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.
holden grimes
Holden strives to curate an experience encompassing both form and function, and he loves interacting with the community in the vicarious manner that is routesetting. He wants to create intuitive, teachable, and fun moments on the wall that gets everyone engaging their muscles and their brains. Holden whole-heartedly believes that climbing 1) is for everyone, and 2) can greatly impact one’s life, so he wants everyone to experience everything climbing has to offer.
Holden found climbing later in life and began their climbing journey in the Austin area. He knew this endeavor would be lifelong shortly after returning home to Dallas where he started working alongside incredible mentors with unparalleled resources from gyms to athletes to set for. For Holden, routesetting is the ultimate creative outlet—there’s something to learn every day.
When not setting commercially or for USAC, Holden enjoys time spent discovering new music, playing table tennis, and simply being outside in the always consistent Texas weather.
joe kustch
Joe has been a part of the DFW climbing community since he first started climbing at Movement Denton in 2020. He loves setting projects for all levels of climbing and seeing people throw themselves at the same climb over and over. Watching everyone make incremental progress is what gets him psyched to come to work every day.
If he’s not rock climbing or at work, he’s probably laughing with friends, listening to music, and enjoying his favorite craft beers.
parker speich
Parker is a passionate routesetter with a love for outdoor climbing. Since 2021, he has been honing his routesetting skills, drawing from his extensive climbing experience spanning back to 2012.
Driven by a desire to share his expertise and passion, Parker creates dynamic climbing experiences that challenge and inspire climbers. His goal is to expand climbers’ skill sets, allowing them to fully embrace the sport they love.
Beyond routesetting, Parker’s true passion lies in outdoor climbing. He has a deep appreciation for the natural environment and finds fulfillment in pushing his limits on real rock.
With his extensive climbing background, Parker is a valuable resource for fellow climbers, offering support and guidance whenever needed. Whether it’s providing valuable beta or helping overcome obstacles, he is dedicated to fostering a supportive community.
ethan oroshiba
Ethan has been exploring his love for routesetting in the DFW area since early 2022. He was introduced to the Austin outdoor climbing scene in 2009, and fell in love with the sport many years later in 2018. He was first drawn to setting at his university, and now has set his sights on honing his skills in a commercial environment. Ethan hopes to continue his passion for routesetting on the USA Climbing scene while still putting up climbs that are fun and equitable for all.
Driven by an ultimate desire to make people happy, Ethan has been pursuing ways to bring his passions of music, climbing, and service to others through his job and community. When he’s not at the climbing gym, Ethan enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, making music, and learning new skills. If you see him around, he’d love to strike up a conversation and get to know new people.
mikey bennett
tucker black
Director of Setting – DFW
Tucker has a strong passion for climbing and loves to see the joy it brings people. He aims to share his passion by creating experiences, challenges, and a variety of movement through his setting. Taking inspiration from his own climbing background, Tucker is sure to serve you up some high-quality climbs.
After finding climbing in DFW in 2007, Tucker was a part of the youth climbing scene for several years until he started working at the climbing gym and quickly found out that he wanted to pursue routesetting professionally.
When Tucker isn’t climbing at the gym or setting you may find him climbing, climbing, or climbing.
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.