Aspire Climbing Gym
School of Hard Rock for Youth
Aspire is new to the Toronto area and as a mixed climbing gym/training facility it provides a much needed space. Building off the buzz around it has a large space with an always-changing “ninja training facility.” The 1,400- squaremetre space is mostly filled with climbing terrain. The walls were designed by Rockwerx and include top roping, lead and a goodsized bouldering area.
With so many climbers blending workout routines such as parkour, climbing and cargo nets, swinging bars, ladders and straps, Aspire promises to be a popular location for the new generation of combined sport climbers. Like any climbing gym, the people who work there are as important as the space itself. General manager Joë Layno has been in the Ontario climbing community for a long time and has worked with top route setters for over a decade. With more than 20 years in the industry, he has witnessed the growth and development of indoor climbing and brings a valuable experience that will keep setting fresh. Head instructor and route setter Neil Abe implemented a climbing program for the Toronto Pan Am Sport Centre and Athletics Department at University of Toronto. Bouldering powerhouse Tomasz Wojtkowiak is the high performance coach and a route setter. With some of the hardest bouldering sends in Ontario to his name, his coaching will take new climbers to great heights.
Aspire’s youth development program falls under the title School of Hard Rocks. It provides in-depth training with age-specific courses. The Lil’ Nemos program is catered for children as young as three years old. The Nemos is the next step up, more focus on teaching than just movement. Buffalos is ages six to eight and this is when children begin to learn about climbing terminology, different types of holds, teamwork and co-operation. For children ages nine and 10, the Rattlesnake program helps to build a base through mileage, core strength, f lexibility and awareness. The last program in the School of Hard Rock is Kelso, it is when youth learn to be independent at the climbing gym without parental supervision. It teaches safety and responsibility through belaying and spotting.
“I’m excited to be leading the team at Aspire Climbing in Milton as we launch our very own youth development program called the School of Hard Rock,” said Layno. “It’s a program designed for youth progression; inspiring kids to aspire for more. We provide the skills and building blocks to overcome obstacles, in climbing and in life. Climbing made me confident, it made me self-aware. It gave me cognitive understanding of my strengths and my weakness. How to leverage what I’m good at, how to improve where I’m weak, and how to get help where I need it most. Climbing pulled me out of my shell, and I’m excited what it can do for the community of Milton.”
Aspire is a modern climbing facility with everything you could ask for. If you fancy a lap on a ninja course or want to push yourself with a top instructor, check out Milton’s newest gym.–