In sports management, we often fall into the trap of comparing isolated numbers without looking at the value behind them. In my meetings with climbing gym managers, one debate consistently arises: the fee of a traditional bank terminal (POS) versus the service commission of a technological ecosystem like Lizcore gymOS.

At first glance, it looks like a simple cost comparison. But if we analyze the reality of the business, we discover that we are comparing a passive expense against an investment with a direct return.

The Mistake of Comparing Carabiners to Chalk (Apples to Oranges)

Your bank charges you a commission for a single function: moving money from one account to another. It is what we call a “passive pipe.” The bank doesn’t know who your client is, what motivates them to climb, and certainly does nothing to ensure that person returns to your gym tomorrow.

In contrast, the Lizcore ecosystem is an “active engine.” The service commission is not net profit for us; it is the fuel that finances the tools that professionalize your center, automate processes, and increase your revenue through retention.

Total Transparency: Where Does Your Investment Actually Go?

To understand the value of Lizcore, we must break down what the climbing gym receives in exchange for that small fraction of each managed sale:

• Transactional Cost: The mandatory fee we pay to payment gateways (Stripe, Redsys, etc.) to securely process national and international cards. This is often the only cost a traditional bank covers.
• R&D and the Network Effect (iOS/Android App): Maintaining an updated App costs thousands of euros per year. With Lizcore, you enter a global network that encourages “climbing tourism”: a user from one city can find, book, and access your gym with a single click while traveling. You aren’t just another app on their phone; you are part of their daily climbing habit.
• Gaming and Sponsored Challenges Reinvestment Fund: This concept is unique. A portion of the commission returns to your center in the form of gaming technology. Lizcore acts as a bridge with major industry brands (such as Garmin, Tenaya, MaxiRope, Boreal…) to create sponsored challenges. This generates a direct return: brands provide prizes and incentives that motivate your users to climb more at your gym, turning your wall into a high-value digital advertising platform.
• Support and Cashless Operations: We guarantee that the Lizy wristband system and integrated payments work 24/7. This not only eliminates cash desk errors but also reduces queues and frees up your staff to focus on what matters: the customer.

Your Bank is an Expense; Lizcore is a Retention Engine

The question every manager should ask is not how much the transaction costs, but what is a returning customer worth?

• The bank is neutral: If a customer doesn’t return, the bank doesn’t care.
• Lizcore is proactive: If, thanks to our gamification, we get a climber who used to come once a month to now come twice, you have doubled your revenue from that customer. The service margin is an insignificant figure compared to the revenue growth generated by loyalty.

Custom App or the Lizcore Ecosystem?

Many managers consider developing their own application. However, the technical reality is unforgiving: a custom app is born with constant technological debt. It requires a massive initial investment and never-ending monthly maintenance.

With Lizcore, you eliminate that financial risk. You don’t just get cutting-edge technology that always works; you benefit from a community of thousands of climbers who already have the app installed. Having your own app locks you inside your own gym; being on Lizcore opens you to the world. Furthermore, there is only a cost if there is a sale; it is a shared success model.

Conclusion: Technological Partner or Simple Gateway?

When you choose Lizcore, you aren’t just hiring a payment processor; you are integrating an engineering and marketing team working to make your center the most technological, secure, and profitable in your area.

The next time you analyze service fees, don’t think of a cost. Think of the “climbing tourism” arriving at your door, the brand challenges exciting your members, and the security of having a partner who reinvests every cent into your success.

Do you prefer a cheap bank that does nothing for you, or a technological partner that drives your growth?

Written by Edgar Casanovas, CEO of Lizcore®

Ready to transform your gym’s profitability? Book a demo with our team here.

At Lizcore^®, when we talk about revolutionizing indoor climbing, we often focus on software, artificial intelligence, and data. But to make all that digital magic work in the real world, you need robust, precise hardware built to last in the demanding environment of a climbing gym. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on our development workshop to introduce a fundamental ally in this process: PANTUR.

The Mission: Bringing Lizcore^®’s Vision to Life

From day one, we knew our tracking devices—the Gader-Start and Gader-Top—had to be more than plastic boxes. They needed to be durable, lightweight, highly functional, and seamlessly integrated into the wall. We needed an expert who could translate our technological vision into a high-quality physical product—and that’s where PANTUR came in.

As specialists in plastic component design, manufacturing, and 3D printing, PANTUR has been the linchpin in bringing our devices to market. Their contributions include:

• Design & Optimization: Collaborating closely with our team to refine and reinforce each housing, ensuring maximum strength and usability.
• Rapid Prototyping: Leveraging advanced 3D printing to iterate prototypes quickly, tweaking every detail until we nailed the perfect form and fit.
• High-Quality Manufacturing: Producing the critical plastic components that give our Gaders the durability and reliability they need to withstand daily use in a climbing gym.

Why This Collaboration Matters

At Lizcore^®, we believe in true specialization. We focus on building the best digital ecosystem and software for climbers—and we partner with the very best for every other piece of the puzzle. Teaming up with PANTUR ensures that the hardware our climbers and gym operators interact with meets the same innovative standards as our software.

Thanks to their work, when a climber brings their Lizy bracelet to the Gader-Start or celebrates by touching the Gader-Top, they’re engaging with a device that’s not only cutting-edge on the inside but also rock-solid and built to last on the outside.

An Ecosystem Built on Quality

This partnership perfectly embodies our philosophy: a seamless hardware-software experience grounded in quality. The success of the Lizcore^® ecosystem—from data analytics for gym managers and route setters to gamified challenges with partners like Munich, Perfect Descent, Tenaya, and Garmin—rests on that solid foundation.

With the Lizcore^® app now available on the App Store and Google Play, the future of digital climbing is here. We extend our deepest thanks to PANTUR for being a key partner in this technological revolution and helping us build the tools that make it all possible.

– The Lizcore^® Marketing Team

Running a climbing gym is both an art and a science. You balance your passion for climbing with the operational complexity of a unique business: constant route rotation, specific safety measures, a vibrant community, multiple types of access… Still juggling Excel sheets or forcing generic gym software into your system?

Your gym deserves better.

At Lizcore®, we are climbers and technologists. That’s why we created the first all-in-one management software built 100% by and for climbing gyms. No more compromises — finally, a system that speaks your language.

A Closer Look at Lizcore® GymOS:

1. Client and Access Management

• Full CRM with member profiles, visit history, flexible passes, GDPR compliance
• Smart check-in via app (QR codes), NFC wristbands or manual
• Turnstile integration for automated entries
• Live occupancy tracking by area

2. Route Management: Your core product, finally optimized

• Digital database with grade, setter, holds, volumes and more
• Real user feedback via the Lizcore® app (comments, logs, ratings)
• Analyze popularity, adjust rotation based on real data
• Monitor and evaluate routesetter performance

3. POS and Booking Integration

• Sell gear, café items, courses, rentals — all in one system
• Manage class and event calendars, allow 24/7 online booking
• Sell day passes and bundles via app or website

4. Proactive Safety and Predictive Maintenance

• Safety Gate integration for AI-powered autobelay monitoring
• Automatic maintenance alerts based on real usage
• Impeccable digital history, compatible with major brands

5. Community and Gamification

• Run internal challenges and leagues via the app
• Users follow each other, comment on ascents, and share goals
• Build a stronger, more engaged community

6. Advanced Analytics for Smarter Decisions

• Revenue, retention, traffic, route usage, campaigns — all in one place
• Simple data visuals for strategic planning

Join the Global Climbing Movement: We’re Looking for 10 Pioneering Gyms

Lizcore® wants to build the best climbing gym software in the world. To do that, we’re seeking 10 pioneering gyms, each in a different city and country, to collaborate closely and provide real-world feedback.

From Finland to Mexico, Poland, the US, Spain, Italy, and beyond — if you’re ready to help shape the future of indoor climbing, this is your chance.

What Makes Lizcore® Different?

• 100% climbing-specific
• SaaS-based and accessible from any device
• Monthly updates based on real user feedback
• Multilingual interface
• Unified ecosystem: Software + App + Hardware

Make the Smart Climb

Turn your passion into precision. Your community into an unforgettable experience.
Lizcore® isn’t just software — it’s your partner in evolution.

— The Lizcore® Marketing Team

At Lizcore®, we continue expanding our ecosystem to deliver the most complete and insightful indoor climbing experience possible. Today, we’re excited to announce a new collaboration with Chiusky, the prestigious Italian climbing volume manufacturer recognized by the IFSC.

Chiusky: Art and Functionality in Wood

Renowned for their exceptional finishes, high durability, and harmonious designs, Chiusky’s wooden volumes have become a distinctive element in climbing gyms around the world. Their often-rounded shapes, available even in XXL sizes, not only bring a unique aesthetic to climbing walls, but also provide endless creative possibilities for route setters and exciting challenges for climbers.

What Does This Collaboration Mean for the Lizcore® Community?

The essence of this partnership lies in the integration and identification of Chiusky volumes within the Lizcore® platform. From now on:

• Route Setters: When equipping a new route or boulder in a Lizcore®-enabled gym, setters will be able to tag and document the use of Chiusky volumes in their creations. This allows them to showcase their work in more detail, highlight the use of premium equipment, and build a more complete digital portfolio.
• Climbers: When browsing routes and boulders in the Lizcore® app, you’ll be able to see whether they include Chiusky volumes, helping you to:
  • Identify climbs with specific characteristics associated with these volumes.
  • Better understand the route setter’s style and intent.
  • Appreciate the quality and design of your gym’s equipment.
• Climbing Gyms: Gain insights into the usage frequency of Chiusky volumes, supporting purchase planning and rotation strategies. It’s also a great way to highlight the quality of your facility.

Enriching the Lizcore® Ecosystem

This integration with Chiusky adds a new layer of meaningful data to our platform. We believe that knowing the “ingredients” of a route — including the volumes that shape its character — enhances the experience for both the creators and the climbers. It’s another step toward a more connected, detailed, and appreciated climbing experience in all its forms.

We’re thrilled to welcome Chiusky to the growing family of Lizcore® partners.

Are you a route setter or climbing gym manager?
Explore how this integration can help elevate your work and showcase your facility.

Discover more about the Lizcore® platform here
Explore Chiusky’s range of volumes here

— The Lizcore® Marketing Team

Salt Lake City, UT (USA) – April 16–18, 2025 – Lizcore® lands in the United States! This week marks a major milestone with our official debut at CWA Summit 2025, North America’s leading indoor climbing industry event, held in Salt Lake City. With the U.S. being a global climbing hub and a key market where safety, gamification, and technology are highly valued, we couldn’t have picked a better stage to present our latest innovations.

Strategic Collaboration with Perfect Descent

One of the highlights of our presence was the close collaboration with Perfect Descent Climbing Systems, the world leader in autobelay devices. We had the pleasure of conducting live presentations and demos of our Safety Gate for Autobelay system directly at their booth. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to safety and innovation in climbing.

Safety Gate for Autobelay: A New Safety Standard

Our Safety Gate system directly addresses the most critical risk factor in autobelay usage: human error. While devices like those from Perfect Descent are incredibly reliable, forgetting to clip in, checking incorrectly, or missing proper maintenance can lead to serious consequences.

Lizcore® developed the Safety Gate to minimize these risks using cutting-edge technology:

• Access Control: Integrated with user profiles, ensuring only authorized climbers can use the device.
• Smart Verification (AI): A front-facing AI-powered camera checks harness and carabiner setup before allowing climbing to begin.
• Continuous Monitoring: An overhead camera detects any attempts to climb without being clipped in or without authorization, triggering real-time alerts.
• Alert System: Visual/audio alarms are activated at the gym level (visible via the Lizcore® management software), and immediate notifications are sent to staff via the mobile app for rapid response.

Intelligent Maintenance Monitoring

But safety doesn’t stop there. Through Lizcore®’s software, gyms can now gain much more accurate control over required maintenance for the best autobelay brands. We integrate real-time data and manufacturer recommendations from Perfect Descent, HONOR AdventureTech, and Toppas, ensuring all devices operate within optimal safety parameters.

Learn more about our Safety Gate for autobelay here!

U.S. Market Launch and Distribution

Good news for the American market! Pre-orders for the Safety Gate for Autobelay are now open. Early adopters will have access to the system before its general commercial release.

We’re also proud to confirm that Perfect Descent will be our official distributor in the U.S., ensuring top-tier service and support.

An Outstanding Reception at the CWA Summit

Throughout the event, we were thrilled to welcome several key figures at our booth, eager to see the Safety Gate system up close.

We were honored by a visit from renowned climber and author Arno Ilgner (author of The Rock Warrior’s Way), a performance and safety expert who praised Lizcore®’s strides in advancing climber protection.

We also welcomed the amazing Sasha DiGiulian, who was truly impressed — not only by the safety system, but also by Lizcore®’s tracking and gamification potential.
(We’re already dreaming of a Sasha DiGiulian Challenge… maybe even integrating her Send Bars into our platform!)

Additionally, we received visits from CWA staff members, who considered our solution one of the top innovations of the event, as well as from representatives of the largest climbing gym insurance provider in the U.S., who saw great potential in Safety Gate to reduce annual autobelay-related incidents.

All of them agreed: the combination of safety and gamification could play a key role in growing this sport we all love. An incredible validation for the entire Lizcore® team!

About Lizcore®

Lizcore® is a Spanish tech startup founded by climbers with a mission to make indoor climbing safer, smarter, and more engaging. Through an integrated hardware and software platform powered by AI, Lizcore® delivers innovative solutions for performance tracking, gamification, gym management, and—above all—climber safety.

We remain fully committed to pushing the limits of indoor climbing through intelligent technology and strategic partnerships.

Edgar Casanovas
CEO – Chief Enabling Officer (yes, today I have to be serious… for a good cause)
Lizcore®

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Objectives and Degree of Achievement at Lizcore

At Lizcore, we are committed to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, focusing on areas that resonate with our corporate mission and vision.

1. Inclusion and Reduction of Inequalities (SDG 10)

Actions: We have designed accessible devices for people with visual impairments, incorporating adaptive interfaces and auditory functionalities, allowing all climbers to enjoy our sport.

Compliance: Lizcore devices have been successfully used by climbers with visual impairments, enhancing their experience and safety in climbing.

Future Commitments: We plan to continue improving the accessibility of our products and collaborate with organizations dedicated to people with disabilities.

2. Responsible Production and Consumption (SDG 12)

Actions: Our devices are made from recycled materials and designed to be reusable, thus minimizing our environmental impact.

Compliance: We have achieved significant use of recycled materials in production and have obtained environmental certifications.

Future Commitments: We will strive to increase the use of recycled materials and further enhance sustainability in our production cycle.

3. Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action, and Life on Land (SDG 11, 13, 15)

Actions: Lizcore dedicates a percentage of its profits to mountain cleaning and re-equipping climbing routes, contributing to the conservation of the natural environment and the well-being of climbing communities.

Compliance: We have funded and participated in numerous cleaning and re-equipping activities, resulting in a tangible positive impact on various climbing sites.

Future Commitments: We plan to increase our financial contribution to these initiatives and establish strategic partnerships with organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability and sustainable sports.

Transparency and Accountability

Lizcore is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in all its actions related to the SDGs. We publish annual reports detailing our progress and collaborate with external audits to validate our contributions.

At Lizcore, we believe that business success goes hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility. We are dedicated to continuing our journey of active contribution to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Join the community of conscious climbers committed to the conservation of the natural environment.

Edgar Casanovas Lorente: Passionate Climber and Visionary Entrepreneur behind Lizcore®

Edgar Casanovas, founder and creator of the patent for the Lizcore system, stands out for his passion for climbing and his extensive experience in the sports sector. With an innate passion for entrepreneurship, he has created this new Startup in Barcelona. Let’s learn more about his career and how he came to create this already highly valued company.

Career and Passion for Climbing:

He started climbing at the age of 12, in the Barcelona area. After school, he spent hours at the city’s legendary climbing school, Castell de Montjuïc. At the age of 14, he discovered the La Foixarda sector, where he progressed in sport climbing and climbed with figures such as Edu Marín and his father, «The Beginner». At 16, he decided to make climbing his life and moved to the Pyrenees, where he trained as a climbing guide, becoming the first senior climbing technician in Spain.

As an athlete, he managed to climb until the eighth grade and traveled the world (Europe, Morocco, Greece, Thailand, Mexico, New Zealand…), exploring big walls in iconic places like Yosemite and Kjerag.

Climbing Professional:

His hobby led him to become a professional climber. As a coach, he obtained results at the national level and was the CTEEC coach. He is a national climbing judge, continued his profession as a guide and trained future climbing technicians such as: Patxi Usobiaga and Jerome Gutierrez.

Subsequently, he joined the climbing cycle entrance examination board.

Entrepreneur from the beginning:

Edgar has been an entrepreneur since he was 17 years old where he created his first mountain activities company, a mountain refuge and at the age of 21 he founded Climb in Catalunya, later, he created Lizardtraining, a company dedicated to climbing training.

The Fusion of Passion and Technology at Lizcore:

After identifying a need in indoor climbing, Edgar developed the Lizcore system, an innovation that he patented before launching it on the market. Lizcore System started with a team of four essential people.

• Scope and magnitude: Climbers with longer limbs might find it easier to reach distant holds on a route, while those with shorter limbs might face greater challenges in the same movements.
• Flexibility and mobility: A climber’s flexibility and mobility can also affect the perception of difficulty. A less flexible climber might find a route that requires demanding movements more challenging, while a more flexible climber might overcome these obstacles more easily.
• Relative strength and weight distribution: Weight distribution and relative strength in different parts of the body can also influence how a climber perceives the difficulty of a route. For example, a climber with a strong upper body might easily clear a ceiling, while another with greater lower body strength might find it easier to climb vertical routes that require technique and balance.

Commitment to Sustainability:

Committed to his mountain and climbing values, Edgar ensured that Lizcore maintained a link with the climbing community and sustainability. It implemented an investment round called FFC Round (Family, Friends and Climbers) and donated 1% of the profits of Lizcore to cleaning projects in climbing sectors, reaffirming its commitment to the conservation of the natural environment.

Edgar’s Personal Message

«Being CEO of a company like Lizcore requires being what some call a ‘shark’ in the business world, but I want to stay true to my values and surround myself with extraordinary people. Climbing has given me an incredible life and professional stability. Now, leading a startup, I don’t want those values to change. Self-improvement, respect, trust in colleagues and respect for nature are essential, as is helping those who have dreams.»

Conclusion:

We hope Lizcore grows while maintaining the values that society and the climbing community deserve. Before being a CEO, I am a climber passionate about my sport and my community.

What is indoor climbing?

Indoor climbing is a growing sport among athletes that takes place in a climbing gym or artificial climbing wall. An important point for these new climbers is that it is done in a controlled and safe environment. Climbers use specialized techniques and equipment to climb the wall, and can practice different types of climbing, such as sport climbing, bouldering, or speed climbing. The great benefit of this sport is that it covers several aspects of physical activity. It requires strength, endurance, balance, and concentration, and can be practiced by people of all ages and skill levels.

The main benefits of climbing are:

Improve strength and physical endurance

Indoor climbing is a full-body exercise that helps strengthen the muscles in the legs, arms, back, and abdomen. Additionally, as a resistance exercise, it helps improve cardiovascular capacity.

Develop coordination and balance

Indoor climbing requires great coordination and balance to progress on the wall. Over time, these aspects are developed and improved.

Increases concentration and attention

Indoor climbing requires great concentration and attention in order to safely progress up the wall. This helps improve these skills in other aspects of daily life.

Encourages socialization

Indoor climbing is an activity that can be done in a group, which promotes socialization and teamwork.

Reduce stress

Indoor climbing is an activity that requires great concentration and attention, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, being a physical exercise, it helps release endorphins that produce a sense of well-being.

2024 was an incredible year for indoor climbing, but in 2025, we’re taking the experience even further. At Lizcore® System, we continue to innovate to make climbing gyms safer, smarter, and more engaging for all climbers.

This new year brings exciting updates:

Enhanced safety with the Safety Gate Auto-Belay – An AI-powered system designed to prevent accidents before they happen.

More connection and engagement with Lizcore Track – Allowing climbers to track their progress, join challenges, and build a stronger community—all without needing their phones while climbing.

Competitions with Lizcore® System and live rankings – Making event organization seamless with real-time tracking, ensuring transparency and accuracy in results.

This year, we want to continue growing alongside the climbing community, partnering with more gyms, and offering interactive and safe experiences for all skill levels.

A huge thank you to everyone who has trusted Lizcore this past year. 2025 will be the year of evolution in indoor climbing, and we want you to be part of it!

 Is your climbing gym ready to take the leap into digitalization and enhanced safety? Get in touch and join the Lizcore revolution!

Here’s to a 2025 filled with new challenges and successful sends!

The importance of morphology in climbing

In the world of climbing, the morphology or body shape of a climber can have a significant impact on the practice of this sport. There are different types of bodies and proportions, and each presents advantages and disadvantages on the playing field.

Morphology and difficulty level in climbing

The morphology of a climber can affect the perception of the difficulty of a route, as different body types will experience different challenges when facing a climbing route. Some morphological factors that may influence how a climber perceives the difficulty of a route include:

Recognizing and understanding how morphology affects the perception of difficulty in climbing is essential for climbers to develop a personalized approach in their climbing practice. By knowing their own limitations and advantages, climbers can adapt their climbing style and tackle routes that best suit their physical characteristics. Additionally, by climbing with people of different morphologies, climbers can learn and acquire new skills from those whose approach differs from their own.

Climber-specific training

Although morphology is often thought to be a negative factor in climbing practice, it just takes a change in perspective. Within the different modalities and styles of climbing, there are always morphologies that enhance their characteristics to achieve faster success in certain styles.

Training is essential to progress quickly in the practice of this sport. And it’s not all about strength, as it may seem. The technique of grips, flexibility, balance, footwork technique, and of course explosive strength.

To improve the overall technique of progression, whether on rock or in a climbing gym, one must first become aware of the climber’s morphology and the advantages it provides. We can always find advantages. It is the limitations that are consciously trained to minimize the negative effect on future ascents.

If you need a specific training, do not hesitate to ask us. We are sure we can help you.

Diversity in climbing

The diversity in the morphology of climbers is an advantage for the climbing community as a whole. Climbing with people of different morphologies can help climbers learn from each other and adapt to different climbing styles.

This diversity of climber morphology requires route setters to make an extra effort to design routes and competitions that include this variety. It also allows climbers to challenge themselves with increasingly demanding movements for their physical condition.

Injury prevention based on morphology in climbing

Each type of morphology is subject to a more common type of injury. Climbers should be aware of their physical characteristics and how they may influence predisposition to certain injuries.

By recognizing the relationship between morphology and potential injuries, climbers can adapt their approach to stay healthy and enjoy a sustainable long-term climbing practice.

Variation in the perception of the difficulty level of a route according to the morphology of the climber

Although climbing routes often have an assigned grade to indicate their difficulty, it is important to recognize that the perception of this grade can vary among climbers due to differences in their morphology. The subjective perception of a route’s grade can be affected by morphological factors such as limb length, flexibility, and relative strength in different parts of the body.

Some examples of how morphology can influence the perception of the degree of a route include:

• A climber with a longer reach may find a route graded as 7a relatively easy, while another climber with a shorter reach may perceive the same route as a 7b or even more difficult due to the additional movements required to overcome the key steps.
• A climber with high flexibility may perceive a route graded as 6c as a 6a if the route requires demanding movements that are more accessible to them.
• A climber with well-developed lower trunk strength may find it easier to maintain balance on a technical route graded as 6a, while another climber with less strength in this area may perceive the same route as a 6b.

Ultimately, the perception of the difficulty level of a climbing route is subjective and can vary significantly among climbers due to differences in morphology. It is important for climbers to understand their own strengths and limitations and not solely focus on the assigned grade of a route. By knowing their abilities and physical characteristics, climbers can choose routes that suit their specific needs and challenges, and develop their own approach based on their morphology.