Behind the Scenes - Holds and Volume Refresh
Climbing walls change as routes come down and a new one goes up. They get washed from the grime and chalk. We get bored of some routes, once we learn their Beta and the hard becomes easy, it's time to refresh. Renew.
The route setting team have been busy replacing our old holds, repairing and repainting volumes, and adding more holds into circulation. All to make the climbing better, feel fresher and newer. Thanks to Dave, James, Tom and Corbin!
Some of the work has been practical. Old holds wear out. Volumes get chipped, scraped, and faded. A good wall needs maintenance attention if it is going to stay fresh and colourful.
Some of the work has meant more than just a repaint
When Rockface sadly closed in May, it marked the end of a gym that many of us remember with real affection. It had its own style, its own character, and a lot of history on its walls. We were lucky to buy some of Rockface’s best holds; allowing Oasis to carry a small part of their amazing history forward.
Since then, we have been cleaning them up, sorting through them, and setting old-skool climbs in memory of the amazing gym they came from.
Even more holds and volumes
At the same time, we have added new Friction Addiction Squadra holds into circulation and spent a full weekend in August refurbishing more than 40 volumes with the team. That meant cleaning, repairing, repainting, and bringing a lot of battered but well-loved shapes back to life.
The result is a wall with more variety, more texture, and a stronger sense of where it has come from. We are looking forward to sharing these with you!
Refurbishing more than 40 volumes in a weekend takes effort. It also takes teamwork. The team gave up time and energy to get the job done, and that kind of behind-the-scenes work is easy to miss once everything is bolted back into place.
A repaired volume can make a smear feel more secure. A repainted surface can make a climb look clearer and more inviting. A cleaned and refreshed set of volumes gives setters more confidence to use them in creative ways.
This is the kind of maintenance that keeps a gym moving forward. It is not always glamorous, but it matters every time someone steps onto a climb and trusts what is under their hands and feet.
The next time you are on the wall, take a second to notice the details. Say 'Hi' to the team if you see them setting - they will appreciate you.
See you on the wall.
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