Thank you for the gear collected in 2024 to support climbing in Kurdistan
History of climbing in Kurdistan
Climbing was introduced to Bashur Kurdistan a decade ago by foreigners, with the earliest developments occurring near Hawler (Erbil) and Slemani (Sulaymaniyah). Local interest was slow to start, but with improvements in the political and economic situation over the years, four Kurdish climbers in Slemani began to learn. In 2019, a Kurdish instructor from Rojhelat (Eastern) Kurdistan, located in modern-day Iran, began teaching a climbing group of about 10 people. Over the years, two artificial outdoor walls were constructed in Hawler.
Fast forward to 2023, and Kurdistan saw an explosion of interest in the sport! Early in the year, the climbers in Slemani were able to work with the local government to create a new outdoor climbing wall in Hawary Shar Park. Later in the year, with community donations and a small grant from the government, the same group of climbers established the first indoor climbing gym in all of Iraq and Bashur Kurdistan! They are tirelessly working to spread the joy of climbing throughout Kurdistan, particularly to the youth.
Gear needed
Harnesses: new or gently used, especially kids sizes (manufactured 2022 or later)
Ropes: new (dynamic, 9.4 mm+ and 40m or longer)
Belay devices: preferably assisted braking
Shoes: especially kids’ sizes
Locking HMS carabiners
Finger training boards
Climbing holds & volumes
Olympic rings/TRX trainers
Chalk bags
Collection points
Thank you to these following locations that collected gear in 2024.
Sport Rock Climbing Gym - Alexandria, VA
Peak Experiences Climbing Gym - Richmond, VA
Triangle Rock Club - Richmond, VA
American Alpine Club - Fayetteville, WV
Water Stone Outdoors Store - Fayetteville, WV