However, Zdanavage at Big Vanilla Athletic Club recommends that facilities consider adding an indoor rock wall if they have the resources.

Turner at Weber State says a good facility with solid climbing programming can attract seasoned climbers and bring new people into the sport and into fitness. However, if it's a poorly planned program, it can turn people off climbing altogether.

At the UIC Student Recreation Facility, the wall brought in $9,000 in fiscal year 2008.

“We have limited pressure to make money off the wall,” Kaefer says. “Besides a major rental with a local corporation, our largest revenue stream comes from daily student passes. The reason is clear: We have 25,000 students eligible to climb for only $3.”

Despite the costs and risks, many fitness facility operators and owners agree that when done correctly, there's no better “wow factor” than a climbing wall.

A climbing wall can give members a fresh and unique workout, Zdanavage of Big Vanilla Athletic Club says.

“It also makes fitness fun,” she adds.

Tips for Adding a Climbing Wall to Your Facility

• Visit other facilities

  Tour other clubs with climbing walls and see how they've made it work.

• Become knowledgeable

  Learn everything you can about belaying, climbing and safety.

• Hire the right staff members

  Find staff members who are good at motivating others and have experience in both climbing and climbing programming.

• Follow the rules

  Follow manufacturers' safety guidelines for all equipment. Good manufacturers provide a wealth of information regarding guidelines of use.

• Reduce your risk

  Have all patrons sign a waiver and liability release before they climb, and require them to take a certification class or test before they climb. Talk with your insurance provider about how you can further reduce risks and your premium.

• Cater to all climbers

  Be sure to have options that challenge seasoned climbers and options that are appropriate for novices and children.

• Ease fears

  Reduce people's apprehension about climbing by creating a short video that introduces the wall and your policies. This also delivers a consistent message to your members, so everyone who climbs is aware of the rules.

• Get creative

  Create rock climbing programming that is unique, different and fun. Offer special events, such as team building and parties, to members and nonmembers.

• Provide pricing options

  It's not a bad idea to offer both daily and discounted long-term passes. That way, new climbers have an option to pay per session, and your regular climbers are rewarded with a discount.

• Promote, promote, promote

  A climbing wall is impressive, but it won't sell itself. Actively promote your wall in all club communications and hold special events that bring the community in to raise awareness of your club's new feature.

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