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!
When it comes to working with local climbing organizations (LCO’s), often the first thing that comes to mind are organizations that primarily focus on access to the outdoors. However, there are LCO’s out there who are working toward expanding the indoor climbing community.... Continue Reading
I am going to start by expressing a potentially contentious opinion: I love The Catcher in the Rye. While not everyone familiar with the novel may have enjoyed it, the story always resonated with me: a coming-of-age tale where the protagonist struggles with his perceptions of adulthood,... Continue Reading
Staff and members alike often share a common complaint: too many children. While striking a balance between child-focused offerings and your adult population is challenging, with intention it can be executed beautifully. Article At A Glance Writer: Tuesday 'Kirby' Kahl,... Continue Reading
Indoor climbing coaches can benefit from a deeper understanding of kids with disabilities to help them succeed in your indoor climbing gym. Continue Reading
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
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
Indoor climbing gyms have to keep their customer base, and it isn't only the routesetting and walls that keep customers coming back to your indoor climbing gym. Learn the best ways to keep your customer base as members. Continue Reading
Born and raised on the Colorado Front Range, Theresa Morris started climbing by doing family laps on the ironic Flatirons in Boulder. After becoming an educator, she recognized the important lessons climbing can teach youth and made it her mission to get climbing programs into as many schools as... Continue Reading
In this most recent non-profit member spotlight, I sat down with three folks involved with the Adaptive Climbing Group to discuss how the organization has been instrumental in expanding access to the sport of climbing to those with a wide range of adaptive needs. With Kareemah Batts, our 2023 CWA... Continue Reading
Creating robust recreational and competitive programs that fit in to your gym’s culture may be challenging, but the benefits of creating and developing life-long climbers that will fall in love with climbing create great culture and contribute greatly to your gym's revenue. Continue Reading
High turnover of employees costs businesses money and time, and can lead to a further trickle down of discontent on your team. Learn some reasons why employees are leaving your climbing gym and strategies to combat turnover while building a stronger team. Continue Reading
Many potential coaches in the indoor climbing industry feel that their climbing talent or background isn't strong enough to take the step to become a coach. Chris Oshinski is here to provide some empirical evidence to correct this misconception and bolster the ranks of coaches. Continue Reading
