Indoor Climb South Coast to open at Huskisson this weekend

Bart and Sarah Malecki, who have owned and run Jervis Bay Kayak and Paddlesports at Huskisson for the past six years have taken the bold leap and invested more than $250,000 in the Shoalhaven to establish the Shoalhaven's first dedicated climbing gym, Indoor Climb South Coast.

Located in the Huskisson industrial area, the centre which will officially open this weekend (Saturday, September 5), offers both bouldering and top ropes.

"Sure it's a risk, but it is a project and dream we have been working on for more than two years," Sarah said.

"Certainly in these difficult times it's a big step, but we have faith in our business plans and also the Shoalhaven.

"Yes, it's a big investment but we think it is something that is needed in the area and will prove popular and be very beneficial.

"It has been a dream and a lot of work and it's great to finally see it realised.

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"We already do a lot of outdoor water activities with our other business but just felt there was the lack of such a facility in the Shoalhaven.

"And we, like many other people, were tired of having to travel so far to indoor climbing centres."

She said the Shoalhaven has a reputation as one of the best outdoor climbing areas in the country.

"We have areas like Thompsons Point and, of course, Point Perpendicular which are both popular and renowned as great climbing locations," Sarah said.

"And now rock climbing has been included as an Olympic sport there will be even more focus on it.

"We see this indoor facility as being a feeding ground for children or those who would like to try the sport as a way of getting involved.

"They can come experience it, get a taste for it and hopefully move onto the outdoor version of the sport and get involved with local groups like Outdoor Raw or Climb Nowra.

"We see this as a place for people to get introduced to the sport and then progress - mind you if they are happy to just continue climbing indoors that's fine too.

"And I suppose the beauty of an indoor centre, it doesn't matter what the weather is doing outside. If it's too windy or wet and outdoor climbs might get called off, we don't have that problem. You can still get your exercise."

The purpose built complex, which the couple have constructed themselves with the help of staff and a couple of local tradespeople, with materials purchased locally, includes 27 top ropes and two small bouldering areas.

"The facility can cater for everyone from the age of five, from novices to experts, for all different climbing levels and abilities," Sarah said.

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"We have designed the walls to meet the needs of everyone, from the little ones who have ladders they can climb, up to to massive overhangs that will test a few people.

"But you don't have to be athletic. There are heaps of people out there who don't want to or aren't suited to footy or other sports - who knows this could be just the thing for them?

"Everyone needs something to do and this facility gives people an outlet, especially during these restricted times of COVID."

The pandemic has also thrown up plenty of challenges for the couple, but Sarah says strict COVID restrictions and requirements have been put in place for the centre to operate and will be adhered to.

"There will be strict sanitisation upon entry and again after every rope change," Sarah said.

"Of course we are also limited to one person per four square metres within the complex. We actually have a specifically designed, dedicated computer program to oversee that as well.

"We will also have marshals throughout the complex ensuring those restrictions are also adhered to - if you can't observe those 1.5m regulations or the next rope is occupied, you just skip that rope.

"There will also be constant rope cleaning and sanitising by staff.

"COVID has been to the forefront of our planning. We certainly have a number of plans and procedures in place.

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"There is also a national requirement for indoor climbing that no loose chalk be used - we have moved to a liquid chalk, which has a high alcohol content and works as another form of sanitiser."

At the moment due to COVID restrictions the business is not able to conduct parties but is hoping to start running classes next term, COVID pending.

"We see this as also having great educational capabilities and will be looking to offer it as an alternative to be used as a school sport," Sarah said.

The business will hold a special invite only, private preview opening this Friday (September 4) and will then officially open at its Duranbah Drive, Huskisson location on September 5.

It will employ an additional four or five full time staff and a number of casuals.

"We already employ four full time employees with our other business and a number of casuals in a normal year," Sarah said.

"This will be an evolving thing.

"We've had a fantastic team that has evolved with us. We are fortunate many have been with us for a number of years and they have taken the leap with us."

More details are available on the Indoor Climb South Coast website, with the business operating 11am to 7pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11am to 8pm Friday, 10am to 8pm Saturday and 10am to 5pm Sunday.