Climbing exercise for everyone
Kaarle Vanamo believes that ClimbStation will become an international hit in the next two years as the product’s conspicuousness increases.Vanamo became enthusiastic about wall climbing at a leisure fair in England in 2003 when he was planning to expand his existing business in new directions. By the end of the year he brought into the country an U.S. manufactured, Finland’s first, mobile climbing wall.
- Within six months the weaknesses of the device became apparent to me. The device was difficult to maneuver, its user interface was difficult to use and the its general intelligence poor. I saw that the product could be much better if it was entirely redesigned, Vanamo recalls.
Since there were no better devices on the market, Vanamo created a business plan, with which he began to search for funding for the realization of the mobile climbing wall of his dreams. The start-up funding received from the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation Tekes helped Vanamo to establish Joyride Games Oy in autumn 2004.
The product became what it is now through several different phases and twists.
- Now, afterwards I can say that a device which sounds simple turned out to be quite complicated. The finding of the best solution took years, and at the same time cost us a small fortune.
ClimbStation is suitable for all wall climbing enthusiasts, both beginners and top class climbers. The device has 12 different climbing levels to choose from. The computer-controlled climbing wall is flexible to move and position. The touchscreen indicates for instance how much the climber has ascended and how many calories have been burnt.
- ClimbStation brings climbing closer to the consumer, because it can be placed in a reasonably small space and it does not require an instructor or safety harness. ClimbStation increases overall endurance and muscle strength just like traditional climbing does.
A unique product
According to Vanamo ClimbStation is a totally unique product, although rolling climbing walls have been on the markets since 1980s. However, no other device equipped with similar attributes is available on the market.
The product development, design and manufacturing take place through Joyride Games Oy’s affiliate in Forssa. ClimbStation is especially well suited for climbing centres, gyms and sports and wellness centres.
- ClimbStation has been received with great interest. At the moment the climbing wall can be found for instance in Norway, Germany and Greece. The latest order came in from Moscow. Our biggest growth potential is on the Japanese and US markets, forecasts Vanamo.
www.climbstation.com
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