Two Sunshine Coast siblings have traded wave riding for wall climbing, opening a colourful new venue for the growing sport.
Brother and sister Jad and Temma Lee – the offspring of well-known surf coach Brad Lee – have swapped surfing for bouldering.
They’ve launched a bright, new climbing facility at Baringa, to cater for the increased interest in the sport.
Boulder Heads is among a number of bouldering gyms to have opened on the Sunshine Coast in the past couple of years as the sport grows in popularity in the region.Bouldering, which is essentially rock climbing without ropes, has taken off around the world.
The sport appeared in the Tokyo Olympics for the first time, in 2021.
Jad discovered bouldering when he was an up-and-coming DJ in Berlin.
There were no waves to chase and he needed something to fill the void from surfing and to stay active.
He said bouldering became his newfound passion.“You use upper body strength and core strength, which is similar to surfing,” he said.
“The part I love though is the problem solving aspect … and (the) social side.
“Basically, you keep fit while having a good time, just like surfing.”
Jad was visiting home on the Sunshine Coast when COVID-19 emerged, when he envisioned opening a bouldering gym.
Borders were closed and lockdowns had started.With his career on hold and feeling a little lost, he tried to go for a climb but quickly learned the bouldering scene was then lacking on the Sunshine Coast, while it was thriving in Brisbane.
Jad ran the idea for a boulder gym experience with Temma, a user experience and design coordinator at Charles Sturt University.
She said she knew he was on to something.“All of a sudden he had this idea and something about it just made me say, ‘I’m in’, she said.
“I am new to bouldering but what I have discovered so far is how much fun bouldering can be and how easy it is to learn.
“Now, I’m hooked.”
Boulder Heads is open for business and is regarded as great activity for all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced.The climbing walls are custom designed, international-level walls with world class route settings from expert wall designer and builder ICP.
The climbing routes are changed regularly so the challenge of bouldering is fresh as participants problem solve their way to the top.
For setting updates follow Boulder Heads on Facebook and Instagram.
Help us deliver more news by registering for our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this articleThe Boulder Heads venue also offers DJ nights with Jad, a collaboration with Brouhaha Brewery (within walking distance) to offer a climb and beer deal and a dedicated space for yoga, pilates and other fitness classes.Jad said their ethos was simple – great climbs and good vibes.“So far we’ve just enjoyed meeting people. Everyone has been really positive,” he said.“Flow Bouldering (Forest Glen) shared so many tips.
“It’s amazing to collaborate with fellow climbers and be in an industry where people are passionate about the sport more than money and business.”Boulder Heads is located at 19 Edison Cres, Baringa. For more, go to boulder-heads.com
