Black Diamond Equipment announced the launch of ROCK Project, a new program in partnership with the Access Fund, the national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment.

Unprecedented access to indoor climbing has paved the way for astounding growth in both indoor and outdoor climbing. Many climbers receive little to no formal training or mentorship before their first outdoor climbing experience, which puts our climbing areas at risk of unmanaged impacts and access issues. Black Diamond and the Access Fund seek to address this need through ROCK Project-a first of its kind initiative designed to inspire climbers to protect the places they climb through responsible, low-impact climbing behaviors.

“It’s vital to educate the climbing community on minimizing impacts at climbing areas and to inspire behavior that will ensure continued access to the places they love,” said Brady Robinson, executive director of the Access Fund. “Black Diamond shares these values and we’re thrilled to be working with them on this program.”

More than 1,400 indoor climbing gyms exist in North America, serving an estimated 4,300 new climbers each day.  A significant portion of those indoor climbers eventually participate in outdoor climbing as well (a 2012 study showed 27% of outdoor climbers were new to the sport). ROCK Project is intended to educate and inspire this transitional segment of gym-to-crag climbers, as well as more seasoned outdoor climbers, through multi-day events with Black Diamond athletes at climbing epicenters throughout the nation. These events will build awareness of responsible outdoor climbing ethics and give climbers opportunities to practice in hands-on crag maintenance and care through Access Fund’s Adopt a Crag program.

“Black Diamond and The Access Fund are leaders in the climbing industry and community, and with our ROCK Project partnership we are continuing our unwavering commitment to climbing, climbers and climbing areas,” says Jonathan Thesenga, global sports marketing manager at Black Diamond. “We couldn’t be more stoked on this initiative and our partnership with our friends at the Access Fund. For more than 50 years we have been-and continue to be-a company of climbers, and ROCK Project embodies that heritage and commitment.”

Black Diamond’s support of ROCK Project will expand Access Fund’s education capacity, allowing the organization to build awareness and knowledge of responsible outdoor climbing ethics. Access Fund has hired Travis Herbert. a 20-year climbing veteran, experienced outdoor educator, and systems builder, to spearhead ROCK Project as education director.