How accessible is indoor climbing?

Climbing Coach Mike Rougeux from Bend Endurance Academy said, “Climbing fosters resilience and confidence in young people. It also challenges problem-solving skills and encourages learning from failures.”

While we firmly believe climbing is for and should be accessible to everyone, there are several barriers to access, including:

Financial: Whilst bouldering has the lowest financial barrier to entry (facility access and a pair of shoes), outdoor climbing involves the purchase of expensive equipment and courses teaching technical skills start at around $350 per person.

Social: Gym environments are typically seen as male-dominated and therefore intimidating spaces that make it difficult for people with intersectional lived experiences to find a sense a belonging.

Physical: Climbing is a physical activity that may be inaccessible to some. However, with the rise in popularity of paraclimbing and the support of Adaptive Climbing Victoria, there are a wide range of adjustments available to support participation from people with a disability.

What Goat Climbing will do.

Work in partnership with community organisations to remove the financial barrier to access. Provide free access to the facility, including equipment hire. Work with climbing brands to provide scholarships and discounted or free climbing equipment.

Deliver programs and events that are a safe space for people with diverse lived experiences and foster peer-mentoring and role model opportunities within the community.

Consult with Adaptive Climbing Victoria and Headspace Horsham to co-design the physical spaces as well as the programming, marketing and capacity building training for staff (eg. youth mental health first aid).

“Learning about climbing has really made a huge difference to my overall health and well-being. I cannot wait to try and try again, hopefully getting further each time.”

“Getting into climbing has been great. I never realised how out of place I've felt in sport until I didn't. The opportunities to climb outdoors with genuine encouragement and mentoring have been a highlight.”