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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.

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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. 

Ed Pandolfino - Assistant Director of Routesetting

Eddie is the Assistant Director of Routesetting and has been setting for 13 years. He likes to create complex climbs that challenge members to learn new abilities and problem-solve. Eddie likes to use routesetting as a conduit to share his experiences in climbing with others. He hopes to create a memorable experience for every customer that comes into the gym. 

Outside the climbing gym, Eddie likes to spend time with his dog Annie, and immerse himself in the virtual realms of World of Warcraft and Apex Legends. 

Hans Ma - Assistant Head Routesetter

Hans is a routesetter with a passion for climbing. He brings a creative and strategic approach to his work, crafting challenging routes that push climbers to their limits. Hans’ dedication to the LIC community has made him a well-known member of the community. He has become known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to fostering a dynamic climbing experience. 

When not at work, Hans likes to watch movies, spend time with his dogs, and listen to music. 

Blu Blumenthal - Routesetter

Blu started her career in rock climbing at the front desk of the gym. After the pandemic, she took an interest in routesetting and was trained by the team.  She enjoys setting climbs that are puzzle-like and depend on body positioning and foot placement. She gains inspiration from her background in the circus and some from dance to challenge climbers.   

When not in the gym, she enjoys cuddling her cat, being outdoors, and going to concerts.

Patrick Mrozek - Routesetter

Standing at 6’0, weighing in at 180, with a +4.5 ape index, Patrick Mrozek has been throwing splits on the wall since 2016 and setting New York’s most mid routes since 2021. Built like an oak tree and flexible like a stick of chewing gum, Patrick’s setting style is ever-evolving as he seeks to learn and develop new ways to give the community memorable, challenging, and educational experiences on the wall.  

Beyond the climbing gym, Patrick is an avid animator, 3D modeler, and sculptor. Finding other ways to cultivate his creativity and pulling inspiration from the digital art world back into his route setting. Actively working on trying to find a way to mix the two mediums of work. 

 

Ayman Marei - Routesetter

Ayman has been in the climbing industry for nearly a decade and has been routesetting for a handful of years. Ayman loves everything about rock climbing and loves to get others feeling just as excited about the sport. 

Ayman’s favorite setting style explores giving climbers an adventure. He feels climbers should not only be physically challenged but mentally as well; given so, his routes often incorporate some puzzle-solving. Every climber should experience the gratification of “figuring out” a climb, and that’s the experience Ayman attempts to give with each route. He draws inspiration from his super creative team members, personal climbing experiences, and of course, watching way too many climbing competitions/videos. 

Sid Pinto

Sid is 21 years old and has been setting for 4 years. He started setting in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida. Sid works part time while going to school for engineering. In his free time, he likes to draw, surf, and watch bad reality tv. His favorite climbing styles are paddle dynos and slab. 

FAQs

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What days can I expect the setting team to be working?

    Typically, our team sets weekdays between 8am-4:30pm.

  • 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.

     

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.