4 ms·

I just picked up indoor rock climbing about 6 months ago and would disagree. Many climbers at the gym I frequent are in their early thirties or older and alread

by csytan 16y ago

I just picked up indoor rock climbing about 6 months ago and would disagree. Many climbers at the gym I frequent are in their early thirties or older and already have a steady income from a white collar job. While it isn't a particularly expensive sport like hockey or golf, I'd say it isn't cheap either. Day passes at the gym are $16, and it is packed. And it's growing too! There's lots of newbies starting the sport, especially parents bringing their kids, or school groups. This could vary widely from location to location though.

jasonkester 16y ago
Regardless, climbers have a noble history of not paying for things. Gyms are a good example of this. They make the lion's share of their money off of Birthday Parties. Monthly dues won't even keep the lights on. Other lifestyle sports have the same issues. There's a reason why most Surf Shops don't sell surfboards. They sell boardshorts to people who want to look like surfers. The actual participants don't spend much on their sports.
- csytan 16y ago
  I think it really depends on the gym. In my area, I would estimate that around 90% of visitors are regulars (that is, have an ID card/monthly pass). The ones I've been to have a range of climbs: from a small section available to beginners, to routes and bouldering that require a much higher level of technique and endurance. From personal experience, I've already spent an embarrassing amount on courses, memberships, and equipment.
  - jasonkester 16y ago
    That's actually my point, and the reason that gyms struggle. 90% of the people you see only pay them money once a month, and even then they complain if it's more than $50/month. Daypasses cost $16 and end up generating a lot more revenue. Birthday parties cost $10/head, happen 16-30 times a month, and bring in enough to keep them afloat. That's why you end up with tons of toproping areas, easy routes, and pretty looking features: to bring in the one-time visitors. A good training area doesn't need to look pretty. In fact, the more it looks a lot like an inclined piece of plywood, the better. History shows, however, that training-focused gyms fail every time, whereas beginner & birthday party "social" gyms can sometimes squeak by. It's certainly not an industry you go into to make money.
yan 16y ago
> isn't a particularly expensive sport Let me know when you get into traditional climbing, all the gear that it comes with, and start flying to different crags, then it will surely start adding up :P

by csytan 16y ago

jasonkester 16y ago

Regardless, climbers have a noble history of not paying for things. Gyms are a good example of this. They make the lion's share of their money off of Birthday Parties. Monthly dues won't even keep the lights on. Other lifestyle sports have the same issues. There's a reason why most Surf Shops don't sell surfboards. They sell boardshorts to people who want to look like surfers. The actual participants don't spend much on their sports.

csytan 16y ago
I think it really depends on the gym. In my area, I would estimate that around 90% of visitors are regulars (that is, have an ID card/monthly pass). The ones I've been to have a range of climbs: from a small section available to beginners, to routes and bouldering that require a much higher level of technique and endurance. From personal experience, I've already spent an embarrassing amount on courses, memberships, and equipment.
- jasonkester 16y ago
  That's actually my point, and the reason that gyms struggle. 90% of the people you see only pay them money once a month, and even then they complain if it's more than $50/month. Daypasses cost $16 and end up generating a lot more revenue. Birthday parties cost $10/head, happen 16-30 times a month, and bring in enough to keep them afloat. That's why you end up with tons of toproping areas, easy routes, and pretty looking features: to bring in the one-time visitors. A good training area doesn't need to look pretty. In fact, the more it looks a lot like an inclined piece of plywood, the better. History shows, however, that training-focused gyms fail every time, whereas beginner & birthday party "social" gyms can sometimes squeak by. It's certainly not an industry you go into to make money.

yan 16y ago

> isn't a particularly expensive sport Let me know when you get into traditional climbing, all the gear that it comes with, and start flying to different crags, then it will surely start adding up :P