Experiential Systems, Inc.

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬, 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬

As the aerial adventure and challenge course industry continues to mature, the physical infrastructure supporting our programs must mature alongside it. During our third-party inspections across the country, our teams at Experiential Systems, Inc. (ESI) repeatedly encounter a critical, recurring compliance issue: the improper use of straight ladders and ships ladders for participant access on climbing towers and elevated platforms.

Often, facilities rely on vertical straight ladders spanning 10 to 12 feet between internal tower levels, or they install steep ships ladders lacking proper side handrails.
The legality and safety of these structures come down to one critical distinction: Is the ladder an unbelayed access route, or is it a belayed challenge course element?

If you operate a climbing structure, ropes course, or aerial park, here is the definitive guide to understanding what is allowable, what is non-compliant, and how to properly protect your participants and your organization.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞: 𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐯𝐬. 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
The most common mistake builders and operators make is applying OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) employee standards to public participants utilizing an unbelayed walking surface.

𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 (𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐁𝐂/𝐔𝐁𝐂): If a participant is walking up to a platform or transitioning between levels of a climbing tower without being actively clipped into a life-safety fall protection system, that route is considered public access/egress. This falls under the jurisdiction of the International Building Code (IBC) and local building codes. Under these codes, vertical ladders and ships ladders are strictly prohibited as a primary means of public access.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐔𝐬𝐞 (𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐎𝐒𝐇𝐀): OSHA allows vertical ladders and ships ladders for authorized personnel (employees, inspectors, maintenance) because staff members are trained, capable, and utilizing proper PPE or ladder safety systems.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧 "𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭"
There is a fully compliant way to utilize straight ladders and ships ladders for the general public: The ladder must be treated as a challenge course element rather than a standard access route.

If participants are using a vertical or ships ladder to ascend a tower, they must be actively protected by a personal fall protection system that limits their maximum free fall to no more than 2 feet. If a participant can clip in on the ground and is protected against a fall the entire way up, the ladder is compliant as a belayed activity.
If your facility currently uses straight or ships ladders, there are several highly effective ways to retrofit them with compliant fall protection systems:

𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 (𝐒𝐑𝐋𝐬) Mounted overhead, an SRL keeps constant tension on the climber and arrests a fall almost instantly.

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐬: Participants wear a harness attached to a grab device that glides up a vertical lifeline as they climb but locks instantly in the event of a downward slip.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: On angled ships ladders or stepped inclines, specialized continuous belay hardware can be installed that allows forward movement but mechanically blocks the participant from rolling backward if they lose their footing.

𝐀 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬: To eliminate any confusion when implementing these fall protection systems, there is a strict legal distinction between what a participant can wear and what a staff member must wear. While participants may wear standard recreational climbing harnesses appropriate for the element, staff members are required to follow OSHA codes. If an employee is utilizing a personal fall arrest system to climb a ladder on the job, they must be wearing an OSHA-compliant full-body harness.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬)
We frequently see straight, vertical ladders installed inside the "chimney" or internal framing of a climbing tower.

𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔: Allowable only if they are wearing an appropriate harness and are attached to a 2-foot fall protection system (SRL, cable grab, etc.) before they leave the ground.

𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒇𝒇: Allowable under OSHA, provided employees use appropriate ladder safety systems or personal fall arrest systems (which strictly require an OSHA-compliant full-body harness) depending on the height.
Compliance Action: If your vertical ladder does not have a fall protection system, it must be completely restricted from public use. You must install clear, permanent signage reading "Authorized Personnel Only" or physically secure the ladder behind a locked hatch or gate.

𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬
A ships ladder is a set of stairs with an unusually steep pitch (typically between 50 and 70 degrees).

𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔: Allowable only if treated as a belayed element with an active fall protection system (like an anti-rollback continuous belay). Without fall protection, the steep incline presents a massive fall risk and violates public building codes.

𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒇𝒇: Allowable under OSHA for employees, provided they meet strict design criteria. ESI inspectors frequently find ships ladders installed without proper side handrails. To be OSHA-compliant for staff use, a ships ladder must have handrails on both sides, allowing the employee to maintain three points of contact.

𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: Unbelayed ships ladders must be restricted from participant use, clearly signed for staff only, and retrofitted with continuous handrails.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬
If the general public is navigating your structure without being actively on a belay system, they must use code-compliant standard stairs.

𝐓𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐈𝐁𝐂 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐌 𝐅𝟐𝟗𝟓𝟗/𝐅𝟐𝟐𝟗𝟏 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠:
𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒖𝒏: Stairs must be built to standard architectural pitch (typically a maximum 7-inch riser and minimum 11-inch tread depth, though local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) codes can vary slightly for outdoor recreation structures).

𝑻𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆-𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑻𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔: Wood gets slick, especially outdoors. All stair treads should be texture-coated or fitted with heavy-duty, slip-resistant grip tape/tread plates to prevent slips during wet weather.

𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒔: Must be provided for stability while walking up the stairs (typically positioned 34 to 38 inches above the tread nosing).

𝑮𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒔: Open-sided walking surfaces and platforms elevated more than 30 inches above the ground must have guardrails at least 42 inches high. The infill (balusters or netting) must be spaced so that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through.

𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬
At Experiential Systems, Inc., our goal as an ISO 9001:2015 Certified company is to engineer risk out of the equation where possible. Assuming that a challenging environment excuses a lack of basic architectural safety is a dangerous mindset. Climbing towers and ropes courses should challenge a participant's physical limits on the belayed elements—not on the walk up to the starting deck.

If your facility is currently utilizing unbelayed ships ladders or vertical ladders for participant access, it is time to plan a retrofit. Contact our professional team today to discuss adding appropriate fall protection systems or designing code-compliant staircases that protect your participants from falls, and protect your organization from liability.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞

​To all of our friends, colleagues, and clients across the Midwest and beyond who have been battered by the recent severe storms—we are thinking of you. We know how stressful it is to watch the weather radar when you manage an outdoor facility, and we sincerely hope that your staff, campers, and programs are safe.

​Between cutting up fallen trees and clearing debris at our own sites today, it got us thinking about the unseen engineering that happens during severe weather. We often marvel at the visible power of the wind, but the real threat to a challenge course during a major storm actually lies underground.

​When you combine extreme wind loads with oversaturated soils, the physics of your ropes course change dramatically. For the summer camps, YMCAs, and University programs currently waiting for the ground to dry out, here is an educational breakdown of what happens to your structures during a storm, and what you need to look for before you open back up.

​𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬
​Whether your course is built in trees or on utility poles, its stability relies entirely on the friction, compaction, and shear strength of the surrounding soil.

​When heavy rains oversaturate the ground, water fills the spaces between soil particles. This acts as a lubricant, severely reducing the soil's structural integrity and bearing pressure. When high winds then hit your course, your structures act like giant levers, transferring massive dynamic forces down into this weakened, muddy foundation.

​Here is how that combination affects different types of challenge course structures:
​𝟏. 𝐔𝐧-𝐆𝐮𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐑𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 (𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬)
​Many modern high ropes courses are built without guy wires, relying instead on wood or steel tension beams running horizontally across the top or middle levels between the poles. Under normal use, these beams are fantastic—they keep the poles from bending inward when a participant falls on a belay cable, causing the structure to act like a strong, rigid box.

​𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦: Because there are no guy wires transferring wind forces outward to ground anchors, a gust of wind hits that rigid frame and transfers the entire overturning force straight down to the base of the poles. In saturated mud, the ground cannot push back. The poles can act like a giant lever, causing the entire rigid box structure to tilt as a single unit or "wallow" out the dirt at the ground line.

​𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐫: Check your poles for plumb (vertical alignment). Look for gaps, cracks, or oval-shaped holes in the soil immediately surrounding the base of the poles, which indicates the poles have been shifting back and forth underground.

​𝟐. 𝐙𝐢𝐩 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 (𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬)
​A zip line creates a much greater lever load than a standard 30-foot ropes course belay cable. If you operate a 500-foot or 1,500-foot zip line, the static tension is already immense.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦(and After): Wind loads on the cable transfer massive forces to the poles and guy anchors. But the real danger happens after the storm. If you operate a zip line while the soil is still oversaturated, the dynamic load of a rider zipping and braking adds violent stress to guy anchors that are currently sitting in soft mud.

​𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Do not operate large zip lines in oversaturated soils. Wait for the ground to dry and stabilize to prevent your guy anchors from shifting or pulling out entirely.

​𝟑. 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 (𝐀 𝐆𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐤)
​Unlike a ropes course where wind can pass between the poles and cables, a freestanding climbing tower has a massive, solid surface area.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦: A climbing wall acts exactly like a giant sail or windsock. It catches an immense amount of wind, generating massive drag and overturning moments that push directly against the footings. In wet soil, this sail effect can easily overpower the lateral resistance of the mud.

​ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐫: Inspect the base connections and footings closely. Look for any heaving in the ground on the "windward" side of the wall, or compression/sinking on the "leeward" side.

​𝟒. 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐑𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬
​Because these elements are much closer to the ground, they do not generate the same massive overturning moments as a 40-foot pole. However, they are still at risk.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦: Low ropes courses are typically built with much smaller guy anchors because they do not endure the same everyday loads as high courses. When high winds hit the poles, the combination of force and saturated soil can easily cause these smaller anchors to shift upward.

​ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐫: Check your guy wires. If a wire is suddenly loose, the anchor has likely slipped. Check for wobbly poles and ensure the soil is re-tamped once it dries.

​𝟓. 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬
​Trees are incredibly resilient, but they are highly vulnerable when the ground turns to mud. Not all trees handle these forces equally. Hardwoods (like Oaks and Maples) generally possess deeper, stronger root systems and dense wood, making them highly wind-firm. Conifers (like Southern Yellow Pine or Red Pine) often have shallower root plates depending on the soil depth, making them much more susceptible to blowing over when the ground turns to soup.

​𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦: Instead of the trunk snapping, the wind rocks the entire tree back and forth, eventually breaking the suction of the wet soil and causing the root plate to fail.

​ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐫: Do not just look up at the canopy; inspect the base of the tree. Look for soil heaving or mounding, which indicates that roots have been torn or shifted underground. Any new leaning or tilting is a major red flag.

​𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
​Do not assume your course escaped unharmed just because it looks okay from a distance. Root damage, base wallowing, and anchor slippage may not be immediately visible, but they pose serious ongoing risks for your participants.

​Before you put anyone back on belay, you need to conduct a thorough evaluation once the ground begins to dry. A structural inspection should always be done by a highly qualified inspector in accordance with the relevant industry standards in your jurisdiction.

​At Experiential Systems, Inc. (ESI), our post-storm inspections involve a detailed visual and tactile evaluation of your structures, systems, and components. Because we are an ISO 9001:2015 Certified company, our clients know our inspection processes are rigorously audited for the highest standard of safety and quality in the industry.

​If your facility was in the path of the recent storms and you are concerned about your poles, anchors, or trees, contact ESI today. We are here to help you get your program back up and running safely.

𝐖𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝 | CPSC.gov https://share.google/7t4xCg2KU7DVPNvKF

CPSC.gov CPSC works to save lives and keep families safe by reducing the unreasonable risk of injuries associated with consumer products and fulfilling its vision to be the recognized global leader in consumer product safety.

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟓𝐭𝐡, 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲.

In the aerial adventure and challenge course industry, we spend a lot of time talking about standard operating procedures, staff certification, and course inspections. But before a single cable is tensioned or a harness is buckled, the safety of a course relies entirely on the structural integrity verified by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

In our industry, safety cannot be based on guesswork or "the way we’ve always done it."
When a design plan receives a PE stamp, it means a licensed professional has legally verified that the structure meets or exceeds building codes and industry-specific regulations, such as those set by the ASTM International or the Climbing Wall Association (CWA).

From a risk management perspective, a PE-stamped course is the foundation of legal defensibility. It proves to your insurance provider, your board of directors, and your participants that your facility was built to the highest possible standard of structural safety.

At Experiential Systems, Inc. (ESI), our entire building philosophy is rooted in sound engineering. We work hand-in-hand with licensed Professional Engineers to ensure our zip line, climbing tower, and aerial trekking park designs are as safe as they are thrilling. We don't just build courses; we build engineered ecosystems.

Today, we want to extend a massive thank you to the Professional Engineers who review our plans, run the calculations, and keep our industry safe. Your work is the invisible harness that protects every climber in the canopy.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
As the intense summer season winds down, camp directors, university recreation managers, and municipal parks departments finally get a moment to breathe. It is time to look ahead and start planning your 2027 operational budgets.

If your facility operates a challenge course, aerial park, or climbing wall, professional staff training & certification is likely one of your most critical—and potentially expensive—line items. Sending your staff through rigorous, third-party training & certification is non-negotiable for risk management, but finding the budget to do it right can be a challenge for many organizations.

What many operators do not realize is that late summer and early fall are prime seasons for grant deadlines. You do not always have to pull training costs directly from your operating budget; there is funding available specifically designed to upskill your workforce and mitigate operational risk.

Here are three avenues you should be exploring right now to fund your challenge course staff training & certification for next season.

𝟏. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 & 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬
While the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) offers massive resources, look closely at your state-level affiliates. Many state Park and Recreation Associations (such as the IPRA in Indiana or TRAPS in Texas) offer specific "Professional Development Grants" or continuing education scholarships.

These mini-grants are usually designed to help municipal employees earn specialized certifications. Because the challenge course training curriculum is formally structured and typically aligned with specific industry standards like those published by ASTM, PRCA or ACCT, it is incredibly easy to justify as a valid, high-level professional development expense to a state grant committee.

𝟐. 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 & 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬
This is one of the most overlooked funding sources in the industry. If you are a municipal parks department or a public university, your liability insurance is likely provided by a state or regional risk management pool.

Many of these insurance pools offer "Risk Mitigation Grants" or safety funding. Their entire goal is to prevent accidents before they happen. Approach your risk management pool and present ESI’s four-level certification program aligned with ISO 17024 as a proactive risk mitigation strategy. Insurance pools are highly likely to subsidize training & certification that demonstrably lowers their liability exposure.

𝟑. 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬
The outdoor recreation economy is finally being recognized as a massive driver of jobs. As a result, local and regional Workforce Development Boards (often funded by the Department of Labor) offer grants to organizations that provide technical skills training to local workers.

Challenge course facilitation is a highly technical, specialized skill. Look for local "Upskilling," "Incumbent Worker," or capacity-building grants in your county. Positioning your challenge course training & certification as technical workforce development can unlock funds designed to keep local seasonal and full-time workers employed and advancing in their careers.

𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐄𝐒𝐈 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 "𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲"
Writing a grant requires proof. Grant committees and insurance pools rarely write checks for vague requests; they want to see detailed syllabi, precise budgets, and proof of the training entity or trainers qualifications.

That is where ESI comes in. When you choose us for your staff training and certification, we do not just show up on the day of the climb. We provide you with the exact documentation you need to win your grant, including:
- Detailed training itineraries and curriculum outlines.
- Formal, itemized quotes for budget justification.
- Documentation of our ISO 9001:2015 quality management system and alignment with ISO/IEC 17024 for personnel certification.

Do not let a tight budget compromise your safety culture. Let’s get creative with your funding. Contact the ESI team today to request a formal training quote so you can start writing those fall grant applications!

Need help with finding or writing a grant, ESI can help with that as well. Give one of our grant consultants a call and see how we can help your organization secure funding to support your challenge course program.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

If you operate a university climbing wall, a summer camp challenge course, or a commercial aerial park, your facility is likely the gateway for the next generation of outdoor adventurers. Every day, you teach participants how to tie in, manage risk, and trust their gear. But eventually, many of those climbers will transition from your man-made towers to natural rock crags on public lands.

Right now, the future of that outdoor access is on the line, and the clock is ticking.
Following the passage of the EXPLORE Act earlier this year, federal land management agencies have released drafts of their first-ever nationwide guidance on how recreational climbing is managed in designated wilderness areas. This policy will determine the future of fixed anchors (permanent bolts, chains, and rappel stations) and route stewardship for decades to come.

While the U.S. Forest Service comment period has ended, the public comment period for the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Fish & Wildlife Service closes in less than two weeks, on August 14, 2026.

It is easy to think that federal wilderness policy only affects traditional climbers, but the outdoor recreation economy is a highly connected ecosystem with nearly 10.3 million Americans participating in climbing activities. The vast majority of them start on the exact types of structures we build and maintain at Experiential Systems, Inc. (ESI). If access to outdoor crags is heavily restricted by unnecessary administrative barriers, the overall momentum of the climbing industry slows down.

The draft guidance acknowledges that fixed anchors are allowable components of the climbing safety system. As risk management professionals, we know that reliable, well-maintained anchors are non-negotiable. It is critical that the final policy allows climbers to easily replace aging anchors without getting bogged down in impossible permitting red tape.

𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑽𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝑩𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑨𝒖𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒕 14𝒕𝒉 - Advocacy organizations like the Access Fund conditionally support the positive steps in this draft guidance—such as formally recognizing climbing and fixed anchors as appropriate wilderness activities—while pushing to streamline the rules around replacing bad bolts and establishing new routes.

At ESI, we believe in building safe climbing experiences, whether that is on a 50-foot wooden tower installed at a summer camp or a 1,000-foot concrete rock wall at a family entertainment venue. We urge our community of camp directors, university rec managers, and outdoor educators to stand up for the future of rock climbing.

You have until August 14th to submit your comments. Here is exactly how to take action: Use the Access Fund's Action Alert Tool: The easiest way to submit a unified, impactful comment to the NPS, BLM, and FWS is through the Access Fund's Action Alert Portal. https://www.accessfund.org/action-alerts/action-alert-help-secure-the-future-of-americas-climbing?hl=en-US

Submit Directly to the NPS: If you prefer to submit your comment directly to the federal registry, you can access the National Park Service Planning Portal here.

Contact Your Representatives: Let your local lawmakers know that climbing access is an economic driver in your district. Use the USA.gov Elected Officials Tool to find their contact info and urge them to support workable climbing management plans.
Don't let this deadline pass quietly. Let's protect the future of American rock climbing.

Making government services easier to find | USAGov Find government benefits, services, agencies, and information at USA.gov. Contact elected officials. Learn about passports, Social Security, taxes, and more.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

​For those of us in the outdoor adventure industry, the landscape isn't just a scenic backdrop—it is the foundation of our entire economy. Whether you operate a commercial zip line, lead guided climbing trips, or manage a summer camp, the health of our industry relies on the preservation of and access to public lands.

​Recently, there has been a significant shift in federal policy regarding how these lands are managed. Recent executive orders and proposed legislation—such as the Domestic ORE Act—are prioritizing resource extraction, mining, and energy development on federal lands over conservation and recreation. Proponents argue these moves are necessary for domestic energy and mineral independence.

​However, as business owners and outdoor professionals, we have to recognize that prioritizing extraction often comes at the direct expense of the outdoor recreation economy.

​𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞
​Advocating for the protection of public lands isn't an "anti-business" stance; it is a pro-economy stance.

​According to the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the outdoor recreation industry contributes $1.3 trillion in economic output and supports more than 5.2 million jobs, comprising over 2.4% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product.

​When federal lands are locked up for mining claims or stripped of environmental protections, it directly threatens the gateway communities that rely on hikers, climbers, and campers. A landscape cannot simultaneously serve as an open-pit copper mine and a world-class recreational destination.

​𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
​We understand that a modern economy requires resources. But the current push toward deregulation risks tipping the scales entirely away from balanced land management.

​Organizations are currently lobbying Congress to fully fund the recreation budgets of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). They are advocating for the implementation of the EXPLORE Act, which aims to improve outdoor access, streamline recreational permitting, and support public-private partnerships for recreation infrastructure.

​𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞
​At Experiential Systems, Inc. (ESI), we build the infrastructure that helps people connect with the outdoors, but that infrastructure means nothing if the lands themselves are degraded. We encourage our partners, clients, and readers to get involved:

​𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝑶𝒓𝒈𝒔: Organizations like the Outdoor Alliance and the Access Fund are doing the heavy lifting in Washington, D.C. Follow their work, sign up for their newsletters, and consider becoming a member to amplify their messages.

​𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔: Let your local lawmakers know that outdoor recreation is a vital economic driver in your district. Urge them to support full funding for USFS and BLM recreation budgets. If you aren't sure who your representatives are, you can use the official USA.gov "Find Your Elected Officials" tool to get their contact information. https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials?hl=en-US

𝑽𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓𝒔: Pay attention to how local and federal candidates view public land management.

​Public lands belong in public hands, and they must be managed in a way that sustains the outdoor recreation economy for generations to come.

𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥: 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐃𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞

​Today marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation fundamentally changed the physical landscape of the country, ensuring that public spaces were navigable and welcoming for everyone.

​But in the outdoor adventure industry, basic ADA compliance is just the starting line.
​Legally, ADA compliance at an outdoor facility often just means ensuring a wheelchair can successfully navigate a compacted trail leading up to the climbing tower. At Experiential Systems, Inc. (ESI), we believe the industry needs to aim higher. The goal isn't just getting a participant to the tower—it is getting them up the tower.
​That requires moving past basic compliance and embracing Universal Design. Here is what true physical inclusivity looks like in the canopy today.

​𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
​You cannot rely on standard hardware for adaptive climbing. Equipping your course for participants with physical disabilities requires specialized gear and intentionally engineered structural systems.

​𝑨𝒅𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑺𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒔: Standard sit-harnesses rely entirely on the climber's core strength and leg mobility. Full-body, seated adaptive harnesses (often resembling a rigid paragliding seat) provide total postural and neck support. This allows participants with paraplegia or limited trunk control to safely and comfortably experience heights.

​𝑴𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝑺𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒔: A standard dynamic belay system is only designed to catch falls. To actively assist a climber with limited physical mobility, courses need engineered hauling setups—such as a 4:1 or 9:1 mechanical advantage pulley system. This allows your facilitators to smoothly lift a participant who cannot physically climb the staples themselves.

​𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒔: If a zip line launch platform is too small, a participant in a bulky adaptive harness—along with the two facilitators required to assist them—cannot maneuver safely. ESI designs adaptive courses with expanded platform footprints and specialized overhead anchor points to accommodate the extra gear and personnel required for an assisted launch.

​𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞
​Building an accessible course is an engineering challenge; running it is an operational choice. True Universal Design requires training your staff on how to seamlessly integrate adaptive equipment into the daily flow. The goal is to facilitate the climb without making the participant feel "othered," overly delayed, or like a logistical burden to the rest of the group.

​As we celebrate 36 years of the ADA, it is time to evaluate your own facility. Does your accessibility stop at the woodchips? If you are ready to build a program that truly champions Adventure for All, contact the ESI team to discuss retrofitting your current course with adaptive climbing systems.