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 driven by industry professionals like you, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of indoor climbing while benefiting your own business.

Explore All Committees & Rosters Here

Each CWA committee has a specific focus, making it easy to find one that aligns with your interests and expertise.

Board of Directors (BOD)

For those looking to play a larger role in the overall direction of the CWA, the Board of Directors offers the opportunity to influence the organization’s strategy. This group provides leadership and oversight to all the CWA committees, ensuring their efforts align with the broader goals of the industry. If you’re ready to take on a leadership role, the Board is a powerful way to make a lasting impact.

Industry Practices (IP) Committee

This committee develops the standards and guidelines that climbing gyms rely on to handle risk while operating successful businesses. From risk management protocols to insurance recommendations, the Industry Practices Committee ensures that the industry remains consistent and gives us the best chance to stay self-regulated.

If you’re passionate about risk and operational efficiency, this committee offers a chance to shape best practices that directly impact your gym.

Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Committee

If staff training and development are important to you, the Climbing Wall Instructor Committee is a key group to pay attention to. This committee oversees the Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Certification Program, ensuring instructors are equipped with the latest risk management techniques and teaching methods.

This committee influences how instructors are trained across the industry, helping improve both exposure to risk and the customer experience at your gym.

Routesetting Committee

Passionate about creating an engaging climbing experience? The Routesetting Committee focuses on standardizing and improving routesetting practices, ensuring that the indoor climbing industry has a shared language and understanding about the value of quality climbing routes.

Routesetters, manufacturers, and owners contribute to guidelines that make climbing, and the profession of routesetting, more inclusive and valuable.

NEW! Competition Advisory Committee

This committee plays a key role in shaping a sustainable competition climbing infrastructure. If your gym hosts comps, keep an eye on the resources and reports that this committee will generate.

The CWA and USA Climbing (USAC) are collaborating on this joint group to give gym owners a voice in how events are structured, help attract more participants, and run smoother more feasible competitions.

Government Affairs Committee

The Government Affairs Committee makes an impact on public policy, typically at the state or local level. This committee monitors and responds to legislative changes that affect climbing gyms, advocating for the industry at local and state levels.

This committee gives the indoor climbing industry a say in how new regulation is shaped, helping to protect and promote the indoor climbing industry’s growth.

Work at Height  (WAH) Committee

If you’re involved in the technical aspects of gym maintenance or routesetting, this committee focuses on workplace safety protocols for working at height. The Work at Height Committee develops guidelines for techniques and equipment common in an indoor climbing facility, ensuring that facilities are not only compliant, but also efficient.

New Committees

The CWA is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the indoor climbing industry, this year we’re looking to launch two new committees.

One to revise our engineering standards, and another will focus on a new certification pathway for coaches and trainers who work to improve the performance for recreational climbers.

Coaching and Training (CTC) Committee

The purpose of the CTC Committee is to develop and maintain guidelines for climbing facilities offering coaching and personal training, training equipment used in climbing facilities, and certifications for coaching and personal training.

If you’re interested in participating in this committee, we’re looking for volunteers right now. Please apply here.

Engineering Standards Committee

The purpose of the ESC Committee is to develop and maintain guidelines, recommendations, and practices concerning the design, engineering, application, and inspection of artificial climbing walls, equipment used on artificial climbing walls, and training and qualification of persons inspecting artificial climbing walls.

If you’re interested in participating in this committee, we’re looking for volunteers right now. Please apply here.

Why Join a CWA Committee?

Joining a CWA committee is more than just volunteering—it's a chance to make your mark on the industry.

As an indoor climbing industry professional, you gain insider knowledge and have direct input on the decisions that affect your gym, from standards to certification protocols. CWA committee members work alongside other gym owners, instructors, and climbing experts who share a passion for climbing and a commitment to professional growth.

Committee members:

• Influence industry standards that affect your gym’s daily operations.
• Stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure your business is compliant.
• Expand their professional network and share insights with industry leaders.
• Develop cutting-edge resources that can elevate climbing facility offerings.

Most importantly, being on a committee allows you to give back to the climbing community while advancing your own business interests.

How to Get Involved

Getting involved with a CWA committee is easier than you might think. The CWA welcomes passionate, motivated professionals from all areas of the industry to participate. Whether you’re a gym owner, routesetter, manager, or just passionate about climbing, there’s a committee where you can make a difference.

By volunteering, you’ll not only give back to the community but also gain valuable insights that can benefit your own business.

The CWA committees are a powerful resource for anyone invested in the indoor climbing industry.

By joining, you’ll help shape the future of climbing, ensuring that gyms like yours continue to thrive. Whether it’s influencing industry standards, advocating for favorable legislation, or improving safety practices, there’s a committee that needs your expertise.

Becoming a committee member isn’t just about shaping the industry—it’s about enhancing your own business and contributing to a thriving climbing community.