# How Climbing Gym Setters Turn Beginners Into Climbers

> Climbing gym setters craft beginner-friendly routes to build confidence and keep climbers returning.
- Title: How Climbing Gym Setters Turn Beginners Into Climbers
- Summary: Climbing gym setters craft beginner-friendly routes to build confidence and keep climbers returning. Climbing gym setters design easy routes with technical…
- Keywords: climbing gym, beginner climbers, route setting, technical movement, climbing grades, gym setters, returning climbers, Climbing, Gym, Setters, Turn, Beginners
- Source: Gripped Magazine — https://gripped.com/profiles/how-climbing-gym-setters-turn-beginners-into-climbers
- Author: Aaron Pardy
- Published: 2026-10-11T19:24:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: climbing gym, beginner climbers, route setting, technical movement, climbing grades, gym setters, returning climbers
## Climbing Gyms as Start Points
Most climbers say their start was in a climbing gym, often through a first-time promo or friend's birthday party.
## Not All Gyms Are Equal
Holds on a wall don't automatically lead to good times; gym quality varies significantly.
## Setters Curate Climbing Experiences
Skilled setters create satisfying experiences by solving puzzles and refining beta for beginners.
## Max Summerlee and Karlo King
Max Summerlee directs routesetting at two Ontario gyms; Karlo King leads Climb Base5 in North Vancouver.
## King on Easy Grades
King says setters must create easy grades while introducing technical movement to keep climbing interesting.
## Summerlee on Customer Retention
Summerlee notes 66% of climbing gym customers don't return, so setters must teach and build interest to keep climbers coming back.
## Teaching Movement Simply
King focuses on one movement at a time, using simple holds to teach fluid heel hook traverses without complex sequences.
## Key takeaway

Climbing gym setters design easy routes with technical movement to teach beginners and encourage repeat visits.