Category: News
This is News Category
The Association of British Climbing Walls (ABC) has published the fifth edition of its bi-annual climbing wall survey.
This year’s survey had its highest ever number of respondents representing all regions of the UK as well as Ireland. It offers important insights into the size, shape and confidence of the UK market.
ABC’s CEO Kath Hipwell said:
“The report reflects a fascinating time for indoor climbing, with the industry changing shape and form arguably quicker than ever before. At the ABC, our mission is to support the professionalisation, safety, growth, and diversity of indoor climbing. Providing high-quality research like this report for our members and the wider sector is a key part in helping drive the industry forward. I’m particularly pleased to see the upward trend in professionalising the workforce, with more wall staff on secure contracts. Thank you to all the walls that contributed.”
Key trends…
Group walls have a bigger market share
ABC membership data shows the proportion of group walls increasing from 29% in 2023 to 36% in 2025. The average group size is now 4.5 walls.
Bouldering outpaces roped climbing in new walls
New walls are more likely to offer bouldering than roped climbing, with 62% of walls opening within the last four years offering bouldering only. Across all walls surveyed, 46% are bouldering only.
The workplace is professionalising
The percentage of PAYE wall staff has increased from 55% in 2023 to 71% in 2025. This is a good indicator of a more professionalised, secure and equitable job market.
The market is maturing
The sector continues to mature with the average age of survey walls increasing from 9.6 years in 2023 to 10.3 years in 2025.
Buy the full report here – first 20 orders get a free hard copy with your download!
- If you’re an ABC member, you will save 50% – that’s £250 – off the standard price. Join today to access this and many other benefits.
A free research sample of the research can be downloaded here.
For further information please contact [email protected].
Free RSD Courses offered to ABC members
To mark the first year of the new Route Setting Development Pathways, the ABC is offering its members a completely free place on an RSD setting course.
Every ABC member wall can claim a fully-funded place on either the RSD Setting Basics or RSD Setting in Practice, saving up to £120 on standard course fees.
The courses on offer are ideal for upskilling wall staff and building setting capacity within the team, as well as enabling existing setters to gain a national qualification that recognises good practice and the highest safety standards.
Following completion of Setting in Practice, setters can then progress through one or both advanced pathways: Commercial Roped Setter and Commercial Boulder Setter. The RSD also runs masterclasses focusing on different creative skills, such as comp setting.
Which free course should I choose?
Setting Basics: for new setters, setting assistants and general wall staff. On completion course attendees will be able to set/strip with supervision and tighten spinners unsupervised.
Setting in Practice: for novice setters, enabling independent setting/stripping of bouldering at any centre.
How should I sign up?
Courses will be run in various locations nationally over the course of 2025-26.
To sign up, complete this form and contact RSD Coordinator [email protected] with any questions.
The ABC has released Part 4 of our Operational Guidelines: Entry Procedures and Acceptance of Risk.
The document provides guidance on registration and participation at climbing walls, including using up-to-date and comprehensive Acknowledgement of Risk (AOR) forms, conducting competency assessments, managing supervisory and coaching policies, and more.
Accompanying the guidance is a new set of downloadable AOR templates, helping ABC members to implement consistent good practice for all types of climbing and climbers in their centre.
This update is the latest in the Version 7 rollout of the ABC’s Operational Guidelines, a collection of guideline documents which intend to ensure an excellent and consistent level of operational safety across the climbing industry. The guidelines set out standards and make recommendations based on the experience of its members, BS EN Standards, relevant legislation and publications from other bodies including our national partners.
The project was led by ABC Board Safety Lead Dan Crossdale (Group General Manager, Depot Climbing), with contributions from all Board members, industry insurers and technical experts.
ABC Members can download the guidance from the Member Portal. For more information, contact the ABC at [email protected].
We will also be holding a Q&A webinar on October 7th, 10am for members to support with implementing the guidelines and using the templates – register here.
After a successful launch in 2024, The Association of British Climbing Walls is continuing to promote diversity within the climbing industry by offering a number of free tickets to the ABC Conference to those who are part of the global majority and disabled people.
The scheme is open to people of the global majority and disabled people who work or are aspiring to work in the climbing industry, as underrepresented groups which face substantial barriers to entry and career progression. By reducing the financial barrier to attending this national event, we aim to support the attendance of people of the global majority and disabled people.
We are pleased to be able to extend the scheme this year with a travel and accommodation bursary, to further reduce financial barriers to attendance. This has been generously funded by contributions from conference delegates from ABC member climbing walls.
At the ABC, our core remit is to support the professionalism, growth, safety and diversity of indoor climbing. Our goal is to ensure that our conference represents diverse perspectives and experiences, to enrich the development of the sector and lead to long-term, lasting change.
How to apply
The scheme is open to individuals with a link to the climbing industry, who identify as being a member of one of these underrepresented groups and would otherwise be self-funding their ticket.
To apply, please contact our EDI Manager El Temple, [email protected] with a short introduction to your current role or aspirations within the climbing industry.
If you can comfortably afford tickets to the ABC conference, please consider the needs of others who may benefit from this opportunity, as there are a limited number of tickets available.
Route Setting Development is thrilled to be joining forces again with Sup’r climbing to present a comp setting masterclasses with IFSC World Cup and Paris 24 Olympics setter Tomasz Oleksy.
The full-day masterclass on 17th September is for intermediate-advanced setters who are ready to push their skills in boulder comp setting, explore fresh styles and get creative.
Working with the latest Sup’r and Unleashed holds (on show at recent IFSC World Cups) you can test your creativity on The Climbing Hangar Sheffield’s comp wall, including Tokyo replica wall.
You will get direct feedback from Tomasz and the world-class setters leading the workshop to take your setting to the next level.
The session takes place the day before the ABC conference and our industry exclusive boulder comp/networking event Inside Edge, also hosted at The Climbing Hangar. Your problem might even feature in the Inside Edge comp later in the week.
Come ready to experiment and take home loads of new ideas!
The group is limited to 12 participants, so don’t miss out.
RSD Members have exclusive booking access until 30th July.
Book your spot now – 17th September 09:00 – 17:00
Book ABC Conference and Inside Edge ticket (18th-19th September)
Announcing the Aim 2 Change Summit: Working together to make climbing accessible for all.
We’re excited to officially announce Aim 2 Change, a day-long summit created in partnership between the Association of British Climbing Walls and Development through Challenge.
Aim 2 Change is dedicated to exploring how indoor climbing walls can be more inclusive and accessible, and is for anyone working in or passionate about climbing. For our first summit, we’re focusing on accessibility.
Taking place in October 2025 at Mile End Climbing Wall in London, the event will include:
- Insightful speakers and powerful panel discussions led by people with lived experience of disability
- Interactive workshops
- A social climbing session to end the day.
The programme will have something for everyone, from seasoned centre managers to new front of house staff. Crucially, it will be shaped and delivered (wherever possible) by Deaf or disabled people with lived experience of the barriers we are working to break down.
At the ABC and Development through Challenge, we know the will for change is there, but sometimes the resources, confidence, and knowledge are missing. Many indoor climbing walls want to make their spaces more accessible but are unsure where to start. They worry about safety, don’t have the budget for major renovations, or feel overwhelmed by the scope of change needed.
Aim 2 Change is here to help. Our key focus for this event is not on perfection, but on achievable and actionable change, and helping climbing wall staff members to feel more confident in taking action.
Our aim is for the impact of this day to go beyond the event itself. Attendees will be encouraged to commit to meaningful changes within their walls – big or small. After the event, we will be following up to hear changes or challenges addressed by our attendees, share success stories, and create a growing network of climbing walls committed to building a more inclusive climbing culture and making genuine change.
Ready to Aim 2 Change? Find out more about getting involved with the event below.
We are looking for:
Steering Committee Members with Lived Experience
This summit should be shaped by the voices of those who have experienced the barriers we are trying to dismantle. If you are a Deaf or disabled person with a passion for sport, we would love you to help guide this project – whether you are a seasoned climber, total beginner, or never been to a climbing wall before.
What we’ll ask you to do:
- Complete an initial questionnaire
- Join monthly online steering group meetings
- Offer feedback and help shape the content and approach of the summit
- Support with promoting the event
In return, you’ll get:
- Free ticket to the event
- Expenses paid
- A free 10-climb punch card at Mile End Climbing Wall OR a free instructed session
Reach out to Amy and El at [email protected] if you are interested to learn more.
Interested Climbing Walls – Register your Interest
Are you part of a climbing wall team that wants to Aim 2 Change?
Whether you’re front desk staff, an instructor, routesetter, or in a leadership role, this summit will offer something for everyone. By registering your interest now, you can:
- Help us shape the conversation to fit your needs and questions
- Be the first to know when tickets go live
- Get exclusive access to our Early Bird discount
Sign up to our mailing list here.
Table hosts
We’re looking for charities, social clubs, and other organisations to host tables at Aim 2 Change and chat to people about the work they’re doing to improve access in sport – in the climbing world and beyond. We will have free spaces available for smaller charities and social clubs.
Contact Amy and El at [email protected] to find out more.
We are hiring!
The ABC is hiring a new Admin and Social Media Assistant to join our friendly team and support our growing organisation.
We are looking for a confident and highly organised self-starter with an interest in indoor climbing. You will need to have experience in social media management and excellent digital skills.
You will be working across a range of ABC projects, including Route Setting Development, member support, and our annual conference.
- Contract: Six month initial term, 2 days per week
- Location: Remote (home-based) role but with occasional travel within the UK for ABC events. In particular, you will be required to be in Sheffield 17-19th September 2025 for the ABC Conference.
- How to apply: Complete the below application form with attached CV by Wednesday 9th July.
ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH CLIMBING WALLS LAUNCHES PIONEERING NEW ACCREDITATION PROGRAMME
Leading the sector with exemplary safety standards
In a first for the indoor climbing industry, the Association of British Climbing Walls (ABC) has launched a climbing wall accreditation programme, with support from the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and Sport England, to recognise and drive the sector’s professionalism, safety, growth and diversity.
Founded in 1994, the ABC now represents over 200 climbing and bouldering walls in the UK and Ireland, from the UK’s largest wall groups to many small independent operators. It promotes the development of the sector and its individual members through the publication of industry operational guidelines, industry research, services such as the Incident Reporting Database, and events including the ABC Conference, the UK’s largest indoor climbing industry event held every September.
From today, climbing walls in England and Wales can apply for ABC Accreditation, receiving step-by-step support from the ABC.
Kath Hipwell, CEO of the ABC, said:
“We are pleased to be bringing Accreditation to the indoor climbing industry and to have already had such a positive reception. This major project promotes continual improvement in safety and professionalism, while enabling climbing walls to demonstrate to their customers, investors and insurers that they are meeting excellent standards of safety and customer care.”
As part of the mission to promote safety and participation in indoor climbing, customers will be able to easily identify an ABC Accredited wall, which will receive a plaque to display in the centre, digital marketing materials and a listing on the ABC website. Climbers at any level can visit an ABC Accredited wall confident that an assessor has found that the wall meets key operational safety standards, including following appropriate inspection and maintenance schedules, staff training and safeguarding.
The ABC Accreditation launch in England and Wales follows a year-long consultation phase involving wall owners, technical experts and other industry stakeholders and a pilot scheme run with a small number of walls. The programme is supported by the BMC and received grant funding from Sport England to support the ambitions of their Uniting The Movement strategy. Over time the ABC hopes to expand the scheme into Scotland and Ireland.
Paul Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), said:
“This is a great step forward for the indoor climbing industry, raising safety standards and providing a quality mark of assurance for customers.
“It’s been a pleasure working with the ABC to support making this happen. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Sport England for their investment into this project.”
Phil Smith, Executive Director of Partnerships at Sport England, said:
“The climbing industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, and as it continues to expand, maintaining the highest standards of safety is more important than ever. Through Sport England’s investment partnership with the BMC and their associated partner, the ABC, we are committed to supporting climbing walls in being safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for everyone.
“The Accreditation scheme builds on existing guidance to ensure climbing structures and personal protective equipment are well managed, with robust approaches to risk management, safeguarding, and emergency response.
“We encourage all climbing walls to consider the benefits of engaging with this scheme as part of their commitment to creating a safer sporting environment for all.”
Bartek Skibinski, Centre Manager at Mile End Climbing Wall, which participated in the pilot, said:
“We are very proud to become one of the first ABC Accredited walls in the country. When the pilot was announced I wanted to get Mile End involved, as there weren’t any similar schemes which met our needs as a climbing wall. We wanted to be able to measure ourselves against the accreditation standards, and give our climbers the reassurance that we take their safety and experience in our centre incredibly seriously. It’s been an insightful process and in my opinion the programme is exactly what the industry needs.”
Any interested wall owner or operator can find more details at www.abcwalls.co.uk/accreditation and sign up for our introductory webinar on 12 May 2025, 10-11am.
The Association of British Climbing Walls annual conference is just over six months away and we are excited to announce that we are now accepting exhibitor bookings.
The ABC Conference is well established as the biggest and most influential event for indoor climbing in the UK. We connect wall owners and indoor climbing professionals with the latest insights, ideas, and opportunities (and holds!) to drive the industry forward.
We will return to the Magna Science Adventure Centre for Thursday 18 – Friday 19 September, with our evening climbing event “Inside Edge” taking place this year at The Climbing Hangar Sheffield. Delegates represent the whole spectrum of climbing walls, from small independent and school walls to the biggest groups and groups in the UK, and range from owners and managers to route setters, instructors and marketeers.
We are also excited to be expanding into a new space, the spectacular, 42m-high Face of Steel room for the “Battle on the Boards”, a special showcase of training boards and similar demo products. If you are interested in participating, please contact [email protected] for more details.
This year’s conference program focuses on horizon scanning and the future of the indoor climbing market, as the ABC launches its latest bi-annual market research, offering new insights into the continued growth of the sector and the opportunities and challenges this creates for walls and the industry as a whole. There has never been a better time to partner with the ABC.
With optional extras such as speaking slots and branded merchandise, our exhibitor packages offer maximum value for your investment. Please note that exhibition booths are allocated on a first come first served basis so book early to avoid disappointment!
For more details, review our exhibitor brochure. If you know what you require and are ready to book, please head straight to the booking form. For any sponsorship enquiries or to discuss bespoke packages, please email [email protected]
Join us to promote your brand, make new connections and foster strategic partnerships. We look forward to seeing you at Magna!
The Association of British Climbing Walls annual conference is just over six months away and we are excited to announce our sponsorship packages are now live.
The ABC Conference is well established as the biggest and most influential event for indoor climbing in the UK. We connect wall owners and indoor climbing professionals with the latest insights, ideas, and opportunities (and holds!) to drive the industry forward.
We will return to the Magna Science Adventure Centre for 18-19th September, with our evening climbing event Inside Edge taking place this year at The Climbing Hangar Sheffield. Delegates represent the whole spectrum of climbing walls, from small independent and school walls to the biggest groups and groups in the UK, and range from owners and managers to route setters, instructors and marketeers.
This year’s conference program focuses on horizon scanning and the future of the indoor climbing market, as the ABC launches its latest bi-annual market research, offering new insights into the continued growth of the sector and the opportunities and challenges this creates for walls and the industry as a whole. There has never been a better time to partner with the ABC.
We’ve crafted a range of sponsorship packages to suit different goals and budgets, as shown in the brochure here. From Platinum sponsorship to hosting Inside Edge, each package has been designed to amplify sponsors’ presence and impact at the event. All sponsorship includes a booth in the exhibition hall and priority location choice.
With optional extras such as room name sponsorship, exhibition booths, speaking slots or branded merchandise, our bespoke packages offer maximum value for your investment. Please note that sponsor opportunities and associated exhibition booths are allocated on a first come first served basis so book early to avoid disappointment!
If you know what you require and are ready to book, please click here for the booking form. For any sponsorship enquiries or to discuss bespoke packages, please email [email protected]
Join us to promote your brand, make new connections and foster strategic partnerships. We look forward to seeing you at Magna!
Please note – general exhibition sales will open in March.
