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!
Trends from the 2019 and 2026 CWA Indoor Climber Surveys, and what they mean for gym operators In 2019, the Climbing Wall Association set out to better understand who indoor climbers were, how they used gyms, and what they valued most. At the time, the industry was still riding a long wave of... Continue Reading
There’s something special about being able to work with people face-to-face every day. There's always something new to learn and new areas to improve on. While a lot of learning can happen on the job outside professional development opportunities can bring in new insights and fast track... Continue Reading
During a recent Instructor Certification Course, participants were asked to share their takeaways from the course delivery. One student shared the following: “This course elevated these scattered experiences into clear risk management concepts, allowing me to more fully understand the... Continue Reading
Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third place” to describe the social environments that exist that are not the home (the first place) or work (the second place). Third places serve as hubs where people gather for conversation, recreation, and connection. Cafés, bars, churches,... Continue Reading
Working at an indoor climbing gym comes with a wide range of benefits. Daily participation in a community you care about (not a given in many careers), coworkers who share your values, and the creativity of routesetting. You can also get the fulfillment of coaching and the sense of belonging... Continue Reading
Offering youth or coached programming is common in climbing gyms. Whether geared toward competition or recreational options like birthday parties, these programs are still sport programs at their core. SafeSport training and implementation may be needed in any or all of these types of programs,... Continue Reading
Article Brought to You by Monument Sports Group Signage and documentation in indoor climbing gyms serve many purposes. These include a gym’s policies, procedures, and training materials, and all have different functions. Clearly defined gym rules, warnings regarding the risks involved in... Continue Reading
As the climbing wall industry and communities grow, so does the array of career opportunities. However, whether you're an employer or an employee, navigating the career path within an indoor climbing gym is not always straightforward. This article addresses the concept of upward versus lateral... Continue Reading
For most climbing enthusiasts, indoor climbing gyms are our happy place, our connection to the sport we love. For those of us for whom real rock is the goal, climbing gyms provide a training ground. They can be a social venue, or a space where we can test our limits. They provide accessibility... Continue Reading
Ever hear the saying, from George Bernard Shaw’s 1903 play entitled Man and Superman, which states, “those who can, do; those who can’t teach.” The trouble with coaching and instruction is that those who provide the instruction are given a position of power over those they... Continue Reading
The job of an instructor is to deliver the content. A competent instructor provides the necessary instruction of content and skills. A good instructor ensures the required content is delivered in a way that is engaging and that students seem to understand. A great instructor continually assesses... Continue Reading
Competition day is a big deal for any coach. All of the training, coaching, and effort for both you and your athletes come to competition day. Showing up as your best self is the ultimate goal. Article At A Glance Writer: Marisa Romero, an expert in youth coaching and... Continue Reading
