William Sucich

User Need Statement:

William needs a means to efficiently develop the grip strength necessary to make improvements in climbing.

User Background:

• Went climbing for the first time when he was 9-10 years old.

  • Within the last year has been the first real time he’s climbed consistently.

    • Most days a week he boulders.

    • At a level of V5 bouldering.

• Has only ever climbed indoors since he is from Florida and didn’t have much opportunity. 

User Pain Points:

• He struggled, and saw others struggling, with sticking with climbing through plateaus where progress slows.

• When bringing new climbers to the gym with him, he noticed they often struggled with grip strength and sometimes lacked upper body strength.

• Main injury that he experienced was “flappers” which are torn calluses. 

• Didn’t like loose chalk, and preferred a chalk ball.

Insights:

• Indoor bouldering seems to be a safe and easy gateway to the sport of climbing. 

• There doesn’t seem to be very many barriers for beginners to try it out, and also for more intermediate climbers to advance through as well.

Requirements for a Product:

• Cost effective

• Easy to use

• Doesn't use loose chalk