Climb Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo is lucky to have this little gym right downtown. Some of the new megagyms popping up around the country could take a few lessons from this place.
First, the staff were super friendly. They struck the right balance between being chill and being strict about the rules. While you want a welcoming environment, you can get hurt climbing, so you have to be serious too. Overall, great vibe.
The gym isn’t super tall, but the setters make up for it with thoughtful, bouldery routes. I got spit off a 5.10b only to realize I was messing up the sequence. I feel like that’s rare for the grade, but is a sign of good setting. The place also has some cool novelty holds made of real stone.
The place is older but clean for a climbing gym, has anchors for pairs of climbers with big weight differentials, auto belays for solo climbers, a nice training area, and a section to learn crack climbing. Basically everything you need to have fun, and if you want to be serious, get strong.
Lastly, the price is right. A month eft costs the same as 2 day passes in some big cities. Classes are reasonably priced as well.
I got a membership, so I’ll be going back.

Solid gym… I’ve been living in California where climbing is a lot more popular so I expected way less, but was pleasantly surprised. There is a good balance of bouldering and top-​roping, the routes are well varied, the holds are nice and grippy, the staff is nice, and the front desk has the typical snacks/​energy bars.

VERY disappointing party experience! We chose to have one of my kid’s birthday parties here. (It was VERY expensive, but seemed like it could be memorable) The young staff just kind of ignored us while folks arrived. I was forced to pay right when I got there, which was weird! I went to counter after awhile, & asked if they could start getting some of the kid’s harnessed up. I was told ‘Ya, we’ll do it all at once’ (clock is ticking away allotted ‘party time’, by now) There was NO direction, or presentation of how to climb, to the kids. (I am a former climbing instructor of a class for children) Many kids there had never been rock climbing. I worked hard to make the best of it– and did my own instructing. Then, when it came time for cake– I had to clear stinky backpacks off of one of the picnic tables there! (ME) I had to find some Clorox wipes and wipe down the table and benches. When the cake appeared there was no way to slice it, AND no drinks! (I would’ve brought some soda & cups, had I been informed that my $ 300+ fee did not even include a cup of water for party goers!) I was mortified with embarrassment! I carry dental floss, and I cut the cake with that. I was apologizing to the other Mom’s, it REALLY became awkward! Upon leaving I asked to talk to the manager; he wasn’t in– but, they gave me his phone number. I called him with my concerns & complaints, that Monday. He listened and agreed that I shouldn’t have to clean the tables at my own party. He asked what he could do for me, I said I’d like a $ 50 credit back to my card. He said «I’ll have to think about it». Then weeks later, JUST when I was about to call him back– a postcard with a handwritten ‘offer’ on it arrived. I was like «What?» It basically said that it was a $ 90 value– my choice of 1) Two adults getting a private session of rock climbing training (By WHOM? The snotty younglings that I had to tolerate during the party– no thanks!) –OR– A one time climbing session for Four people (Okay, I could do a play date with another Mom possibly) BUT– the Four people have to be immediate family relations! I was livid. The pure nerve of this guy. This was not worth the postcard it was printed on! A minor $ 50 credit might have brought me back someday. But, I guess he THOUGHT about it and my business wasn’t worth it! (Or, the 12 other Parents who left with a bad impression of the place) Ugh, they’ll be out of business soon with practices like that!

My sisters and assorted relatives are big into climbing and spend a lot of time at Climb Kalamazoo. After a fair amount of prodding, they finally convinced me to go and actually partake instead of simply watching. My sisters also managed to get my parents and my spry, but 84 year old grandfather on the climbing walls. We had a blast! The facilities were wonderful. There were ample routes to challenge my sister, the competent climber with her own gear. There were also plenty of opportunities for my novice grandfather and somewhat reluctant parents. A few of us rented gear. My cousin, who climbs regularly, and myself learned how to belay so we could take our tour hoisting the family up the walls.
The staff were helpful and professional and the facilities were quite nice with a locker room and good spots for bouldering in addition to all of the wall space. I know for a fact that they switch up the routes, add, remove, modify so that the regulars don’t get bored.
One of the things I liked best though, was the camaraderie of the climbing community. It seems as though whether you know folks or not, there’s not much of cliquishness of those who major climbers and those who aren’t. Everyone seems to work together, help each other up the routes, and belay their neighbors. The whole place just has a chill, down to earth vibe, full of good people.