The bouldering community in the Inland Northwest has exploded in recent years, and the new Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym proves this community is only going to keep getting stronger. As early as March 2017, the new indoor bouldering facility on the north side of Spokane will be open for business.
Bouldering enables people to perform climbing moves at a safe distance from the ground, and doesn’t require ropes or a harness. It also helps build stamina and increase finger strength. Many climbers feel it’s significantly more social because climbers aren’t 40 feet or more apart while they’re climbing, making it easier to give encouragement or instruction. Whether you’re training for a specific boulder problem, are interested in learning new climbing techniques, or want to connect with more climbers, the Bloc Yard aims to deliver the best indoor climbing experience possible.
Adam Healy, one of the gym owners and managers, points out that Spokane has a great climbing community filled with multiple local outdoor climbing areas, yet only one current indoor gym. “We saw a great opportunity to build a bouldering-only gym to service the current climbers, and introduce the next generation of climbers to this sport we love.”
Located at 233 East Lyons (one block east of Division behind the Sportsman’s Warehouse), the 9,700 square foot gym features over 4,500 square feet of climbing. The maximum wall height is 16 feet; however, the average wall height is closer to 14 feet. Best of all, the designers created some mind-bending features so that certain sections look like granite, while other sections mimic basalt columns.
Spokane climber George Hughbanks enthusiastically responded to the news about the new gym with unbridled excitement. “I am ecstatic! This facility will be a great resource for climbers and a great place for new climbers to discover a love for bouldering.”
The Bloc Yard plans to host several climbing competitions in the coming years, which will draw climbing talent from all over the Northwest. The gym is strategically located between Whitworth and Gonzaga, and it anticipates adding some traditional workout equipment a few months after first opening. There’s a private room available for birthdays or reserved parties, and there’s plenty of free parking. For the most up-to-date details, follow Bloc Yard on Facebook at facebook.com/BlocYardBoulderingGym. //
