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.
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