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!
A chief issue in the operations of a climbing facility is often money, or more accurately, financial sustainability. Despite what the public may think in terms of how expensive memberships and day passes are, there are some substantial expenses to cover, not the least of which includes the... Continue Reading
Programming is a crucial resource for indoor climbing gyms. After-school programs, youth climbing clubs, and instruction provide steady revenue throughout the year. Summer camps, birthday parties, and group visits serve as a gateway for new climbers to be introduced to the sport, resulting in an... Continue Reading
Does your gym have a written Work at Height plan? Who wrote it? When I first started working in the climbing industry, I was told that the Occupational Safety and Hazard Association (OSHA) “wasn’t in indoor climbing gyms.” I’ve heard that “they aren’t really... Continue Reading
Back in 2019, the CWA conducted the first Indoor Climber Survey. It spanned the US and Canada and included the voices of more than 20,000 individual climbers. With the help of climbing gym operators, the data gathered from those voices became a cornerstone of many organization's research... Continue Reading
Sponsored Content Gym operators have an obligation to put risk management practices in place for their climbers. Having patrons watch videos before signing waivers, posting “Are you clipped in?” signs at the auto belay stations, and belay certifications are all common things we see... 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
If you are worried or concerned about employee retention, you are not alone. According to Gallup’s 2025 Employee Retention & Attraction Indicator, 52% of all U.S. employees are watching for or actively seeking a new job. Employee satisfaction throughout all industries is at a record... Continue Reading
In cities across the U.S., climbing gyms are increasingly becoming much more than places to test one’s physical limits. They are community hubs, platforms for advocacy, and safe spaces where social and political issues important to membership are going mainstream through the sport of... 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
The Climbing Wall Association (CWA) is proud to welcome Josh Haynes (he/him) as its new Education Program Manager. Josh brings more than 25 years of experience in the climbing wall industry—spanning guiding, routesetting, programming, and education. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas,... 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
