In November we visited CrushClub in Breda. . We went there to look for Christmas gifts for climbers and expected a quick visit. Instead, we stepped into a workshop full of creativity, reclaimed wood, and people who genuinely care about climbing.
A Warm Welcome
Rolf and Danny welcomed us to their workshop. From the outside, the workshop looks simple, but once you step inside, the energy shifts. It is beautiful, spacious, and made by themselves. Stacks of reclaimed wood fill the corners. Tools lie ready on every table. Half finished climbing tools wait quietly for their next step. It is the kind of place where you automatically pause to take it all in.
In the center of the room stood a funny wooden climbing crab for an upcoming event. On a bench nearby, we saw the trophies for the Dutch Climbing Championship, organized by the NKBV. Not finished yet, but already impressive. Everything handmade. We wondered which climbers would get their hands on these special trophies this year?
Sustainable Training Tools for Climbers
CrushClub never starts with fresh wood. Every climbing product begins with materials that have already had their "first life." Floor scraps. Furniture from thrift stores. Broken tables and chairs that would otherwise be thrown away. As we explored the workshop, these stories came to life.
One of the stories involved a damaged, century-old table. When Rolf dismantled it, he found a single plank engraved with the year of manufacture. That plank now hangs on the wall as a reminder. The rest of the table was used for training tools and games. It perfectly captured the essence of Crushclub workshop.
All around us lay floorboards damaged by leaks and parts of old furniture waiting for a second life. What better future can be than climbing? Soon, they would be used as pinch blocks, grip trainers, warm-up tools, or climbing games like the Pinch Battle and Crimp Battle. No two pieces look the same. Some darker, some lighter, some with knots or dents. The variations make the products unique and cool.
A Family of Makers
It became clear very quickly that the creativity in this workshop did not appear overnight. On the wall hangs a windmill drawing made by their father, a small tribute to the craftsmanship that runs through their family. Over the years, climbing has become their second passion. Their children climb too, and their son is impressively strong. Here, making things and climbing feel like two interconnected chapters.
At the back of the workshop is a hidden training area. A simple space where children and friends try out difficult moves, create challenges, and train together. It reminded me of a small climbing wall I had in the attic as a child. Thanks to that attic, I have gotten quite strong!
A Partnership With a French Olympian
CrushClub’s story reaches far beyond Breda. During a visit to Colmar, they stopped by a climbing gym where French Olympic climber Mickael Mawem tried their prototypes. He immediately recognized their potential. He began using their tools, provided feedback, and eventually joined the CrushClub team as a co-owner. His involvement demonstrates that sustainable climbing products can be both professional and playful. It also allows CrushClub to grow internationally without losing its local identity.
We tested many products during our visit: warm-up tools, grip trainers, pinch blocks. We also recently participated in a Crushclub Competition at Bruut Breda. Simple, fun, and much harder than it seems.
Final thoughts
We were both deeply inspired by CrushClub when we left. Their workshop is full of positive energy and stories. Every product has a past and a future. Wood carries the memories of old furniture. Nothing feels factory-made or anonymous.
We really hope that more Dutch climbers and climbing gyms will pay attention to what they buy and where it comes from. Supporting local makers like CrushClub strengthens the Dutch sport from within and keeps the climbing community connected.
We left with the strong belief that Crushclub will grow in the coming years. It would not surprise us to see CrushClub tools faaar beyond the Netherlands. Are you interested to re-sell their climbing accessories? Just drop them a note!
