COVID-19 Resources
As the global Corona Virus pandemic continues to disrupt daily lives and business operations, Challenge Towers aims to provide our industry colleagues with timely and relevant information. This resource page continues to be updated on a regular basis to help our clients stay informed throughout this rapidly evolving situation.
Industry Organizations
Adventure Park Insider is the leading magazine and online resource serving operators and suppliers in the challenge course and aerial park industry. Checkout their Coronavirus Updates page for content specific to the aerial adventure industry.
The ACCT has published a Coronavirus Resources page including health and government assistance information to association guidance and advocacy resources. There is also an active COVID-19 forum for members to pose questions and contribute to the on-going dialog around the pandemic.
The North Carolina Aerial Adventure Association has released a statement to its members and operators within the state that includes useful links to a number of industry resources. Make sure to check the updates to state regulations pertaining to COVID-19 in North Carolina .
The ACA has created an online Covid-19 Resource Center for camps with a wide variety of resources on topics including business and finance, HR, marketing, and health and wellness. They are host regular webinars relevant topics and are actively developing online learning resources for camp administrators.
AORE is the premier organization serving human powered outdoor recreation professionals in non-profit settings. Checkout their Coronavirus Resource Page for a comprehensive list of outdoor industry resources and information. They are hosting a variety of member chat sessions in addition to panel discussions and webinars with key industry stakeholders.
Serving the Climbing Wall industry, the CWA has acted swiftly in providing information and resources related to Coronavirus. Check frequently for updates including latest news, posted webinars, and advocacy issues.
The Climbing Business Journal resource page has a great list of resources for business operators and recreational climbers alike. They've compiled an active list of gym closures around the country as well as a great list of Covid-19 related articles. For operators and owners, there is a wealth of information about facility cleaning standards and useful resources linked from other organizations.
SAM is the premier magazine and online resource for mountain resort operators. Their Coronavirus Updates page provides a running list of original and sourced content to keep their readers current and informed.
As a global resource for the attractions industry, IAAPA has constructed a resource page which offers visitors from around the world a perspective on geographic issues and impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Checkout their extensive list of webinars and educational resources.
Industry Manufacturers
The following resources and recommendations are the expressed opinions and assertions of the specific manufacturer referenced. Challenge Towers provides this information for the sole intent of connecting visitors with current resources of the manufacturers listed below.
Note that there is on-going work amongst manufacturers in the testing of chemical agents as it relates to sanitizing PPE items for COVID-19 contamination while maintaining material integrity and strength ratings to stated standards. These efforts are guided by recommendations from Global Health Organizations and leading research teams from across the globe. There is still much to discover about this virus and viable options for operators to mitigate exposure levels through preventative cleaning processes and equipment quarantining.
We are continuing discussions with a number of manufacturers from across the industry and working to keep the most current cleaning standards and protocols on this page.
Edelrid has been actively conducting testing on cleaning and sanitizing agents to address specific concerns of PPE management and sanitation processes. ***Note: The information provided is applicable only to EDELRID products.
Teufelberger has released test data from their efforts to better address rope disinfection in the midst of Corona Pandemic. ***Note: The information provided is applicable only to Teufelberger product lines.
El Dorado Climbing has published specific disinfectant protocols for climbing walls, climbing holds, and flooring materials typically used for indoor climbing facilities. Note that El Dorado makes specific mention of the different methods based on substrate materials used in construction.
Singing Rock has released an official statement which provides a reference and explanation of various disinfection strategies for soft goods. Read the article in detail as there are callouts for the recommended maximum number of times an equipment item should be exposed to specific chemical treatments. ***Note: The information provided is applicable only to SINGING ROCK products
Robertson has outlined specific protocols for the cleaning and sanitation of their soft goods. There is not a specific callout for mitigating COVID-19.
The linked report is dated 2013 but still provides meaningful data on potential soft good integrity reduction due to cleaning with chemical agents.
Petzl has been actively working on testing various chemical dilutions for the mitigation and disinfection of soft good materials for COVID-19. On April 17th, Petzl has released an official recommendation for cleaning and sanitation procedures of their soft goods.
The linked document has been released and endorses specific cleaning agents from ECOLAB for the cleaning of Petzl helmets. Petzl has additionally stated that using the existing "Care and Use Guidelines" outlined in the technical notice provided with each piece of equipment are valid protocols which can be augmented by an extended quarantine period.
DMM has released the linked statement specifically defining their recommendations for washing, drying, and quarantine period of their equipment.
View that linked document to review protocols set forth by Kong surrounding cleaning and disinfecting their equipment items.
Maxim ropes have released test results from a 2015 study on the "Deliberate Damage of Ropes" they conducted with their parent company, Teufelberger. The results linked below provide insight into rope disinfection methods using Isopropanol and distilled water.
Global Health Organizations
The WHO serves as a global information and action center. Their web materials provide an in-depth look at the current status of COVID-19 outbreak as well as provide high quality scientifically backed information about the virus itself. Additionally, they have a live WhatsApp hotline as a resource.
The CDC is available 24/7 and their website provides current and consistently updated information regarding best practices for personal and public health.
The link below provides access to the SBA COVID-19 Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources page. Find content and resources related to SBA funding options, supporting guidance for businesses and employers, access to government capital programs, and more.