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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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Non-Profit Member Spotlight: Revisiting State Climb
Non-Profit Member Spotlight: Revisiting State Climb

Wow, how time flies! A little over two years ago, our Membership Coordinator Quinn Gordon interviewed the director of State Climb, a non-profit indoor climbing gym in Central VA that uses a Pay What You Like model to prioritize accessibility. They've just turned 5 years old, and we reached out... Continue Reading

Postedby Dos Allen
Date posted03/14/2025


Choosing Vendors That Fit Your Brand: Part 2
Choosing Vendors That Fit Your Brand: Part 2

STOP! Have you read Part One of this series? If not, skip to the "Tie-ins, Resources, and Further Reading Section below to find Part 1. This article launches straight into content left off from Part 1. Writer: Jess Malloy, head coach at High Point Climbing Gym. Jess has written about... Continue Reading

Postedby Jessica Malloy
Date posted03/14/2025


A Climbing Gym, If You Can Keep It
A Climbing Gym, If You Can Keep It

DISCLAIMER: The material presented is included with the understanding and agreement that the Climbing Wall Association, Inc. and Angell Law Offices, LLC are not engaged, either individually or collectively, in rendering legal or other professional services by presenting said material. The... Continue Reading

Postedby Robert C. Angell LLC
Date posted02/28/2025


Crafting Comps: Step by Step Guide for Climbing Gyms
Crafting Comps: Step by Step Guide for Climbing Gyms

Photo: Front Climbing Club. Every year, indoor climbing gyms of all sizes are dreaming bigger to put on their best citizen’s competitions. While some gyms have been built in recent years to accommodate large events, smaller gyms find ways of creating space for finals or bringing in guest... Continue Reading

Postedby Jesse Safford
Date posted02/28/2025


The Value of Workshops and Certifications
The Value of Workshops and Certifications

There’s something special about being able to work with people face-to-face every day. Since the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe and changed our collective experience with in-person work has become different. Very different. So different that some were even called heroes by simply going... Continue Reading

Postedby Jake Byk
Date posted02/14/2025


Choosing Vendors That Fit Your Brand: Part 1
Choosing Vendors That Fit Your Brand: Part 1

When it comes to choosing products to carry in your indoor climbing gym, you want to make sure you carry items that fit your culture. Whether you are opening a new location or trying to spruce up your facility, you can bring in new vendors, items, and merchandise to increase revenue and add some... Continue Reading

Postedby Jessica Malloy
Date posted02/14/2025


Develop Your Elevator Pitch: A Professional Development Exercise
Develop Your Elevator Pitch: A Professional Development Exercise

Is it possible to have a career working at an indoor climbing gym? This is a very hot topic in the industry these days. The simple answer is “yes, but…” Yes, there are specific positions within an indoor climbing gym that can be considered a career for many. But for most,... Continue Reading

Postedby Ashley Routson
Date posted01/31/2025


Safe Sport and Indoor Climbing
Safe Sport and Indoor Climbing

As a young woman, I was an outdoor recreation enthusiast. Climbing, canoeing, hiking, camping, and skiing were all my favorite activities. I was fortunate to have access to guides to take me and my schoolmates out on these adventures. Article At A Glance Writer: Heather... Continue Reading

Postedby Heather Reynolds
Date posted01/20/2025


Front Desk To Management: Indoor Climbing Gym Guide
Front Desk To Management: Indoor Climbing Gym Guide

Working the front desk can be a fun, temporary job with perks like free memberships, pro-deals, and in-house instruction and classes, but it can also be the first step toward being a professional in the indoor climbing industry. Article At A Glance Writer: Jess Malloy, head coach at... Continue Reading

Postedby Jessica Malloy
Date posted01/20/2025


Routesetters Working With Coaches: Part 3
Routesetters Working With Coaches: Part 3

In the previous two articles, we explored how routesetters and coaches can collaborate to enhance athlete development and the overall gym experience. This final story will dive deeper into actionable steps both parties can take to foster a strong, ongoing partnership, addressing the final hurdles... Continue Reading

Date posted01/6/2025


Welcome Our New Routesetting Education Consultant
Welcome Our New Routesetting Education Consultant

Please join the CWA in welcoming Foxman McCarthy-James as our new Routesetting Education Consultant. Foxman joins Heather Reynolds as they continue to innovate and revolutionize the CWA's Certification offerings. Foxman started her education journey musically, as a professional violist. Not... Continue Reading

Postedby Jake Byk
Date posted01/2/2025


Monument Sports Group Acquisition: What You Should Know
Monument Sports Group Acquisition: What You Should Know

The Monument Sports Group (MSG), the Climbing Wall Association’s insurance partner of more than a decade, is thrilled to announce its acquisition by DOXA Insurance Holdings, LLC, an award-winning specialty insurance platform known for its expertise in niche markets. This strategic... Continue Reading

Postedby Garnet Moore
Date posted12/18/2024