Facts Information Page
The Stone Age Rock Gym has 3 options
for climbers under age 12. Options can be combined.
Option 1) We would be happy to have our staff control
the ropes for the climber to top rope at a rate of $12 for 2 climbs.
(see "Top Rope"below)
Option 2) The climber can boulder solo until the
closing hour. (see "Bouldering" below) The climber needs
a Climbing Pass, and Shoe rental. Cost $17.75.
Option 3) The climber can top rope and boulder until
the closing hour. An adult needs to complete a safety/belay course
to manage the safety ropes. The climbers fee is $23.75 (pass and
gear combined). The adult needs to complete a safety course on their
first visit, cost $15. BEST VALUE, USE OF THE FULL FACILITY, EASIEST
& SAFEST FORM OF ROCK CLIMBING!
Please note that if you are under age 18 you
MUST have a parent/ legal guardian signature on your waiver form.
Get Waiver.
FAQS
- When are the 2 top rope climbs for $12 offered?
The Stone Age Staff would be happy to provide this service at
any time providing we have free staff. On busy days there might
be a short time delay.
- How long does a top rope climb take?
The average climb takes 1- 3 minutes.
- Does the adult need the "Introduction to Climbing Package"?
If the adult wants to top rope as well then the adult would pay
for the Introduction to Climbing
Package and not just the Safety/ belay lesson. Note that the
adult would then need a climbing partner. The adult can solo boulder
climb if they lack a climbing partner.
- 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.Climbers age 12 and under
must have an adult control the ropes for them.
It takes two people to top rope, so bring a trusted
friend or inquire about our"Find a Climber Program". Lesson
are offered daily.(WINTER - at 12:30, 3:30, 6:30 SUMMER M-F 5 &
7 p.m. Sat - Sun. 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".
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