The Front Climbing Club- Boise

2010-03-09T11:05:00.001-08:00

If you enjoy climbing at the Black Cliffs, this is great news:
"Boise City personnel, in conjunction with Idaho Department of Fish and Game, consistent with the provisions of the Foothills Open Space Policy Plan, are asking the City Council's vote of approval to purchase Hammer Flat. Since Boise City codified the Foothills Policy Plan,and passed the Foothills Levy, and since Hammer Flat is considered an important part of the plan, the vote should be largely ceremonial.
That's right! The Cliffs is dead. Long live the Hammer Flat wildlife refuge.
If you are free for lunch, I strongly suggest going to City Hall at noon, Tuesday, March 9, 2010, and let the Mayor and City Council know much you approve of this long over due, highly desirable, action."

2010-02-04T17:47:00.000-08:00

Grab your Valentine! Bring your significant other, best friend (sorry, no pets), or favorite climbing partner ! The Front Boise Climbing Club is proud to announce that it will be hosting the Plastic Passion Competition on February 13th! You and your Valentine will compete together to get your 10 best scores (top 5 scores from each partner).

This event is sponsored primarily by The North Face and Asana Climbing, two great companies that know how to support the Boise climbing community. Additional sponsors include Ashtanga Yoga, ESH, Evolv, Nutriex Sport, Pro Bar, Rock & Ice, Sierra Sage, Eco Lounge, and more! Come on down and have a great time with us!

2010-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

On January 27th, at 6pm, the Front Boise Climbing Club will host the Kevin Jorgeson slideshow. Come down and meet the Asana athletes, the Boise Climbers Alliance, climbidaho.com, and the amazing staff at the Front.

2009-12-17T15:55:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at the CRUXMAS competition! Thank you to all that attended, participated, and supported this event! We would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors as well! Sponsors such as Skull Candy, Asana Climbing, the North Face, Mtn. Hardware, ESH, Ashtanga, Evolv Shoes, Smith Sunglasses, Pro Bar, Sierra Sage. Additionally we had DJ Lu0 spinning records. The North Face raised over $200 for the Boise Climbers Alliance.

We have video and over 2000 photos. This is just a hint of what is to come. So keep checking back!!!

2009-12-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

The Front Boise Climbing Club will be hosting the CRUXMAS Climbing Competition on December 12th! This is an ABS competitions but is open to everyone! Come meet the vendors and sponsors, and stay for the comp prizes. For details and pre-registration, check out www.frontboise.com. See you all there!

2009-11-19T08:51:00.001-08:00

Check out what the Boise Weekly had to say about the Front Climbing Club (page 33). You can view the online article at: http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/rock-warriors/Content?oid=1311985
Be heard, make some comments!

2009-11-08T11:20:00.001-08:00

We have new problems all over the wall! For the past two weeks we have been systematically replacing the old problems, and developing new ones. We even brought up our setters from Salt Lake City to put up some sickness. Come on down and hang with us.

2009-10-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Front Boise Climbing Club was proud to partner with the Boise Climbers Alliance (BCA), and the Access Fund, for the Adopt-A-Crag event at Swan Falls.

Swan Falls is close to being closed off to recreational activities due to trash, graffiti, and miss-use of the land. Our goal was to show Idaho Power, the BLM, and community that climbers do care and want to protect the environment.

Over 30 people showed up to support and pick up trash! The Access Fund provided the garbage bags and funding to promote this event.

Idaho Power provided two trucks to haul the trash to the Kuna waste dump. We were able to fill both trucks completely. This is a testament to our dedication, and the amount of trash that is left behind by irresponsible people.

Boise State University's Outdoor Program provided hot dogs and veggie burgers for the hungry.

Red Bull provided drinks to get everyone energized and psyched.

I practically ran beside the car all the way home.

Aside from The Front, other sponsors included Asana Climbing, ESH, Nalgene, and Sierra Sage Salve. Everyone walked away with a raffle prize.

The BCA purchased an Asana Climbing "Green" pad for the raffle. This was the first time that the BCA has been able to do this. The BCA is a non-profit organization and relies on donations to hold events like this. Check out their website at www.boiseclimbers.org.

Here is the lucky family who won the crash pad. Thank you to everyone who came out to help and support our climbing community. Please keep checking back for more information on events such as this. Together we can build a voice for the community to hear.

Adopt-A-Crag

2009-10-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Front Boise Climbing Club is partnering with the Boise Climbers Alliance (BCA), and the Access Fund, to clean up Swan Falls. We want to invite everyone to come out and support their local climbing community and help preserve this great climbing crag. This is a great opportunity to meet other climbers and show Idaho that climbers care about their environment.

Vendors such as Asana Climbing, ESH, Red Bull, and Sierra Sage will be on site to show their products and support. Boise State University will be on site with hot dogs and veggie burgers. The BCA will be giving away prizes such as a CRASH PAD at the end of the event.

Come on out with a pair of gloves and the willingness to handle a shovel. Please tell everyone you know and save some gas by carpooling. Please visit www.boiseclimbers.org. for waivers and any questions.

2009-10-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

I met with the managers of all the local gyms last week and created a comp schedule for the season. We will be posting the schedule as soon as all the dates are confirmed. Get excited!

We have 6 new problems on the main wall. Come on down and check them out.

For all of the non-members, we are offering a "Trial" membership. Give us a call at 345-ROCK to discuss the details.

2009-09-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank everyone who came by to support the Front Boise Climbing Club's grand opening! It was a great turn out. Approximately 80 people arrived to check out the facility, meet vendors, and meet other climbers from the area.

All of this would not have been possible if it was not for the contributions made by these two families. The Boise climbing community is lucky to have families like the Coffmans and the Lovelaces.

Vendors such as Asana Climbing, ESH, Indian Creek Winery, The North Face, and Project Holds were there to show their support and greet the crowds.

Everyone had a great time and the event was a success. Again, thanks to our vendors, our supporters, and everyone's efforts.

2009-09-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating our Grand Opening this Saturday (Sept. 19th) at 6pm.. Come down and check out the facility! Meet vendors such as the Asana crew, Boulder Balm, Esh, Indian Creek Winery, and more. This is a free event for everyone. We hope to see you there!

2009-09-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS!!! Come down and check out Boise's only bouldering gym! We have the most advanced, steep climbing terrain around! Thank you all for your support and patience!!! We will be open September 4th from 5pm to 9pm. Then check out our website for our Summer Hours!

2009-08-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

THIS IS IT!!!! The moment you have been waiting for!!! We are scheduled for our final inspection on September 1st. Check back tomorrow for information about our opening, Founding Memberships, and the Grand Opening Party!!!! We have the walls, pads, holds, weights, and equipment all ready for you to play on.

2009-08-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

The main wall has been sprayed and textured. The final coat has really brought out the beautiful color of the Baltic Birch wood.

The texture feels like a light sandstone. It will be great for smearing in some of the less steep terrain.

The only thing left to do is drill for tee nuts.

We have had such great friends stop by and lend their support.

John is happy.

2009-07-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

GREAT NEWS!! The main wall will be finished this week!

We have all been working some long hours to get this gym complete.

Yes, even Chili.

Here we are placing the last piece of Birch. Cody and Beth had to roll out of town, so we pushed to complete the sheeting. We really do appreciate both of them and wish them great weather, and steep rock.

Pictures really do not capture the beauty and contours of these walls. To give you an idea of the size, each panel of Birch is 5 feet by 5 feet.

Tell everyone that the Valley's climbing scene is about to change. Please let us know what you think. Thanks to everyone who has come by and given their support.

2009-07-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

This week, Beth and Cody showed up to help with the construction. Beth and Cody were married last May and are on a road trip. Here is Beth lending a hand to clean up the place. She has a great smile and terrific personality.

Cody has been a long time employee of Vertical Solutions and is a master at sheeting. He is used to the long hours and hot days. Construction of the main wall has jumped since Cody has been here!

Here is John Stack placing the first sheet of birch on the final layer. This is close to the last process for the main wall. John has really made this all come together.

The birch wood bends to fit the contours of the wall seamlessly. This is what gives the wall the smooth design.

This birch panelling was manufactured in Russia. It is a unique wood with durability and a beautiful finish.

Once the birch layer is complete, it will be coated with a texture, and gridded for tee nuts.

The main wall will be complete by the beginning of next week!

2009-07-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

We have been working allot recently to get the gym open. So when I got the opportunity to split town with a couple of friends for the forth of July, I took it.

It was a great time to spend with friends, but secretly, my wife and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary.

Climbing has given me so many great memories and introduced me to so many great people.

While we were pulling down, I realized how much time and effort goes into training so that we could have experiences like this.

This is one of the reasons why we are bringing the Front Climbing Club to Boise. So that we can have a place to train and meet new friends.

To a great training facility we must be able to offer transitions for every type of climbing ability.

The project is almost complete. The gym will be open soon. Tell all of your friends that the Boise scene is about to change. Be apart of the change and join the Founding Members if you have not already. Time is running out to join so get those papers signed.

Thanks to everyone who has come down to support the effort!

2009-06-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

The framing for the walls has begun! But to get transitions like this, it takes allot of time, energy, and vision.

This process has to be precise. There is little room for error and it is dangerous work.

Some people think that the process is enough to drive someone insane. And John Stack has been called many things; "Mad Scientist" included.

But what John creates is artwork. Nothing less.

These walls are already beautiful and they are not complete.

We all stare in awe of the beauty and style. Good work John.

2009-06-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

Last week we made substantial progress! Thanks to these two, we were able to finish the mezzanine framing.

So many people have stopped by to join the effort. It is exciting to be apart of something that is going to change the face of our climbing community.

We are all having such a great time. It is hard work, but we are having fun. Plus, we are meeting so many new faces.

John Stack has arrived to start the framing of the walls. John is the co-owner of Vertical Solutions and the master at building climbing walls. By viewing the rolled steel, you can already see the transitions.

"Chilly" is hungry for transitions!

2009-06-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

The most tan girl in town swung by to clean holds. Katie endured the sun to scrub some of the hundreds and hundreds of holds that we have. She loved seeing the different hold designs and daydreamed about they will look in our gym.

Here she is with a couple of her favorite holds. She looks hungry for plastic. She was overheard saying, "I just want to eat this hold!"

But I was able to calm her down and remind her to share with everyone. Katie is off to California to compete in Divisionals. We wish her the best!

2009-06-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the before and after photos of the exterior of the building. Originally the building was beige with a chocolate trim (bland). Now the building is sage with a brown/gray trim.

We spent many hours in the hot sun painting. We stretched out on ladders, scaffolding, and a scissor lift. We sprayed the walls, ceiling, shoes (and in Andy's case, his pants). Now it will be easy to see the gym while driving down Chinden Blvd. Come on down and take a look.

If you don't know already, we are located on the corner of 33rd and Chinden Blvd.

2009-05-28T07:48:00.001-07:00

Here is the final version of the walls! Working with the original design we realized that we could utilize more of the wall if we smoothed out the transitions. Now the walls have just about every angle. Did I mention that the steepest part of the wall overhangs 17 feet?

2009-05-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

I noticed this as I was listening to Jay-Z. Word.

We started to paint the outside of the building today. This is the base color. Now it will be super easy for you to find us on Chinden. Come on down and see the changes.

Here is Andy getting his Hulk on. If you look close enough you can see his mohawk.

2009-05-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

Natron is back in town and psyched to help out with the gym. He came down yesterday and started washing holds. Hundreds and hundreds of holds. Natron was quoted as saying' "You have some sick slopers!"

Andy has been so great! This guy really has the community in mind. When he is not helping us paint, unload weights, demolish walls, and delivering amazing food, you can find him volunteering to coach climbing teams in the valley.

Here is Andy getting his Smurf on.

SuS's Blog

2009-05-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

Building this gym has been a dream come true for me. One of my favorite parts about building this gym is how it has helped me reconnect with old friends, and meet new climbers as well. I have met and climbed with so many great people from our valley. It also allows me to hear the comments and concerns of the climbing community.
That is what is so wonderful about having a place to connect with other climbers. Imagine a place where you enjoyed hanging out. A place that was friendly and offered the most advanced climbing walls in Idaho. A place that kept your interest in mind and kept you up to date with community events. This is what we are going to provide to you.
Thank you all so much for your continuing support. Please help spread the word that the valley is about to change.

Hang On,

SuS

2009-05-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are the photos of the first installment of equipment.

We have treadmills, stationary bikes, stair steppers, ellipticals, recumbent bikes, and so many free weights. Everything a climber needs for training.

Did someone order holds? Oh ya, we did! Do you have any idea how hard it is to work around these holds without touching them?

2009-05-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

We just received over a thousand holds at the Front Boise Climbing Club! We have every shape, size, and manufacturer represented. This week we also received the first installment of our cardio equipment and free weights. And this is just the beginning. We are going to have so much fun!!!

Do you want to see the pictures? Well you are going to have to check back tomorrow for the photos and the update on construction.

2009-05-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Cleaning 6,500 square feet is not easy. But we found a crew up for the job.

Big smiles. Big work. Big hair!

2009-05-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

This is Dustin, the owner of The Front, Vertical Solutions, and the "Surgeon of Demolition". Without Dustin this endeavor would not be possible.

2009-05-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone is smiling and having a great time!

2009-05-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

We have a great crew who are excited to build this gym. The demolition was completed this weekend right on schedule. We were able to recycle and donate items to the Habitat for Humanity Foundation.

Construction News

2009-05-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

Great news! Construction has begun on the Front Boise Climbing Gym! Our crew is excited to join with Vertical Solutions to build the most advanced, state of the art climbing gym in Boise. Spread the word that the Boise climbing community is about to change.

Slideshow and Q&A

2009-04-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

The Boise Climbers Alliance (BCA) is proud to announce that Dean Lords will be giving a slideshow on Friday, May 1st. Boise State University will host the event in the Hatch Ballroom at 7pm. The entry fee is $5 and $3 for students.
This will also be a great opportunity to get all of the construction updates on the Front Boise Climbing Club! We will be available for questions and comments before and after the slideshow. Please come down and enjoy this scene!

2009-03-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

The forecast is for more rain, high wind gusts, and a possibility of snow. Wouldn’t it be great to have a climbing gym that everyone enjoyed going to? Where you could run into other climbers and train on the most advanced climbing walls in the state? Wouldn’t that be great?
The Front Boise Climbing Club isn’t just a normal climbing gym. These state of the art climbing walls were designed and built by Vertical Solutions. The world’s top climbers have already tested these walls. Climbers like Chris Sharma and Lisa Rands, people who continue to inspire and push the limits of climbing. This gym could host competitions that Idaho has never seen before. It is possible to host local, regional, and national competitions.
The possibilities of the Front Boise Climbing Club are endless, but we need your support. Please help support the Front by becoming a Founding Member, and spread the word! We have a great opportunity inFront of us.

Landlord Approval

2009-02-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

More good news.

The land owner has approved the major expenses related to the buildout for the gym. What this means is the only thing that could stop the gym from developing is a lack of community support.

We currently have approx. 80 Founding Member pledges. The gym requires 100 Founding Members to open. We basically have until early March to secure these Memberships or the lease agreeement with the landlord will expire.

We need your help. Please sign yourself up for a Founding Membership , and once you do, gather up two of your friends and get them signed up too. We're not asking for any money until the gym opens, and Founding Members receive much discounted memberships rates that will never increase, as well as discounts on Asana and Evolve gear. Plus, Founding Members insure that this gym will be built. We guarantee you'll be continually impressed with the gym once it opens.

Give us a post! Let us know you're out there!

2009-02-10T20:52:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Dustin, the owner of The Front in SLC, flew out to meet with the land owner and his general contractor for specific buildout requirements. It was a very productive meeting and we have hopes to have final costs for these buildouts by the end of next week. Luckily, the buildout needs are quite simple since we are going to have somewhere in the range of 100 linear feet of sick bouldering.

Vertical Solutions, our wall manufacturer, has committed build time for sometime in April or May for transporting the tradeshow walls up to Boise and building the transitions. We're trying to decide on whether we should put on a concrete finish, or keep the unique "woody" look The Front is known for. Thoughts?

Everyday we're making progress towards the creation of this gym. We're convinced we've flushed out the major costs, found a great location, and have a very exciting wall design. What's left is your support. In today's tough economic climate, we can't sign a lease until we have 100 Founding Members. Founding Members receive exceptional pricing on memberships, and the pricing will never change as long as the membership is active. Better yet, Founding Members help bring this gym to fruition. A small price to pay for such a great community addition. Please request membership documentation, and join. We have until March 15th to gather the needed Founding Members.

Projected Opening Date: June 1st

CALLING ALL CLIMBERS!

2009-02-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

Time is running out to file your Founding Membership Agreements! So if you have not sent in your Founding Membership Agreements, what are you waiting for? Do you still have questions? I will be at the BSU climbing wall on Thursday (Feb. 12th) and Nampa Rec. Center on Friday (Feb. 13th) to answer any questions. You can even drop off your agreement to me personally. So lets get together and climb! Thanks again for supporting The Front Boise.

See You Soon,

SuS

Lisa Rands Testimonial

2009-02-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of fun competing on the walls at the Summer Trade Show Comp. the walls were nice and tall with diverse angles from vertical to roof. If the walls were coming to my hometown, I'd be psyched!

Lisa Rands

Founding Members Agreements

2009-01-17T16:10:00.000-08:00

The Boise climbing community is buzzing with anticipation for the Front-Boise climbing gym and we're working diligently to get the doors open soon!

NOW is the time to sign up as a Founding Member: all Founding Members receive a 20% discount from the normal membership fees, a 20% discount on an Evolv shoe purchase, and a 25% discount on any Asana Climbing purchase. With this package you get a membership to Boise's hottest new climbing spot, and great deals on new climbing shoes and cool Asana gear too!

Remember, Founding Memberships are limited to the first 250 people. So be sure to tell the people you like to climb with about this great offer! You can download the Founding Member Agreement at www.frontboise.com.

If you have any questions about the Founding Membership Agreement, or if you need additional agreements for all of your friends, you can contact SuS Edmundson at sus@frontslc.com. We can't wait to see you hang on these walls!

The Front