Fall Surfacing Study

We would like to offer members the opportunity to participate in this CWA-sponsored study. The CWA requests participation from commercial climbing gyms and flooring manufacturers to supply material samples to be tested. The CWA will subsidize a select variety of surface systems submitted by both gyms and manufacturers via the study’s website submission form. From flooring manufacturers, we are asking for a wide variety of top rope flooring systems, 8” thick or less from a range of thickness, firmness, and layering. From climbing gyms we are interested in samples of used surfacing from high, medium, and low traffic areas. For some climbing gyms on-site testing may be available.

 

This study is focused on head impacts from a variety of heights onto many different fall surfacing systems. The study will utilize the same testing technology used to assess head to surface impacts for many recreational activities including playgrounds and sports fields. This study was designed based on standard test method ASTM F355, Part E - Standard Test Method for Impact Attenuation of Playing Surface Systems, Other Protective Sport Systems, and Materials Used for Athletics, Recreation and Play. The test method uses a 10 lb hemispherical “E type” headform dropped from a number of different heights to determine how the surface performs under different simulated head impact velocities.

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The primary goals of this study are to:

1. Better understand impact attenuation capabilities of a variety of top rope flooring systems as tested from a wide range of heights.

2. Study the loss of impact attenuation capabilities with worn or used mats or flooring to learn more about the severity of foam degradation.

3. Compare top rope fall surfacing with the analogous ASTM requirements for pole vault collars. 

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The study will be conducted by Sports Labs USA an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.  Sports Labs USA has performed climbing fall surface testing since 2011.

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