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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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Why & How to Use a Consultant: Part 2
Why & How to Use a Consultant: Part 2

Part one of this series tackled the question of “Why partner with a consultant?” with input from Gavin Haverly (Rise Above Consulting), Todd McCormick (Keystone Climbing Consultants) and Ty Morrison Heath (Adventure a Day Marketing). Article At A Glance Writer: Paul... Continue Reading

Postedby Paul Terbrueggen
Date posted06/7/2024


Scaling Up Your Climbing Gym & Keeping Culture Alive
Scaling Up Your Climbing Gym & Keeping Culture Alive

While the latest industry trends suggest now is a good time to expand, there is a lot to consider before opening a new facility. Most notable—especially for smaller organizations—is how to maintain the culture we have developed with one gym at two, three, or five gyms. Article At... Continue Reading

Postedby Christopher Oshinski
Date posted06/7/2024


2024 CWA Summit Session Spotlight: Allies, Not Adversaries (Routesetting)
2024 CWA Summit Session Spotlight: Allies, Not Adversaries (Routesetting)

Since the inception of climbing gyms, there has often been some tension between management and routesetting teams. Both sides want an inspiring facility filled with compelling routes that cater to their clientele. But both sides also have their own priorities, and sometimes those priorities seem... Continue Reading

Date posted04/29/2024


Managing Infants in Indoor Climbing Gyms
Managing Infants in Indoor Climbing Gyms

When I was only a climber and hadn’t begun routesetting, I studied Child and Family Studies at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. During my time there, my interests bounced back and forth between parental practices and family policy - and sometimes how one influenced the other.... Continue Reading

Postedby Hayley Moran
Date posted04/26/2024


The Theory of Teaching Outdoor Climbing in Indoor Gyms
The Theory of Teaching Outdoor Climbing in Indoor Gyms

It is fair to say that most indoor climbing gyms share the same separation of clientele. We have new and experienced climbers, recreational and competitive youth climbers, boulderers, and rope climbers (further broken down into top rope and lead climbers). And each of these groups comes... Continue Reading

Postedby Ashley Routson
Date posted04/26/2024


Social Media & Indoor Climbing Gyms
Social Media & Indoor Climbing Gyms

Managing your marketing from a social media account is an easy, free way to advertise yourbusiness and there isn’t only one way to do it well. There are multiple avenues you can go down as a climbing gym to have a successful and engaging platform depending on your available resources. While... Continue Reading

Postedby Jessica Malloy
Date posted04/12/2024


CWA Adds Membership Manager
CWA Adds Membership Manager

The CWA is excited to announce the hiring of a new Membership Manager. Tilde Bombardo brings a rich tapestry of experience to her new role as the CWA's Membership Manager. Hailing from Naples, Italy, Tilde discovered her passion for climbing at the age of 12. She fell in love with the cliffs of... Continue Reading

Postedby Tilde Bombardo
Date posted04/12/2024


Mental Training for Your Climbing Athletes
Mental Training for Your Climbing Athletes

Sponsored Content Brought to you by Warrior's Way. The most challenging moment for climbing coaches is when their athletes are shut down, unwilling, or unable to engage in an activity the coach thought was appropriate. The youth athlete that boulders V9 and has only redpointed 5.11c. The thought... Continue Reading

Postedby ARNO ILGNER
Date posted04/12/2024


2024 CWA Summit Session Spotlight: Eating Disorders in Indoor Climbing
2024 CWA Summit Session Spotlight: Eating Disorders in Indoor Climbing

Eating disorders and RED-S have been hot topics in the climbing world in recent years, and particularly in competition climbing of late. In just the past year, two members of the IFSC Medical Commission resigned from their positions, climbers voiced their desire for more extensive athlete... Continue Reading

Postedby Marisa Michael
Date posted04/12/2024


A Guide to Onboarding in the Indoor Climbing Industry
A Guide to Onboarding in the Indoor Climbing Industry

The indoor climbing industry witnesses a continual flux of personnel, with staff members transitioning to new opportunities, being let go, or advancing within the ranks, leading to recurrent gaps that need filling. For facility operators, prioritizing hiring becomes imperative. While selecting... Continue Reading

Postedby Chris Stevenson
Date posted03/29/2024


Optimizing Indoor Climbing Gyms for Programming
Optimizing Indoor Climbing Gyms for Programming

For many gyms, the busiest hours are weekday evenings, likely when the bulk of adult and youth programming occurs. A dedicated programming space, or programming-focused space, is vital to successful programming and the interactions between the average member and your programming during busy... Continue Reading

Postedby Kirby Kahl
Date posted03/29/2024


Preventing Injury as a Climbing Wall Worker
Preventing Injury as a Climbing Wall Worker

As a climbing wall worker, each day demands a delicate balance between exerting energy to set routes and boulder problems and allowing enough time for recovery to enjoy climbing yourself. Click here to view photos and videos of the exercises described in this article Climbing wall workers are... Continue Reading

Date posted03/25/2024