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CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.
Apply Now: Gear Distribution from Global Climbing Initiative
Fall 2024 Gear Distribution
Apply by October 15 LEARN MORE Do you represent a climbing organization that faces barriers accessing gear critical to your programming? Apply to become one of the Global Climbing Initiative‘s gear distribution partners. Eligible organizations are:- locally led
- based outside of the continental United States (or representing a Native American community)
- working to create positive economic, social, or environmental impact in their community through climbing
CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.
Mission Im(possible)? Training to Climb Harder as a Full-Time Routesetter – Online Discussion October 8
FREE ONLINE DISCUSSION OCTOBER 8TH @6PM MT
EMAIL US FOR LINK TO THE FREE RECORDING
Setters Only! is a series of free online discussions led by Foxman McCarthy-James and Justin Wright from Vortex Routesetting, with relevant guests from across the industry. The panel-discussion-style sessions include time for interactive Q&As with attendees.Upcoming Dates: NOVEMBER 12 & DECEMBER 10 @6PM MT (Monthly on 2nd Tuesday)
Meet your hosts and guests:
Jess West is a life-long athlete who coaches for The Power Company. She earned her Master’s in Sport and Exercise Science in 2016, is a NASM CPT, and continues to study how best to apply her extensive knowledge to climbing. Living in the south is favorable to her climbing style, with endless sandstone lowballs and roofs to explore. www.powercompanyclimbing.com | |
Rocco Bocchicchio is the owner and head coach of Caldera Climbing Performance. He began climbing in 1998, and he has been a setter and coach for 25 years. During that time, he has accumulated a vast catalog of knowledge pertaining to training and sports science, with a focus on aging bouldering athletes and sustainability in the routesetting profession. He continues to chase opportunities to learn and grow as a coach, setter and climber. www.calderaclimbing.com | |
Foxman McCarthy-James is an owner and consultant with Vortex Routesetting. She has brought her background in education into her routesetting career, serving on the CWA Routesetting and Work at Height Committees and teaching routesetting clinics around the country. She is passionate about continuing the conversation on how we can make our industry more welcoming and inclusive. www.vortexroutesetting.com | |
Justin Wright is an owner and consultant with Vortex Routesetting. He holds a USAC L4 and has developed routesetting teams across the country. Serving on the CWA’s Routesetting and Work At Height Committees, Justin is committed to helping move the climbing industry forward by developing routesetter education pathways and recommending best practices with volunteer Work at Height standards. www.vortexroutesetting.com | |
Grip Showcase Salt Lake City 2024 – VOTE BY SEPT 29
Lovers of climbing holds, macros and volumes… behold!
Another glorious Grip Showcase has been set for your climbing and viewing pleasure. For the third time, The Front South Main has hosted this extravaganza of beautiful new holds, macros and volumes. For the third time, their stellar team of routesetters has created masterpieces of movement. What do you think? We need you to take a moment and rate the holds. The winning brand gets a Grip List Showcase award! SEE RESULTS HEREThank You Sponsors of 2024 Grip Showcase Salt Lake City!
Tallest Climbing Gyms in America
9. Vertical Dreams – Manchester
- Wall Height: 63 ft
- Open Year: 1998
- Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
- Walls: owner/contractor
- Flooring: self-installed using Dollamur
- CRM/POS Software: Rock Gym Pro
9. inSPIRE Rock – Cypress
- Wall Height: 63 ft
- Open Year: 2018
- Location: Cypress, Texas
- Walls: Walltopia
- Flooring: owner/contractor
- CRM/POS Software: Rock Gym Pro
7. Carabiner’s Climbing and Fitness
- Wall Height: 65 ft
- Open Year: 2004
- Location: New Bedford, Massachusetts
- Walls: owner/contractor
- Flooring: owner/contractor
- CRM/POS Software: Rock Gym Pro
7. Vertical View
- Wall Height: 65 ft
- Open Year: 2020
- Location: Meridian, Idaho
- Walls: Walltopia
- Flooring: Asana
- CRM/POS Software: Capitan
6. The Front Climbing Club – SLC
- Wall Height: 66 ft
- Open Year: 1999
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Walls: Vertical Solutions
- Flooring: Habit
- CRM/POS Software: Rock Gym Pro
5. Kansas Cliff Club
- Wall Height: 80 ft
- Open Year: 1998
- Location: Wichita, Kansas
- Walls: owner/contractor
- Flooring: owner/contractor
- CRM/POS Software: their website (WordPress)
4. projectROCK Easley
- Wall Height: 84 ft
- Open Year: 2022
- Location: Easley, South Carolina
- Walls: RADRock
- Flooring: Flashed; owner/contractor
- CRM/POS Software: MindBody
3. Stoneyard – The Silos
- Wall Height: 90 ft
- Open Year: 1999
- Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Walls: owner/contractor
- Flooring: owner/contractor
- CRM/POS Software: Approach
2. Upper Limits – Bloomington
- Wall Height: 110 ft
- Open Year: 1995
- Location: Bloomington, Illinois
- Walls: owner/contractor
- Flooring: owner/contractor
- CRM/POS Software: Rock Gym Pro
1. Basecamp Reno
- Wall Height: 164 ft
- Open Year: 2011
- Location: Reno, Nevada
- Walls: outdoor walls by EP Climbing; indoor walls by Vertical Solutions
- Flooring: Flashed
- CRM/POS Software: Rock Gym Pro
Kilter Grips Stocks Essential Guide for Routesetters: “I Routesetter” Now Available in the US
CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.
Climb Insider: setter stuff and a new CEO
Just a few thoughts
Routesetters will find below some nice interviews and fresh shapes. A new comp series, and tips for raising climber kids. World Cup season is wrapping up, but our sport’s top athletes haven’t hung up their shoes quite yet. But the big news this week is the largest climbing gym chain in the world got a new CEO. Actually not new, she co-founded the brand, and has returned to the helm. Setters: keep your eyes peeled, our Grip Showcase Salt Lake City survey is coming soon! See The Freshest Job Posts HereCommunity & Culture
- Podcast: Tips for Raising Happy, Healthy Climbing Kids (Eric Hörst, Training 4 Climbing)
- Podcast: Talking with Mo Beck about Paraclimbing’s Paralympic Inclusion and More (Circle Up with Allison and Kyra)
- Anne-Worley Moelter Named New CEO of Movement (CBJ)
- Why Janja Garnbret Says Her Coach Makes Winning “Even Remotely Possible”(John Burgman, Outside)
- A Major Breakthrough for America’s Climbing Legacy (Access Fund)
Comp Scene
- Sep 20-22: IFSC World Cup Prague 2024 (IFSC)
- Sep 21 – Dec 7: Pacific Climbing Series (PCS)
- British Lead, Speed and Paraclimbing Championships 2024 (Natalie Berry, UK Climbing)
- We Need Your Input – National Ranking System Survey Now Open (Christiane Marceau, CEC)
Koper World Cup
- IFSC Videos: Lead Finals – Chatting with Janja Garnbret – Chatting with Toby Roberts
- IFSC Lead World Cup Koper 2024 – Toby Roberts wins Gold and Overall Title, Gold for Garnbret (Xa White, UK Climbing)
- Olympic Champs Win Gold Again in Koper (Aaron Pardy, Gripped)
- Sanders Takes Bronze at World Cup Koper 2024 (USAC)
For Routesetters
- Nov 11: Route Setting Clinic at Grip Bouldering, CO (ASCL)
- Podcast: Understanding Constants Over Time – Claire Gordon (Holly Chen)
- Podcast: Garrett Gregor – Olympic Head Routesetter (Testpiece Climbing)
- “Too Hard! Too Reachy!” The Olympic’s Routesetters Think These Criticisms Are Unfair (Owen Clarke, Outside)
- New Climbing Holds & Volumes: September 2024 (CBJ)
- Video: IFSC Worldcup Koper – Interview with the route setters (Beta Routesetting)
For Managers
- Sep 19 Webinar: Design Considerations for New Facilities (CBJ)
- Oct 1: Safeguarding Surgery Meeting (BMC)
- Expanding Your Climbing Gym with Kids Climbing Walls (Walltopia)
- Video: Your Building Project Fingerprint (Chris Ryan Studio)
Work for Portland Rock Gym – Climbing Jobs Weekly 2024 September 12
Marketing Director Routeseetter Portland Rock Gym Portland, OR “Since 1987, Portland Rock Gym has been dedicated to teaching and training rock climbing indoors while celebrating and preserving our local cliffs and boulders. As a privately held, direct-to-consumer service, we are experiencing rapid growth with the upcoming completion of our full-service Beaverton location, set to be one of the largest climbing facilities in the nation. By November 2024, our total space will expand to 85,000 square feet across two locations.”
JOB SEEKER TIPS:
What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? By NovoResume “When you discuss your strengths, make sure to emphasize traits that directly align with the requirements you read in the job ad. As for weaknesses, avoid mentioning anything that might undermine what a good match you are for the job. If you do have a weakness that’s directly relevant to the role, you can acknowledge it but follow up by explaining how you’re working on it and actively improving.” Read the full article hereLATEST JOB OPENINGS
See all current jobs // Post your job FT = full time PT = part timeRECENT/TOP JOB POSTS AT CBJ | LOCATION | TYPE |
Marketing Manager at Alaska Rock Gym | Anchorage, AK | FT – manager, mktg/sales |
Assistant General Manager at The Climb | Bentonville, AR | FT – manager |
Facilities Manager at The Boulder Field | Sacramento, CA | FT – other |
Routesetter at High Altitude Fitness | Truckee/Incline Village, CA/NV | FT – routesetter |
Exploratory Head Coach at ABC Kids | Boulder, CO | PT – coach |
Foundational Head Coach at ABC Kids | Boulder, CO | PT – coach |
Select Head Coach at ABC Kids | Boulder, CO | PT – coach |
Front Desk Manager at Whetstone | Fort Collins, CO | FT – front desk |
Routesetting Education Consultant at CWA | Remote/Boulder, CO | PT – other |
Gym Director at Shift | Holland, MI | FT – manager |
Marketing Director at Portland Rock | Gym Portland, OR | FT – manager, mktg/sales |
Routesetter at Portland Rock Gym | Portland, OR | FT – routesetter |
Facility Manager at Latitude | Hampton Roads, VA | FT – manager |
Head Routesetter at Latitude | Hampton Roads, VA | FT – routesetter |
Routesetter at Latitude | Hampton Roads, VA | FT – routesetter |
Sales and Software Support Manager at Redpoint HQ | Bellevue, WA | FT – other |
Sales and Software Support Specialist at Redpoint HQ | Bellevue, WA | FT – other |
Programs Manager at Half Moon | Seattle, WA | FT – manager |
Career Centers of Climbing Industry
NAME | TYPE | LOCATION | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/access-fund.png | Access Fund | https://www.accessfund.org/about/careers | organization | USA - CO |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wi-adventure-rock.png | Adventure Rock | https://adventurerock.com/jobs/ | facility | USA - WI |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-alpine.png | Alpine Climbing Adventure Fitness | https://climbatalpine.com/about/careers/ | facility | USA - CA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/american-alpine-club.png | American Alpine Club | https://americanalpineclub.org/jobs | organization | USA - CO |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pa-ascend.png | ASCEND Climbing | https://www.ascendclimbing.com/ascend-jobs | facility | USA - OH, PA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-ascent-studio.png | Ascent Studio | https://ascentstudio.com/employment/ | facility | USA - CO |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouldering-project-1.png | Bouldering Project (pick location) | https://boulderingproject.com/ | facility | USA - MN, TX, UT, WA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ab-calgary-climbing-centre.jpg | Calgary Climbing Centre | https://calgaryclimbing.com/employment/ | facility | Canada - AB |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/central-rock-gym-1.png | Central Rock Gym | https://centralrockgym.com/careers/ | facility | USA - CT, FL, MA, NY, RI |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/eldorado-wall-company.png | Eldorado Climbing | https://eldowalls.com/pages/careers | product | USA - CO - Louisville |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/entre-prises.png | EP Climbing | https://epclimbing.com/na/en/ep-usa-careers | product | USA - OR - Bend |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/everlast.png | Everlast / Kumiki / Groperz / eXpression | https://everlastclimbing.com/pages/careers | product | USA - MN |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/il-first-ascent.png | FA Climbing | https://faclimbing.com/careers/ | facility | USA - IL, PA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/on-guelph-grotto.png | Guelph Grotto | https://www.guelphgrotto.com/careers | facility | Canada - ON - Guelph |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/head-rush.png | Head Rush Technologies // TRUBLUE | https://trublueclimbing.com/about/careers | product | USA - CO |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/tn-high-point.png | High Point Climbing & Fitness | https://www.highpointclimbing.com/employment | facility | USA - AL, TN |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/impact.png | IMPACT | https://impactclimbing.com/careers/ | product | Canada - ON - Milton |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/on-junction.png | Junction Climbing Centre | https://www.junctionclimbing.com/employment-opportunities | facility | Canada - ON - London |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ma-metrorock.png | MetroRock | https://metrorock.com/ | facility | USA - MA, NY, VT |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/momentum-1.png | Momentum | https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/df699b76-9e67-4daa-9236-27d597e75dbf/Momentum-LLC | facility | USA - TX, UT, WA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/movement-1.png | Movement Gyms | https://movementgyms.com/careers/ | facility | USA - CA, CO, IL, MD, OR, TX, VA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/olc-architecture.png | OLC Architecture | https://www.olcdesigns.com/about-us/#teammember | service | USA - CO |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/onsite.png | OnSite | https://www.theonsite.com/careers | product | Canada - QC |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/organic.png | Organic Climbing | https://organicclimbing.com/pages/employment-opportunities | product | USA - PA - Philipsburg |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/va-peak-experiences.png | Peak Experiences | https://www.peakexperiences.com/employment | facility | USA - VA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/salon-de-lescalade.png | Salon de l'Escalade | https://www.salon-escalade.com/vertical-jobs/recruteurs/ | organization | France |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nm-stone-age.png | Stone Age | https://climbstoneage.com/employment-staff/ | facility | USA - NM - Albuquerque |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ut-the-front.png | The Front | https://thefrontclimbingclub.com/careers/ | facility | USA - UT |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/the-gravity-vault.png | The Gravity Vault | https://gravityvault.com/careers | facility | USA - CA, NJ, NY, PA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-the-pad.png | The Pad | https://www.thepadclimbing.org/employment/ | facility | USA - CA, NV |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-the-spot.png | The Spot | https://www.thespotgym.com/careers | facilities | USA - CO |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/trango.png | Trango // Tenaya | https://trango.com/pages/careers | product | USA - CO |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/treadwall-fitness.png | Treadwall | https://treadwallfitness.com/careers/ | product | USA - MA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nc-triangle-rock-club.png | Triangle Rock Club (choose location) | https://www.trianglerockclub.com/morrisville/about/employment/ | facility | USA - NC, VA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/co-ubergrippen.png | Ubergrippen | https://ugclimbing.com/jobs/ | facility | USA - CO |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/UK-Climbing.png | UKC (jobs in UK) | https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/job_finder/ | organization | United Kingdom |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/vertical-solutions.jpg | Vertical Solutions // Habit // Proxy // Pebble | https://vsclimbinggyms.com/company/careers | product | USA - UT |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wa-vertical-world.png | Vertical World | https://verticalworld.com/ | facility | USA - WA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ca-vital.png | Vital | https://www.vitalclimbinggym.com/careers | facility | USA - CA, NY, WA |
http://climbsesh2024.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/walltopia.png | Walltopia | https://careers.walltopia.com/ | products | Bulgaria |
Family-Owned Training Center Opens in Southern California
Flux Training Center Vista, California
Specs: On May 12th, Flux Training Center opened in Vista, California, a city in northern San Diego County. According to Joseph Unitt, the Founder and CEO of Flux, the gym was founded from a passion the Unitt family holds for “climbing and the process of training specifically for rock climbing.” Before launching Flux, Joseph noted he had been climbing at some other gyms in the region where he felt there was a larger recreational focus and not quite the training setup he desired. “The idea for Flux was to try and have everything you need under one roof and create an environment for training and working out. We certainly also have bouldering walls to have fun on, but, again, everything was designed to help climbers who were motivated to train and get stronger and achieve the goals they had set for themselves and their climbing season.”
One training-centered aspect of the facility is the “ABC” scale for grading climbs, a circuit-style system that groups climbs into just three ranges. Each letter represents a 4-5 grade range, and within each range are also different symbols denoting specific qualities of the climb (competition-style boulders, for example, have a gold star). “The idea is to create a mindset of not chasing grades—just enjoying the movement of the climbs and learning the skills and technique required to complete the climb,” Joseph said. He also has observed climbers sometimes not attempting certain boulders that fall out of their perceived grade range and hopes Flux’s grading and setting will help mitigate that outcome. “We really want people to go back to the enjoyment of just climbing for the fun of it and enjoying the process of getting better at climbing.”
In addition to 3,300 square feet of climbing surface—including the bouldering walls, Kilter Board, Tension Board 2 and spray wall—Flux features campus boards, a 14-foot hangboard rig and a mobility station. On the first floor is also a full-weight station and squat rack, and the second floor has additional mobility and hangboard amenities as well as a lounge. The 7,200-square-foot facility previously consisted of four separate suites that the gym owners decided to open up, opting for one open space with a mezzanine.
According to Joseph, the gym’s location was a fitting spot for the Unitt’s vision because of the many strong climbers in the area and the building’s proximity to the highway, ample parking and 24-foot-high ceilings. Vista is also home to the Unitts: Joseph, Lori, Spencer, Jesse and Ethan. The family now operates Flux as a team; Joseph is the CEO, Lori works in marketing, Spencer is the web developer and IT coordinator, Jesse is the head routesetter, and Ethan is the gym’s personal trainer. “Opening the gym with the family just came about because we each have something to add to the business. We have been climbing as a family since the kids were very young, so they have always been involved with climbing throughout their lives,” Joseph said. “My only advice [in operating a gym as a family] would be to be prepared to compromise; you can’t use every idea that everyone has, and we need to be able to step back and let others’ ideas be heard and try to see what the best outcome would be.”
Walls: EP Climbing Flooring: Strati CRM Software: MindBody Website: fluxtrainingcenter.com Instagram: @FluxTrainingCenter
In Their Words: “My advice to anyone looking to open a gym in 2024/2025 is do your homework, understand what the market is like in your area and if the area will work for what you are wanting to do. Be very patient with the process; there are going to be a lot of hiccups that you don’t budget for or even know to budget for. Also, obstacles will get in your way, and be prepared to push through them. It is mentally exhausting as well as physically, but it is achievable if you really want it.” – Joseph Unitt, Flux Training Center CEO/Founder.
2024 Gala and Auction Announcement
CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.