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Momentum
Indoor Climbing and REI Announce the
Launch
of REI Co-op Climb in Momentum’s Houston Gyms
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Salt
Lake City, UT & Seattle, WA – May 2017 / Newsmaker Alert / Momentum™
Indoor Climbing and national outdoor co-op REI
announce the launch of REI Co-op Climb, a destination for the best climbing
gear, programming and events at each of Momentum’s new gyms. REI Co-op
Climb will debut inside Momentum Katy when the 36,000-square-foot gym opens
its doors on Saturday, July 15, 2017. Momentum Silver Street will also
feature an REI Co-op Climb; the 40,000-square-foot bouldering gym near
downtown Houston is slated to open later this year.
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“REI
is a visionary company dedicated to improving people’s lives through outdoor
experiences and education,” said Jeff Pedersen, Momentum CEO and co-founder.
“Momentum is committed to building better climbers at our world-class climbing
facilities, and we look forward to aligning our Climbing School offering
with that of REI Outdoor School. The co-op is an ideal partner to further
our vision, by providing Momentum climbers with a gateway to memorable
outdoor experiences.”
REI
Co-op Climb will serve as a destination for the best climbing gear, programming
and events at each of Momentum’s new gyms. Expert instructors from REI’s
Outdoor School will help Momentum members and guests gain skills and confidence
through gym to crag classes. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels
and include Learn to Climb, Learn to Rappel, Sport Climbing Anchors and
Climbing Rescue Techniques. REI members who participate in the Learn to
Climb program will receive two weeks free climbing at Momentum so that
they can fully experience the new gyms. To register for a class or program,
visit www.rei.com/katy-climb-shop.
“REI
has a rich climbing heritage thanks to our founders’ vision to be among
the first to bring world class climbing equipment to the American market.
We are excited to partner with Momentum to introduce REI Co-op Climb. These
gyms are an important resource for avid climbers, and they’re an onramp
for getting more people into the sport,” said John Sheppard, REI’s divisional
vice president, experiential programs and new ventures. “As a respected
climber’s gym, Momentum also shares our ethos around education, and we
look forward to introducing more individuals and youth to the growing climbing
community.”
REI
has had a retail presence in the Houston area since 1996 and today operates
three stores in the region, including downtown Houston, Baybrook and Willowbrook.
The company also has three locations in the Austin area. REI Outdoor School
offers a range of classes and events, including introductory rock climbing
at Reimers Ranch Park, a popular destination near Austin for outdoor climbing.
Education
is at the core of REI’s purpose. Last year REI Outdoor School helped 350,000
people learn a new activity, brush up on their skills, or experience the
outdoors in a unique way. As a different kind of company, the co-op shares
the majority of its annual profits with the outdoor community, including
local nonprofits working to increase access to and steward inspiring outdoor
places.
According
to Climbing Business Journal, 188 of the 414 indoor climbing gyms in the
U.S. opened between 2010 and 2016, a rate of growth that is projected to
continue.
Momentum
Katy will be the one of the largest climbing gyms in the United States.
The 36,000-square-foot facility will offer over 29,000-square-feet of rope
climbing, bouldering, training walls and kids climbing. Industry leader
Walltopia is building the gym’s climbing walls, which were designed by
Momentum’s Salt Lake City design team. Momentum Katy will accommodate hundreds
of climbers at once, and includes a 5,500-square-foot cross training area,
dedicated yoga studio, locker rooms and laptop work spaces. The second
floor mezzanine will offer “auto-belay” climbing and party space, doubling
as a viewing area for local and national level climbing competitions.
Momentum
Silver Street is located at less than two miles from downtown Houston in
a reconditioned warehouse surrounded by art studios, dining options and
residential lofts. The facility will include bouldering, training space,
a cardio room, and a yoga studio. The gym will also feature a youth specific
climbing area, locker rooms and workspaces. As one of the largest bouldering
gyms in the county, Momentum Silver Street will host major competitions.
About
Momentum Indoor Climbing
For
the last decade, Momentum™ Indoor Climbing has been developing innovative
indoor climbing gyms to serve local communities. Headquartered in Salt
Lake City, the Momentum brand is fueled by a passion to evolve and share
the sport of rock climbing through inspired wall design, modern training
facilities, effective coaching and education programs and amenities that
enhance the indoor experience. Momentum is committed to building better
climbers and cultivating lasting communities. For more information about
Momentum, visit www.momentumclimbing.com
or connect with Momentum on Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter
and Vimeo.
About
REI
REI
is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s
largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 16 million
members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes
and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 147 stores in 36 states.
If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com,
REI.com/REI-Garage or the free
REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. You can take the trip of a
lifetime with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel
that runs 170 custom-designed itineraries on every continent. REI’s Outdoor
School is run by professionally trained, expert-instructors who teach beginner-
to advanced-level courses about a wide range of activities. To build on
the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions
annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access
to–and steward–the outdoor places that inspire us.
Contacts:
Megan
Behrbaum for REI: 253-437-7736
Stephanie
Forte, Forte PR for Momentum: 702-596-9866
Gina
Traficant, Forte PR for Momentum: 818-398-1744 |