Rock climbing has recently become increasingly popular in Santa Barbara, reflecting nationwide growth in the sport, as what was once a niche activity has exploded into a billion-dollar industry, earning a spot in the Olympics and a growing casual fanbase across the country. In the midst of this popularity, Santa Barbara rock climbing enthusiasts now have another gym dedicated to the hobby: The Pad Climbing, which opened late last year.

“I’ve been going to The Pad since its opening,” Dos Pueblos High School student Owen Giddings (11) said. “I discovered it through my friends, who had started going because it was in a really convenient location, and so it was easier for them than the SB Rock Gym, which unfortunately closed down just a little while later.”

The Pad’s gym features 10 auto-belay stations, towering 37-foot rock walls, weights, and other fitness equipment. For rock climbers looking to train more seriously, the BoardRoom is a 24/7 training facility in the gym with advanced equipment, showers, and more.

“There are so many options for climbing,” Giddings said. “You have a speed wall, you have two levels of bouldering with a bunch of different boulder problems of pretty much every single level, you have self-delay climbing, and then you can do belays with other people. So they have really tall rock walls for that, which is fun.”

Visitors can stop in for a day trip to The Pad with a day pass, or a monthly membership with full access to the gym.

“Climbing takes a little bit of patience,” Giddings said. “At first, you’ll probably be sore afterwards. But once you get through that, it feels really good, and it’s a great sport for self improvement and strengthening muscles.”

The Pad Climbing is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 5160 Hollister Ave.