Isaac Green // Kalamazoo, MI
When did you build your wall?
Last week of April 2020.
How long did it take you to build?
4 days of build, not including a week of planning and site preparation (had to dig out a retaining wall to make space)
Not including holds and padding, how much did it cost you to build?
~$800 USD
Did anything in particular inspire your wall design?
I wanted a highball in by backyard. My boss (gym owner) put up a kilter board during the lock down which I helped with, and I saw the construction and just thought “I can do that.”
What was the most difficult aspect of the design and build?
Lifting the board. Had to rig a 3-1 pulley off the tree behind my Tiny House so we could lift the board. Had a friend belay the board while we lifted. Definitely the hardest part. If I had scaffolding it would be easier.
What would you do differently?
I would hang the plywood on the ground first. I had to hoist them individually and attach them in situ, which led to a small gap between two of the boards on the lower half of the board to the left. Doesn’t affect how it climbs, but is ugly.
What is your favorite aspect?
17′ tall… It’s honestly huge. The first pic has a 6′ 5″ man standing at the base of the board. It is 17′ to the lip, at a 21 degree angle. I’m an intermediate climber who mostly goes to the RRG and other midwest areas so a slight overhang is ideal for my routine.
Any words of wisdom to aspiring homewallers?
Don’t be scared to scare yourself
Do you have any connection to climbing brands or gyms?
I work as a route-setter at Climb Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo, MI. No other connections.
