Frequently Asked Questions
About the Climbing Gym

How old do you have to be to climb?

Any person over the age of 4 yrs ages can climb, as long as they have appropriate, well-fitting equipment. Our rental equipment will fit most sizes, but not all: check with us beforehand. Please note that all participants under the age of 16 years must be supervised by an adult. All participants aged 16 and 17 yrs can use the climbing gym without supervision, but they must have a waiver signed by their parents beforehand.

What is belaying?

Belaying is safely securing your partner while she/he is climbing. To belay, you use various gear to control the rope attaching you and your partner.

If I know how to belay, do I have to take a course?

No way! Just drop by during our hours of operation and take a safety test with a staff member. You need to pass a top rope test before taking a lead climbing test.

What is the difference between top-rope and lead climbing?

In top-rope systems, the rope is already fixed through the anchors at the top of the wall. Lead Climbing involves more advanced rope skills where the climber fixes the rope at points as he/she climbs then passes the rope through the anchors at the top.

Once I learn to belay, can I climb outside?

The belay skills we teach are specific to indoor climbing. If you would like to climb outside, we recommend you take an outdoor climbing course led by an ACMG-certified rock guide.