the SKILLZBOARD

The Skillzboard is a versatile tool for rock climbers that provides a portable, weight-bearing solution for learning, practicing, and teaching rope systems and anchor techniques in a realistic and safe environment.

The Problem

Rock climbing, especially indoor climbing, has seen an explosion in popularity recently, and the sport’s eventual Olympic debut is likely to make a substantial contribution as well. If you are someone who has never rope climbed outdoors, you may just get the desire to do so at some point (it’s pretty cool). Before you get too excited though, it is important to realize that the safety of yourself and others relies on additional skills that aren't typically learned by climbing indoors.

In the past, these skills have typically been passed down by a mentor, but YouTube is definitely a thing, and it’s pretty neat. However, watching a video doesn’t automatically translate to proficiency of a skill without a bit of discipline. Practicing rope systems and anchor techniques is also difficult without being able to access an actual wall equipped with climbing hardware.

The Solution

The Skillzboard simulates a typical bolted anchor found at the top of many climbing routes, and can be fully weighted by the user anywhere from their humble abode to the crag. This realistic experience creates a better learning process and increases retention of knowledge. The Skillzboard is a useful tool for new and experienced climbers alike, and can be used to teach and practice a large variety of skills: cleaning a sport anchor, building a top belay system, escaping the belay, self-rescue methods, big wall techniques, and much more.

Mounting Capabilities

Our patent pending mounting systems allow you to easily set up the Skillzboard in just a minute or two - no tools required!

Over-The-Door

If you own or rent a door, you can practice your technical skills. Using the CHOCKBOARD, simply drape the daisy strap over the door, close the door, and get practicing!

Pull-up Bar

You can also use your handy-dandy doorway pull-up bar to easily mount the Skillzboard using the daisy strap or a pair of carabiners or quickdraws.

Tree / Pole

Sling a strong, happy tree (or pole) anywhere from your backyard to the crag and get practicing! Just tighten the strap around the trunk, clip the Skillzboard to the daisy loops, and you’re on your way to mastery.

Vehicle

Using a similar setup to the over-the-door mount, turn your rad vehicle into a mobile practice station! Padded strips on the back protect your windows from scratches.

Other Features

Got some spare holds lying around? Throw ‘em on the Skillzboard and get stronger! A center jug is also nice for weighting/unweighting your personal anchor.

the CHOCKBOARD

Don't let good looks fool you, this sidekick has your back on every step of your training journey. Use the SKILLZBOARD hardware and our Fast Straps to mount over any door and practice anchors from the comfort of the home, or the convenience of your car. 

Slots / Holes

This multipurpose accessory helps you hang your SKILLZBOARD from any door, and doubles as a hangboard and pinchblock when you're ready to trade the classroom for the gym. When you're done hitting the books, the CHOCKBOARD easily converts to the strength training tool with surprising versatility.  

Sustainability

We have partnered with a local manufacturer in Wisconsin to make our products. Our shipping envelopes are made from 100% recycled material, which is also recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable. Our T-shirts are made of 30% recycled cotton, 30% cotton & 40% rPET* polyester. We have already taken a number of steps to be a more eco-friendly company, but we strive to continuously improve our sustainability. Your contributions will help us do our part to help the environment.

*While rPET fabric isn’t perfectly sustainable, we feel that it helps keep plastic out of landfills and oceans and is a step in the right direction.

History / Prototypes

Our team developed the first version of the Skillzboard for a prototyping competition at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville in 2019, where it won second prize. With grant funding and several rounds of further development and testing, the Skillzboard went on to win awards at the Wisconsin Science and Technology Symposium’s Innovation Showcase later on in the year. We then took advantage of the recent COVID-19 shelter-at-home measures to remotely redesign the Skillzboard until we arrived at a salable product.

Check out our website at skillzboard.com to learn more.

Skillzboard LLC: The Team

The members of our team united through the Outdoor Adventure Club at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville. We all held leadership roles in the club, and introduced many people to rock climbing and other outdoor activities. We're all pretty weird, too.

Gokul Gopal - President & Director of Wisdom

Materials Engineer ~ Physicist ~ Educator ~ Several years of outdoor leadership/mentorship ~ Into rock, ice and alpine climbing 

Brian Tuttle - Operations & Manufacturing

Mechanical Engineer ~ Former president of the Outdoor Adventure Club ~ Choss Boss ~ Needs: good feet at the start and good jugs at the end 

Bobby Hebel - Head of R&D

Mechanical Engineer ~ Quickdraw Clipper / Pebble Wrestler ~ Trail Building Wizard ~ Silly Dood Boxdrum Whacker ~ South Lake Tahoe “Local” ~ Detail-oriented ~ Fun = Priority

Chloe Thomas - Social Media Slinger

Mechanical Engineer ~ desperately trying to avoid sitting at a desk for too long ~ MTB Ripper ~ Youtuber ~ Refuses to touch Tiktok ~ will do anything for a laugh 

Seneida Biendarra - Tech Guru

Industrial Engineer ~ Philmont Guide ~ Crack Climbing n00b ~ Coffee Aficionado ~ Unique Human ~ Bike Commuter for Life