FAQs
General
What climbing holds does Rockcity make?
Rockcity manufactures a wide range of climbing holds, macros and volumes for commercial gyms, competitions and home walls. The main product lines include PU (polyurethane) climbing holds in dual texture and real rock styles, VTF ABS vacuum thermoformed macros, fibreglass macros, and professional plywood volumes in textured, Black Ice and Monocolour finishes. We also produce climbing wall paint systems developed with Coovar, adjustable training walls conforming to EN 12572, and accessories including bags and chalk bags. All holds and macros are manufactured in Britain using proprietary materials and processes.
Are Rockcity holds used in competitions?
Yes — Rockcity holds, macros and volumes have been selected for almost all IFSC World Cups and World Championships for the last several years, as well as both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Rockcity holds the World Climbing "Platinum Recognised Holds" status, the highest accolade available from the international governing body (formerly IFSC, now World Climbing). Our dual texture macros, first introduced in 2018 with the iconic "black ice" finish, helped define modern competition route setting and continue to be central to elite sport climbing events worldwide.
Can climbing gyms order Rockcity holds?
Absolutely. Rockcity operates a dedicated B2B Trade Account portal at b2b.rockcityclimbingholds.com with real-time stock visibility across UK and EU warehouses. B2B accounts are available to commercial climbing and bouldering gyms, schools, local authority leisure facilities, sports bodies and companies purchasing for commercial use. Approved accounts can order online or be invoiced directly and pay by bank transfer. If an item is out of stock, you can place a Factory Direct custom order to be manufactured within a few weeks. Complete the simple registration on the B2B portal to get started.
Does Rockcity ship internationally?
Yes, Rockcity ships both within the UK and internationally. We hold stock in UK and EU warehouses for faster fulfilment across Europe. International orders can be placed through the main website (B2C) or via the B2B trade portal for commercial buyers. For large international orders or distribution enquiries, contact Matt Robinson (International Sales) at matt@rockcityclimbingholds.com to discuss shipping options, lead times and pricing for your region.
Climbing Wall Paint
What is the Rockcity ProWall paint system?
The Rockcity ProWall system is a professional two-part (2K) climbing wall paint developed in partnership with Hull-based paint manufacturer Coovar. It consists of ProWall Base and ProWall Shield, designed for high-wear surfaces in commercial climbing gyms. Built on over 30 years of texture knowledge, the system stands up to chalk, brushing, climbing shoe rubber and heavy daily use. Aluminium oxide grit is available separately for adding texture. The result is a clean, consistent, durable finish that maintains its surface under constant commercial use.
What is the difference between ProWall Base and ProWall Shield?
ProWall Base is the foundation coat for commercial climbing wall surfaces and plywood volumes. It provides the primary colour and textured surface that climbing shoes and chalk interact with daily. ProWall Shield is a harder, more durable topcoat designed for surfaces that take the most punishment — ideal for training boards, home walls and high-traffic areas. Shield adds an extra layer of protection and longevity. Both products are part of the 2K system and can be used together on commercial walls, or Shield can be used on its own for training board and home wall applications.
Can I use Rockcity wall paint on a home climbing wall?
Yes. Rockcity offers single-pack climbing wall paints in 1L and 5L sizes specifically for home walls and smaller training setups. These paints come with grit pre-dosed and mixed in, so there is no need to buy and add grit separately. They provide good texture, visibility and setting contrast straight out of the tin. For home training boards or more demanding home walls, ProWall Shield can also be used for a harder, longer-lasting finish.
What is aluminium oxide grit used for in climbing wall paint?
Aluminium oxide is the aggregate mixed into climbing wall paint to create the textured surface that gives climbers grip. Rockcity supplies it in 25 kg bags for commercial applications where grit is added manually to the base paint during mixing. The grade and quantity of grit controls the coarseness of the wall texture — important for both skin feel and shoe friction. For home wall paints, Rockcity pre-doses the grit so no separate purchase is needed.
How many coats of climbing wall paint do I need?
For a commercial gym using the ProWall system, two coats of ProWall Base followed by one coat of ProWall Shield gives the best combination of colour, texture and durability. For home walls using the single-pack paint, two coats typically give good coverage and consistent texture. Always ensure each coat is fully dry before applying the next. Surface preparation is important — sand the plywood lightly, remove dust, and prime if the surface is new or untreated.
Is Rockcity climbing wall paint suitable for outdoor walls?
The ProWall system has been developed primarily for indoor climbing wall surfaces where durability under heavy daily use is the priority. For outdoor walls exposed to weather and UV, additional considerations apply — contact Rockcity directly at elliot@rockcityclimbingholds.com to discuss the best coating approach for your specific outdoor installation, as the right system will depend on the wall material, climate and expected usage.
Training Boards & Adjustable Walls
What is the Rockcity Canvas Wall?
The Canvas Wall is Rockcity's flagship adjustable climbing wall — 11 metres wide and 4.5 metres high (36 ft × 16 ft), making it the largest adjustable wall available. It uses four electronic rams (not the two found on most adjustable boards), giving it structural rigidity with no flex or wobble. It is engineered to conform to EN 12572 and is more stable than most permanent bouldering walls. The Canvas Wall can accommodate the largest single World Cup boulder or two regular-sized problems, and its angle adjustment lets gyms get more versions of the same boulders with no increase in route setting time.
Does Rockcity make Kilterboard frames?
Yes. Rockcity manufactures electronically adjustable frames and panels specifically designed for Kilter Boards. These are available in two sizes — 12 × 12 and 12 × 8 — and in both freestanding and integrated (wall-mounted) configurations. Angle ranges include 0–70 degrees, 30–70 degrees and 25–50 degrees depending on the model. All frames are engineered and built by Rockcity in the UK, combining the precision of the Kilter Board system with Rockcity's structural engineering and manufacturing quality.
What is the difference between freestanding and integrated Kilterboard frames?
A freestanding frame is a self-supporting structure that does not need to be fixed to an existing wall — it stands on its own and can be positioned anywhere in the gym with adequate floor space and ceiling height. An integrated frame is designed to be mounted into an existing wall structure, using less floor space but requiring a suitable wall to fix to. Both versions use the same electronic adjustment system and Rockcity panel construction. The choice depends on your facility layout and whether you have a suitable wall to attach to.
How does the electronic angle adjustment work?
Rockcity adjustable walls and Kilterboard frames use electric rams to change the angle of the climbing surface safely and precisely. The system locks into set positions, so the wall holds its angle firmly during climbing with no drift or movement. Angle changes can be made quickly between sessions, allowing the same wall space to offer multiple steepnesses throughout the day. This is particularly valuable for performance training programs that need repeatable angles, and for commercial gyms looking to maximise variety in a limited footprint.
Are Rockcity adjustable walls safe for commercial use?
Yes. All Rockcity adjustable walls are engineered to conform to EN 12572, the European standard for climbing wall structures. The Canvas Wall in particular uses four electronic rams rather than two, making it over-engineered for stability. These walls are designed for daily commercial use in busy climbing gyms, competition venues and training centres. Rockcity's background is in manufacturing climbing hardware for World Cups and Olympic Games, and the same engineering standards are applied to the wall systems.
What is the lead time for an adjustable wall or Kilterboard frame?
Adjustable walls and Kilterboard frames are manufactured to order. The current lead time is approximately 10–12 weeks from order confirmation to delivery. As these are large, engineered products, Rockcity recommends getting in touch early in your facility planning to discuss sizing, configuration, installation requirements and scheduling. Contact elliot@rockcityclimbingholds.com for UK enquiries or matt@rockcityclimbingholds.com for international orders.
Accessories & Bags
What accessories does Rockcity sell?
Rockcity accessories are a collaboration with Organic Climbing (USA), featuring the signature leopard print from our plywood volumes. The current range includes a Crag Pack backpack, Duffel Bag, Market Tote Bag, Ditty Bag and Chalk Bag. These are designed for gym sessions, travel and daily use — practical pieces for carrying shoes, chalk, layers and small tools, with tidy compartments that keep kit organised. All items are finished in the bold Rockcity × Organic leopard print.
What is the Organic x Rockcity collaboration?
Organic Climbing is a well-known American climbing accessories manufacturer. The Organic × Rockcity collaboration brings together Organic's bag-making expertise with Rockcity's bold leopard print design — originally created for our plywood climbing volumes. The result is a line of functional climbing lifestyle bags and accessories that carry the distinctive look from the competition wall into everyday use. All products are made by Organic Climbing to their established quality standards.
Which bag is best for going to the climbing gym?
For a full gym session, the Crag Pack (backpack) is the most practical choice — it carries climbing shoes, chalk bag, water bottle, layers and essentials in a comfortable, organised pack. The Duffel Bag is a good alternative if you prefer a holdall style with more open packing. For light sessions or bouldering where you only need shoes and chalk, the Ditty Bag or Market Tote keeps things simple and compact.
Are Rockcity chalk bags still available?
The Organic × Rockcity Chalk Bag in leopard print was part of the collaboration range. Stock levels vary, so check the chalk bags collection page for current availability. When the chalk bag is sold out, it may return in future restocks. For stock updates or to ask about upcoming availability, contact elliot@rockcityclimbingholds.com.
Can I buy Rockcity accessories as gifts?
Yes — the bags and accessories make great gifts for climbers. The distinctive leopard print design stands out, and the range covers a variety of price points from the Ditty Bag at €13 up to the Crag Pack at €90. All items are available through the main Rockcity website with standard shipping. Prices shown exclude VAT, which is added at checkout for applicable regions.