climbing
We offer three different types of indoor rock climbing. Each one requires different sets of equipment, knowledge and experience.
bouldering
Climbing on short walls without ropes and harnesses. Instead, you're protected by thick mats underneath you.
top rope
Climbing tall walls with the security of a rope and harness. Top roping requires a properly trained and tested belayer to work the ropes on the ground.
lead
Only for the most experienced climbers. Lead climbers must schedule and pass our Lead Climbing & Belay Test, and must provide their own ropes and Grigris.
First Visit
Whether you're ready to try indoor climbing or you've been doing it forever and visiting us for the first time, there are some things you need to know to make your first visit the best it can be. You might need to fill out paperwork, schedule a lesson or booking, and/or organize some supervisors if you're coming with kids. Follow this guide and we'll get you climbing in no time!
Waiver
To enter any climbing area as a climber or spectator, you will need to have a current waiver on file at Climber's Rock. Adults 18 years and older can fill out their own waiver at anytime, but those under 18 years old must have their waiver completed and signed by their own parent or court-appointed legal guardian. We are frequently asked if older siblings, family friends, aunts/uncles, grandparents, etc. can fill out the waivers on a minor's behalf: unfortunately, the answer is no. Waivers stay active in our system for two years before needing to be renewed. Save time and paper by filling out your waivers online by clicking the big, orange button below:
All of our walls are self-serve: if you want to use them, you need to know how! Our rope walls require you take a lesson, or pass a test to prove you've already got the necessary skills. Check out Lessons & Tests (below) to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Booking a lesson isn't an option? Our bouldering walls are open to everyone without any lessons or tests. Our staff will give you a short orientation so you know how the walls work, and you can start climbing right away!
Lessons & Tests
We offer a variety of classes and tests to get you on our walls as quickly as possible. If you're a beginner, sign up for a class to learn the ropes. If you "crush" (are strong), know what's up and you're visiting us for the first time, skip the lesson and arrange for a test to get yourself certified.
Top Rope Belay Lesson $12
Ages 14 and up
1.5 hours
Advanced booking required
Includes rental harness
Our Top Rope Belay Lesson teaches you everything you need to know for top roping at Climber's Rock. Students will learn to wear our rental harnesses properly, to tie a figure 8, figure 8 follow-through and stopper knots, and how to top rope belay with a Petzl Grigri. We also explain how climbs are organized at Climber's Rock, how to use our auto-belays, and how to use our boulder walls.
New climbers are welcome to enjoy the walls and practice their new skills by purchasing a Day Pass or Membership when the lesson is complete. The lesson is also great for parents who prefer to keep their feet on the ground and only want to work the ropes for their kids.
Upon your next visit, you will need to pass our Top Rope Belay Test to be recognized as Belay Certified at Climber's Rock.
Top Rope Belay Test
Free with day pass or membership
Ages 14 and up
5-10 minutes
No booking required
Visitors must take the test with a willing partner
Visitors must pass our Top Rope Belay Test before belaying at Climber's Rock. To pass, you'll need to properly wear and inspect your harness, tie and inspect figure 8, figure 8 follow-through, and stopper knots, and properly belay and lower your climber using a Petzl Grigri. Figure 8 knots are not pre-tied, and Grigris must be attached to the belayer's harness. Passing this test permits you to belay at Climber's Rock. This certification is not transferable to other climbing gyms.
If you're unfamiliar with any of the concepts mentioned above, book a Top Rope Belay Lesson to get yourself up to speed.
Lead Climbing & Belay Course
Ages 14 and up
Must be able to flash 5.10
Must be Top Rope Belay Certified at Climber's Rock
2 classes, 3 hours each
Personal equipment required
This course is for advanced climbers who want to learn the basics of indoor lead climbing & belaying. In the first class, students will learn rope handling and clipping techniques, and how to identify and fix dangerous climbing situations. The second class focuses on lead belaying, catching and taking lead falls, and gaining practical experience in different climbing scenarios.
Lead Climbing & Belay Test
Ages 14 and up
20-30 minutes
Advanced booking required
Visitors must take the test with a willing partner
Visitors must pass our Lead Climbing & Belay Test before leading at Climber's Rock. You must provide your own harnesses, climbing shoes, Grigri, caribiner, and dynamic rope - Climber's Rock does not provide ropes or Grigris. To pass, you'll need to properly wear and inspect your harness, tie and inspect figure 8, figure 8 followthrough, and stopper knots, and properly belay, lower, and catch your climber on a fall using a Petzl Grigri. You will also need to climb to demonstrate your understanding of clipping (including back-clips and Z-clips), body positioning around the rope, and taking a fall. Passing this test permits you to lead climb and belay at Climber's Rock. This certification is not transferable to other climbing gyms.
If you're unfamiliar with any of the concepts mentioned above, schedule a Lead Climbing & Belay Course to get yourself up to speed.
please contact lead @ climbersrock dot com to schedule your test
Kids
If they can climb a tree, they can climb a wall! We're constantly setting climbs with kids age 4+ in mind, so you'll never have trouble finding boulders or climbs to keep them busy on.
Parents can also take our Belay Lesson and bring in their kids for Top Roping. If that isn't an option, check out our various Academy programs to get your child involved with our awesome instructors and coaches.
Gear Checklist
We've got most climbing gear available for rent, so here's the important stuff you'll need to bring from home:
comfortable clothes that don't limit your range of motion (our gym is air-conditioned)
refillable water bottle (no glass allowed)
hair elastics to keep long hair away from equipment
Lead climbing? Make sure you have your own rope and Grigri - we don't provide rental ropes or Grigris. The nearest place to buy climbing equipment is MEC Burlington - just 10 minutes away.
Any other questions?
If our website hasn't answered all your questions about climbing at CR, get in touch with our living, breathing staff via our contact page.