HK Vabec

In 2001, Michal Buchovecký, Aďo Gumulák, Jaro Beskyd, and Michal Burian were at the forefront of the so-called "free climbing revival" in Stará Ľubovňa. They were later joined by Peťo Urbanský – an experienced climber who helped guide the local scene – and Jožo Pisarčik.

While the previous generation grew up on intense High Tatra experiences and expeditions to the world's highest mountains, our generation followed those adventures primarily through rock climbing, bouldering, and tackling big walls across the globe. The Vabec Climbing Club has successfully pursued these goals for nearly 20 years.

As noted in the club's history, there was a long-standing desire to build a climbing gym in Stará Ľubovňa. After many years of effort, the club chairman, Daniel Šak, managed to build a small bouldering wall called BoulderŠopa in a local wooden barn in the village of Kremná in 2011, which hosted many legendary competitions. Finally, after 22 years, the dream of all local climbers came true when the chairman opened the first bouldering gym in Stará Ľubovňa – Wallhalla.