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The Climbing Wall Association (CWA) was originally organized as a part of the Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America, now the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). After an OIA reorganization the Climbing Wall Association was incorporated as an independent 501(c)(06) in May of 2003 by founding board members Bob Richards, Rich Johnston, and Nate Postma.
The Climbing Wall Association is the only trade association addressing the needs and interests of the climbing wall industry. We serve climbing gyms and climbing wall operators, climbing wall manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, consultants and others involved in the climbing industry. The CWA provides trade association services to over 400 companies in the climbing industry. The CWA works diligently to develop standards for the industry, represents member interests in regulatory and legislative processes, sponsors professional development, training and certification programs, provides support services and benefits to the industry, and promotes the sport of climbing to increase market size and improve market climate.
The CWA provides benefits for climbers of any age getting out onto a climbing wall, from first time climbers who are looking for comptetent instruction and a good place to climb to professionals who want to make climbing their career. CWA is a resource for the whole climbing community.
The mission of the Climbing Wall Association is to support the growth, health and independence of the climbing wall industry, and to promote the sport of climbing. CWA could not achieve its mission without the ongoing support of its members. Make a difference in the future of climbing, join the CWA today.