Movement Climbing, Yoga and Fitness, the world’s largest community of indoor rock climbing gyms, has selected Redpoint HQ as its new software platform provider to run all 33 Movement locations, bringing membership management, retail, front desk operations, marketing and reporting into one system.

The partnership comes during a period of rapid change in climbing gym software. In just over a year, hundreds of gyms worldwide have committed to the Redpoint HQ platform as operators look for a more flexible and data-forward system. As competition in the industry increases and efficiency becomes more important, operators are turning to Redpoint HQ to bring operations, revenue strategy, and member engagement together in a single system.

Movement’s decision to move to Redpoint HQ is part of a broader shift across the industry as gyms look for infrastructure that can support long-term growth.

“Movement has grown into one of the most respected climbing gym operators in the world,” said Tod Bloxham, CEO of Redpoint HQ. “We’re excited to support their teams with technology designed to power their growth for years to come.”

Under the partnership, Redpoint HQ will provide Movement with a platform that connects day-to-day gym operations with deeper data visibility. Each Movement location will operate within a powerful data environment, giving the organization full visibility into performance across all locations. This includes the ability to compare memberships, programs, and retail, supported by advanced analytics and AI tools built directly into the platform.

This helps gyms understand how members and guests are using their facilities, which programs are performing well, and what trends are emerging across locations. Managers can access their data in real time, ask questions directly within the platform, and spot opportunities to improve retention, refine marketing, and better support their communities.

“The technology we use plays a critical role in our day-to-day operations and in ensuring our members and guests have the best experience possible,” said Movement’s CCO, Chris Jenkins. “Redpoint HQ stood out because of the platform’s flexibility, automation and strong data capabilities. It gives us a better understanding of our members and guests, and helps us continue improving the experience across all of our gyms.”

About Redpoint HQ

Redpoint HQ is a powerful platform for modern climbing gyms, combining a modern UI, customizable plans, seamless operations, and powerful business and marketing data—all in one system. Backed by a team with decades of combined experience in the climbing gym industry and software development, Redpoint HQ is a trusted choice for gyms seeking a comprehensive, intuitive and future-ready management solution.

Learn more at www.redpointhq.com.

About Movement Climbing, Yoga and Fitness

Movement is the largest worldwide network of climbing gyms with integrated yoga and fitness, leading the future for rock climbing. Through fostering growth and connection, Movement provides a physical, emotional, and mental journey. Facilities feature world-class bouldering, top-rope, and lead climbing along with specialized yoga and fitness classes, functional training areas, cardio zones, and fully stocked gear shops. Movement’s community welcomes individuals of all abilities—from first-time climbers, yogis and fitness enthusiasts to experienced athletes and families.

Learn more at www.movementgyms.com.

CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

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Englewood, CO — April 2026 — Maverick Climbing, a leading innovator in commercial climbing wall design and installation, is proud to announce its participation in the 2026 CWA Summit, where the team will be exhibiting at Booth #540.

Known for delivering high performing climbing environments that elevate both user experience and business outcomes, Maverick is inviting attendees to experience firsthand what sets their approach apart.

Design a Gym a Day — Maverick Giveaway

As part of this year’s Summit, Maverick is launching its “Design a Gym a Day” Giveaway, offering attendees a unique opportunity to win a free custom 3D climbing gym design.

• Visit Booth #540
• Enter on April 15th, 16th, or 17th
• One winner selected and announced each day

Participants simply need to drop their contact information at the Maverick booth each day for a chance to win. Each day brings a new opportunity—and a new winner—to take the first step toward building a world-class climbing facility.

A Year of Momentum and Partnership

Over the past 12 months, Maverick Climbing has been honored to partner with a growing list of visionary gym owners and operators across the country, including:

• Climb NORA — Federal Way, WA
• ROQ — Seattle, WA
• Apex Climbing & Spa — Watkinsville, GA
• Edwards Field House — Edwards, CO
• Third Space Boulders — Sugar Land, TX
• The Hanger — Prattville, AL

Each project reflects Maverick’s commitment to thoughtful design, precision execution, and long-term client success.

With several additional projects set to be announced in the coming months, Maverick continues to build momentum as a trusted partner for both new gym startups and established operators.

Built to Perform

“Every wall we design is built with purpose—supporting not just the climber experience, but the business behind it,” said Jerad Wells, Owner of Maverick Climbing. “We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve built and excited to connect with more forward-thinking owners at this year’s Summit.”

Visit Maverick at Booth #540

Attendees are encouraged to stop by Booth #540 to meet the team, explore Maverick’s latest work, and learn why discerning owners across the country are choosing Maverick Climbing.

Built to perform. Built for what’s next.

Media Contact:
Maverick Climbing
jw@maverickclimbing.com
303-910-7583
maverickclimbing.com

CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

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We are thrilled that after 15+years of providing cutting-edge climbing flooring systems, Strati Climbing is now introducing Recyclable Roped Flooring!

This Strati exclusive 6” thick roped flooring system is:

• 85% recyclable
• Cost effective
• 100% Waterproof
• Highly durable
• Stable for walking or standing
• Warranted by layer (Base – 10 yrs; Mid – 10 yrs; Top – 2 yrs)
• Tested – Critical Fall Height of 14.8 ft
• Maintenance friendly
• Less than 1 lb. per/sqft – great for access pads

Stop by booth # 520 at the Climbing Wall Association Conference (CWA) in Salt Lake City – April 15-17, 2026, or contact us.

Phone: 505.506.9706
Email: ernest@straticlimbing.com
Website: www.straticlimbing.com
Instagram: @straticlimbing

CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

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April 7, 2026 — CLIMBMANAGER introduces Events – a new feature that enables climbing gyms to easily create and manage events, build stronger communities, and boost member engagement.

This new feature allows climbing facilities to create and promote themed events such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and other seasonal campaigns – as well as fully custom, gym-specific climbing events tailored to their community.

The Events feature was built around real industry needs: helping gyms organize initiatives that boost engagement, increase attendance, and improve communication with customers – all without relying on external tools.

The biggest advantage: freedom of configuration

One of the key strengths of the new Events feature is its high level of flexibility. Climbing gyms can design events on their own terms, adapting them to their scale, style, and goals (for example: increasing participation, building community, or launching seasonal challenges).

Powerful options, simple experience

While the event setup offers a wide range of configuration options, CLIMBMANAGER focuses on simplicity and usability. The Manager Panel is designed to remain clear and intuitive even with more advanced settings. Just as importantly, navigating events in the Client Panel and Mobile App is straightforward, making it easier for climbers to discover and join.

Events as a tool for building community

The new feature supports not only event organization but also the culture and atmosphere of a climbing gym. Themed events – like Halloween or Valentine’s Day – have long been a natural way to activate climbing communities. Now, climbing gyms can manage and communicate these events by using one platform.

“We built Events to be powerful without becoming complicated. Climbing gyms get full freedom in how they configure an event, but the setup remains intuitive – both for staff in the Manager Panel and for climbers browsing events on the customer side.”  —Mateusz Ropka, CEO, CLIMBMANAGER

About CLIMBMANAGER

CLIMBMANAGER is a modern, all-in-one management platform built for climbing gyms. Designed to simplify daily operations, CLIMBMANAGER automates key processes such as membership and service sales, online booking, waiver access, and customer management.

www.climbmanager.io

+1 203 814 6002

sales@climbmanager.io

CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

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Endurance Bouldering, Stewardship, and Community in Utah’s Sandstone Canyon Country

CASTLE DALE, Utah — What do you get when you combine an endurance bouldering competition, a beach party, a fundraiser, and a trail maintenance day? You get the Joe’s Valley Pump-A-Thon. On May2nd and 3rd, Joe’s Valley Climbing & Community (JVCC) will once again host a weekend that blends endurance bouldering, genuine community, and hands-on land stewardship. There’s nothing else quite like it on the climbing calendar.

The weekend is built around two distinct experiences—a Saturday competition and a Sunday stewardship day—and both are essential to what makes the Pump-A-Thon worth showing up for.

The competition format is simple and inclusive: climb as many boulder problems as you can during the competition window. Gender categories, age divisions, and climbing-level specific brackets mean there’s a fair, meaningful place in the comp for everyone. Whether you are climbing outside for the first time or a seasoned local crusher, you’ll be competing with your peers and cheering each other on. The goal isn’t to be the best. It’s to show up, try hard, and move your body on some of the best rock in Utah.

But anyone who’s been to the Pump-A-Thon knows the comp is only part of it. The competition day carries on with food trucks, a beach-themed social, awards, raffle drawings, a campfire, and music at the Castle Dale Fairgrounds. And then Sunday morning, the event switches gears into something more grounded: a community trail maintenance day, fueled by coffee and donuts, where climbers and locals work side by side on the trails and landings that make Joe’s Valley worth protecting.

The best part? All of it is a fundraiser. Climbers at Joe’s Valley have always taken care of the place, and the Pump-A-Thon grew out of that. We show up, not as an obligation, but as a natural extension of caring about the place. Every registration dollar goes directly to JVCC’s year-round programming that includes the coalition ‘s ongoing trail and landing stewardship work, and the youth outdoor education camps that give local kids from Emery and Carbon County real access to the outdoors, real skills, and real confidence.

This is the work that keeps Joe’s Valley healthy and accessible, and the Pump-A-Thon is how the broader climbing community gets to be a direct part of it. To keep the event accessible, discounted registration is available for students and for residents of Emery and Carbon County.

JVCC is a nonprofit that has been embedded in this community since 2015. JVCC’s mission is straightforward: enhance the local economy, build community, and drive sustainability by bringing rock climbers and locals together around their shared enthusiasm for the outdoors. JVCC is working to make sure that the economic and social benefits of Joe’s Valley’s reputation as a world-class outdoor destination actually stay local, in the trails, the businesses, the schools, and the families that make this place home.

“It has been so rewarding to work with our small team of locals and climbers to help make an impact on the area. From improving safety with off road parking and trails to getting kids outdoors with our summer camps. Events like the Pump-A-Thon provide crucial fundraising to keep our programs going. We all had so much fun together last year! We’re doing this because we love the organization and its mission and we want to keep our programs going.”
– Julie Janus, JVCC Executive Director

The Pump-A-Thon puts that mission into a single weekend in a way that’s hard to replicate any where else.

EVENT DETAILS

SATURDAY May 2
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Registration at New Joe’s Campground Parking
11:30 AM – 11:45 AM | Mandatory Kick-Off Meeting
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Climbing Competition at New Joe’s
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Drive to Town, Ensure Results Input
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Food Trucks and Social at Castle Dale
7:00 PM | Awards and Raffle Drawings
Until 10:00 PM | Bonfire and Music

SUNDAY May 3
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Meet at New Joe’s parking lot for a Trail Day overview.
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Trail Maintenance and FUN! Please wear closed toed shoes and bring gloves if you have them. All trail equipment is provided. We’ll be doing erosion prevention at Area 51 and Pocket Rocket.

The Pump-A-Thon is a great way to see what the area has to offer and get a view into what the Joe’s Valley climbing community is all about. If you can’t make it in May, mark your calendar for Joe’s Valley Fest this fall, a multi-day event that draws climbers and community members from across the region and beyond.

Register for the Pump-A-Thon and learn more at joesvalley.org

Contact:
Julie Janus, JVCC Executive Director
julie@joesvalleyfest.org | 916-580-8276
joesvalley.org
joesvalley.org/joesvalleypump-a-thon

CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

The post Joe’s Valley Pump-A-Thon Returns appeared first on Climbing Business Journal.

April 6, 2026 — For the moment every climber has had: “Wait… how did they do that?”

Most climbers know the feeling. You see someone do a move that makes no sense to you. You watch it again. Still nothing. Maybe someone shouts some beta across the mats. Maybe it helps. Maybe it doesn’t.

Spray was built for that moment.

Instead of giving climbers more beta to copy, Spray helps them see why a move worked in the first place. The aim is not to hand out one answer for one climb. It is to help people build better movement understanding that carries over to the next problem too.

Why we made this feature

Video has become a normal part of climbing. People film attempts, rewatch moves, share beta and compare sequences all the time. But most of that still relies on interpretation. You either see it or you don’t. That is the gap Spray is trying to close.

In other sports, video analysis has been normal for years. In climbing, most people are still piecing things together from replays, guesses, and whatever advice they get thrown.

That works up to a point. But it is limited.

Most beta only solves one problem, for one person, on one attempt. We wanted to build something more useful than that. Something that helps climbers understand movement patterns, not just copy positions.

Who it’s for

Spray is built for a wide range of climbers, from newer climbers through to elite athletes, including:

• Newer climbers who want to understand basic movement better and stop repeating the same mistakes
• Intermediate climbers trying to break plateaus and expand the range of movement options they can use
• Advanced and elite climbers refining timing, efficiency and body positions on harder sequences
• Coaches, routesetters and content creators who want a clearer way to explain movement without disappearing into technical jargon
  
  

What it does

Spray starts with a simple question:

What actually happened there?

Climbers can upload their own video or explore someone else’s, then switch on overlays that help show what the movement is doing and why it worked.

The overlays are grouped into four skill types, because different climbs reward different things.

Trajectory Analysis (Momentum)

Big moves are rarely solved just through reach. Whether it is a pogo, dyno, swing or catch, Trajectory Analysis helps show where momentum starts, where it travels, and how the climber is controlling it. It can also show how limb movement is being used to kill momentum around the centre of mass so the move can be held rather than just touched.

Balance & Stability

Good balance often looks simple from the outside, but it usually is not. This toolbox helps make small adjustments more visible, showing how coordinated shifts in the body move the centre of mass into a supported position so other limbs are free to make useful progress.

Joint Angle Analysis (Flexibility & Positioning)

As climbs get harder, margin for error gets smaller. This tool helps spot where someone is forcing a move instead of moving well, and where better joint positioning, mobility or body shape might open up a better option.

Timing & Efficiency

A lot of climbing habits only become obvious when you can actually see them. Favourite clipping hand? Hanging around too long before committing? Over-staying every rest? The Timing module helps make those patterns easier to spot so climbers can move more efficiently and waste less energy.

Compare like a pro

Spray also includes comparison modes that let climbers look at different attempts side by side. That could mean comparing your own attempts against each other, or comparing your sequence with someone else’s. Features include synced side-by-side playback, slow motion, shadow and overlay compare modes, and control over which overlays are visible.

How much it costs

Spray is included with Griptonite PRO: £39.99/year.

There are no add-ons and no per-video fees. If you already have PRO, Spray is included.

Where to get it

Spray is available now inside the Griptonite app and supported at 200+ gyms worldwide.

To get started:

• Download or open the Griptonite app
• Upgrade to PRO, or log in if you already have it
• Go to Spray and start analysing your own climbs or exploring other people’s videos

Frequent Questions

1. Does it need a fixed camera?
   A. No! You can use your own smart phone held in your hand or propped up on a water bottle. Our analysis can even handle small movements and pans across the wall.
2. Is it a new app?
   A. No! Same Griptonite app as usual. The analysis is just a new feature upgrade for you.
3. Can I export?
   A. YES! You can export videos with overlays or synced up in compare modes. This makes it real easy to post to SM, help coach-client conversations or anything more extravagant.
4. What about privacy?
   A. During upload, users can select if their videos can be seen by others. Private betas remain private while public ones can be used by the community for comparison and learning.

Griptonite will be present at the CWA2026 and ACS2026 giving live demos!
Please stop by the booth to try out Spray on you OWN betas 

CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

The post Griptonite Launches “Spray,” a New Pro Feature for Movement Analysis Inside the Griptonite App appeared first on Climbing Business Journal.

Important update for the Kilter community.

The previous Kilter app was taken down by the third-party company that operated it.

Here’s what you need to know:

We’ve been building a brand new Kilter app from the ground up. We weren’t planning to launch it this way — we wanted more time to polish it — but the timeline has been accelerated.

The new Kilter app is available now on the App Store and Google Play. It’s early, and it’s not perfect yet. But for the first time, we control the entire stack. That means faster updates, direct control, and a better app over time.

We’re also working on recovering personal user data (logbooks, history) from the old app. We can’t make promises on that front — the data was held by a third party — but we’re doing everything we can. For now you will need to create a new account when you set up the new app.

Download the new app and let us know how it goes. For a video intro and FAQ, or if you need help or want to report issues or offer feedback, and to add climbs you’ve set to your account, go to kilterboard.io.

Click below to download the new App!

CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

The post New Kilter Board App – Reclaim The Boulders You Created appeared first on Climbing Business Journal.

The Collaboration Brings Exclusive Products and New Ideas to the Climbing Community

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sender One Climbing, a leading Southern California climbing gym operator, and climbing company So iLL are proud to announce a multi-year partnership spanning the next three years and culminating with the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The collaboration brings exclusive So iLL products, co-branded merchandise, and climbing wall development to Sender One locations, supporting the continued growth of climbing ahead of LA28.

Sender One x So iLL

The collaboration builds on a shared history of more than a decade in the climbing industry and a common commitment to accessibility, creativity, and community. Both companies were founded on the belief that climbing should be welcoming and inspiring for all, a philosophy reflected in Sender One’s gyms and programming and So iLL’s product innovation and design-forward approach.

“At our core, both Sender One and So iLL share an entrepreneurial spirit rooted in discovery, connection, and a love for climbing,” said Alice Kao, Co-Founder and CEO of Sender One Climbing. “So iLL’s expansion into climbing wall development through its partnership with Dreamwall was the catalyst for this collaboration, and we’re excited to see how this partnership unfolds.”

As part of the partnership, So iLL products and exclusive merchandise will be integrated into the everyday climbing experience. Offerings include:

• So iLL chalk, finger massagers, brushes, and other accessories
• So iLL climbing shoes, including the Jason Momoa Roam shoe, available exclusively at Sender One locations and online
• Co-branded merchandise, including t-shirts, hoodies, and chalk bags

“When I first walked into Sender One LAX, I was in awe of the design and culture that Alice and Wes were building. It inspired me to keep creating,” said Daniel Chancellor, Co-Founder and Creative Director of So iLL. “Years later, it’s come full circle. We’re able to collaborate on products, walls, and holds while strengthening our friendship. This partnership is my way of saying thanks and giving back.”

As the climbing industry continues to expand, fueled in part by its growing Olympic presence, its future depends on collaboration and innovation. Together, Sender One and So iLL aim to strengthen the climbing community, inspire new climbers, and help shape the sport’s evolution ahead of the LA28 and beyond.

About Sender One
Sender One is a climbing gym company with locations throughout Southern California. Sender One’s purpose is to help people discover themselves and connect with others through climbing. Through inspiring spaces, inclusive programming, and a focus on human connection, Sender One is redefining what it means to be a modern climbing gym. Learn more at senderoneclimbing.com or follow along on Instagram @senderone.

About So iLL
So iLL started as a climbing hold company and has expanded into designing and selling consumer products ranging from apparel and accessories to shoes and bags. The brand has expanded into wall design through its partnership with Dreamwall, bringing climbing walls to communities nationwide. Learn more at soillholds.com or follow along on Instagram @soill.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Amanda de la Cruz
650-224-5628
409570@email4pr.com
www.startrco.com

CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

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RAMPF Group, Inc. will showcase its polyurethane resin RAKU® TOOL IE-3092, silicones, tooling boards, and automated dispensing technology for the cost-efficient manufacture of high-performance climbing holds at the Climbing Wall Association Summit in Salt Lake City, UT, from April 15 to 17 – Booth 556.

Key Facts

1. RAKU® TOOL IE-3092 is a versatile, easy-to-use polyurethane system, ideal for the quick and efficient in-house production of custom climbing holds using manual or automated processing.
2. For carving new molds, RAMPF provides high-performance polyurethane tooling boards RAKU® TOOL SB-0064, RAKU® TOOL MB-0670, and RAKU® TOOL WB-0801.
3. For large climbing hold production volumes, RAMPF offers cost-effective, flexible, and reliable contract manufacturing services at its facility in Suwanee, GA.

Industry benchmark – RAKU^® TOOL IE-3092

RAKU® TOOL IE-3092 is a versatile polyurethane system for fast, in-house production of custom climbing holds, eliminating the need for outsourcing. It can be processed manually or with automated meter-mix equipment, features an antimicrobial additive, and offers a simple 1:1 mix ratio by volume for easy pouring into silicone molds. The resin cures at room temperature and can be degassed and pressure-cured for optimal results.

Key features of RAKU® TOOL IE-3092:

• Excellent abrasion and impact resistance
• Fine surface structure and high molding accuracy
• Antimicrobial properties to combat bacteria
• Multiple work times with a quick cure schedule

Available in various industry-standard colors, RAKU® TOOL IE-3092 can be pigmented easily and ordered in quantities ranging from quart kits to 275-gallon totes, catering to both home-wall users and high-output manufacturers. Additionally, RAMPF offers a wide range of vibrant pigments, mold releases, and silicone rubber for molding.

Craft Your Own Climbing Hold – Join Us at CWA!
Molding and Casting Workshop by RAMPF
April 17 | 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Room 155 AB

Ever wanted to carve, mold, and pour your own climbing hold? Now’s your chance! Whether you’re brand new or experienced, join RAMPF for a hands-on session where we’ll explore:
How to recreate a climbing hold master
Silicone mold construction
Casting polyurethane climbing holds

We’ll share insider tips, materials, equipment insights and you’ll even get to pour your own hold using premade molds. Don’t miss out!

Precision and versatility – RAKU® TOOL Silicones

RAMPF’s silicones cater to diverse mold-making needs with precision and versatility. Available in tin- and platinum-based cures, they offer a wide range of Shore values for specific applications, including translucent options for better visibility during mold filling.

To add longevity and value to silicone tooling, RAMPF offers an extensive selection of Stoner Mold Release agents. Sealing the mold and maintaining a conditioned surface increases part output per mold and extends the lifespan of the silicone tooling.

Outstanding mechanical properties and highest quality – RAKU® TOOL Tooling Boards

For carving new molds, RAMPF offers high-performance polyurethane tooling boards. These combine top quality with excellent mechanical properties, are easy to mill on CNC machines, and provide fine surface finishes and good dimensional stability.

RAKU® TOOL SB-0064
• Very lightweight
• Easily shaped
• Available in block sizes and full sheets

RAKU® TOOL MB-0670
• Fine surface structure
• Excellent milling characteristics
• Easy to seal and varnish

RAKU® TOOL WB-0801
• Enhanced heat tolerance up to 200°F and low coefficient of thermal expansion
• Ideal for creating large “macros” in thermoforming production tooling
• Efficient laminating using adhesive that matches the board’s physical properties

Contract manufacturing
Climbing hold manufacturers with higher volumes benefit from RAMPF’s contract manufacturing services. The company uses proprietary, automated mixing and dispensing systems for the fast, cost-efficient, and flexible manufacture of high-performance climbing holds at its facility in Suwanee, GA.

Visit RAMPF Group, Inc. at Climbing Wall Association Summit in Salt Lake City, UT, from April 15 to 17 – Booth 556!

CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

The post Materials & Processing Technology for Cost-Efficient Climbing Hold Manufacturing appeared first on Climbing Business Journal.

As members of the USA Climbing Athletes’ Commission, we are elected by our fellow athletes to represent their voice and advocate on their behalf within our sport’s governance. As competitors who train and compete under the USA Climbing banner, we write today independently in strong support of the National Training Center in Salt Lake City. This facility is needed to help make the US more competitive on the international stage, to have a dedicated event stage, and to provide education and development opportunities for our broader community. We believe the NTC is foundational to athlete development and the continued growth of competition climbing in the United States.

Competition climbing is now firmly established on the Olympic and soon to be Paralympic stage. American athletes have risen to meet that moment, earning medals and respect at the highest levels of the sport. But the reality behind those results is that our athletes have done so on their own without a permanent, purpose-built training facility. While other nations and other sporting bodies invest heavily in dedicated centers for their national teams, American climbers have relied on borrowed gym time, temporary warehouse setups, and personal resourcefulness.

The National Training Center will provide dedicated, competition-standard terrain for bouldering, lead, para, and speed climbing, along with strength and conditioning resources, recovery space, and nutrition support. A permanent facility allows our coaches and routesetters to create training environments that simulate World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic conditions on a consistent basis, building on the support local gyms have generously provided over the years. Many of us have seen fi rsthand how the resources available to an athlete directly shape their performance, growth, and long-term potential. We expect the NTC to be a resource for athletes across the country, not just for those living in Salt Lake City, providing for the broader climbing community through the programming and opportunities it plans to offer.

The NTC is intended to represent something larger than elite performance. It will aim to elevate access to educational programming, host youth development camps, provide more coaching and routesetting clinics, and offer training programs that strengthen the pipeline from local gym teams across the country to the competitive national and international stage. Raising the standard of routesetting and coaching nationwide benefi ts every gym and every climber in the country. It will also provide a home for Para Climbing athletes, ensuring that adaptive climbing receives the same investment in preparation and development as every other discipline. The facility will create opportunities that do not currently exist at this scale anywhere in the United States.

Commercial climbing gyms are where most of us fell in love with climbing. They are where youth teams train, where communities form, and where the energy of this sport lives. As athletes, we can speak to the training, development, and event-hosting value the NTC will bring to the sport nationally, and our belief that the growth of the sport’s visibility benefi ts everyone in the ecosystem. Purpose-built hosting facilities create incredible competition environments, both for athletes and spectators alike, which is crucial for growing engagement and viewership. The visitors and international events the NTC will bring to Salt Lake City will introduce new people to climbing, and local gyms are where those people will continue their journey.

We are aware that questions have been raised about the NTC’s impact on commercial climbing gyms. As athletes, we are not in a position to speak to business projections or operating models. What we can say is that competition-style terrain, with its higher grades, lower density, and frequent turnover, serves a fundamentally different purpose than the welcoming, broad-appeal environment that makes local gyms successful. At the same time, we do not want to gatekeep these resources for the national team alone. A facility with public access has the potential to inspire the broader community and create opportunities for those who may not otherwise have access to competition-level training, or climbing at all.

We recognize the complexity of this project and the importance of continued dialogue with all stakeholders. We are proud that this project has included athlete voices throughout its development, and we believe that continued engagement will only strengthen the outcome. We also believe the climbing community should hear directly from the athletes whose lives have been shaped by this sport. Every one of us started climbing somewhere, with no guarantee it would become anything more than a hobby. Along the way, someone invested in us, and that investment changed the course of our lives. The National Training Center is that same kind of investment, made permanent by USA Climbing in ways we never could have believed growing up, and made available to every athlete who comes next.

Respectfully,
USA Climbing Athletes’ Commission

CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.

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