Have you ever wondered how do climbers make money? Climbers are often seen as daredevils who risk their lives for the thrill of adventure. However, there is more to this passionate community than just climbing mountains and scaling cliffs. Some climbers have found ways to turn their passion into a profitable career.
From sponsored expeditions to social media endorsements, climbers have a variety of ways to make income. Companies are always looking to partner with climbers who have a large following or have accomplished impressive feats in the climbing world. Climbing gear brands, energy bar companies, and travel agencies are just some of the businesses that often work with climbers to promote their products.
Aside from sponsorships, some climbers have found success through guiding or working in the outdoor industry. Those who have a lot of experience and certifications can become professional guides, taking clients on expeditions or teaching them climbing skills. Others may work for outdoor retail stores or gear companies, using their knowledge and expertise to help customers find the right equipment for their adventures. So the next time you see a climber, ask them how they make a living – you might be surprised at the creative ways they have turned their passion into a career.
The Climbing Industry
The climbing industry has grown significantly in recent years, with more people getting involved in this outdoor activity. Climbers can now make money through various channels, some of which are outlined below.
- Professional Climbing Competitions – These are competitions where climbers earn money for their skills, usually held in indoor or outdoor climbing facilities. The prize money can vary significantly depending on the competition’s level, ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) runs high-level competitions with significant cash prizes.
- Climbing Gyms – As more people take up rock climbing as a recreational activity, climbing gyms are opening up in urban areas. Climbing gyms hire professional climbers to teach classes and workshops. Moreover, climbers can work as route setters, responsible for creating new climbing routes in the gym, or work at the front desk. The pay for these jobs may range from minimum wage to well above.
- Sponsorships and Endorsements – Professional climbers may earn money through sponsorships and endorsements from brands that manufacture climbing gear and apparel. Their social media following and athletic achievements are often what attracts sponsors. Sponsorships can range from free gear and apparel to six-figure salaries. For many sponsored athletes, this can be their primary source of income.
Additionally, climbers can make money through guiding services, professional expeditions, and outdoor education. Climbers who have gained significant experience in mountaineering, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities may lead groups of climbers to various routes around the world. They may also teach classes on safety, technique, and the environment for climbers looking to improve their skills.
| Resource | Income Potential |
|---|---|
| Professional Climbing Competitions | $500 – $100,000+ |
| Climbing Gyms | $20,000 – $70,000+ |
| Sponsorships and Endorsements | Free gear and apparel – $300,000+ |
| Guiding Services/Professional Expeditions/Outdoor Education | $30,000 – $100,000+ |
Overall, the rise in popularity of climbing has provided opportunities for climbers to make a living in this industry. Whether through sponsorships and endorsements, competitions, or teaching, professional climbers with experience, determination, and a good work ethic can turn their passion into a career.
Freelance Guiding
One of the ways climbers can make money is through freelance guiding. This involves providing climbing instruction and guiding services to individuals or groups who are looking to improve their skills or climb a specific route or mountain. Freelance guides are typically certified by a reputable guiding organization such as the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and have extensive experience in climbing and guiding.
- Freelance guiding can be a lucrative gig for climbers, as they can charge upwards of several hundred dollars per day depending on their level of certification and experience.
- Some climbers may choose to specialize in a certain area or type of climbing, such as alpine climbing or ice climbing, which can help them stand out in the crowded field of guiding.
- Freelance guiding can also be a great way for climbers to network and build relationships with potential clients, which can lead to future opportunities or referrals.
Here’s an example of what a freelance guide’s rates might look like:
| Level of Certification | Rate per day |
|---|---|
| AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor | $300 – $400 |
| AMGA Certified Rock Guide | $400 – $600 |
| AMGA Certified Alpine Guide | $500 – $800 |
| AMGA Certified Ski Guide | $600 – $1000 |
It’s important to note that freelance guiding comes with its own set of challenges, such as variable workloads, liability concerns, and the need to constantly market oneself to potential clients. However, for those who are passionate about climbing and skilled at teaching and guiding others, it can be a rewarding way to make a living doing what they love.
Sponsorship and Endorsements
Climbing is a niche sport and climbers often turn to sponsorships and endorsements to make a living. Sponsorship deals are agreements between a company and a climber where the climber promotes the company’s products or services in exchange for financial compensation. Endorsements, on the other hand, are deals where a climber acts as a brand ambassador for a company, representing it in a positive light in exchange for compensation.
- Clothing and Equipment Brands: Clothing and equipment brands are popular sponsors of climbers as they often require gear to climb. Companies like The North Face, Patagonia, and Black Diamond offer sponsorship deals to climbers who are already well-established in the industry. These companies often provide their sponsored athletes with free gear and clothing as well as compensation for their efforts in promoting their brand.
- Energy and Nutrition Brands: Energy and nutrition brands such as Clif Bar, GU Energy Labs, and PowerBar are popular sponsors of climbers as these companies specialize in products that provide fuel and energy to athletes. Climbers who are sponsored by these companies often receive free products as well as financial compensation for promoting their brand.
- Travel and Hospitality Brands: Climbing often involves traveling to different locations and staying in hotels or other accommodations. Travel and hospitality brands like REI Adventures, Mountain Travel Sobek, and Black Tomato offer sponsorship deals to climbers who can promote their travel offerings to their followers on social media.
While sponsorships and endorsements can provide climbers with financial support, it’s important to remember that these deals often come with certain expectations for how the athlete promotes the brand. Climbers must be careful to ensure that their promotions are ethical and do not compromise their integrity or the integrity of the sport.
Here is a table that outlines some of the top climbing athletes and their sponsors:
| Athlete | Sponsor |
|---|---|
| Alex Honnold | The North Face, Black Diamond, La Sportiva |
| Cedar Wright | Patagonia, La Sportiva, Goal Zero, The North Face |
| Sasha DiGiulian | Red Bull, Adidas, Petzl, The North Face |
Sponsorships and endorsements can be a lucrative way for climbers to make a living, but it’s important for athletes to choose ethical partnerships that align with their values and do not compromise the integrity of the sport.
Professional Competition
Climbing has become a mainstream sport in recent years, and professional competitions now offer a significant opportunity for athletes to earn money. There are different types of climbing competitions, each with its own rules and regulations, but most commonly, climbers participate in the following:
- Lead Climbing Competitions: Climbers must climb as high as they can on a set route in a specified amount of time without falling. The climber who reaches the highest point on the route wins.
- Bouldering Competitions: Climbers must attempt a set number of boulder problems within a specified amount of time. Points are awarded for completing the problem within a set number of attempts, and the climber with the most points wins.
- Speed Climbing Competitions: climbers attempt to climb a standardized route on artificial holds as fast as possible. The climber with the fastest time wins.
Professional climbers participate in competitions across the globe, and the prize money varies depending on the size and location of the event. For instance, the International Federation of Sport Climbing’s (IFS’s) World Cup offers a cash prize of €6,000 to the winner. Additionally, the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup offers a cash prize of CHF 24,000 for the winner.
Furthermore, climbers who participate in the Olympics also have the chance to earn significant amounts of money. Tokyo 2021 was the first time climbing was included in the Olympics, and medalists got cash rewards, with the gold medalist receiving $37,500, the silver medalist receiving $22,500, and the bronze medalist receiving $15,000.
| Competition | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| International Federation of Sport Climbing’s (IFS’s) World Cup | €6,000 |
| UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup | CHF 24,000 |
| Olympics | Gold: $37,500 Silver: $22,500 Bronze: $15,000 |
Competing in professional competitions requires intense dedication to the sport. Professional climbers must train extensively to compete at a high level and earn the prize money. A high number of wins and podium finishes at various competitions increase their chances of getting sponsorships and other income-generating opportunities.
Writing and photography
For climbers who have a talent for writing and photography, there can be opportunities to earn money in these fields. These two areas often go hand in hand, as climbers can document their adventures through writing and photography.
- Writing: Articles and blog posts about climbing can be submitted to outdoor magazines and websites. Payment varies depending on the publication and the length of the article. Some climbers have also published their own books about their climbing experiences, which can provide a source of passive income.
- Photography: Climbing photographers can sell their images to magazines, guidebooks, and other outdoor publications. They can also enter photo contests or sell prints of their work online. Some climbers have even turned their Instagram accounts into a business, partnering with outdoor gear companies to promote their products on social media.
- Combining writing and photography: Many climbers have found success by combining their writing and photography skills. They create articles or blog posts that showcase their climbing adventures, accompanied by stunning photographs. This can be a lucrative way to earn money as a climber, as it offers a unique perspective that appeals to both outdoor enthusiasts and armchair travelers.
If you’re interested in pursuing writing and photography as a source of income, it’s important to hone your skills and build a portfolio of your work. Attend workshops and conferences to improve your craft, network with other climbers and outdoor photographers, and start submitting your work to publications. It may take time and persistence, but with dedication, you can turn your passion for climbing into a profitable career.
| Publication | Payment |
|---|---|
| Outside | $0.50-$1.00 per word |
| Climbing | $0.40-$0.80 per word |
| Rock and Ice | $0.25-$0.50 per word |
Keep in mind that payment rates can vary widely and depend on the publication, the length and complexity of the piece, and the author’s experience and reputation. It’s important to research the market and negotiate for fair compensation. With hard work and persistence, climbers with writing and photography skills can turn their passion into a source of income.
Equipment sales and rental
Climbing equipment, such as ropes, harnesses, and carabiners can be quite costly, but they are essential for climbers to ensure their safety while climbing. This creates a niche market for climbers to sell or rent equipment to other climbers who may not have the budget to purchase brand new gear.
- Sales: Climbers who have accumulated a collection of gear may choose to sell some of their equipment to other climbers. This can be done through a variety of channels, including online marketplaces such as eBay or Craigslist, or through climbing forums and social media groups. Some climbers may even choose to set up their own online store to sell new or used gear.
- Rental: Climbing equipment rental businesses have emerged in many popular climbing destinations. These businesses offer a range of gear, from basic equipment such as helmets and harnesses to more specialized and expensive gear such as ropes and ice axes. This allows climbers who are visiting a new location to rent the equipment they need without having to invest in purchasing gear that they may not use again.
While equipment sales and rental can provide a passive income for some climbers, it is important to note that there are risks associated with renting out equipment. Climbing gear must be inspected and maintained to ensure that it is safe to use, and it is the responsibility of the gear owner to properly disclose any wear or damage to the buyer or renter.
If you’re considering selling or renting out climbing equipment, be sure to research the appropriate outlets and methods to ensure a safe and profitable transaction.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can provide a passive income for climbers with excess gear | Requires careful maintenance and inspection of gear to ensure safety |
| Allows climbers to try out new gear before purchasing | Can be competitive with other gear rental businesses |
| Creates a niche market for climbers to sell or rent gear | Requires investment in equipment and understanding of appropriate marketplaces |
Overall, equipment sales and rental can be a profitable venture for climbers who have accumulated excess gear or for those living in popular climbing destinations.
Social Media Influencing
Climbing influencers have taken the world of social media by storm, using their platforms to showcase their talents, document their adventures, and share their experiences with countless followers around the world.
- One of the most common ways that climbers make money through social media influencing is by promoting brands and products on their pages.
- These companies will pay influencers to post about their gear or services, often providing free products or discounts in exchange for exposure to the influencer’s followers.
- In addition to sponsored posts, many climbing influencers also work with affiliate marketing programs, earning a percentage of sales that are made through their unique referral links.
Being a successful climbing influencer requires a careful balance of authenticity and promotion, with influencers needing to maintain their credibility while still generating revenue from their content.
Below is a table that outlines some of the top climbing influencers on social media and their estimated earnings:
| Influencer | Platform | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Honnold | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | $1 Million+ |
| Emily Harrington | Instagram, YouTube | $100,000+ |
| Tommy Caldwell | Instagram, YouTube | $50,000+ |
| Chris Sharma | $25,000+ |
In conclusion, social media influencing has become a lucrative way for climbers to make money while sharing their passion for the sport with the world. By partnering with brands and promoting products, climbers can generate revenue while still maintaining their authenticity and credibility with their followers.
How Do Climbers Make Money?
1. Can climbers earn money through sponsorships?
Yes, climbers can earn money through sponsorships from companies in the outdoor industry. These companies may provide athletes with gear and financial support in exchange for representing and promoting their brand.
2. Do climbers make money from competing in climbing tournaments?
Some climbers may make money from competing in climbing tournaments, as cash prizes are often awarded to winners. However, it is important to note that climbing competitions typically have limited prize money available.
3. Can climbers create revenue through social media?
Yes, climbers with a large following on social media may be able to monetize their accounts through sponsorships, partnerships, or advertising revenue.
4. Are there opportunities for climbers to work as guides or instructors?
Yes, many climbers work as guides or instructors for outdoor guiding companies. This can provide a steady source of income while allowing climbers to share their passion for the sport with others.
5. Can climbers make money through photography or videography?
Yes, some climbers may be able to make money through photography or videography by documenting their own climbs or capturing footage for others in the climbing industry.
6. Is it possible for professional climbers to earn a living solely through climbing?
While it is rare, there are professional climbers who are able to earn a living solely through climbing-related activities, such as competing, guiding, or working in the outdoor industry.
Thanks for Reading, Come Back Soon!
We hope this article helped to answer any questions you had about how climbers make money. Remember, there are various ways for climbers to earn a living in the industry, from sponsorships to guiding to social media. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to visit again for more articles on outdoor sports and activities.