The North Face signed on as a sponsor of Paradox Sports’ Adaptive Climbing Initiative. With a goal of making climbing gyms across the U.S. accessible to people with physical disabilities, Paradox will provide gyms with instructor training and adaptive equipment.

Currently, if a gym is not equipped with adaptive equipment and knowledge participants with adaptive needs will be unable to participate in the sport. Providing these trainings will allow for greater participation among climbers of all abilities.

“We’re proud to sponsor Paradox Sports on a first of its kind movement to make climbing gyms across the U.S. accessible to people with physical disabilities. As climbing has recently grown in popularity throughout the United States, we want the sport to be accessible to people of all abilities. Paradox’s gym trainings include strategies and methods that were developed over many years working with adaptive climbers, and supported with information collected from dozens of professional climbers, instructors and mountain guides,” said Senior Director of Brand Communications and Outdoor Exploration at The North Face Ann Krcik.

The nation’s premier adaptive climbing organization since 2007, Paradox Sports is committed to making the sport accessible to all by organizing climbing outings and clinics to help athletes realize their capabilities. First exposure to the sport of climbing is typically through a climbing gym. After that first indoor climb, adaptive climbing can take people to many wild, outdoor places. Paradox Sports and The North Face want to ensure that the sport is accessible to all.

“The North Face has been an absolute game-changer for our organization. Paradox Sports is fortunate to have a partner that is a genuine believer in our mission and will help provide us with the support we need to turn our vision into a movement. We now have the support we need to make climbing gyms, recreation centers and university climbing areas accessible nationwide,” said Executive Director of Paradox Sports Mike Neustedter.

Anyone who climbs – no matter the experience level – can learn new skills and help empower others to climb from the weekend-long intensive course. Climbing inherently presents crux scenarios that call for presence of mind and body – whether using a prosthesis, coping with the shifts of multiple sclerosis (MS), or overcoming the effect of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The trainings are an invitation to all of people – adaptive athletes, recreational climbers, climbing gym staff, and volunteers – to rethink what is possible.

Adaptive climbing courses include a mix of classroom education, open discussions and on-the-wall training and facilitation over a two-day period. After completing the course, the participants and gym will have the knowledge, resources and equipment to launch an adaptive climbing program at their gym.

Gyms can contact Paradox Sports to receive the training and equipment they need to become adaptive certified.

Upcoming Trainings

Earth Treks – Crystal City, VA – May 5-6, 2017

University of Maryland – College Park, MD – May 8, 2017

Diablo Rock Gym – Concord, CA – June 2-3, 2017

First Ascent – Chicago, IL – August 12-13, 2017

Planet Granite – San Francisco, CA – Dates TBA

Central Rock Gym – Watertown, MA – Dates TBA

Currently Trained By Paradox

Earth Treks – Golden, CO

Boulder Rock Club – Boulder, CO

The Rock Spot – South Boston, MA

EVO Rock – Concord, NH

EVO Rock – Indianapolis, IN

Climb Iowa – Grimes, IA

Photo and video courtesy Paradox Sports