Investing in passion, vision and health.
We invest in infrastructure and authenticity to grow the climbing community and create lasting places for the sport
Born from an obsession with the sport and a visionary strategy for its future, Forino Climbing Partners combines authentic climbing soul with institutional investment strength to elevate unique, challenging spaces that leave a lasting legacy.
We build the climbing gyms we dream of –unique places that are welcoming, challenging and full of atmosphere
The Way We Go Up.
A network of gyms brings stability, freeing owners and teams to focus on climbing.
Because people are the heart of every gym.
Climbers first
We're climbers first and we want to climb in gyms that thrive, welcoming staff, quality routes, a livily athmospher, and room to progress
Sector Insights
We know the industry, and we also know its challenges: capex, staff development, seasonality and backoffice load.
Authenticity
Each gym with its own character, yet strengthened by shared values, standards and long-term investment.
Professional Structure
Climbing is growing fast today. But lasting success will take both authentic culture as professional structure.
Scaling Together
Means better routes, stronger youth programs, career opportunities for staff, smarter procurement, and the capital to keep evolving.
Our Gyms.
Forino Climbing Partners was founded in 2025 by Jan Van Hecke, Lieven De Vlaminck, and Forstrom out of a shared passion for climbing.
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Jan and Lieven launched Rhino Boulder Gym in Ghent (2020) and acquired Bleau in 2022.
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Forstrom is an independent Belgian investment firm led by climbing and sports enthusiasts.
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It clicked. That's when things really start moving.
Climbing: Bouldering
Location: Ghent
Real estate: Buildings + land are owned
Surface: 1.233m² built-up area
Rhino Boulder Gym
Klimzaal Bleau
Climbing: Lead & bouldering
Location: Ghent
Real estate: Buildings owned,
land: right of superficies
Surface: 2.095m² built-up area
Extensive youth & training programs
Klimzaal Arsenaal
Climbing: Bouldering + separated
kidszone for bouldering & Clip 'N Climb
Location: Ghent
Real estate: Rented
Surface: 1.925 m² built-up area
Opened November 2025
Bruges, Name TBA
Climbing: Lead, bouldering & kids
Location: Bruges
Real estate: Rented or owned, TBC
Surface: 1.800m² built-up area
Status: Construction started August '25, opening expected in '28.
Manta boulder gym
Climbing: Bouldering
Location: Leuven
Real estate: Rented
Surface: 2.000m² built-up area
Status: Opening expected Oktober'26
The Next One
Climbing: You tell us
Location: Catchment area ~100K inhabs.
Surface: 1.000–2.500m²
Status: Let's talk
Want to team up?
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Catchment area ~100,000 inhabitants
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1,000–2,500m²
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Height: 5m+ bouldering / 15m+ lead
Got a location, a running gym,
or just an idea and want to have a chat?
Let's talk.
Get In Touch.
Jan Van Hecke | jan@rhinobouldergym.com
Michael Schenck | michael@msbv.be
Kaarderijstraat 69, 9000 Gent
© 2026 Forino Climbing Partners