Bend Endurance Academy (BEA) is excited to announce plans for a new main office which will also serve as the organization’s primary climbing facility. The facility will house all of the organization’s operational offices while also serving as their main site of indoor operations for all BEA climbing programs and provide a venue for competitions, clinics, and training camps for competitive climbers throughout the west coast.
Founded in 2009, Bend Endurance Academy initially offered programs in the sports of Nordic skiing and mountain biking. Climbing was added to the organization in 2011 and BEA has continued to see growth and success across each of the three disciplines throughout the past twelve years.
“Our climbing programs have continued to grow over the years as both the sport and the Bend community have grown, and the time has come where our programming needs will best be served by being in our own location.” said Mike Rougeux, Executive Director for BEA.
The new location will be built out to accommodate climbing classes and practices from novice to expert level climbers and to host climbing competitions, events, and training clinics and camps. “One of the trends we’re seeing in our state across not just climbing, but all youth sports, is a high demand for space for practices as well as competitions or events. Climbing hasn’t been immune to those demands, which are currently outpacing the actual supply of space. With this facility, we are able to be purposeful in its design to accommodate that demand.” stated Rougeux about the need for increased access to venues for events and sport specific clinics.
The announcement of the location for the BEA facility comes on the heels of Boardworks Climbing opening in the same building just months ago. Boardworks Climbing is a climbing center with adjustable training and climbing walls geared towards both the novice and expert climber, with the unique offering of 24 hour access for its members. “Boardworks couldn’t be more excited for BEA to open their headquarters and climbing center right next door. From the potential of adding additional climbing terrain for Board members, to creative and fun community competitions, the opportunities for collaboration are endless.” says Boardworks Climbing owner Lily Kral.
The close proximity of the two spaces will help facilitate collaboration between the two, as well as create a hub for movement sports here in Bend. “It’s super cool that things ended up working out this way” said Rougeux of the outcome of the two businesses ending up in the same building. “It’s great, Lily was a youth climbing competitor and she knows firsthand the positive impact a youth sports organization like ours can have on the lives of kids. Plus, it’s always a win when you can work in close proximity to other like minded people and collaborate on making awesome things happen together.” elaborated Rougeux on the possibility of the two climbing programs working together.
The climbing walls will be designed and built by local supplier, EP Climbing Walls USA, who also provide competition climbing walls for USA Climbing and the International Federation of Sport Climbing. “Our partnership with BEA gives EP Climbing the opportunity to build a state-of-the-art climbing facility for youth in our hometown of Bend, Oregon. While we have built walls for USA Climbing and the Olympics, as climbers and athletes, we take a special interest in this project due to our long-standing relationship with BEA, our local climbing community, and the development of the next generation of climbers.” commented EP Climbing on providing the wall build for the facility.
Bend Endurance Academy will be raising funds for this project through donations, sponsorships and a forthcoming fundraising event. To get involved, or to help support the project visit https://bendenduranceacademy.org/campaign/ .
