Imagine American Ninja Warrior meets climbing gym with the color palette of a third-grade crayon box and you have Clip ‘N Climb.
“Jamie just set a new record on Pixetron!” No, this is not an arcade, but one of the many excited elations from the floors of Clip ‘N Climb, an international climbing gym rapidly expanding across the globe.
Clip ‘N Climb offers climbing obstacles that appear to be straight out of a child’s fantasy. But these challenges are so unique they undoubtedly cater to all ages.
The wide array of climbing challenges test agility, courage, and creative problem-solving. The company says it is “IMPOSSIBLE TO GET BORED!”, and the different levels of difficulty help those looking for real physical improvement.
The first location opened in New Zealand in 2005 with abounding success. Now there are over 100 locations offering alternative climbing workouts across the world. New locations open every month, with about a dozen now open in the United States.
Creative Challenges at Clip ‘N Climb
There are more than 30 climbing challenges at Clip ‘N Climb, with names and activities that pique curiosity among all age groups. Dome Chimney, Dark Tower, and Astroball, the list of video-game-esque names goes on.
Climb the more futuristic styled obstacles, like Tetris-looking “Aliens”, or large spheres set atop each other, titled “Astroball”. Or opt for more traditional challenges, like “Rope”, “Carving Ladder”, or “The Crag”. The last of which is just a traditional indoor rock climbing wall.
The company’s obstacles page is worth browsing, as I’m only scratching the surface of these imaginative challenges.
Auto-Belay Safety
The gyms employ Trublue auto belay devices, a popular brand in climbing gyms across the U.S. This means that climbers don’t need to belay one another.
The gym does not offer lead climbing. This reduces the risk associated with leader falls, but eliminates the opportunity to learn lead-climbing skills required to become a proficient outdoors climber.
The gym does not bill itself as a rock climbing gym. It doesn’t train people for outdoors climbing but instead is an end in itself where people can work on the athletic movements of climbing in a creative environment. If looking to become a proficient outdoors rock climber, you will want to look elsewhere.
Leap Of Faith
One of their more popular “premium” challenges, Leap Of Faith, includes a in-air leap.
Users must climb a crane-looking pole that can reach heights of 30 feet, tip-toe up to a platform, and attempt their “Leap Of Faith” to what looks like a punching bag and grab hold.
Described as a real “mental and emotional challenge,” this simply sounds fun. They rank their challenges, and this is slated to require three out of five stars in agility, five in courage, and five in difficulty. Truly, a must-do for Clip ‘N Climb enthusiasts.
Clip ‘N Climb, Inherently Unique
Clip ‘N Climb clearly isn’t trying to mimic real rock, as indoor climbing gyms frequently do. Instead, the locations offer uniquely creative fun that will tone muscles and build courage.
While many of the challenges appear to be for children, the innovation to come from Clip ‘N Climb excites us. With its booming growth worldwide, it’s clear we’re not alone.
