Setter Spotlight: Movement Gyms DMV
For our first feature in the Setter Spotlight series, we visited Movement’s Crystal City location in Arlington, VA. Lead routesetters from all five DMV locations collaborated as a team, bringing high energy to set a long, eye-catching lead-cave route that progressed in difficulty and creativity from bottom to top.
Meet the Setters
Ward Byrum
Director of Routesetting – VA/MD/IL/TX
Matthew Vesely
Head Routesetter – Movement Columbia
Matt Bosley
Head Routesetter – Movement Timonium
Chris Canela
Head Routesetter – Movement Rockville
Sammy Vasquez
Assistant Director – Movement Crystal City
Charley Van Anda
Assistant Director – Movement Hampden
The Holds
They selected iconic Bubble Wrap and Dish shapes, plus modern Khans and GeoFins. This curated collection flows through the lead cave, reflecting decades of innovation.
The Route
Starting on a moderate overhang, the line moves into a horizontal roof with large volumes demanding creative sequencing. The headwall features precision slopers and directional volumes culminating in a test of both power and endurance. Over eight hours, the setters sketched on a whiteboard then split the holds: classic ’90s textures by Matt, big “Dish” comps by Ward, “Bubble Wrap” volumes by Matthew, “Myorcan” tufas by Charley, 2Tex finishes by Chris, and “Khans” jugs to the anchors by Sammy.
Setting
Final Send: Matt
Final Send: Sammy
Setter Q&A
We chatted with the setters about their backgrounds, challenges, and how they approach setting.
What’s your experience and background with routesetting?
Charley: Setting on and off since 2005, now Assistant Director – Baltimore District.
Chris: Six years commercial, lean powerful, pinchy styles (big fan of Calientes).
Matt: Climbing 27 years, setting 20 years.
Matthew: Head Setter Columbia since 2013; started washing holds and sorting bolts.
Sammy: Grew up in the gym, turned ideas into climbs through practice and feedback.
Ward: Found climbing mid-’90s; art and design background fuels 25-year career.