At the heart of every adventure lies a first step. For ABC Climbing Academy, that step began with two legends of the climbing world: Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou and Didier Raboutou. Together, these world-champion climbers envisioned a place where children could build confidence, skills and passion through climbing—a space designed just for them.
Where It All Began
Robyn, a four-time World Cup climbing champion and coach of elite athletes, recognized that climbing offered more than a physical challenge. It builds resilience, teamwork and mental focus—values that every child needs to thrive. Alongside Didier, an accomplished champion in his own right, they combined decades of experience to create ABC Climbing Academy: the first climbing gym in the world dedicated exclusively to youth climbers.
From toddlers learning to balance to young climbers training for elite competitions, ABC Climbing Academy became a launchpad for the next generation of climbers—and confident, capable individuals. Programs like ABC Kids Climbing nurture development in ages 2 to 12, while Team ABC supports competitive athletes reaching national and international success.
A Vision for the Future
ABC Climbing Academy is more than a gym; it’s a movement. With climbing now a global Olympic sport, the demand for early training and youth-oriented climbing spaces is soaring. ABC Climbing Academy stands at the forefront of this movement, combining world-class training with an environment where kids feel encouraged, not intimidated.
But Robyn and Didier’s dream doesn’t stop there. They want every child, from small towns to bustling cities, to experience the transformative power of climbing. This vision has sparked the next chapter of ABC: franchising.
Climbing Higher Through Franchising
ABC Climbing Academy invites passionate entrepreneurs to join its growing family of gyms through its franchise program. With a proven model, state-of-the-art facility design (powered by partners like Walltopia), and expert training support, franchisees are empowered to bring ABC’s magic to their communities.
For families, ABC gyms will always be safe havens for growth, joy and skill development. For franchisees, it’s an opportunity to become part of a brand that blends purpose with profit and community impact with entrepreneurial success.
A Legacy in the Making
As ABC Climbing Academy expands across the country—and beyond—its mission remains clear: to empower kids to climb to new heights, both on the wall and in life.
Whether it’s the first step onto a climbing hold or the next step toward franchise ownership, the ABC Climbing Academy story is one of growth, possibility and adventure.
If you want to join the ABC Climbing Academy family, contact us at [email protected] and take the first step of your journey.
This story was paid for by the sponsor and does not necessarily represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.
