Why Rock Climbing Walls are a Smart Investment for Universities

College is one of the most formative years of a person's life. Among a sea of possibilities, they'll cross paths with people from all different backgrounds, face challenges, make new friends, and explore new interests. 

Two locations at the core of the college experience are the University Rec and Fitness centers. These spaces let students connect, unwind, and try new sports or clubs, such as rock climbing. As climbing becomes increasingly popular, universities across the country are updating existing climbing structures or adding climbing walls to their campuses.  

Rock climbing walls are a wise investment because there is potential for extensive ROI. However, committing to investing in one is not a light decision, and it's helpful to know what to expect in return. ELEVATE rock climbing walls can enhance your university for the better by providing all of the benefits outlined below. 

Rock climbing is a full-body sport demanding strength, power, flexibility, mobility, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Regularly engaging in climbing can enhance the physical health of students who spend a significant portion of their time sitting in classrooms or staring at a computer screen. Once hooked on the post-workout endorphins, students will continue to come back to the gym. A healthier student population is more engaged, excited, and high-performing in the classroom. 

Rock climbing is a social sport. When climbers are resting in between attempts, they naturally drift toward others, asking questions about how to do the climb or starting up friendly conversations. They'll form relationships they pair up to climb top-rope routes, and as friendly faces reappear when people return to the gym to check off unfinished business with climbs they weren't able to send. Over time, a strong community of kind and motivated individuals can form, adding a welcoming atmosphere to campus.  

Mental health is a significant factor in the success of the current generation of college students. Creating opportunities on campus for students to build self-confidence and self-esteem can have a profoundly positive impact on their mental health, ultimately driving success in the classroom and beyond. Rock climbing challenges the participant to overcome fears and limiting self-beliefs to reach the top of the wall. It isn't an easy sport, but the feeling of overcoming all the failed attempts and completing a climb provides an immediate boost in confidence and self-esteem.  

A high-quality indoor rock climbing facility incorporated into a general gym is uncommon outside of university settings. There are either traditional gyms or indoor climbing gyms. Access to both is a perk to prospective and current students who have gym access included in their tuition. 

When a climber is 30 feet in the air, they need to trust that their belayer will catch them if they fall. The partnership required for climber safety fosters teamwork. There is also the opportunity to collaborate with other climbers to find the most efficient path to the top of the wall. 

Installing a rock climbing wall at a University also requires a new team of student-workers to staff and manage the wall. In these positions, students will develop valuable leadership skills, such as facilitating instructional classes and setting the climbs on the walls.

Rock climbing is an expensive sport, making it inaccessible to populations with lower socioeconomic status. Investing in a rock climbing wall on campus that is free to students makes it accessible to a more diverse population. Rock climbing also caters to all ability levels, and if the university is willing to invest in it, there is climbing equipment designed specifically for adaptive climbers. 

Having a rock climbing wall provides opportunities to host team-building activities for local companies or to host competitions backed by corporate sponsors. Some sponsors could include climbing brands that will donate gear or monetary resources to support the upkeep of the university's rock climbing wall. Both partnerships and sponsorships can generate additional revenue, thereby further increasing the wall's ROI. 

The demand for rock climbing facilities is only growing. Investing in one is a strategic way to enhance the mental and physical well-being of students while generating additional revenue for the school through increased recruitment or external partnerships. Healthier students are happier and more productive, which in turn fosters a positive reputation for the university. Contact ELEVATE to learn more about pricing and wall designs for high-quality rock climbing walls custom-built for a university.