Volumes; what routesetters love to set, and climbers love to climb! As the indoor climbing industry continues to grow, so too does everything that is involved with climbing gyms. Starting as shaped firing clay, eventually turning into foam cast in a polyester resin, climbing holds have seemed to evolve even more so than the gyms they live in. Check out this article from our friends at Climbing Business Journal to learn more about the evolution of climbing holds.

When I first started climbing, I didn’t know anything outside of the gym. I was ten years old growing up in southern new jersey. I would go to the climbing gym on a near daily basis. When most of the routes in the gym became too easy, I would try to memorize them and do them blind folded. Thankfully, one of the employees of the gym noted my perseverance and saw some promise in me and invited my dad, brother, and I to go climbing outside. I was ecstatic! I knew nothing about any other form of climbing besides what I was doing in the gym. I was probably 11 years old and can still remember the day like it was yesterday. Since that day, I have made sure to share my climbing experience with others – whether indoors or outdoors - to show them the full spectrum of climbing and how amazing it can be to apply the skills acquired in the gym in a beautiful outdoor setting.

February 26, 2017: 19 year-old Margo Hayes sent La Rambla (5.15a) in Siruana, Spain. Later that day, 15 year-old Laura Rogora sent Joe-Cita (5.14d) in Oliana, Spain. Then 22 year-old Michaela Kiersch sent Southern Smoke (5.14c) and Fifty Words for Pump (5.14c) during the same session at Red River Gorge, Kentucky. The following day, 26 year-old Nina Williams sent Ambrosia (V11), a 50-foot highball boulder in Bishop, California. And a month ago, 27 year-old Alex Puccio won her 10th Bouldering Nationals title while 15 year-old Ashima Shiraishi claimed 2nd place. With Women’s History Month upon us, we can add these amazing accomplishments to the long running list of inspirational achievements by the women of climbing.

The venue was packed for the final event everyone had been waiting for – Youth Bouldering World Championship Finals. The top six climbers in each division from all over the world face off against each other in an epic showdown to see who truly is the best in the world. As the sun set, the lights to the venue kicked on and the show began.