THE SPORTROCK PERFORMANCE
INSTITUTE (SRPI)
The Sportrock Performance Institute is an annex of Sportrock Alexandria dedicated to performance climbing, coaching and creative routesetting!
It was designed for teaching and learning and is staffed with the best coaches and routesetters in the country.
We host regular routesetting and climbing workshops for all levels. The SRPI is also home to our Sportrock Climbing League, an adult bouldering league for all abilities, as well as Youth USA Climbing Competitions.
About
The SRPI
01
Lower Density
The walls in the SRPI have fewer climbs per section, a decision that gives our routesetters more creative freedom when experimenting with larger holds and volumes. This spacious layout creates an open canvas for setting bold, dynamic routes, that encourage expansive and powerful movement. With ample wall space, setters are unimpeded in creating unique climbs, funky body positions, and movement styles that challenge climbers in new ways, often involving full-body engagement, coordination, and balance.
02
No Grades
Unlike the rest of the gym, boulders in the SRPI are not graded. If it looks fun... go for it! The SRPI instead uses a color-coded system simply labeled as Circuits 1 - 4. Each circuit includes boulders that emphasize different climbing skills, with each skill represented across all circuits. This approach keeps the focus on skill-building and exploration, encouraging climbers to try new challenges without the pressure of an associated grade.
03
A Place to Improve for Everyone
The SRPI isn't just a training center for competition climbers—it's a performance institute for ALL climbers looking to eleveate their skills. Yes, elite-level athletes train here, but we've also created an environment where anyone, regardless of experience, can achieve their climbing goals. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, the SRPI has the tools to help you take the next step in your climbing journey. From beginner classes to expert-level routesetting workshops and everything in-between, the SRPI has something for every climber to level up.
Have questions? The folks working the desk at the SRPI are extremely knowledgeable and love chatting about climbing and routesetting.
What Makes Climbing at
The SRPI Unique?
01
The Routesetting
Our routesetting team is second to none. We proudly house one of the most USA Climbing Routesetting certified teams in the country. When you couple their collective expertise with cutting-edge holds and endless creativity, you get a climbing experience unlike no other.
02
The Space
SRPI offers a climbing experience unlike any other. Forget traditional grades—we use a unique circuit system with four colors to indicate boulder levels, from intro to advanced. This system removes arbitrary numbers and focuses instead on developing your skills, allowing you to progress in a more meaningful way. As John Sherman, the creator of the V Scale, famously said, grades are “simply the excrement of the climbing experience.” At the SRPI, we prioritize the experience and skills that lead to real improvement.
03
The Tools
At the SRPI, you’ll find everything you need to succeed in your climbing progression. Whether your goal is to compete at a high level, send your project, or break into the next grade, we offer expert coaching and training programs to help you get there. Whatever your climbing ambitions, the SRPI has resources to make them a reality.
Have questions? The folks working the desk at the SRPI are extremely knowledgeable and love chatting about climbing and routesetting.
During Open Hours please enter through Alexandria's main entrance.
OPEN HOURS
FRIDAY | 3PM - 11PM
SATURDAY | 3PM - 9PM
SUNDAY | 9AM - 9PM
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Private coaching from qualified instructors.
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Training plans
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One-on-one or in groups.
CLIMBING
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8,500 sq ft of climbing in a 9,000 sq ft facility
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2 x 100+ ft World Cup style bouldering walls
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20 ft Spray Wall
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6-8 week setting rotation
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All routesetting by USAC Certified Routesetters
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Competition style boulder problems of all levels
SUPPORT SYSTEMS
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Lifestyle Fitness & Massage – an in-house sports recovery office lead by Kristen Norvel