What Do Darts, Haribo, and Roland-Garros Have to Do with UK Climbing?

It’s been a busy week in the news: Haribo sweets being recalled, the drama of Roland-Garros heating up, darts players becoming national heroes, and banks dishing out cash to customers. At first glance, none of this has much to do with indoor climbing in the UK. But scratch the surface, and there are valuable lessons for gyms, coaches, and climbing businesses.

Here’s what the climbing industry should be paying attention to.

🎯 Darts Is Doing What Climbing Needs To

With Luke Humphries and the Premier League Darts finals trending again, darts is on a hot streak - drawing massive crowds, youth audiences, and mainstream media love.

Climbing can learn from this. Darts has built clear narratives, recognisable talent, and regular televised competitions. Indoor climbing is still growing fast, but it lacks mainstream storytelling. If NICAS, GB Climbing, and commercial gyms start shaping real characters and competitive journeys, we could unlock a wider audience - and serious commercial momentum.

⚠️ Haribo Recall: Is Your Wall’s Snack Bar Safe?

This week’s Haribo sweet recall is a reminder to climbing gyms: your café, vending machines, and snack offerings need to be on point. With allergens a serious concern, it’s time to check your food safety standards.

Climbing gyms are evolving into lifestyle hubs - places to train, work, eat, and hang out. But if you’re not transparent about ingredients or allergens, you’re putting your community (and your reputation) at risk.

🎾 Roland-Garros and the Mental Game in Climbing

Roland-Garros 2025 has kicked off with elite tennis athletes showcasing power, composure, and stamina - just like climbers do on the wall. The tennis world invests heavily in mental coaching, recovery strategies, and performance routines.

This is where climbing needs to level up. If you run a coaching team, ask yourself: are you building mentally resilient climbers? Are you helping your clients recover smarter and train with intent?

🍻 Clarkson’s Pub and the Case for Rural Climbing Retreats

Jeremy Clarkson’s pub at Diddly Squat Farm has people queuing out the door - not for ale, but for experience. The UK climbing industry should take note.

The rural climbing scene, from Magic Wood, Switzerland, to Yorkshires crags, has space to grow. Think bouldering barns, yoga lofts, farm-to-wall cafés. Could your next venture blend hospitality and climbing to create a destination rather than just a facility?

💷 Nationwide’s £100 and What It Means for Climbing Loyalty

Nationwide Bank is giving customers £100 in loyalty bonuses - a brilliant, if expensive, way to boost retention. It raises the question: how are climbing walls rewarding loyalty?

Loyalty schemes, off-peak pricing, refer-a-friend offers - these are low-cost, high-impact ways to keep climbers coming back. With the cost-of-living still front of mind for many, perceived value matters more than ever.

Final Holds: Trends Are Your Secret Weapon

Whether it’s a viral darts finish, a food safety scare, or a French tennis masterclass, the lesson is the same: if your climbing business wants to stay relevant, watch what’s trending and adapt.

Because it’s not just about holds, routes, and grading systems anymore. It’s about community, storytelling, value, and experience.