Today we’d like to introduce you to Christiaan Luneberg.
Christiaan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was looking for a career, loved to rock climb and had an affinity for teaching so I thought an indoor rock climbing gym would be an excellent path. I had to finally stop telling people about my goal because I would see them a year or two later and only to tell them I had not achieved my goal. It was very disappointing.
Finally in 2004 after 13 years of struggle, acquiring the proper skills, with the right partner and the right location I was able to open the doors of what was at the time the tallest indoor rock climbing studio in Southern California! Finally!
Now today we are working towards opening our third gym and have developed an entire community where people come to have fun, meet new people, and get exposed to an entirely new lifestyle.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
While working to open I worked all sorts of jobs to acquire the skill set needed- ski patrol, climbing guide, teacher, waiter, etc. The biggest struggle was to find a partner that had skills I lacked while having a personality that aligned with mine. I have known Paul since first grade and he fit the bill. After that, we only had some small hurdles of finding a building that met our requirements, and finally to line up the funding.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We offer an environment where people of all levels can come and experience climbing as a first timer, learn advanced skills, and hone their skills as an expert rock climber. We have climbers that have never climbed before as well as experts.
Boulderdash is clean and fun with a staff that cares and is involved in the community. The community is the most important aspect of what we offer. It doesn’t matter whether you are smashing the hardest routes or just learning how to put on a harness. It is all about having fun.
Sometimes these types of places come with a bit of an attitude. I like that our community doesn’t care how good you are, but rather how much fun you bring to the table!
What were you like growing up?
Probably a little squirrely when I was younger. Liked to be mischievous with lots of energy. Never really into the video games or maybe just was t give. access, so it was really about getting outside and adventuring!
I was introduced into climbing in college by a friend named Jed Thompson. It was funny because he had to invite me three times before I even went just to watch. When I saw it I just had to try it. When I tried it I was hooked!
Contact Info:
- Address: [email protected]
Westlake Village – 805-557-1300
San Fernando Valley – 818-700-1300
Image Credit: I’m the guy on the right
