routes set for you
Our routes are set for all ability levels, proportions, and style preferences. Whether one is looking to have fun with friends, climbing for exercise, training for outdoor climbing, or preparing for competition—we’ve got routes that are just right for you.
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KAYA connects the people behind each climb. Discover new sets, get personalized climb recommendations, and log all your climbs – indoors and out – all in KAYA. Download now to build the stoke together.
Meet the crew
Routesetters are a unique mix of an industrial athlete, craftsman, artisan, choreographer, and product designer. They are well-versed in a variety of climbing and movement styles. They constantly evolve the craft as the needs of our community change and welcome your feedback.
VIni Campos - Director of Routesetting
Originally from Brazil, Vini started climbing in 2014 to unwind from running kitchens in the hectic NYC restaurant scene. After falling in love with the sport and the community, he noticed many similarities between being a chef and a route setter. Vini then took the plunge to change careers.
Vini especially enjoys setting tricky sequences and creating climbs that are fun yet challenging, and at times surprising. His style constantly evolves, and he eagerly seeks to learn from the international route-setting community.
Sebi Krzaczek - Head Routesetter
Born and raised in MA, Sebi discovered a love for climbing during his junior year in high school. He quickly became inseparable from his local climbing gym and began working there shortly after graduation. After becoming a coach and setter, Sebi knew he had a passion for educating both new and young climbers on the art of movement through climbing. Outside of the gym, Sebi is a dedicated sport climber, frequenting Rumney NH any chance he gets.
Fast forward many years later and you can find Sebi happy as can be, providing fun, challenging, and educational climbing for the NYC community. If you see him in the gym, don’t be shy, feel free to ask about the sets or if he sent his latest project (he hasn’t).
Dan Krulwich - Routesetter
Dan has been climbing since 2013 and routesetting since 2015, after begging the head routesetter at his local gym to join a set, all using a hand wrench (iykyk). He’s never stopped climbing and routesetting since, spending a few years competing internationally, becoming a head setter for a few gyms along the way and guest setting around the world, including at The Cliffs at LIC back in 2018, where he started his journey with now-Movement Gyms.
FAQs
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Who is on my Setting Team?
Each of our regions has a designated setting team. Above you can see pictures of our setters. If you see any of them around the gyms please say “hi” and introduce yourself.
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How do I know what is being set next?
We post our route setting schedule every two weeks. The goal with the setting schedule is to communicate where our team will be setting so you know which zones will be closed and where to look for your new climbs.
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What days can I expect the setting team to be working?
Typically, our team sets weekdays between 8am-4:30pm.
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How long does it take to set a climb?
Each setter will build between 3-6 boulders or 1-2 routes in 4 hours then group into smaller forerunning teams for about 2-3 hours and calibrate the climbs to ensure all challenges are grade-appropriate and adjust for quality & accessibility for a spectrum of climber types.
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How does the setting team grade climbs?
The day will begin with our Head Setter mapping out the intended grades for each of the climbs for the day. Once the first draft is complete which we call a ‘Skeleton’ we will have the primary setter forerun the climb and adjust any movements and swap out holds to get us closer to the intended grade. Our primary goal is to ensure the climbing movement meets our quality criteria then ensure we are hitting our mark with the grade. We will have at least one other setter forerun and make adjustments to the climb. The setting team will have a conversation about the grade and place our consensus in KAYA.
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Why does this set of new climbs feel easier/harder compared to the last set?
It could feel easier because the holds are clean with fresh texture. It could feel harder because you have not gained the muscle memory just yet. Each climb is unique and could be presenting a unique challenge that might fit your skillset or be out of your routine climbing movement. Either way, we appreciate your input and hope that you share on KAYA so our setting team can better understand what you desire so we can make every climb a uniquely positive experience.
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Where do I report a spinning hold?
If you find a hold that moves or seems loose, let the front desk know and they will get the info to the setting team to fix it.
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How do I get into routesetting?
We have a company opportunity page where we post all new employment opportunities. As a department we are looking for passionate climbers who are curious about exploring movement and designing appropriate challenges for our gym users. Keep an eye out for a community event called ‘Setting with the Setters’ where our setting team provides a guided experience of what our team does to create new climbs.
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What is the minimum climbing ability for a routesetter?
We have found that climbing at least V4 or 5.11+ is essential to meet the demands of forerunning each work day and basic understanding of movement. If you are not there yet and have interest please share your interest to your local head setter. They might be able to guide you to become a contender for our apprenticeship program.
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Does our gym have an apprenticeship program?
We have training for newly hired seasoned setters but our apprentice program is designed to take a new setter who has limited or no experience and mentor them through a 6 month program. We encourage motivated individuals to apply because we have a system to train you to become a great setter.