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A History of Professionalism

Owner/Founder Brian Sweeney has been working in the climbing industry as a professional instructor, coach, and route setter since 2000.  He directed operations of BaseCamp climbing gym from 2011-2024 where he trained, instructed, and certified employees and learners alike. He is currently a certified Climbing Wall Instructor Provider, Professional Routesetter Provider, and Work at Height Provider through the Climbing Wall Association. He is also a certified Wilderness First Responder since 2009 as well as OSHA 30 General Industry certified. In addition to these and other certifications, Brian is on the Standards Committee and Coaching and Training Committee of the Climbing Wall Association where he is helping craft industry best practices as well as policies and procedures for climbing facilities and teams. He is also currently the Manager and Head Coach of the Sierra Climbing Team, a 501c3 youth non-profit climbing team.

Brian Sweeney Head Shot

Education

Cerifications

2007

University of Nevada, Reno

Bachelor Fine Arts in Photography. Graduated with distinction and GPA of 3.75

2009 - Current

2012

2013 - Current

2013

2014 - Current

2014 - Current

2019 - Current

2025 - Current

2025 - Current

2025 - Current

Wilderness First Responder

Climbing Wall Instructor

Level 2 USA Climbing Coach

Level 1 & 2 USA Climbing Routesetting

Work At Height Level 2

Climbing Wall Instructor Provider

OSHA 30 General Industry

Work at Height Provider

Professional Routesetter Level 1 & 2

Professional Routesetter Provider

Experience

2005-2012

RockSport Reno

Routesetter, Youth Team Coach, and Desk Clerk 

Routesetter, Forerunner Nor-Cal Regional Championship 2011, Annual ABS , SCS Competitions 2006, 2007, 2011

2008-2010

Unified Bouldering Championships

Salt Lake City, UT Outdoor Retailer Annual Pro Competition

Routesetter, Forerunner

2009-2012

High Altitude Fitness

Routesetter, Forerunner

2011-2024

BaseCamp

Director, Head Routesetter

Head Routesetter, Forerunner CCS Nor-Cal Regional Championships 2013/2015

Event Organizer, Routesetter Divisional Championships 2018

Event Organizer, MC Reel Rock Film Tour 2016-2025

Event Organizer, Head Routesetter Red Bull Rapid Ascent 2015-2017

2019-2023

Nevada Climbing Team

Head Coach

2012-Currently

Sierra Climbing Team

Head Coach

Manager 2025

2023 - Current

Climbing Wall Association Standards Committee

Committee Member

2022 - Current

Climbing Wall Association Coaching and Training Committee

Committee Member

2025 - Current

The Knowledgearium L.L.C.

Owner / Director

2006

Published in Verve Clothing catalogue

Media Representation

2004

Published in Photographer’s Forum, Annual “Best of College Photography.”

Published in Climbing Magazine, ABS supplement, October

Published in Rock and Ice, December

Produced and Directed “Urban Assault” video

2007

Published in Central Washington Bouldering, Sharpend Publishing.

2008

Published in Urban Climber, #24

2009

Published in Adventure Sports Journal #50.

Published in Dead Point Magazine, Photo Annual.

Interviewed and Published in Dead Point Magazine, “Pro-Files.”

Produced and Directed “Endless Summer” video

2011

Published in Urban Climber, #52

2012

Produced and Directed “The Sierra Buttes Boulderneering Chronicles” video

2013

Interviewed in Dead Point Magazine, “Quartz Highway Gold.” Issue 23

Published in Bouldering Lake Tahoe – North/West Shore Edition, Tahoe Bouldering Guides.

2014

Published in Reno Gazette Journal, “Reno teen climbers ascend global stage.” Sept 16th 2014

Interviewed Chalk Talk Podcast, “Episode 3”, CTPodcast Media

2015

Published in Bouldering Lake Tahoe – Outlying Areas Edition, Tahoe Bouldering Guides.

2016

Appeared in Ultimate Tahoe Adventures, Whitney Peak Hotel, Ultimate Tahoe Adventures.

Appeared in Wild Nevada, Day 5 Kingston to Reno, Richard Bang’s Quests.

2017

Published in California Climber, “Boreal” article and photos, Issue # 21.

2023

Published in California Climber, “Slickfoot Manifesto” article and photos, Issue # 36

Notable Climbs

"The Mystery” V12, Buttermilks Bishop, CA

“Sha Bang” V12, First Ascent, Sierra Buttes, CA

“Welcome to Hell,” V11, First Ascent, Sierra Buttes, CA

“Stake Your Claim” V11, First Ascent, Sierra Buttes, CA

“The Tsunami” V11, First Ascent, Castle Peak, CA

 “The Ashtray” V11, Truckee, CA

“Dark Age” V11, Hueco Tanks, TX

“Beefy Gecko” V11, Sad Boulders, Bishop CA

“Storm Returns” V10, First Ascent, Sierra Buttes, CA

“The Cougar Killer” V10, First Ascent, Castle Peak, CA

“Man Eater” V10, First Ascent, Castle Peak, CA

“One Mule Wonder” V10, Flash, Buttermilks Bishop, CA

“Space Odyssey” V10, Second Ascent, Sierra Buttes, CA

“Finger Hut” V10, Joe’s Valley, UT

“The Great Escape” V10, Squamish, BC

“No Troublems” V10, Squamish, BC

“Skeeter Glen” V9, First Ascent, Castle Peak, CA

“Big Bang” V9, First Ascent, Sierra Buttes, CA

“Shroom” V9, Flash, Hueco Tanks, TX

“Sunset Arete” V9, Flash, Roadside, Rocklands , ZA

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