Member Benefits: Colleges, Universities, Rec Centers

CWA Summit Instruction

Learn from the Best in the Indoor Climbing Industry

You represent the purest form of our goal: to bring climbing far and wide to diverse audiences across the globe. Let us help you reach your goal of providing indoor climbing to your community.

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Why You Belong

Below are a small selection of hand-picked resources and reasons that you belong in the Climbing Wall Association.

  1. Staff Certifications – Climbing Wall Instructor and Work at Height Certifications

    Our certifications are recognized around the world for safety standards and education. The Climbing Wall Association works with gyms across the globe to facilitate these important classes that educate climbing wall workers. Learn more about them.

  2. ClimbSmart Education Campaign

    The ClimbSmart Education Campaign is specifically designed for your members. From health standards to auto-belay safety, the CWA designed and produced high-quality posters educating your members.

  3. Tools & Operational Support 

    The CWA has the necessary resources to help efficiently and effectively optimize your organization's operations. Through resources for teaching new climbers, running climbing programs, access to inspection criteria, or facility-specific questions, we'll ensure you're prepared to work with your organization when making and justifying operational decisions.

  4. Industry Practices and Risk Management Resources

    Various committees, brought together by the CWA, inform safety standards as well as operational best practices. Anything from auto belay guidance to one-on-one help with standards in your gym, the CWA has the knowledge pool and muscle to help you find your way.

Indoor Climbing Gyms

Colleges, universities and rec centers are broken into the following 'Business Types' and 'Job Functions'. These are how we categorize different members of the climbing gym family.

Business Types

  • Camp
  • College or University
  • Government
  • K12 Education
  • Military
  • Climbing Wall in a Multipurpose Recreational Facility

Job Functions

  • Gym Owner
  • Programs (any level)
  • Routesetter (any level)
  • Gym Manager/Senior Manager
  • Coach/Trainer

Photo Credits: The Front Climbing Club, Momentum Indoor Climbing, Movement RiNo, and The Spot

Don't Miss Out: CWA Summit

The CWA Summit is the opportunity of a lifetime for anyone in the indoor climbing industry. From networking to education to vendor/supplier buying, you will leave inspired by the nature of service and collaboration the industry exudes. Being a member gives you access to even more resources ahead of and after the Summit. You get exclusive member pricing by being part of the CWA community.

CWA Summit

  • The CWA Summit is attended by gyms big and small, across the globe. Learn from your peers, make new friends, and grow your professional network.
  • The CWA Summit is attended by vendors from all corners of the indoor climbing gym. Whether looking for unique holds, walls, or something entirely more unique, you can find a connection, and come home with the resources you need.
  • The CWA Summit has education sessions for every avenue of the indoor climbing industry. Routesetters, program managers, upper management; we have it all. Come with your ears open and eyes sharp, and leave with new tactics and inspiration for your community.

Benefits & Pricing for Education Institutions

Dues Structure
  • $400 annual dues
  • Initiation fee WAIVED on startup
  • $75/location additional location fees
Benefits
  • One free Level 1- 3 CWI certification each year
  • Access to CWA Member Business Insurance Program (US and Canada)
  • Access to CWA Member Health Insurance Program (US only)
  • Access to CWA Community Hub
  • Access to CWA Member Webinar Program
  • Access to discounts on the CWI Provider Program
  • Access to Merchant Advocate CWA Member Program to save on credit card processing fees
  • Discounted access to Dominion Payroll to help manage your human resource needs
  • Discounted background checks through S2Verify
  • Access to Outdoor Prolink (US and Canada) for all staff
  • Discounted event attendance for all staff
  • Discounts on all purchased publications and ClimbSmart posters
Standing Discounts
  • 5% off Wholesale on Nicros Handholds & Training Tools
  • 6% off EP Climbing Holds and Volumes
  • 15% discount on Atomik climbing holds

If your organization is already a member, you can log in or make an account to access your benefits!