CWA Blog

The Climbing Wall Association's blog is a place for indoor climbing professionals to find useful and relevant information from industry and business experts. Stay on top of best practices, thought leadership, and trends by subscribing to our newsletter!

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Understanding Kids with Disabilities in Climbing
Understanding Kids with Disabilities in Climbing

Indoor climbing coaches can benefit from a deeper understanding of kids with disabilities to help them succeed in your indoor climbing gym. Continue Reading

Date posted01/5/2024


CWA Announces DiGiulian as 2024 CWA Summit Opening Keynote
CWA Announces DiGiulian as 2024 CWA Summit Opening Keynote

Boulder, Colo., 12/18/2023 – The Climbing Wall Association (CWA) is excited to announce Sasha DiGiulian as the opening keynote speaker at the 2024 CWA Summit. Two more keynote speakers are planned and their announcement is forthcoming, DiGulian will set an exciting tone for the indoor... Continue Reading

Date posted12/17/2023


CWA Expands Board of Directors with Four New Members
CWA Expands Board of Directors with Four New Members

The Climbing Wall Association has expanded its Board of Directors by four members, bringing the total up to nine. Learn about the new board members and the role of the CWA Board of Directors. Continue Reading

Date posted12/11/2023


CWA Adds Event Coordinator
CWA Adds Event Coordinator

The Climbing Wall Association is excited to welcome a new addition to our team, Maddie Hodge, as our new Events Coordinator. Continue Reading

Date posted12/4/2023


Gym Owners & Indoor Climbing's Boom: Part 3
Gym Owners & Indoor Climbing's Boom: Part 3

How employee retention in indoor climbing is tied to the growing professionalization of our industry. Also, some helpful tips on how to pay and understand the needs of your employees. Continue Reading

Date posted12/4/2023


Choosing Belay Devices in Indoor Climbing Gyms, Part 2
Choosing Belay Devices in Indoor Climbing Gyms, Part 2

The conclusion of a two-part series on belay devices in indoor climbing gyms, focusing on risk mitigation, rescues, the importance of the break rope, personal responsibility, and freedom of choice. Continue Reading

Date posted11/20/2023


So You Want To Host a USA Climbing Comp
So You Want To Host a USA Climbing Comp

Learn how climbing gyms can best support USA Climbing events, with handy checklists, categories, and tips to make sure your event is a well-planned success. Continue Reading

Date posted11/20/2023


CWA and USAC Launch New Competition Advisory Committee
CWA and USAC Launch New Competition Advisory Committee

The Climbing Wall Association and USA Climbing are excited to announce the formation of a joint committee to provide a method for indoor climbing gym operators to give feedback on hosted climbing competitions. The committee is seeking applicants to join. Continue Reading

Postedby Matt Pucak (deleted)
Date posted11/3/2023


Beyond Climbing: What Does Your Indoor Climbing Gym Need?
Beyond Climbing: What Does Your Indoor Climbing Gym Need?

Indoor climbing gyms can offer a litany of other services, from cafes and bars to specialty training centers. What do you need to consider when thinking about add-ons? Continue Reading

Date posted11/3/2023


Gym Owners & Indoor Climbing's Boom: Part 2
Gym Owners & Indoor Climbing's Boom: Part 2

In the second part of this two-part series by Chris Oshinski, we explore the reason that voluntary employee turnover, and professionalism of the indoor climbing industry, will affect the profitability of the industry as a whole. Continue Reading

Date posted11/3/2023


Nonprofit Member Spotlight: Climbing 4 Change
Nonprofit Member Spotlight: Climbing 4 Change

Kai Lightner has leveraged his success as a pro climber to found a non-proft, Climbing for Change, that is inspiring diversity in climbing. Learn how your gym can get involved through grant programs, partnerships, consultations, and connections. Continue Reading

Date posted10/23/2023


Choosing Belay Devices in Indoor Climbing Gyms
Choosing Belay Devices in Indoor Climbing Gyms

Learn about tube-style and assisted braking devices, how they work, the difference, why gyms have different preferences, and why human error is the most common reason a device fails. Continue Reading

Date posted10/23/2023