Joshua Reyes // Jacksonville, AL
When did you build your wall?
January 2007
How long did it take you to build?
4 months…ish. When we got one side done it was tough to stay focused on construction when we had a climbable section staring us in the face, lol!
Not including holds and padding, how much did it cost you to build?
Somewhere around $2K I think. That texture paint was expensive!!
Did anything in particular inspire your wall design?
Versatility. I wanted my wall hard enough to get me stronger but also easy enough to train my kids and other beginner climbers. The variety of angles really helped make that possible!
What was the most difficult aspect of the design and build?
Trying to land that perfect balance of versatility and space utilization with the room design and budget constraints I had to work through.
What would you do differently?
I would add/incorporate a 15 degree overhang section with a campus and/or peg board for strength training. That would be really handy for the coaching I do these days!
What is your favorite aspect?
I LOVE the versatility of the design, the texture paint, and the random pattern of t-nuts. Those aspects combined make for a much more natural (outdoor) feel of movement – especially smearing on that texture paint!
Any words of wisdom to aspiring homewallers?
I highly recommend a variety of angles of the space can accommodate, and texture paint! It’s worth every dollar to be able to smear on the wall surface; it makes me feel like I get use out of every square inch of my wall. I also recommend a random t-nut pattern. It’s easier and faster in the construction phase and makes for more natural movement when compared to a grid layout.
Do you have any connection to climbing brands or gyms?
I route set and coach the youth climbing team at the GadRock micro gym in Gadsden, AL. I’m also head route setter and climbing club coach at the Jacksonville State University Recreation and Fitness Center Climbing Wall in Jacksonville, AL. So much fun!
