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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


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


Climbing Gym Professional Development: Coaches & More
Climbing Gym Professional Development: Coaches & More

Professional development is key in maintaining and attracting quality talent in any workplace. Many small indoor climbing gyms may struggle with integrating this into budgeting and schedules. This can even occur with larger gyms, too. One of the struggles in our industry is that with its rapid... Continue Reading

Postedby Kirby Kahl
Date posted12/9/2024


Preventing Coach Burnout in Indoor Gyms
Preventing Coach Burnout in Indoor Gyms

Turnover rates in any service industry are relatively high. One saving grace for indoor climbing gyms is that your employees are likely passionate individuals who truly care about climbing and want to make a positive impact. However, this also means staff may tolerate working conditions that are... Continue Reading

Date posted11/22/2024


Community Building in Indoor Climbing Gyms: Part 5 - Non-Climbing
Community Building in Indoor Climbing Gyms: Part 5 - Non-Climbing

Rock climbing is what brings our indoor climbing gym communities together, and for good reason.  Climbing is fun, challenging, fosters social interactions, trust building, healthy competition, and fitness.  The sport’s popularity is snowballing in large part because of the inherently... Continue Reading

Date posted10/25/2024


2025 CWA Summit Guide
2025 CWA Summit Guide

Like any good event, the CWA Summit is dynamic. It changes from year to year in small but meaningful ways based on the feedback received from our community. As a member-based non-profit, this is your event. Because of this, the CWA works hard to meet the differing needs of all our members across... Continue Reading

Postedby Jake Byk
Date posted10/25/2024


Shape Indoor Climbing: Getting Involved in CWA Committees
Shape Indoor Climbing: Getting Involved in CWA Committees

Climbing facilities face various challenges, from consistent operations that keep up with industry trends to finding new ways to engage members. You may not realize that the CWA has a network of committees working behind the scenes to address the issues you deal with daily. These committees are... Continue Reading

Date posted10/11/2024