About Us

The original Ohio Climb Time, located in Cincinnati’s Blue Ash region, opened in 1993—one of the first full-service climbing gyms to appear in the Midwest. Climb Time also had locations in Indianapolis and Lexington, and was one of the first U.S. climbing gym chains with three locations. In addition, the famed competition circuit American Bouldering Series (ABS) was born in Climb Time of Cincinnati from local comps they held in the late 90s.

Our Vision

We are an instructional facility focused on enhancing the lives of people of all ages and skill levels, from first-time climbers to seasoned experts with sound climbing practices, while enthusiastically sharing our passion for climbing by supporting and building the climbing community.

Meet The Team

Andy Lockwood | Assistant Head Setter

Hailing from Cincinnati’s West Side, Andy Lockwood developed his craft here in his hometown. He has been routesetting for over 12 years at various gyms throughout the country. Andy calls himself a boulderer, but enjoys all facets of rock climbing. He is also an established landscape photographer and has travelled the country photographing the beauty of America. Andy is a happy-go-lucky guy who is always willing to talk climbing or photography.

Hunter Darst | Asst Manager & PT Setter

Resident pebble wrestler Hunter started his climbing career at Climb Time Blue Ash a little over two years ago. He quickly fell in love and joined the Climb Time Team. Now, you can find him in either gym chuffing up boulders or punting on lead.

David Huff | Setter

Climbing and setting have been David's favorite activities for nearly two decades. Whether through climbing, route setting, teaching, or just chatting, he loves to explore the subtleties of movement. If you see him around, don't be fooled by his permanent serious expression - if David is around rock climbing, he's a happy man.

Melissa Wagner | Setter

Melissa has been climbing for almost 12 years, and when she's not pulling on plastic, you can find her at her second home, Red River Gorge, or various places out West exploring and climbing. As a designer, setting has been another great creative outlet for her. When she's not climbing, you can find her nerding out on video or board games, trying new recipes, or attempting to finally train her dog Hank. She can't resist a good Old Fashioned, or a nice, deep pocket (both on the wall, or in her clothes).

Andrew Wheatley | Guest Setter

Andrew Wheatley, our Guest Setter, has been climbing for 22 years. He is also known (and honored to be known) as Erynn's brother or Mike's son. For Andrew, climbing is as much about family as it is sport. If you look carefully you can learn the Wheatley family history in the route names of our RRG FA’s.

Mike Wheatley | Setter

Mike Wheatley has had a crazy journey. He started climbing later in life at the age of 54 yrs old (and the whole thing terrified him). It's 20 years later and we are privileged to have him setting routes at Climb Time!

Brent Flenner | Manager & Head Coach

Brent was introduced to climbing at the age of 12, and he would ride his bike to CTOBA. Twenty-eight years later he's still climbing, and he's both the GM and Head Coach. Climb Time is his home, and the people who climb there are his family.

Quinn Kellog | Head Routesetter

Born in Rochester NY, Quinn has well over a decade of routesetting and climbing industry experience. He currently holds a USAC Level 4 certification and has set for both Nationals and Adaptive National events. Outside of climbing, he stays busy snowboarding, biking, playing guitar, cooking healthy meals or working on the many plants he has in his home.

Tyler Ross | Asst Manager & PT Setter

Tyler has been climbing for 4 years now and is the resident lovable oaf. He prides himself on his expertise in the janitorial arts and is a jack of all trades around the gym. He might look cranky but if you just feed him he will open up. When he isn't at the gym he is probably off with his dog, building something or with the marines. Tyler enjoys piña coladas and getting caught in the rain. He is kind of into yoga and has half a brain. Oh yea, he sets sometimes.

Brian Ogawa | CT Lifer

Brian has been one of the longest tenured Climb Time employees and has been working at Oakley since its grand opening. When he isn't safety sweeping you can find him volunteering with the Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition (RRGCC) or talking about how important a good stick clip is.