POST FALLS, Idaho — Andrew Aumend is the general manager of Coeur Climbing Company, and while he himself is new to the sport, he gets the draw.
"Anyone can be a beginner, especially if they've never climbed before," Aumend said. "That's who we encourage to come in and learn the process from us. Something for all abilities and body movement."
But, making this dream a reality wasn't as easy as it might seem.
"So, I'm a climber," Founder Daniel Shaw said. "I love climbing"
Coeur Climbing Company was Shaw's dream, but that dream almost didn't become reality
"My first goal was to build a community in this area," Shaw said. "That's when we learned about COVID."
When things finally started to open back up, interest rates went from about 2.7% to almost 8%, leaving Shaw with not enough money to keep his business afloat.
So, he sold the land in Coeur d'Alene and started looking for existing warehouse space. That search brought him to Post Falls.
"But it turns out, it opened up a lot of new possible members and clients from Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley," Daniel said. "So, I think it was a good decision."
A decision that Shaw believes will build a community around something that already exists here in the Inland Northwest.
"The area is growing fast and not enough indoors to do for kids and families," Shaw said.
It's a sentiment most can agree with.
"And then, when the next spring season rolls around, we'll have them classically trained and we can all go outside together," Aumend said.
"We can be a climbing gym for everybody and all abilities," Shaw said.
Coeur Climbing Company is hosting an Idaho State Bouldering competition this Saturday. That competition will be happening all day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entry fees vary by age and those interested can sign up here. The competition is open to all ages and abilities.
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