ON THE UP

Clmbxr founder Rotimi Odukoya on the inexorable rise of climbing, and how he's helping to break down barriers to the sport

Climbing walls across the country have become the playgrounds for those hungry to get fit, have fun and explore new experiences. The proof is in the pudding: more than 30 walls have sprung up in London alone in the last five years. This isn’t a trend. It’s a movement that shows no signs of slowing down.

In 2019, the catalyst for my journey was a casual comment from a work colleague about her newfound climbing hobby. Little did I know that this seemingly offhand remark would lead me into a world that has transcended its roots in underground dens – a place pro climbers would visit during off-season to level up their abilities on the mountain tops.

Today, climbing is more than scaling walls; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about staring down fears, forging connections within a community, discovering pain and joy in failure. The climbing gym isn’t merely a place to work out; it’s a home for those seeking challenges, friendship, and an escape from the sameness of daily life. 

Millennials and Gen Zers are swapping out avocados and lattes for a different kind of membership: an all-access pass to a world of falls, laughter and triumphs. Indoor climbing is not just a sport; it’s a safe space. 

Taking hold