“We will ultimately provide guidelines for safe opening and operational procedures to our members and other climbing walls. Our guidelines will be based on those that are imposed on the fitness sector and have been agreed with Public Health and the Governments across the UK. Indoor climbing is about our communities, our customers, employees, suppliers and friends. Many of us know each other personally and it is this sense that makes climbing walls so special to everyone. In the week beginning March 17th, when we all closed our doors, these communities had their focal points removed and the walls went into damage limitation mode. With government support we’ve worked hard to stabilise the situation and, over the past few weeks have started to look at how we can reopen in a way that is safe for our customers and staff.We know that our customers want us back as much as we want to be back. We’ve had some amazing support from our customers and suppliers: Kind words, people continuing to pay their membership others making gifts and buying products from us. These acts have made a huge difference to us all, way beyond their material value.”
If there is one word that defines the indoor climbing industry above all others it is community. Manyother sports and businesses use this word but very few see it manifest in their everyday interactionswith peers, customers, and employees at the same level that we enjoy. The COVID-19 pandemic hasimpacted every climbing gym, every owner, every competition, and every climber. What everyonewants to know is: When and how can I get back into my gym? In order to help provide guidance thatwill make climbers, parents, and employees feel as comfortable as possible several of the world’sclimbing organizations have joined together to share information internationally.
...........Hospitals, public health authorities, and experts in air pollution control are not advising that ventilation systems be turned off as the risk in restaurants, retail businesses, and offices are estimated to be very low...........Rich EmersonChair Association of British Climbing Walls
Like Pete, I want walls to open again as soon as possible, mainly to keep the businesses going, but what I read regarding social distancing at the wall was at odds with the blog post that Pete quoted. Social distancing doesn't work indoors if you're there for a prolonged period (i.e. the length of a trip to the wall). Unless there is new evidence out that counters that article?
What Moose said. (will - I think your point was covered in Pete’s text)
I think Pete's points are important lessons but wall users are not static users in an enclosed space. A wall is more like a engineering company space where there is a bigger volume of air and people move around..... places where operations continued throughout this crisis. I'm more worried about restaurants and offices than indoor walls.
OPEN AGAIN!We are very excited to announce that we are open again to the public. The staff here has gone to extreme measures to ensure the gym has been completely sanitized. We've also implemented new measures to help maintain social distance and to limit the number of people in the gym. Here’s what you need to know: To meet with the Arkansas Dept. of Health guidelines for gyms, we have implemented the following rules and procedures. Our rope stations will only be open every 12′ with new stations open on a daily rotating basis so you can still enjoy a gym full of routes. We will be checking staff daily for fever and any other symptoms. All the staff will be wearing masks, and we will continue our enhanced cleaning schedules. We will also keep hand sanitizer available for you.COVID-19 PoliciesFace Masks are REQUIRED for anyone entering the building.Climbers are allowed to remove their masks only while actively exercising.Hand washing is required before entering the climbing area.Only climbing shoes are allowed on the climbing walls, no street shoes.All who enter must be symptom/fever free for 72 hoursNo entry for recent travelers to NY, NJ, Conn., New Orleans and over seas.Gym capacity is limited to 30 climbers at one time.Reservations are available on our website for 2-hour sessions.Walk-ins are welcome if there is space available, but we suggest reserving your time in advance.Minors (12 & under) must be accompanied by their parents, and they will count towards the total climbers in the gym.Maintain social distancing by keeping a 6-foot distance from others and avoid personal contact.Please respect others and do not climb on top ropes, auto-belays, lead routes or boulder routes within a 12 foot radius of other climbers who are not your partner. We are looking forward to seeing all of you back here! Logan WilcoxsonLittle Rock Climbing Center
Local wall has just re-opened, frozen all annual memberships and multipasses, charging flat rate £7.50 for an hour of either climbing or bouldering, or £15 for two hours of climbing, need to book in advance.Curious if any other walls in the UK have adopted this approach? Prices me out of taking the kids for a decent session; I usually belay them for a bit, then while they have a snack and a chill out I boulder for a bit.
Quote from: SA Chris on September 09, 2020, 09:05:48 amLocal wall has just re-opened, frozen all annual memberships and multipasses, charging flat rate £7.50 for an hour of either climbing or bouldering, or £15 for two hours of climbing, need to book in advance.Curious if any other walls in the UK have adopted this approach? Prices me out of taking the kids for a decent session; I usually belay them for a bit, then while they have a snack and a chill out I boulder for a bit.Sounds like commercial suicide to me...
Local wall has just re-opened, frozen all annual memberships and multipasses, charging flat rate £7.50 for an hour of either climbing or bouldering, or £15 for two hours of climbing, need to book in advance.