Welcome New Climbers!
New climbers must learn how to safely spot a boulder
climber and manage the ropes for a top rope climber in a safe/effcient
manner. Failure of climbers to properly spot and/or manage the ropes
can result in personal injury. The "Safety/Belay Lesson"
teaches the proper skills for a safer experience, and is mandatory
for new climbers wanting to top rope climb. Current
Rates.
Top Rope climbing requires that you have a climbing
partner.
Each climber will need:
1) Climbing Pass
2) Gear Rentals (or provide your own climbing gear)
3) Safety/Belay Lesson (first visit only)
*Experienced climbers may challenge a belay test
Please note that if you are under age 18 you MUST
have a parent/ legal guardian signature on your waiver form. Get
Waiver.
FAQS
-
I don't have a climbing partner, what do I do?
In order to use all aspects of the facility you will need a
climbing partner. If you don't have a climbing partner you can
boulder climb solo (see "Bouldering" below). You will
not need the "Safety/Belay Lesson" until you are ready
to top rope.
-
When are the lessons?
Lessons are offered daily at 12:30/3:30/6:30 (see "Top
Roping" below)
- How long does the lesson take?
Lessons usually take 30 - 45 minutes for two to four participants.
Class size is capped at 10 participants, which can take as much
as one and a half hours.
- Is indoor climbing dangerous?
Climbing is dangerous because gravity pulls you down. Falling
from height, into -or- onto something, or landing in an ackward
position can lead to injury. For this reason the safety/belay
lesson teaches you about these dangers and proper safety precautions
so you don't experience them. Climbing invloves athletic ability
to fight gravity in multi-angle terrain. Being in good shape reduces
your risk of strain injuries; climbing to maintain good health
is even better.
What is Bouldering?
Bouldering is climbing, without aid or protection
of gear, either horizontally or to the top of a small rock i.e."boulder",
not to be confused with solo climbing with or without protection.
In the gym this type of climbing is accomplished either
in the "boulder cave" which is designed specifically for
bouldering or in the main room where feet should not go much above
the first panel at 4 ft. Please note that top rope climbers have
right of way.
Rainbow climbing means using all the holds as you
climb. "Boulder Problems" are climbing holds marked by
a color of tape and are used for skill and strength training. The
object of bouldering problems is to start on the inverted "V's"
then twist, finesse, leap, and claw your way to the inverted "T"
at the end of the problem. The Sherman V Scale goes V0- to V15.
Bouldering can provide an excellent endurance work out, it's good
movement training, and there are several bouldering games.
Bouldering is a solo activity requiring only special
climbing shoes and chalk to keep your hands dry. There is no
safety system except your ability to land on your feet (having
a climbing partner to spot you adds a margin of safety).
Always watch your fall zone, it's a good idea to have a spotter
to help keep you from falling on your head or falling out of control.
Do not climb underneath anybody, top roped and lead climbers always
have the right of way. No lesson is required to boulder.
There is no age limit. Use of good judgment and awareness of your
landing zone is critical to your safety.
What is Top Rope Climbing?
Top rope climbing will allow you to climb to the top
of the walls at the gym, and up to about 150 feet outdoors. It involves
climbing on a pre-strung rope attached to a secure anchor system.
Indoors the minimum age to control the ropes for a climber is
13 years, however any age can climb. New climbers start with
a Climbing Pass, Full Gear Rental, an Safety Lesson.
It takes two people to top rope, so bring a trusted
friend. Lesson are offered daily at 12:30, 3:30, 6:30.
Top roped climbing is considered by many to be the
"safest" form of climbing because there is a fairly sophisticated
safety system in place and falling distance is minimal. However,
nothing can replace good rope handling technique(the belay), good
judgment, and paying attention to the climbers needs.
Top rope and lead routes are graded by the Yosemite
Decimal Scale. The ratings vary from 5.0 (easy)(pronounced five-zero)
to 5.15 (really, really HARD) (pronounced five-fifteen). Again,
rainbow climbing is how most climbers start, and can be very challenging
depending on size and spacing of the climbing holds.
What is Lead Climbing?
During lead climbing, the climber will clip their
rope into carabiners as they climb, there by preventing a "ground
fall" (falling to the ground from a height). When the climber
does fall she/he will fall at least twice the distance from their
last clip. For example in the gym the carabiners are set 3 feet
apart making the fall distance approximately 6 feet. The safety/belay
system and method is similar to that of top roped climbing in that
two participants are involved and the belayer is responsible for
managing the ropes with a belay device.
Lead climbing is considered by many to be the truest
form of climbing. Outdoor lead climbing will allow you to climb
thousands of feet up cliff faces. Proper training and gear are essential
to prevent accidents. Check out our climbing
school to learn the skills needed to make the "sky the
limit". |
