is our top priority. Our climbing walls are built to last and crafted with precision and care. We use the highest quality materials to ensure durability and safety for years to come.
  2. Innovative Designs: We offer a wide range of innovative wall designs and configurations to suit any space and budget. From towering lead walls to intricate bouldering circuits, our team of experts will work with you to create a custom solution that meets your unique needs and vision.
  3. Comprehensive Support: From initial concept to final installation, IMPACT Climbing provides support every step of the way. Our team of experienced professionals will guide you through the process, offering expert advice and personalized assistance to help you bring your dream gym to life.
  4. Exceptional Customer Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction is also paramount at Impact Climbing. We take pride in delivering exceptional service and support to our clients, ensuring that every interaction with us is a positive and rewarding experience.

Get Started Today

Ready to turn your dream of owning a climbing gym into reality? Contact Impact Climbing today to learn more about our products and services and to discover how we can help you achieve your goals. With IMPACT Climbing by your side, the sky’s the limit. Let’s climb higher together! Visit our store to learn more about our products.  
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story was first published on IMPACT Climbing’s website here. This story was paid for by the sponsor and does not necessarily represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

Climb Insider: Olympic walls, impacts, and Vail

Climbing Business Journal
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Climb Insider: Olympic walls, impacts, and Vail
image of alex johnson in competition

Just a few thoughts

The Paris Olympics are less than two months away. The walls have been unveiled, and there are still 24 tickets up for grabs at the Budapest qualifer in two weeks. But in the meantime, the annual Vail Mountain Games begin today. Personal note: Before becoming a World Cup, Vail was still a major stop for pro comp climbers, and I was privileged to organize the ’04-’06 events. We pioneered a few formats like speed bouldering and freestyle dyno (above is Alex Johnson nailing a dyno during practice in ’05 while Daniel Woods, Ethan Pringle and others look on). It was so much fun with friends despite the back-breaking work, like moving a few tons of sandbags to and from the site to hold the landing together. The boulder had no cover, and more than once rain and snow interfered with the action. It’s been awesome to watch that early legacy develop into the world-class event it is today. Good luck competitors! -Scott See The Freshest Job Posts Here

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Head Routesetting at Metrorock – Climbing Jobs Weekly 2024 June 6

Climbing Business Journal
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Head Routesetting at Metrorock – Climbing Jobs Weekly 2024 June 6
metrorock header image CBJ hosts the most active job board for climbing businesses and organizations. Below are the latest posts from this past week…
Head Routesetter Metrorock Everett, MA “Metrorock is looking to hire a Head Routesetter for our Everett MA location. The Head Routesetter is responsible for setting operations at their location, plus occasional brand wide setting services for competitions/events at MetroRock locations around MA/VT/NY. They are experienced, highly certified professionals with high level understanding of climbing movement, a deep knowledge and proficiency with setting tools and equipment, and a passion for the craft of routesetting. They are competent leaders and managers with an understanding of best practices in those fields, as well as fundamental understanding of greater gym operations.”
Elevate Climbing Walls

JOB SEEKER TIPS:

How to include areas of expertise on a resume By CareerBuilder “To include something like an area of expertise on your resume, you should be an expert in that area. Consider what you’re an expert in by brainstorming some of the challenges you face daily in your current role and how you handle those situations. You might also ask co-workers, friends, and former or current managers what they perceive to be your areas of expertise. As you create your list of strengths, identify those that would benefit you in the professional role you want to pursue. Consider how you can demonstrate your level of expertise in these areas when creating the skills section of your resume.” 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
General Manager at High Altitude Truckee, CA FT – manager
Head Coach at High Altitude Truckee, CA PT – coach, manager
Accounting Assistant at Trango Lafayette, CO PT – other
General Manager at Upper Limits Bloomington, IL FT – manager
Head Routesetter at Metrorock Boston, MA FT – routesetter
Marketing Manager at Everlast Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN FT – mktg/sales
Janitorial Coordinator at Portland Rock Gym Beaverton, OR PT – other
Communications Manager at Portland Rock Gym Portland, OR FT – mktg/sales
Head Coach at Reach Philadelphia, PA FT – coach
Gym Manager at The Front Salt Lake City, UT FT – manager
Director of Marketing at Project Send It Remote PT – manager, mktg/sales, other
Director of Programming at Project Send It Remote PT – coach, instructor, manager, other
Director of Volunteering at Project Send It Remote PT – manager, other
Retail Buyer at Movement Remote FT – mktg/sales

Career Centers of Climbing Industry

NAMETYPELOCATION
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/access-fund.pngAccess Fundhttps://www.accessfund.org/about/careersorganizationUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wi-adventure-rock.pngAdventure Rockhttps://adventurerock.com/jobs/facilityUSA - WI
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-alpine.pngAlpine Climbing Adventure Fitnesshttps://climbatalpine.com/about/careers/facilityUSA - CA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/american-alpine-club.pngAmerican Alpine Clubhttps://americanalpineclub.org/jobsorganizationUSA - CO
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
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nm-stone-age.pngStone Agehttps://climbstoneage.com/employment-staff/facilityUSA - NM - Albuquerque
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
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-the-spot.pngThe Spothttps://www.thespotgym.com/careersfacilitiesUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/trango.pngTrango // Tenayahttps://trango.com/pages/careersproductUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/treadwall-fitness.pngTreadwallhttps://treadwallfitness.com/careers/productUSA - MA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nc-triangle-rock-club.pngTriangle Rock Club (choose location)https://www.trianglerockclub.com/morrisville/about/employment/facilityUSA - NC, VA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-ubergrippen.pngUbergrippenhttps://ugclimbing.com/jobs/facilityUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/UK-Climbing.pngUKC (jobs in UK)https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/job_finder/organizationUnited Kingdom
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/vertical-solutions.jpgVertical Solutions // Habit // Proxy // Pebblehttps://vsclimbinggyms.com/company/careersproductUSA - UT
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wa-vertical-world.pngVertical Worldhttps://verticalworld.com/facilityUSA - WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-vital.pngVitalhttps://www.vitalclimbinggym.com/careersfacilityUSA - CA, NY, WA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/walltopia.pngWalltopiahttps://careers.walltopia.com/productsBulgaria

Have you checked your webbing lately?

CBJ Marketplace
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Have you checked your webbing lately?

SAVE 10% OFF ALL REPLACEMENT WEBBING

image of trublue webbing Using worn or damaged webbing puts your customers at unnecessary risk. That’s why this June we’re making it easier than ever to replace your used webbing. Use promo code SAFETYFIRST to save 10% on new replacement webbing for all Head Rush Devices. Sale ends June 28. VIEW SALE WEBBING RESOURCES When to Change Your Webbing Download the webbing inspection sheets to see it’s time to change out your webbing. >>Download How to Change Your Webbing Field replacing the webbing in your TRUBLUE iQ or iQ+ is quick and easy. Here’s how. >>Watch Video WE’RE HERE TO HELP Talk to an Expert Have a question? Our Account Managers are ready and waiting for your call. Get expert advice, direct from the manufacturer! CONTACT US
CBJ marketplace listings are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

Local Climbers Go From Garage Wall to Bouldering Gym, Open British Columbia Town’s First Climbing Gym

Naomi Stevens
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Local Climbers Go From Garage Wall to Bouldering Gym, Open British Columbia Town’s First Climbing Gym
Patrick O'Neill and Leah Poirier standing in front of Quartzite Climbing Gym
Patrick O’Neill (right) and Leah Poirier (left)—pictured outside the newly opened Quartzite Climbing Gym—decided it was time for the climbing community around Revelstoke, British Columbia, to finally have a larger climbing space. (All images courtesy of Quartzite Climbing Gym)

Quartzite Climbing Gym LTD. Revelstoke, British Columbia

Specs: Quartzite Climbing Gym, a bouldering-focused facility owned by Patrick O’Neill and Leah Poirier, opened May 19th in Revelstoke, British Columbia. According to Poirier, she and O’Neill “are very passionate climbers in Revelstoke and have always wanted to bring a climbing gym to their town.” While Quartzite is the first commercial climbing facility in the town, there had been prior attempts to start a climbing gym in the area, Poirier noted, “but for one reason or another they never came to fruition.” In the meantime, O’Neill’s garage training wall served as “a climbing hub for a lot of the community for over ten years!” Poirier said, providing a place for local climbers to train during the colder winter months especially. But there was still “a desire to create a bigger space for Revelstoke climbers,” she continued, so they started dreaming one up.
Atomik Climbing Holds
 About six years ago, Poirier and O’Neill began to formalize their business plan and look for a suitable location for a larger climbing space. “Revelstoke is not a large town and there are not many options for a space that checks all of the boxes for a bouldering gym (parking, zoning, size, cost, etc.),” Poirier explained. After “getting a little creative” and rallying the community for support, the pair eventually secured a spot for Quartzite and started the construction process.
O'Neill and Poirier ahead of the gym's opening set
The co-owners of Quartzite—pictured ahead of the gym’s opening set—have been “calling Revelstoke home for over a decade” and value “community, inclusivity, and the environment that provides us with our ultimate playground,” per the gym’s website.
During the buildout, the preexisting building underwent extensive renovations, including the demolition of an exterior wall and extension of the warehouse into a covered outdoor portion of the building that’s now enclosed. Despite needing extra work, Poirier and O’Neill felt the chosen location—the first one they had found that could accommodate their vision—was worth it. “Other places in Revelstoke either don’t allow indoor recreation because of zoning issues or do not have suitable parking available,” she said. “[O’Neill] also has a professional relationship with the property owner that has allowed for this creative solution to work well for all involved.”
Eldorado Climbing
 The completed Quartzite Climbing Gym—named after “the main type of rock found in and around Revelstoke,” according to the gym’s website—is a 2,500-square-foot space with 1,100 square feet of climbing wall surface on 15-foot bouldering walls. Other amenities inside the facility are a training area with weightlifting equipment, a stationary bike, and hangboards. The team also purchased climbing-specific training tools from Lattice, such as the Tindeq Progressor 200, flex blocks, and flex mats. Additionally, Quartzite plans to offer various events and youth programming options. “Being a teacher myself, I love kid programming and facilitating in general,” Poirier said. “We also want to have a youth competitive team and are in the works of arranging a few different events with other businesses/companies in town.”
The bouldering walls at Quartzite after the opening set
Some of the holds on Quartzite’s bouldering walls (pictured) were first used on the owners’ garage wall, before getting a new home in the commercial climbing facility.
Walls: Onsite Flooring: Onsite CRM Software: RhinoFit Website: www.quartziteclimbing.com Instagram: @Quartzite_Climbing_Gym In Their Words: “Ask for advice or help from other gym owners! We have been blown away by the support from climbing gyms in other communities. The help and guidance have been crucial to our success in getting the space open.” – Leah Poirier, Co-Owner of Quartzite Climbing Gym LTD.

Granite Insurance Revolutionizes Adventure Insurance with New Innovative Program

CBJ Press Release Service
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Granite Insurance Revolutionizes Adventure Insurance with New Innovative Program
header image for granite insurance GRANITE FALLS, NC | June 1st 2024 – Granite Insurance, a trailblazer in the insurance industry, is proud to unveil its pioneering Adventure Insurance Program, poised to redefine the landscape of adventure insurance. Built upon a foundation of rewarding industry-specific risk management characteristics, such as accredited operations and documented training practices, this groundbreaking program represents a paradigm shift in the insurance sector. With a bold vision and unwavering commitment to innovation, Granite Insurance leads the way in creating insurance programs that empower the adventure industry. Adventure businesses operate in a high-risk environment, facing unique challenges and exposures that demand specialized insurance solutions. Recognizing the need for a fresh approach to adventure insurance, Granite Insurance has developed a program that goes beyond traditional coverage models. By incentivizing operations with proven risk management practices, such as accreditation and comprehensive training programs, Granite Insurance empowers businesses to mitigate risks proactively and effectively. “We are thrilled to introduce our new Adventure Insurance Program to the market,” said Cameron Annas, CEO of Granite Insurance. “With our innovative approach, we are not only providing comprehensive coverage but also fostering a culture of risk management excellence within the adventure industry. This program represents a fundamental shift in how insurance is approached, and we are excited to lead the charge.” Designed by Granite Insurance, the program is backed by Summit Specialty Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Realign Insurance Holdings. ReAlign is an AM Best “A” rated carrier. The Adventure Program currently serves the following industries, with future expansion ahead:
  • Ziplines and Aerial Park
  • Climbing Gyms
  • Mountain Coasters
  • Haunted Attractions
  • River Outfitters
  • Guides & Outfitters
  • Adventure Parks
Key features of the Adventure Insurance Program include:
  • Tailored coverage options designed specifically for the adventure industry, including liability protection, property insurance, and more.
  • Incentives for businesses that demonstrate industry-specific risk management characteristics, such as accreditation, documented training practices, and safety protocols.
  • Access to a dedicated team of insurance professionals with deep expertise in the adventure sector, offering personalized guidance and support.
  • Flexible policy options and competitive pricing to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes and specialties.
Granite Insurance’s innovative approach to adventure insurance is already generating excitement within the industry. By rewarding operations for implementing best practices in risk management, the company is empowering businesses to prioritize safety and sustainability while ensuring comprehensive protection against unforeseen events. “We believe that proactive risk management is the key to success in the adventure industry,” said Annas, CEO of Granite Insurance. “By incentivizing businesses to adopt industry-specific best practices, we are not only minimizing risks but also driving positive outcomes for our clients and the industry as a whole.” As Granite Insurance launches its Adventure Insurance Program, the company is poised for rapid growth and expansion. With a commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction, Granite Insurance aims to become the largest provider of adventure insurance in the country within the next three years. For more information about Granite Insurance and its Adventure Insurance Program, please visit www.graniteinsurance.com or contact info@graniteinsurance.com. About Granite Insurance: Granite Insurance is a leading provider of innovative insurance solutions, dedicated to protecting businesses and individuals across the country. With a focus on excellence, integrity, and innovation, Granite Insurance ensures its clients thrive by providing comprehensive coverage, personalized service, and peace of mind. By empowering our clients, Granite Insurance transforms challenges into opportunities, guiding them towards enduring success in a rapidly evolving world. Media Contact: Chris Faber | Director of Communications | cfaber@graniteinsurance.com
CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

CWA Summit 2024 – Observations From the Floor

Climbing Business Journal
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CWA Summit 2024 – Observations From the Floor
CWA Summit 2024
Climbing gym and brand professionals from around the globe came together at the 2024 CWA Summit—held at the Oregon Convention Center (pictured) in Portland—for a week of networking, learning, exhibiting and, of course, climbing. (Photo by Scott Rennak)
The industry’s big week did not disappoint. For a third straight year, the Climbing Wall Association’s annual CWA Summit—the largest climbing industry gathering in North America—took place at a new location, this time convening climbing professionals in the West Coast city of Portland, Oregon, from May 13-17. By the numbers, the weeklong event included:
  • 3 certification courses, 1 professional routesetting provider course, and 8 pre-conference workshops for gym owners, managers, coaches and trainers;
  • 44 educational sessions and roundtables on topics ranging from “How to Pursue Climbing Legislation in Your State” to “Ethics of Routesetting” and “The Gym-to-Crag Pipeline;”
  • At least 14 product presentations from leading brands that covered a step-by-step “Pay What You Can” toolkit, ways to leverage data for gym management and routesetting, and much more;
  • 93 exhibitor booths showcasing cutting-edge products and services during more than 14 Expo Hall hours;
  • 2 keynote presentations by 3 industry stalwarts Sasha DiGiulian, Tommy Caldwell and Alan Watts;
  • 2 “Coffee & Collaboration” networking sessions and a 2nd edition of the “Woman’s Fireside Chat” for women and nonbinary people in the industry;
  • and 1 rocking afterparty at Portland Rock Gym.
OnSite
 There’s always a ton going on at climbing gyms during the Summit week, and this year began with a Setter Showdown at PRG Beaverton, followed by a pre-party and Caldwell slideshow at Movement Portland, CWA appreciation event at Rock Haven, and CBJ Grip Showcase at the official afterparty that saw 11 talented setters slinging fresh grips from 22 innovative brands. Like past years, members of the CBJ team were onsite taking in the action, walking the floor, attending sessions, and keeping an eye out for new developments. In case you missed the show, below are some observations from the CBJ crew on the floor. Be sure to stay tuned to CBJ for updates on the next CWA Summit, scheduled for a return to Salt Lake City on April 17-19, 2025. 1. Our Industry Is Ready for More Growth by Naomi Stevens 2. We’re All in This Together by Jamie Strong 3. Celebrating the Community of the Climbing Business by Scott Rennak
Rockwerx
  
 

Our Industry Is Ready for More Growth

By Naomi Stevens This year I attended my second CWA Summit, which in some ways felt like a new beginning for the industry. The Salt Lake City CWA Summit in 2022, during which the industry was still feeling the effects of the pandemic, had been my only appearance until traveling to Portland. This year, however, climbing business professionals seemed to see the industry in a fresh light, where innovation, collaboration and leadership can thrive.
Sasha DiGuilian delivering her keynote address
Sasha DiGuilian kicked off the CWA Summit with a keynote address that noted the importance of building strong teams, valuing diverse skill sets, and having a shared vision. (Photo by Naomi Stevens)
I met many prospective gym owners, ready to take on the next step of networking, finding wall providers, and figuring out insurance. I also met prolific hold shapers while getting to climb on the newest shapes in the CBJ Grip Showcase, including on holds that may be seen in the 2024 Olympics. Because the sessions were numerous and spanned a wide range of topics, I was fortunate to have attended seminars covering both coaching and routesetting, in addition to hearing keynote speeches given by Sasha DiGuilian, Alan Watts and Tommy Caldwell. These learning opportunities exposed me to different perspectives from various leaders in the industry, who discussed the importance of establishing a solid team, the changes we’re seeing in the industry, and the development of sustainable practices. Here are my biggest takeaways from the week:

1. The Team Is the Glue Holding Your Operation Together

In the keynote address, Sasha DiGuilian advised crew leaders in the room—business owners, head routesetters, managers, team coaches, and others—to carefully craft a strong team. In order to accomplish this goal, DiGuilian recommended building a team of people who connect with each other and share a common vision. She also advised managers to add team members with varying skills, strengths and weaknesses, in order to eliminate blind spots in the business.
Geneviève de la Plante speaking at the "Diversity by Design" session
Geneviève de la Plante (center) presented with Flannery Shay-Nemirow (left) and Molly Beard (right) on how to improve diversity in setting teams, encouraging leaders in the room to approach diversity from a voluntary rather than obligatory standpoint. (Photo by Naomi Stevens)
The next morning, in the coaching roundtable, the group I was in discussed the importance of having a balanced coaching team, where different coaches have complementary skills. Then, in the “Diversity by Design: Improving Diversity in Setting Teams” session—led by Flannery Shay-Nemirow, Geneviève de la Plante and Molly Beard—the session leaders emphasized how a diverse team can be a more effective, well-rounded team, and how that diversity can also help eliminate blind spots in a routesetting program as well as a gym’s day-to-day operation. At the center of these discussions was a common line of thinking: Your team can make or break your gym, so craft your team wisely.

2. Change Is Coming (and in a Good Way)

In the “Diversity by Design: Improving Diversity in Setting Teams” educational session, the presenters discussed why having a diverse routesetting team matters and, for those who need a financial reason, how diversity improves a gym’s product. Increasing diversity has been a deliberate act in the industry for several years, but the motives for this goal are shifting. Shay-Nemirow noted that, for a while, diversity on a routesetting team meant hiring a white woman, typically done to simply check the diversity box. Now, however, diversity is increasingly understood as including folks of all races, classes, genders, sexualities, abilities and religions, and diversity is becoming valued for more than tokenism. Furthermore, industry leaders are recognizing the innate value of workers with different backgrounds and voluntarily hiring a diverse team because diversity is a good thing for the team and the business, not just a checkbox. Industry leaders are developing a greater awareness of problematic and inefficient ways of thinking and operating, and there’s a desire to do better.
Roy Quanstrom leading his session
In addition to discussing how to structure routesetting work, Roy Quanstrom also talked in his session about why proper training is crucial for both setters and gyms to flourish. (Photo by Naomi Stevens)
Roy Quanstrom presented “Are Routesetters Asking the Right Questions?”, a session in which he proposed a more efficient structure for routesetting, forerunning, and appraising boulders and routes. Quanstrom also spoke about the limited training routesetters receive: Too often, routesetters are essentially given the physical tools necessary to set and then thrown into the job, making success more difficult. As proper training for routesetting increases and more gyms provide journeyperson and apprentice roles, routesetters will be better equipped to produce a better product, avoid overuse injuries, and pass on knowledge from generation to generation. Jessica Doriot and Sharlee Strebel from the U.S. Center for Safe Sport covered best practices for coaching. Climbing has transformed from a rebellious, counter-cultural sport to a common youth activity with team, club, birthday party, and summer camp offerings. With an increase in youth climbers, there has also been an increase in processes put into place to keep children safe—a positive change, it goes without saying, that hopefully will only become more ubiquitous in the industry. USA Climbing requires Safe Sport training for industry professionals who work with or around children, and the collaboration between Safe Sport and USAC appears to be growing.
Elevate Climbing Walls
 We, as an industry, now have enough information on what works, kind of works, and doesn’t work to grow wisely, and I feel we are on the cusp of a cultural breakthrough. Looking forward, I am hopeful we will see a more diverse workforce (because we want diversity, not because we feel obligated to hire diverse folks), better professional development for routesetters, and a cultural shift overall that fosters safe spaces for sharing, learning, and growing together.

3. Sustainability Is Needed in Every Corner

Closing keynote speaker Alan Watts described what climbing was like for him 50 years ago; back then, climbing gyms were non-existent, the community existed outside, and in many ways society didn’t welcome climbing culture. However, over the next decades, Watts saw climbing transform into a thriving industry, with thousands of climbing gyms now open internationally, competitions and climbers sponsored by big-name brands, and large plastics corporations invested in the industry. Watts said no one would have imagined a day where the number of climbers indoors would exceed the number of climbers outdoors. And because we are now a formidable industry with a larger impact, we must work to make our actions more sustainable.
Alan Watts presenting during the closing keynote
The 2024 CWA Summit wrapped up with concluding keynote presentations by Alan Watts (pictured on stage) and Tommy Caldwell, who challenged everyone in the industry to approach growth responsibly and sustainably, striving to reduce negative impacts and increase positive ones. (Photo by Naomi Stevens)
Tommy Caldwell, who delivered the second closing keynote, said, “I don’t honestly know what’s going to happen in the world of climbing, but I know what I hope will happen.” He described how our larger numbers now allow us to do some good with our impact. He encouraged climbers and businesses to pursue ways to further reduce negative environmental impacts, challenging us to do better. As an industry, working together, we can accomplish much more than we could independently. When acting collectively, our beloved climbing areas are more likely to prosper, and so is the industry. “As businesses we can be constantly learning and constantly improving our business practices,” DiGuilian said during the opening keynote. Marisa Michael, a registered dietitian of 22 years, talked about “How to be a Part of the Solution to Eating Disorders in Elite Climbing,” stressing that tools exist to combat eating disorders and disordered eating. And in the coaching roundtable, we discussed the long-term athlete development model for youth and adult athletes alike. At the core of these presentations was the essence of sustainability: We want this sport to exist permanently, inside and outside, and we want climbing athletes to have a sustainable relationship with the sport. In order to be sustainable, businesses, people and practices must change based on new information and new conditions. Whether intentional or not, all of the speakers of the sessions I attended compelled us to build a more sustainable industry, in the fullest sense. — I am excited for our industry. It feels like many of us have surpassed a large hurdle and come back stronger. That strength allows us to escape the “Fight or Flight” response at work: When we’re not in survival mode and can move beyond the metaphorical base layers of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, we have more space to reflect, change, and ultimately grow. I am hopeful that this growth will mean increased diversity, sustainability, and success for the industry. Return to Top of Page

About the Author

Naomi Stevens Naomi Stevens is a personal trainer and a routesetter who has also worked at climbing gyms as a youth team coach. After starting college at Colorado State University in 2017, she wanted to make new friends and found climbing, fell in love, and now climbing dictates most of what she does. Naomi earned a bachelor’s degree in Ecosystem Science & Sustainability, and when not climbing she enjoys baking, gardening and crafting.  
 

We’re All in This Together

By Jamie Strong “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.” – Henry Ford The CWA Summit in Portland this year was the fourth or fifth time I’ve attended since 2016, the year my business partners and I opened our own climbing gym. I’ve experienced the conference as a new owner, a coach, a routesetter, an experienced owner, and now also as an exhibitor with CBJ. As such, I’ve watched the industry grow and change for a number of years. It’s exciting to see innovations in every area, from new gym management software making debuts to sustainable products hitting the market, gyms creating processes around diversity and management, and even the industry at large seeing the need for organization around advocacy. The educational sessions I attended were largely gym owner/operator focused. Here are my two biggest highlights and takeaways from this year’s CWA Summit:

1. The Strength of a Team Is the Team Members

Echoing Naomi’s earlier point, teamwork is everything. From the opening address of the Summit to the many conversations I had in the owner’s roundtable and in sessions I attended, there was a clear message that creating a strong team is paramount to overall business success. But a good team is more than just bringing together people with different personalities and diverse skill sets who can do a job. As an industry, we have come a long way from the days of opening a gym and hiring your climber friends; today, more and more gyms are running businesses with specialized employees, departments, and clear hierarchies. Good leadership strategies can go a long way toward growing and bringing out the best in a team.
Garnet speaking during the opening address
“From the opening address of the Summit to the many conversations I had in the owner’s roundtable and in sessions I attended, there was a clear message that creating a strong team is paramount to overall business success,” says Strong. (Pictured: Garnet Moore, CWA Executive Director, speaking during the opening address; photo by Jamie Strong)
The interactive session “The Best Way to Increase Employee Engagement and Satisfaction” with Marisa Hoff was a hands-on workshop covering this process. Learning from her and other gym owners, managers, and team leaders about their strategies for employee feedback, team building, and the importance of connecting on a personal level with team members was a highlight of the week for me. I love coming out of a session with simple, actionable processes and tips that I can take home and implement right away, and this session provided exactly that opportunity.

2. With More Players in the Game, the Industry Is Growing, So Prepare to Be Seen

A major theme I noticed this year was around larger, “big business” issues coming into the indoor climbing industry concerning risk management, unionization, insurance, and government regulation. In the owner’s roundtable on day one, owners expressed their uncertainty about risk management as it relates to equipment and their insurance coverage. Others asked questions related to experiences with new software systems and competition formats. It was a productive time of coming together and making connections in order to pursue further action around these huge issues outside of the conference. An absolute highlight of the week was “How to Pursue Indoor Climbing Legislation in Your State,” presented by Michael Lary, Michele Lang and Tod Bloxham (board members from the Washington Indoor Climbing Coalition). In this session, they discussed their experience forming the WICC and the efforts to introduce indoor climbing legislation in the state of Washington. Learning from recent events there and seeing some of the hurdles and roadblocks they experienced in their work opened my eyes to potential concerns, how to prepare, and when to respond to issues that could arise in my gym’s backyard.
WICC booth at the Summit
Leaders of the nearby Washington Indoor Climbing Coalition—including WICC Chairperson Michael Lary (right)—were onsite at the Summit in Portland, sharing lessons learned around indoor climbing legislation and advocacy. (Photo by Naomi Stevens)
As the indoor climbing industry continues to grow, we can no longer expect to fly under the radar. As one of the presenters said, “ostrich mode is over.” With more and more eyes on climbing (which is a good thing for business!) comes more oversight. Existing and sometimes outdated regulations can impact your operations. But we can take proactive steps to protect our gyms, the employees and patrons of those gyms, and the sport of indoor climbing. While not every indoor climbing gym has encountered unionization, a major incident, or a governmental crackdown, some have. And we can learn from the gyms that have, share lessons learned, and adapt to new environments. You might call such things growing pains, and if they haven’t already impacted your gym, it’s only a matter of time before they will. The good news is we’re lucky to have leaders and other gym operators with mutual interests who have gone through these changes and can share their experiences for the benefit of the whole industry.

Closing with a History Lesson and Vision for a Bright Future

The closing plenary with Alan Watts and Tommy Caldwell brought us back to the origins of indoor climbing and then left us with a vision for the future. It was fun to be reminded of how indoor climbing started in the States, and how that beginning was closely tied to the origins of outdoor sport climbing in Oregon. The Summit being hosted in Portland this year brought us full circle. Tommy’s message of hope challenged us all to think big and to keep sustainable practices at the forefront of our business practices, ultimately reminding us that maintaining a connection with the natural world is the only way forward. Return to Top of Page

About the Author

Jamie Strong Jamie has been working in graphic design and marketing for about a decade. She is a co-owner of a climbing gym, a youth climbing coach, and a certified yoga instructor. Jamie holds a master’s degree from University College London and a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University. She spends her weekends and vacations traveling to climb throughout the U.S.  
 

Celebrating the Community of the Climbing Business

by Scott Rennak The word community gets used a lot at climbing gyms, usually in describing a quality of the facility that attracts members and customers. For many climbers, the social benefits of the gym community are even more important than the physical or mental benefits. These places are where we meet friends, old and new, and share stories and the act of climbing together. After returning from this year’s CWA Summit, it crystallized to me how this annual event represents the professional community of our industry. No place else brings together so many of us. While we are all focused on building communities in our places of work, I think together we represent an important subset of those communities—one composed of leaders, teachers, mentors and innovators in the climbing business.
A gym developer roundtable in Portland
The largest industry gathering in North America, the Summit is a moment for all professionals in the climbing business to connect and reconnect, teach and learn. (Pictured: Andrew Potter sharing some beta on Approach’s software during a product presentation in Portland; photo by Scott Rennak)
In professional circles we use the term networking to describe activities in this commerce-driven setting, and perhaps that business term is appropriate. Admittedly it’s a space filled with exchanges of dollars for products and services, trades of knowledge and connections. Yes, that side of things is true; it’s commerce that underpins these events. But once we’re together, it’s our humanity that builds the deeper bonds. And for me at least, those deeper bonds have tremendous value. A big part of the value I derive from the Summit comes from seeing old friends, and meeting new ones—hearing about what’s happening with their kids or families, the next big trip they’re going on, objectives in the outdoors or at home. When we look deeper, it’s these aspects of our lives that really are important to each of us. Of course we need to work and put food on the table, but it’s our families and activities and personal lives that drive that need. Hearing about the “real life” stuff, sharing our own stories, connecting as human beings with passions—these moments are more valuable to me than just selling another thing to another customer. The Summit is about building relationships and, when multiplied across the whole room, building community.

Community Is Good for Business

I heard more than one vendor express sadly, “It’s always the same people here,” like they would want to see a fully different crowd every year. That perspective is myopic in my opinion, and misses a core benefit of this event. First, it’s not true. Every year the Summit has many dozen (perhaps a hundred sometimes) prospective new climbing gym owners—the dreaming, visionary entrepreneurs who will soon be bringing climbing to a new population. Most vendors crave more interactions with this cohort because therein lies potential for, in their mind, the largest sales. But in our still small industry, admittedly there are few of these people in attendance.
A programming roundtable in Portland
Coaches and setters, suppliers and nonprofits…there’s always a diverse mix of industry professionals at the Summit and a little something for everyone. (Pictured: Dawn Young leading her “The Evolution of Yoga in Climbing Gyms” presentation this year; photo by Scott Rennak)
By far the larger group of attendees consists of current staff and owners of climbing businesses—industry leaders who have one year or decades of experience. They came back this year to learn and network, to share their stories and hear from others, to visit with friends and meet new ones—in short, to help people and businesses flourish, which by extension builds community. That’s a core attractive quality of the Summit, and it’s worth celebrating. Together these industry incumbents are the people choosing to expand their gyms or businesses, and they also provide counsel to new dreamers. They make purchase decisions themselves, give referrals to others, and also evolve in their preferences. The seeds of those actions are sown at the Summit. So if you’re a vendor reading this, reconsider your sadness and rest easy knowing that while many faces are familiar, purchasing decisions are being made and influenced at the Summit. And if you represent a climbing facility at the event, know that your peers in the room can help you in your professional quest. The main gathering for the professional community in our industry is a good place for you and your business to be.

Community Drives Us Forward

Getting to warmly shake the hand of someone you had previously only emailed or spoken with on the phone is a moment that firms up your relationship. Multiply that moment by a thousand people, and together we’ve reinforced the climbing business community. Be they with professionals from across town or across the world, the relationships we build at the Summit transcend business and extend into our personal lives and outdoor adventures. Like friendships outside of work settings, these industry relationships also add more than just “good feels” to one’s life. They help us genuinely thrive. In gyms, one member might ask another about how to do a move, or what they do for training. At the Summit, we ask for and provide advice on how to solve our business problems. Operations, insurance, financing, managing teams, running programs, setting good routes…sharing knowledge in these areas improves our businesses and, collectively, the entire climbing industry. Just like in our personal lives, sharing these challenges and triumphs is what bonds us together, fostering stronger communities and relationships.
Thanks for coming to the CWA Summit in Portland!
The CWA Summit in Portland has come and gone, but plans are already underway for next year’s gathering, set for a return to Salt Lake City in April. (Photo by Scott Rennak)
The keynotes underscored the value of relationships: Sasha DiGuilian talked about how rewarding it was to complete a new first ascent with Lynn Hill recently; Tommy Caldwell shared memories of the Dawn Wall ascent with Kevin Jorgeson; Alan Watts described friendships and the community he saw grow around Smith Rock with the advent of sport climbing. All of these experiences enriched their lives. We likely won’t ever climb the Dawn Wall together, but our industry relationships can enrich our own lives. They help us through hard times, and together we celebrate our personal and professional successes. We lean on and uplift each other. I’m thankful for this professional community we’ve built together that serves climbers. Return to Top of Page

About the Author

Scott Rennak Scott has been promoting indoor climbing since 1997 when he bought Climb Time of Cincinnati and started what would become the American Bouldering Series. Since then, he has helped hundreds of small businesses grow, including climbing gyms and manufacturers. He is available for projects through Reach Climbers. In his free time, he still scours nearby hills for fresh boulders, skis all year, and is a dedicated father to his two young children.

Bless Its Brushless Heart – CBJ Podcast with Buck Yedor

Holly Yu Tung Chen
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Bless Its Brushless Heart – CBJ Podcast with Buck Yedor
CBJ Podcast with Buck Yedor
Graphic done by Climbing Business Journal; photo by Hunter Smith.

Today’s episode features Buck Yedor, also known as “Big Wall Buck” at The Spot Gyms in Colorado, where he oversees routesetting at The Spot’s five locations. True to his nickname in Colorado—and his Yosemite nickname “Bouldering Buck”—Yedor’s proudest climbing accomplishments include a ground-up free ascent of Freerider on El Capitan and double-digit boulders. Before The Spot, he worked on the Yosemite search and rescue team and was the Head Routesetter of Northern California gyms at Touchstone Climbing. Yedor has set for a couple of National Cups, chiefed the Battle of the Bay, and most recently set for both a sport and bouldering North American Cup. In this episode, Yedor covers the ins and outs of managing a multi-gym routesetting program and the importance of strong leadership starting from the top down. He also discusses the nuances of setting grade and quality consistency among multiple gyms under the same brand, building an environment of consistent learning, considerations for hiring novice setters, encouraging setters to explore different perspectives, and the ever-evolving trends of the routesetting industry versus the wants and needs of the community.

Thank you EP Climbing and Trango for your support! And thank you Devin Dabney for your music!

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro 04:19 – Low-Density vs. High-Density Gyms 06:40 – Managing a Multi-Gym Setting Program 07:46 – Communication Among Facilities 09:58 – Yedor’s Vision for a Setting Program 11:21 – Maintaining Grade Consistency Among Facilities 13:45 – Developing Standardized Setting Protocols 15:57 – Giving Individual Setters Attention 18:26 – Monitoring Progress of Setters 19:53 – Hiring Setters Without Experience 22:09 – Chaos Mitigation 24:49 – A Continuous Learning Environment 28:14 – Yedor’s Drill of Choice 29:11 – Assessing the Community and Needs in Different Gyms 32:13 – Learning from Other Departments 34:05 – Catering to Different Climbers 36:48 – “Comp Kids” vs. “Broken Setters” 37:44 – Staying Up To Date on Trends 42:42 – Dangers of Consulting Only Social Media for Trends 44:46 – Challenges with Implementing New Safety Trends 49:40 – Yedor’s Final Message to Setters 50:08 – Closing
Rockwerx

Abridged Transcript

…What is your most controversial setting opinion?

…I’ll start with just one. I think low-density gyms are super lame. I think they’re beautiful. I think as a concept they’re fun and I like visiting them. But I would never want my home gym to be the low-density kind of boutique-style gym. I think a lot of routesetters forget what it’s like to just be a member and be a rock climber and just go in and try to catch a sesh. And I think they look great, but I think in reality they’re just kind of lame…

[When managing a multi-gym setting program], how do you make sure that all of these gyms are talking to each other in an efficient and effective way? How do you make sure that all the head setters are on the same page, and all the setters under those head setters are on the same page?

Yeah, I think getting everyone in the same room—especially these days with Google Meet and stuff like that—it’s just really easy to be in constant communication. As far as getting my leads all aligned on the same page, we check-in. We have the four of us sit down for a meeting every other week, and sometimes it takes 15 minutes, sometimes it takes two hours. But we talk about how the crew is doing, what needs to happen, what they need. It’s where I can really kind of push my vision on what I want. Because whatever my vision is for a routesetting crew, it doesn’t matter unless my leads are fully on board with it, unless as a team we’re pushing the same agenda, the same styles, the same learning goals for our team. It’s awesome to have big dreams about what you want your program to look like, but unless you have really strong leadership a step beneath [you], it’s not going to happen…So for me, it’s really about having a really strong team of leads and having a strong shared vision…
Image of Buck Yedor big wall climbing.
Yedor has years of experience as an outdoor climber and as a routesetter, which allows him to empathize with all sorts of climbers. “There definitely was a time when the setting world was trying to introduce volumes and fiberglass, and the outdoor climbing community—sort of the core makeup of gyms at the time—was just like, “What [is] this? This is garbage. Get this out of here,” he recalls. (Photo courtesy of Buck Yedor)

Can you talk about your methods of how to maintain not just the quality of the routes and boulders, but the great consistency across multiple gyms?

…We share a lot of the same crew members across all of our gyms. So I think at a baseline, the same people are setting the boulders across all of our locations, which helps a lot. If you have two independent crews that never climb on each other’s stuff [and] don’t really know what’s going on at the other gym despite sharing a brand, [then] I think it’s really challenging to have any sort of real cohesive feeling between those facilities. But for us, everyone sets everywhere all the time, and I think that makes the grading consistency at least more consistent…

What about your methods for developing standardized setting protocols across multiple gyms? How do you make sure they’re consistent?

…That comes back to having all of the leads and myself really on the same page, and we meet about it and talk about it, and we talk about what’s important to us and what sort of standards we are going to push, and what’s happening at each gym. And if people are showing up and being like, “Hey, the lead over in Boulder says we don’t have to do this,” or “The lead in Louisville is letting us do this,” it’s stuff I like to hear about and we talk about, and we decide what we want as a program and to really make sure that the leads are pushing the same protocols. We also come together, sit down, write out what a day looks like: This is our start time, this is when we’re going to start stripping, and have the skeleton of a day lined out. So, [when] an employee goes from one gym to the next, I think it’s really helpful and important for employees to have consistency between facilities…
Trango Holds Pardners

How can you, as kind of the director, step in and still give each individual setter the attention that they require to make the boulder—the vision—go, or work on something that we really care about developing, or finding the right professional development for each individual setter?

Yeah, I think that comes back to trying to be present as often as I can. I think there are a lot of days where I would probably be a lot more productive doing a lot of my administrative tasks if I was in an office or at home, just jamming away on my computer. But I think at the end of the day, being in the gyms, being accessible to the crew, is more important to the success of our department. And I’d be lying if I said I could, as the head of the program, be giving every individual the attention they need from me. I try to. I try. It’s really important to me to get to know everyone and what their aspirations are and what they’re working on…But I really have to give credit to the leads. Because I just can’t be that present. And I think when you get into even bigger programs—there aren’t a ton, but as we have more gyms, more setters, more people, the learning process for each individual setter has to be driven by [the] leads and the rest of the team even…

How do you go about assessing the community and what their needs are across each individual gym?

…It’s not crucial, but I think when I’m looking to hire people too, I think their knowledge and investment in the local communities is really helpful and something I see as a huge asset in hiring people—almost more than their climbing ability or to some extent, if all things equal, in their setting abilities. Are they coming from the local community? I love to hire people from the local community. And they generally have more of a sense maybe of what’s going on. But sort of more important than the setting team’s knowledge of that—I think a lot of setters spend their time in the gym, [but] I’d be lying if I [said I] spent a lot of time in the evenings in the gym. So I rely on other departments in the company to really pass this on to me: the front desk, front desk supervisors, the coaching department, the adult program department…Everyone interfaces with the actual members a lot more than I do, for sure, so getting a sense of what people are asking for…
image of buck yedor while routesetting
“It’s awesome to have big dreams about what you want your program to look like, but unless you have really strong leadership a step beneath you, it’s not going to happen,” Yedor says. Currently, he oversees 18 routesetters, including multiple team leads. (Photo by Hunter Smith)

So if you’re talking to, let’s say, a desky who is there all the time—all day, every day—what are some questions that you can ask to help you gain a clearer picture of whether or not your approach to that gym is working?

Yeah, I think just checking in on the general vibe of the clientele. Are they happy with what is being put up? Are they generally hearing positive comments? I think getting into the weeds with comment boxes is maybe not always worth it…Oftentimes the squeaky wheel gets the attention, but the people who are really motivated to leave comments are often really polarized. And so just having a general sense from the guy or the woman who comes in every day, they chat with the desky, and they leave psyched. Or if they’re just like, “The routes lately haven’t been doing it for me. They’re boring,” or “The turnover’s not fast enough,” or “I wish there was those cool comp climbs you put up. I wish you’d do more of that.” Just getting a general sense of what the average customer’s day went like. Are people generally leaving happy? Are they coming in stoked when they see the new set? What are people saying?…
Eldorado Climbing

What do you think are some of the dangers of consulting only social media to keep in touch with trends?

I think it misrepresents what the average gym is doing. And even some of these really famous gyms that are putting out really cool content all the time, I think in the mind of the average setter who’s just consuming all this Instagram content, I think they are often kind of disgruntled about how lame their gym is. Like, “I wish I was just setting one boulder a day in these low-density, crazy, wild, dynamic coordination movements.” And I think from what I’ve heard, a lot of these gyms, or people, will film a boulder and forerun a boulder and then put that on Instagram without showing what the final gym product looks like. And it’s often much denser. They come in and do their filming and then go back and fill it in. And I think people just feel like they are getting the short end of the stick, having to set rock climbs…So I think people sometimes kind of lose the plot, if they spend too much time on Instagram, about what we’re really trying to accomplish…

Climb Insider: pods, comps, crag tips

Climbing Business Journal
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Climb Insider: pods, comps, crag tips
image of climbing competition

Just a few thoughts

While we’re all waiting for the Budapest Olympic Qualifier, U.S. comps continue. Collegiate Nationals went down in Arizona last weekend, and Vail has their big annual comp next week, the 2nd time as the North American Cup Series, previously a World Cup for many years, and an earlier legacy that goes back to 2002. Also in comp news, the Ice Climbing World Cup will be returning to Colorado this coming winter, to be held on the outdoor wall at the new Longmont Climbing Collective. See The Freshest Job Posts Here

Community & Culture

Eldorado Climbing

Crag Scene

Comp Scene

For Managers

For Routesetters

Assemble Walls for IMPACT – Climbing Jobs Weekly 2024 May 30

Climbing Business Journal
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Assemble Walls for IMPACT – Climbing Jobs Weekly 2024 May 30
image of impact walls CBJ hosts the most active job board for climbing businesses and organizations. Below are the latest posts from this past week…
Climbing Wall Assembler IMPACT Climbing Lebanon, NH “IMPACT Climbing is a leading North American custom climbing wall manufacturer; from inception to execution, we make dreams a reality. IMPACT Climbing is all about bringing rock climbing to the masses. Collectively, we design, fabricate and install rock climbing walls of varying sizes for both residential and commercial use. We take pride in the exceptional quality of our products and our team. Each member of our team shares in our core values: Inspiration, discovery, learning, motivation, progression, achievement, honesty, integrity and initiative. Our team works collaboratively with our clients to bring their visions to life. IMPACT is leading the way in innovation and quality craftmanship. We make dreams come true and build products that last.”
Eldorado Climbing

JOB SEEKER TIPS:

How To Explain Your Reasons for Leaving a Job By Hanne Keiling “No matter the reason for leaving your job, ensure you respond to this question tactfully. A hiring manager who’s asking this question is trying to determine what you may be looking for in your next opportunity that you didn’t have previously. They may also hope to identify your preferences to ensure you’re a good match for the role.” 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
Gym Technician at Town Of Canmore Canmore, AB FT – coach, front desk, instructor
Programs Director at Granite Arch Rancho Cordova, CA FT – manager
Manager at Pacific Edge Santa Cruz, CA FT – manager
Community Manager at Whetstone Fort Collins, CO PT – manager
Head Coach at Ascent Fort Collins, CO FT – coach
HR Generalist at The Spot Colorado PT – other
Assistant Director at Alford Lake Camp Hope, ME Temp – instructor
Marketing Manager at Everlast Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN FT – mktg/sales
Head Coach/Team Manager at Spire Bozeman, MT FT – coach, manager
Wall Assembler at Impact Lebanon, NH FT – manufacturing
Head Routesetter at Hudson Boulders Latham, NY FT – routesetter
Head Coach at Reach Philadelphia, PA FT – coach
Head Coach at Onsight Knoxville, TN FT – coach
Routesetter at Climb Murfreesboro Murfreesboro, TN FT – routesetter
Gym Manager at The Front Salt Lake City, UT FT – manager
Head Routesetter at Greater Heights Madison, WI FT – routesetter
Executive Director at Southeastern Climbers Coalition Remote FT – other

Career Centers of Climbing Industry

NAMETYPELOCATION
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/access-fund.pngAccess Fundhttps://www.accessfund.org/about/careersorganizationUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wi-adventure-rock.pngAdventure Rockhttps://adventurerock.com/jobs/facilityUSA - WI
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-alpine.pngAlpine Climbing Adventure Fitnesshttps://climbatalpine.com/about/careers/facilityUSA - CA
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/american-alpine-club.pngAmerican Alpine Clubhttps://americanalpineclub.org/jobsorganizationUSA - CO
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
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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
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http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ut-the-front.pngThe Fronthttps://thefrontclimbingclub.com/careers/facilityUSA - UT
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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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http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-ubergrippen.pngUbergrippenhttps://ugclimbing.com/jobs/facilityUSA - CO
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/UK-Climbing.pngUKC (jobs in UK)https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/job_finder/organizationUnited Kingdom
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http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/walltopia.pngWalltopiahttps://careers.walltopia.com/productsBulgaria
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