The OAC survey was back in 2014 and bigger than ever. We had a record 213 responses; we believe that this is due in part to our increased Facebook presence. Many thanks to Laura Duncan for survey design beta and for processing the results.
A majority (60%) of respondents indicated that they were not OAC members, indicating substantial potential membership growth for the OAC. Consider joining the OAC if you are not already a member!
Up-to-date survey information continues to be a key source of facts about the vitality and economic importance of the Ontario climbing community. We always use selected survey results when negotiating with stakeholders.
Some highlights:
- survey respondents estimated that they had been out for over 5,000 climber-days in 2014, a quarter of which were in Milton. 75% of the climber-days were on day trips. Spending was over $150,000.
- almost half of the respondents reported climbing at least three times a week (that’s a lot of climbing!)
- the largest cluster of respondents live in the Greater Toronto Area, with a smaller clump in the National Capital Region and communities in Barrie, Kitchener-Waterloo, and London
- a majority (65%) of respondents were in the 18-35 age group
- the most popular occupational grouping (20%) was education, law and social, community and government services.
- Devil’s Glen was the favourite Ontario crag, preferred by 16% of respondents, followed by Lion’s Head and Bon Echo.
- the vast majority of climbers (80%) practiced sport climbing, while 53% practiced trad climbing, and 33% ice climbing. Bouldering was practiced at 50%.
Thanks again for your participation in the OAC Climbers’ Survey. We appreciate your help in carrying out our mission.