ATLANTA

new name, same excellence

Team CRG Atlanta

In 2024, following the acquisition of Stone Summit Climbing & Fitness by Central Rock Gym, the Stone Summit Climbing Team proudly transitioned to Team Central Rock Gym Atlanta. This exciting change marks a new chapter, as the team continues to uphold and build upon its esteemed tradition of excellence under the new banner.

About Team CRG Atlanta

Central Rock Gym's Competitive Climbing Teams are the premier teams in Georgia, consistently ranking among the top teams nationwide. They secured first place in the 2017 Sport Climbing & Overall Team Championship, the 2018 Speed Climbing Team Championship, and the 2019 Bouldering, Speed & Overall Team Championships. In 2021, they achieved second place in the Bouldering, Speed & Overall Team Championships.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Claudiu Vidulescu, who has also served as Head Coach for both the U.S. Youth and Adult National Climbing Teams. The formerly Stone Summit Climbing Team, now the Central Rock Gym Team Atlanta, has produced numerous Youth National Champions, Youth International Champions (including World Champions), Collegiate National Champions, Elite (Adult) U.S. National Team Members, Elite (Adult) National Champions, Elite International Champions, IFSC World Cup winners, and the first-ever Olympian in Speed Climbing.

About Rock Climbing

Is there anything your kids won’t climb?

Kids of all ages naturally climb for fun. Climbing with a team or club keeps them active and engaged and provides a safe outlet for their innate desire to climb. In fact, not only is climbing gaining popularity in the US, but it is now an Olympic event.

Climbing is for everyone

Team CRG Atlanta offers competitive and recreational programs for climbers of all ages and ability levels and is a great way for families to spend time together, indoors and outdoors. Little equipment is required, and it is a comparatively safe, non-contact sport.

A full workout for body and mind

Climbing is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide and offers an exciting and challenging way to develop athleticism and focus while fostering respect and camaraderie. Physically, climbing builds strength, flexibility and endurance and helps with coordination, balance and stability.

Social and strategic

Beyond the physical benefits, athletes gain confidence, learn perseverance and the ability to stay calm and focus in challenging situations. Like other popular sports, climbing promotes a sense of community and teamwork. Coaches and teammates encourage each other in an environment that is competitive and constructive.

Climbing provides a structured atmosphere focused on individual performance strengthened by team community, developing athletes who believe in themselves and their abilities, on and off the wall.

Olympic Dreams Start Here

With teams tailored to suit all skill levels, from beginners to experienced competitors, Central Rock Gym Climbing Team’s experienced coaches provide challenging workouts that combine fun with focused instruction in an encouraging, supportive environment. Climbers learn self-discipline and perseverance while developing strength, flexibility, technique, and the ability to solve complex problems.

CLIMBING CLUBS

Recreational Clubs teach the fundamentals of climbing, with activities tailored to each individual’s ability. Classes focus on developing strength, balance, flexibility, strategy, and communication. Teammates support and learn from each other, building a sense of community while working to achieve individual goals.

APEX CLUB

Apex Club is an introductory club for our youngest climbers. Coaches teach foundational skills and introduce each type of climbing (rope climbing, bouldering, and speed climbing).
  • Ages: 4-7
  • Atlanta: Saturday 9:30am - 11:30am (beginning August 1, 2024 this class will meet from 9:00am-11:00am)
  • Kennesaw: Saturday 9-11am
  • Cost: $180/month
  • Coach-Climber Ratio: 1:3

PEAK CLUB

Peak Club is designed for beginner climbers or those who have aged out of Apex Club. Climbers learn foundational skills, how to belay, and how to overcome physical and mental challenges at their own pace.
  • Ages: 6-12
  • Atlanta: Monday 5-7pm, Wednesday 4pm-6pm, or Wednesday 6-8pm
  • Kennesaw: Monday 5-7pm or Wednesday 5-7pm
  • Cost: $180/month
  • Coach-Climber Ratio: 1:5

ASCENT CLUB

Ascent Club is perfect for older tweens who are new to climbing or younger tweens advancing from a beginner-level club where coaches introduce how to train to climb. Competitions are encouraged, but not required.
  • Ages: 9-13
  • Tuesday & Thursday 5-7pm (either location)
  • Cost: $260/month
  • Coach-Climber Ratio: 1:6

CLIFF CLUB

Cliff Clubs are ideal for climbers with a flexible learning schedule. Coaches come alongside climbers with the same goal of teaching basic skills while the gym is less crowded.
  • Ages: 6-16
  • Friday 1-3pm (Atlanta only)
  • Cost: $180/month
  • Coach-Climber Ratio: 1:5

ALPINE CLUB

Any teen will find a home here. Teens who are new to climbing learn foundational skills and experienced teens hone their skills without having to compete.
  • Ages: 13-18
  • Tuesday & Thursday 7-9pm (either location)
  • Cost: $260/month
  • Coach-Climber Ratio: 1:7

PINNACLE CLUB

Pinnacle offers instruction for kids and teens with special needs. Head Coach Scott Gross’ educational background with special needs gives climbers an inclusive program that encourages emotional development and builds social skills.
  • Ages: 6+
  • Monday 5-7pm or Thursday 5-7pm (Atlanta only)
  • Cost: $400/month
  • Coach-Climber Ratio: 2:1

COMPETITIVE TEAMS

Central Rock Gym's Competitive Climbing Teams are the premier teams in Georgia, consistently ranking among the top teams nationwide. They secured first place in the 2017 Sport Climbing & Overall Team Championship, the 2018 Speed Climbing Team Championship, and the 2019 Bouldering, Speed & Overall Team Championships. In 2021, they achieved second place in the Bouldering, Speed & Overall Team Championships.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Claudiu Vidulescu, who has also served as Head Coach for both the U.S. Youth and Adult National Climbing Teams. The formerly Stone Summit Climbing Team, now the Central Rock Gym Team Atlanta, has produced numerous Youth National Champions, Youth International Champions (including World Champions), Collegiate National Champions, Elite (Adult) U.S. National Team Members, Elite (Adult) National Champions, Elite International Champions, IFSC World Cup winners, and the first-ever Olympian in Speed Climbing.

VERTICAL TEAM

Vertical Team is the first level of our competitive teams and ideal for climbers who progress beyond the Ascent Club and desire to compete. Classes change to practices and climbers learn how to train for their first competitions.
  • Ages: 7-18
  • Atlanta: Tuesday & Friday 5-8pm
  • Kennesaw: Monday & Thursday 5-8pm
  • Cost: $300/month
  • Coach-Climber Ratio: 1:6

SUMMIT C/D TEAM

Summit Team C/D is for climbers who develop past the Vertical Team and desire to compete at a higher level. These climbers may join the Summit Team to train for the Regional level, with the possibility of competing in Divisional and National Championships. Training is more intense to allow climbers to realize greater potential.
  • Ages: 7-12
  • Atlanta: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 4-6pm
  • Kennesaw: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 5-7pm
  • Cost: $300/month
  • Coach-Climber Ratio: 1:6

SUMMIT TEAM

Summit Team is for climbers who develop past the Vertical Team and desire to compete at a high level. Climbers aim to advance past the Regional level in hopes of qualifying for Divisional and National competitions.
  • Ages: 12-18
  • Atlanta: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 5-8pm
  • Kennesaw: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 5-8pm
  • Cost: $380/month

ELITE TEAM

Elite is our highest-level team. Team members must have earned a place in either the Bouldering or Sport Climbing National Championships in the past year to be invited to this team. Practices are held five times each week between CRG Atlanta and CRG Kennesaw facilities.
  • Invitation Only

CLIMBING DISCIPLINES

BOULDERING - SPORT CLIMBING - SPEED CLIMBING

Climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, one that often tests a climber's strength, endurance, agility and balance along with mental control. Knowledge of proper climbing techniques and usage of specialized climbing equipment is crucial for the safe completion of routes. Because of the wide range and variety of rock formations around the world, rock climbing has been separated into several different styles and sub-disciplines: Bouldering, Sport Climbing and Speed Climbing).

On August 3, 2016, Competition Climbing was added to the 2020 Summer Olympics program. Team CRG Atlanta Team practices and competes in all three disciplines sanctioned by USA Climbing. Those disciplines are Bouldering, Sport Climbing and Speed Climbing. Our Competitive Teams compete at the local, regional, national and international levels. More information on each of the climbing disciplines is listed below.

BOULDERING

Bouldering is a type of rock climbing without of ropes or harnesses, and typically use protective mats to prevent injuries from falls. Climbing routes are generally under 6 meters (20 ft.) tall. Bouldering competitions are held both indoors and outdoors. Boulderers train indoors in areas without natural boulders.
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SPORT CLIMBING

Sport climbing emphasizes strength, endurance, flexibility and technique. It uses permanent anchors, harnesses and ropes for protection. Indoor sport climbing also uses hand and footholds fixed to the walls and offers a convenient way to learn and build technical skills required for climbing. Sport climbing can be done indoors or outdoors.
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SPEED CLIMBING

Speed climbing competitions are governed by the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) and are timed on certified 10m or 15m artificial walls. The competitor’s time is determined by striking a sensor at the top of the route. Speed climbing also uses permanent anchors, harnesses and ropes for protection.

Team CRG Atlanta (formerly Team Stone Summit) was Speed National Team champion in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2023 and has multiple Speed Climbing Youth National Champions, Collegiate National Champions, Youth World Champions and Elite (Professional Level) US National Speed Climbing Champions, Elite Pan-American Champion, Elite World Cup Gold Medalist and the first ever athlete to qualify for the Olympics in Speed Climbing.

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Team Champions

  • Callie Close

    2023 USAC Elite Speed National Team Member

    2022 USAC Elite Speed National Champion

    Former US National FYA Speed Climbing Record Holder (15 meter wall)

    2022 USAC Female Junior Speed National Champion

    2022 USAC Elite Speed National Team Member

    2022 USAC Elite Team Trials Speed Champion

    2021 USAC Elite Speed National Champion

    2021 USAC Elite Speed Nation Team

    2021 USAC Youth A Speed National Champion

    2019 IFSC Youth B Speed World Champion

    2019 USAC Youth B Speed National Champion

  • Zach Galla

    2023 USAC Elite Combined (Boulder & Lead) National Team Member

    2022 USAC Elite Team Trials Boulder Champion

    2022 USAC Elite Bouldering National Team

    2020 USAC Elite Combined National Champion

    2020 USAC MJR Bouldering Champion

    2019 USAC Elite Combined National Team

    2019 USAC Elite Combined National Champion

    2018 USAC MJR Bouldering National Champion

  • Emma Hunt

    Team USA 2024 Olympic Speed Climbing Team

    2024 IFSC Salt Lake City Speed World Cup Gold Medalist

    U.S. Women’s Speed Climbing Record Holder (6.301 seconds 15 meter wall)

    Pan-American Women’s Speed Climbing Record Holder (6.41 seconds 15 meter wall)

    2024 Pre-Qualified US Elite Speed National Team Member

    2023 USAC Pre-Qualified Elite Speed National Team Member

    2022 World Games Women’s Speed Climbing Gold Medalist

    2022 USAC Elite Speed National Team Member

    2021 IFSC Pan-American Women’s Speed Champion

    2021 IFSC Women’s Speed World Cup Season 1st Place Ranking

    2021 USAC Elite Team Trials Speed Champion

    2021 USAC Elite Speed National Team

    2021 USAC FJR Combined National Champion (Boulder, Lead & Speed)

    2021 USAC FJR Speed National Champion

    2019 USAC Elite Speed National Team

    2019 USAC Elite Speed National Champion

    2019 IFSC Youth A Speed World Champion

    2019 USAC Youth A Speed National Champion

    2018 USAC Youth B Speed National Champion

  • Lily Nguyen

    2023 USAC FYA Speed National Champion

    2022 USAC FYB Speed National Champion

  • Helen Stephens

    2024 USAC Collegiate Sport National Champion

    2021 USAC FJR Bouldering National Champion

  • Zander Waller

    2022 USAC MJR Bouldering National Champion

    2021 USAC MJR Combined National Champion

    2021 USAC MJR Bouldering National Champion

    2020 USAC MYA Bouldering National Champion

    2019 Elite Sport National Team

    2017 IFSC MYB Combined Pan-American Champion

    2017 IFSC MYB Sport Pan-American Champion

Team Alumni Champions In alphabetical order

  • Bailey Dickerson

    2012 USAC FYB Speed National Champion

  • Ben Hammer

    2017 USAC Collegiate Speed National Champion

  • Francesca Metcalf

    2012 USAC Collegiate National Champion

  • Thomas Pitzel

    2018 USAC Collegiate National Champion

    2014 USAC MJR Speed National Champion

    2013 USAC MJR Speed National Champion

  • Luke Tillery

    2019 USAC MYC Combined National Champion

    2019 USAC MYC Speed National Champion

    2018 USAC MYC Combined National Champion

    2017 USAC MYD Combined National Champion

    2017 USAC MYD Speed National Champion

    2017 USAC MYD Bouldering National Champion

    2015 USAC MYD Sport National Champion

  • Brad Weaver

    2015 USAC Elite Sport National Champion

    2015 USAC Elite Sport National Team

  • Amanda Wooten

    2017 USAC FJR Speed National Champion

    2018 USAC Collegiate Speed National Champ