Stunt Rigger Behind Hollywood Hits Opens New Cornwall Climbing Wall

Published On: 28 November 2025Last Updated: 28 November 2025By CornishStuff

A Cornwall-based stunt rigger whose film credits include Venom: The Last Dance and 1917 has launched a new bouldering wall in Penryn after securing support from SWIG Finance and the British Business Bank.

A Blockbuster CV Meets Cornwall’s Climbing Demand

Guy McDonald and his wife, Julia (Jules), opened BoulderRyn in early September and were met with immediate demand. Guy said: “By the end of day two, we had reached capacity and facing one in, one out.”

The couple used Start Up Loans from the British Business Bank and a business loan from the South West Investment Fund to get the new venture off the ground.

Guy has spent the past 15 years working as a stunt rigger on major UK and US productions, ensuring action scenes are carried out safely. His work has often kept him away from home. “For Venom, spent five months across the UK and Spain, and only had one weekend at home,” he said. Wanting more time with his nine-year-old daughter was one of the reasons he chose to create a business closer to home.

A gap in the local market appeared after the closure of a nearby climbing facility, at the same time climbing has become the fastest-growing sport in the UK.

Jules, who also works part-time in primary school education, said: “We’d been discussing for some time what kind of business we might be able set up as a family venture. With competition climbing featuring in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, it seemed like a good time to do this.”

Designed with Olympic Expertise

Guy’s lifelong passion for climbing began on Sussex sandstone and took him around the world, including Australia and Thailand, where he helped launch a climbing school. This experience shaped the creation of BoulderRyn.

Working to Guy’s brief, Olympic-level designers produced more than 90 routes across 300 square metres, aimed at climbers of all abilities.

Located in Kernick Business Park, the facility is well placed to attract students from the neighbouring Falmouth University campus and local workers looking for team-building activities. The pair hope to bring in named professionals for showcase days and plan themed nights to welcome newcomers.

The centre now employs 10 people and future plans include an enhanced café and a retail shop.

Funding Behind the Climbing Wall

The business received two Start Up Loans, one for each director, and a further business loan from the South West Investment Fund. Their mentor, John Whittaker from Access 2 Finance, introduced them to SWIG Finance, who guided the couple through the loan process.

Most of the funding has gone towards the bouldering wall, climbing holds, matting and shoes, with additional investment in practical essentials like the lease deposit, website, card reader, till and refreshments.

Jules praised the support they received. “They were brilliant, we had lots of online meetings and they were extremely supportive,” she said. “It was quite a tricky learning curve for us, but no question was ever a stupid one and we had done business plans and financial forecasts with John, so all the details were there. They were encouraging and excited for us, which was amazing. We have already recommended them to other people.”

Suzy Lowe from SWIG Finance added: “Guy and Julia are a force combined, with the skills and expertise to make this business a great success and attract participation from across the country to the South West. It was a pleasure to understand their passion for launching an amazing facility in Cornwall. Building the loan application was very much a team effort and both were fully on board. This business will be a great asset, and I wish them every success.”