offManhattan

“We basically built a playground for ourselves,” said Ben Weaver, technical director and climbing manager at Brooklyn Boulders. “And there’s a real need in New York City for a dedicated climbing gym on the subway line in Brooklyn.” Located in Carroll Gardens, the Brooklyn Boulders facility is unique to the tri-state area and is owned and operated by a small group of climbing-obsessed college buddies determined to offer a different experience—beginning with no corporate influences allowed.

Founders Stephen Spaeth, Jeremy Balboni, and Lance Pinn contributed their ideas and tapped into their imaginations to help create a climbing facility—complete with a mountable Brooklyn Bridge-like tower—that is truly eye-catching. The 18,000-square-foot venue boast 30-foot ceilings and a custom flooring system that is firm to walk across but soft to fall on. Much of the gym was constructed from recycled materials, and energy-efficient equipment, and the interior is decked out with graffiti-style artwork.

According to Weaver, more eco-minded initiatives are in the pipeline, and they plan to begin selling surfboards and long board skateboards soon. Boulders has also partnered with ClimbNYC, which provides online forums and advice for city climbers, and can help you hook up with a climbing partner. Despite the intensity of Boulders’ experienced rock climbing community—many are part of an intense second generation of Gunks climbers—amateurs are very welcome, and even catered to.

“We’re set up to be a comfortable home base for the climbers of New York—like a clubhouse for climbers—and we really want to make beginners and kids alike feel like a part of that club,” Weaver explained. “There’s really nothing like climbing. The rush and the focus of it are really unique.”

Until the official opening date on September 9, construction continues during the day, yet the gym is open to climbers from 6-10pm weekdays and 12-8pm on weekends. Climbing classes, which focus on basic techniques and include rental gear, begin at 7p.m. on weekdays and are offered at 1p.m., 3p.m. and 5p.m. on weekends. A separate class called “Live the Ropes” includes a day pass, equipment rental and a one-month membership for $100. Boulders also offers day passes for $20, as well as 10-packs, month-to-month memberships, and three and six-month memberships.

How to get there: Take the 2, 3, 4, 5, N, Q, R, B, or D to Atlantic-Pacific, transfer to the R for one stop to Union St. (Brooklyn Boulders, 575 Degraw St., Brooklyn, 347.834.9066, brooklynboulders.com)

Photo: Courtesy of shootingbrooklyn

Map It |

Related Posts