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The growth of indoor climbing and bouldering is gaining more media attention with some exciting BBC Breakfast coverage today. ABC CEO Kath Hipwell was interviewed about the rise of climbing’s popularity, and the ease and accessibility of the sport nationwide.
Kath talked about how easy it is for anyone to get started in climbing thanks to the expansion of climbing facilities, quoting the large increase in walls across the country. The ABC’s “Find a Wall” feature was also referenced to help viewers find a climbing gym near them.
Climber numbers are at a record high and still growing amongst both adults and children. Unlike many sports, climbing draws just as many girls as boys – and is more popular amongst children than skateboarding, roller skating and roller blading combined.
Also featuring Olympic climber Erin McNeice and Depot Manchester manager Sian Chorley, the story was a great demonstration of the continued growth of climbing.
Watch the feature on BBC iPlayer today (11th February – appearing at around 6.45am and 8.53am) or see our clip compilation here.
ABC Chair update
We are pleased to announce our new Chair of the Board Dean Straw (pictured left) who will be in the post on an interim basis. Dean is a hugely experienced member of our industry having worked his way through from part-time receptionist to CEO at Mile End Climbing Wall. As per our Articles of Association the Chair is appointed from within the Board of Directors, and Dean has already been serving the ABC membership as a Director since 2023, leading on Safeguarding, including our new Safeguarding Guidelines launched earlier this year. Dean has also previously been our Equity Diversity & Inclusion lead; he is passionate about ensuring the brilliant activity of climbing is available to everyone and delivers this through his day job at Development Through Challenge (DTC)
“I’m honoured to have the privilege of representing the ABC as Chair on an interim basis, and am very much looking forward to supporting Kath and the team with all the valuable work they do on behalf of our members.” Dean Straw, CEO, DTC
We would also like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you on behalf of the Board and membership to our outgoing Chair, Duncan Howard (pictured right). Duncan has been a dedicated Board member for three full terms, the last four years of which he has served as Chair. He worked hard to help the ABC support walls during the second half of the pandemic and meet the challenges as things began to reopen. He has overseen the launch of the Accreditation scheme which is an important element of the industry’s ongoing professionalisation, and enabled us to be in a position where we could develop the new Incident Reporting Database and deliver it to members for free, so that we can all share our data and gain insight to help reduce accidents.
“It’s been an honour and a pleasure being part of the ABC for the past 9 years. In that time I have been privileged to see the industry grow and mature over this time and be part of the growth of the trade association that serves it. In this time the ABC has developed to help its members evolve safely and professionally, embracing all climbers. The ABC is now better resourced that it has ever been and our offer goes way beyond just the guidelines. With the seismic shifts as the industry matures and consolidates I’m confident that the ABC has the vision and drive to support its members to thrive. Constantly improving guidelines, the quality mark provided by Accreditation and increasing professionalism through the RSD are just the start.” Duncan Howard, CEO, The Castle
This month the ABC is launching a new webinar series, building on our 2024 conference theme of ‘Scaling Success’, and focused on some of the common challenges and ambitions of climbing walls. We will be bringing together expert speakers from our Board, partner organisations and beyond, to provide insights, advice and solutions on a range of topics.
ACCIDENT RESEARCH: INSIGHTS AND ACTIONS
28 November 10-11am.
Our first webinar offers an exclusive look at ABC research data on indoor climbing accidents. Join Kath Hipwell (CEO) and Dan Crossdale (Depot General Manager, ABC Board Safety Lead) as they take you through the findings of the ABC’s accident research, exploring the reasons behind indoor climbing accidents and opening up for a discussion on how walls can mitigate against them.
IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY: GRASSROOTS TO TEAM GB
11 December 7-8pm
We are thrilled to be joined by Hannah Baldwin, two-time World Paraclimbing Champion and GB Paraclimbing coach. In conversation with El Temple, ABC’s EDI Manager, Hannah will draw on her climbing and coaching expertise as well as her climbing centre manager experience, to guide you through the ways climbing walls can become more inclusive and accessible for disabled people, from setting for paraclimbers to the potential funding that is on offer.
This session is open to ABC members and will be an open, collaborative conversation with shared problem-solving. We encourage you to send your questions and challenges in advance to [email protected].
Upcoming webinars to look out for:
- Route Setter CPD (RSD Members only)
- Marketing your climbing wall
- ABC Accreditation – key principles
- Intro to the ABC (run regularly for new members)
Contact us if there are other topics you would like us to cover in future!
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new European Associate membership, in response to demand from walls within the EU.
This newly available membership offer is specifically designed for EU-based climbing walls to gain access to the ABC’s wealth of sector-leading resources for the design and operation of safe, inclusive and high-quality climbing facilities.
The exciting new venture recognises the international value offered by the ABC’s expertise and industry guidelines, particularly in countries with a less well-established indoor climbing sector.
We are already in the process of onboarding our first European member and look forward to sharing more details once the wall in question is open to the public!
European Associate Members will have access to ABC guidelines, resources and events (including our regular webinars, working groups and annual conference and tradeshow), but will not be voting ABC members. The membership is offered on an information-only basis and it is the responsibility of the member to account for regional differences in regulation and other matters.
Any climbing wall interested in pursuing European Associate Membership will find full details on the Join page. We encourage you to contact the ABC team with any questions. Climbing walls in the Republic of Ireland remain eligible for full ABC membership at both Aspirant and Approved levels. Trade Associate members (i.e. non-climbing wall businesses) may be based in any country.
The next ABC Conference looks set to be another unmissable event in the climbing industry calendar as we announce some of the incredible speakers who will be joining us on stage in September!
Garnet Moore, Executive Director of the Climbing Wall Association, will be sharing insights from USA on professionalising the climbing industry.
Gavin Heverly, Founder and Principal of Rise Above Consulting will be talking through how to take strategic control of your revenue.
Finally, we’re thrilled that Molly Thomspon-Smith, pro climber for Team GB, will not only be joining us for a special panel discussing how to unlock the commercial potential of climbing competitions – she’ll also be taking the creative reins of our team climbing challenge and holds showcase at Depot Sheffield.
Molly says:
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to bring a more inclusive and collaborative style to competition climbing. I want everyone to experience the social buzz, challenge and unique atmosphere that make comp climbing different from your average visit to the wall!”
Learn more about our speakers, agenda programme and get your tickets here.
We can’t wait to get started!
Should my centre have an AED?
“Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of premature death. […] Immediate action by members of the public can save many lives.”
After discussion with First Aid providers, some member walls, and the British Heart Foundation, the ABC now recommends that walls who feel able to do so should consider having an AED on site for the safety of the centre’s own users, and for the surrounding community.
Member walls that already have AED’s have found suppliers such as Defib Warehouse and Defibstore to be helpful when selecting the most suitable device for their centre and situation. It’s also possible to get in touch with the British Heart Foundation directly for their advice.
In terms of your own commitment as an AED owner, British Heart Foundation have advised the following: “If you register your defibrillator with the Circuit (National Defibrillator Network), your local ambulance service will have its location and availability (so, if kept inside your building, your opening hours.). If a responder is sent to you as the nearest location, it is likely that they will take the defibrillator themselves. However, in some circumstances, it may be that a member of your staff is called upon to take and use a defibrillator on a patient. Whilst we always encourage the registration of defibrillators on the Circuit, the more there are publicly available, the more lives they can save, it is purely down to individual preference and the defibrillator can be kept on the premises for personal use, and hopefully never needed.”
For more information on AED’s, check out the guide below by the Resuscitation Council UK in collaboration with British Heart Foundation.
Accreditation Programme
The ABC is commencing the consultation phase of the Accreditation Programme, which was announced during the2023 ABC conference.
The climbing industry has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, and as we continue to expand, it’s important that we collectively continue to demonstrate our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety..
Why an Accreditation Programme is needed
The industry has experienced a surge in popularity, attracting climbers of all skill levels to walls. Our most recent member survey indicates that visits have now exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with a further 14% increase in customer numbers anticipated in the next 12 months. While this growth is certainly welcomed, it brings with it various challenges, including the possibility of increased accident rates and greater scrutiny and attention as a result.
To address these challenges and ensure the industry continues to adhere to high standards, the introduction of an Accreditation Programme is of paramount importance. The programme’s core objective is to build on our existing guidance and guidelines, supporting the development of safer and more enjoyable experiences for all.
Moreover, the establishment of a recognised Accreditation Programme will enhance the industry’s credibility and reputation, and in turn attract prospective climbers.
Volunteering and learning more
If you are an ABC member and would like to know more about the Accreditation Programme, or are interested in sitting on a steering committee which will help define the areas of focus, please contact the ABC’s Accreditation manager, Nick, at [email protected]
WE’RE HIRING! EDI MANAGER
The ABC is recruiting for a part time Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Manager, a new Sport England and Development Through Challenge funded role.
The successful applicant will be working across the ABC to support the development and delivery of an EDI strategy and action plan.
The post holder will drive measurable change through ownership of, and accountability for, key EDI objectives across the ABC. They will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting against Sport England outcomes in this area.
While they will work with EDI specialists within partner organisations to build an ‘inclusion first’ mindset across the sector, they will also need to be able to work under their own initiative.
To apply, return the completed application form and your CV to [email protected] by October 3rd 2023.
Please note, this is an anonymous application process. Personal details will be removed from your application before it is viewed by the hiring committee.
The ABC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, gender identity, ability, religion/ belief, sexual orientation or age.
Safeguarding Seminar
Join us online on September 7th for the next talk in our 2023 Partners’ Seminar Series: “Safeguarding Our Climbers: Creating a safe climbing space for all”
During this webinar, we’ll explore creating safe spaces for climbers through insights from our expert panel, including Craig Chalmers of Children 1st, Catherine Hibbitt from Mountaineering Ireland, and Helen Murphy of the BMC.
Get to grips with the nuts and bolts of safeguarding, and explore responsibilities, legislation, risks and who is involved. Hear about safeguarding cultures, recognising concerns, and why the voice of children and young people is important.
Lastly, you’ll have the chance to engage in panel sessions about how to create safe environments and what strategies are needed to build a strong safeguarding culture at our climbing centres and beyond.
Everyone’s Welcome in Climbing
Is your climbing wall accessible? Could it be more so?
You may already have seen our ‘Everyone’s Welcome in Climbing’ document. If you attended our partners’ seminar on Climbing and Neurodiversity you’ll have heard it referenced.
The document lays out a series of steps that can be taken to increase accessibility and break down barriers to participation in climbing walls.
The document is broken down into Quick Wins, Longer Term solutions, and Good Practice Case Studies. At each stage, communication, provision, physical space, and most importantly – the people – are discussed and considered.
The Everyone’s Welcome in Climbing pack aims to provide an easy to access list of measures a wall can take to make more people feel welcome in their facility.
This means that whatever someone’s gender, size, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability or socio-economic background they will be able to enjoy indoor climbing and all it has to offer.
We strongly believe that this is not only the right thing to do, but that it will be good for business too if it encourages your whole community to participate.
We also understand that this pack likely won’t contain every answer to every participation barrier. Rather, we hope that this will provide a solid base to grow from.
