Estepona inaugurates the largest open-air climbing wall in Spain, which will start operating this Monday

The mayor, José María García Urbano, presided over the event, which was attended by climbing and para-climbing professionals and sports exhibitions.

The Andalusian Climbing Federation announces its intention to incorporate this equipment as a venue for official concentrations.

The City Council today held the official opening ceremony of the new climbing wall of the city, the largest outdoor equipment of its kind in Spain, which will be operational next Monday. The mayor, José María Garcia Urbano, presided over the event, which was attended by members of the Andalusian Federation of Mountain Sports, Climbing and Hiking, and members of the Andalusian Climbing Team, who have offered various sports exhibitions in the new facilities. Javier Aguilar, visually impaired athlete and Champion of Spain and runner-up in the World Para-Climbing Championship, also participated in the event.

The climbing wall of Estepona is located in the Parque Ferial, Deportivo y de Ocio Permanente and will become a national reference both for its offer for the ‘outdoor’ practice of climbing and for its dimensions. In fact, its dimensions and functionalities will allow it to host national and even international competitions for elite athletes, in addition to the practice of amateur sports. The Andalusian Federation of Mountain Sports, Climbing and Hiking has already announced its interest in incorporating this facility into the network of venues in Andalusia to host official concentrations of professional athletes.

The climbing wall-rocodrome has been designed for the following practices: difficulty mode, speed mode and block mode. It has a complete surface of 662 square meters, which are divided into 115 square meters of the speed zone, 363 meters of the difficulty zone, and 184 meters of the block zone. One of the features highlighted by the climbing professionals themselves is the existence of 20 routes of difficulty, routes that can be done in pairs and that will allow the space to be used by up to 40 people at the same time. It also has two speed routes that can be used in official competitions and are approved by the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC).

The Estepona climbing wall will also host in the coming weeks the celebration of the Andalusian Climbing Championship in School Age, where the Andalusian classified will participate in the national championship.

From next Monday the climbing wall will open its doors from 16.00 to 22.00 hours, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, from 10.00 to 14.00 hours. This schedule is initially adjusted to the sporting demand and may be modified in the future as needed.

The activities will be developed by the Club Grupo de Montaña de Estepona (GRUME), an entity of well-known trajectory in the municipality, which has been training in the municipal climbing wall of the El Carmen sports pavilion since 2005. This entity, which is registered with the Andalusian Federation of Mountain Sports, Climbing and Hiking, has a climbing school that will now be expanded with more workshops and courses in the new facilities.

The school will offer the following courses and workshops adapted to the following levels:

– Initiation: for those who have never climbed before or have little experience. The teachings will focus on learning the basic techniques and safety in the climbing wall.

-Intermediate: For climbers with some experience who wish to improve their skills and face more difficult challenges.

-Advanced: For experienced climbers looking to perfect their technique and explore new limits in climbing.

In terms of ages, two training actions have also been programmed.

-Youth School (ages 8 to 17). Programs designed specifically for young climbers with classes adapted to their age and skill level.

-Adult School (ages 18 and older). Classes aimed at adults of all ages and skill levels, with a focus on learning and fun.

GRUME has also requested that the Estepona school be part of the Network of Schools of the Andalusian Federation of Mountaineering, Climbing and Hiking.

Rules of operation

To ensure that users have a good knowledge of the safety techniques necessary for the climbing activity in the difficult area of the climbing wall, a skills test will be carried out before allowing them access to the climbing wall. This test will evaluate their knowledge of the proper use of climbing equipment, belay techniques, emergency procedures and behavioral standards.

Those users who successfully pass the test will receive an identification card that will accredit them as having knowledge of safety rules and proper climbing techniques in the climbing area of the climbing wall. This card will allow them to perform the activity in that area without having to repeat the test on each visit.

In addition to the knowledge test, training and guidance will be offered to users who require it. This will include briefings on safe climbing techniques, proper use of equipment and responsible behavior.

Users must use the corresponding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with current official regulations. Likewise, they must use material in perfect condition and approved according to European Union regulations, as well as appropriate clothing for the activity. Likewise, those interested in using these facilities must have the specific federation license (regional, national, European or international) or the appropriate accident insurance for the sport in question.

The climbing wall, which has a video surveillance system, may only be accessed during public hours by responsible personnel and in compliance with the rules of the same. Minors may only access the climbing wall under the supervision of a specialized professional and with express authorization.

The GRUME Club informs that the tests to check the level and obtain the identification card will cost 3 euros, while the courses and workshops, which will begin in April, will have a monthly fee of 30 euros. For more information and reservations contact escuela@grume.es.

The climbing wall will also be available for schools that wish to use it as part of their curriculum or extracurricular activities. Interested schools can make reservations in advance to access the climbing wall at times that are outside of regular operating hours. This initiative seeks to promote the sport of climbing among students, as well as provide a unique educational experience that fosters teamwork, confidence and physical development.

Any of the climbing wall areas will be available for rental for the purpose of specific sporting activities outside of the hours covered by the application for authorization of use. Interested groups may reserve specific areas of the climbing wall for their training, classes or sporting events related to climbing. This service is subject to availability and may require prior coordination with the GRUME club administration.