FAQ
You have questions, we have answers!
About Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing Safety
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New Climbers and Visitors
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When should I come if I don’t have any experience or I am a beginner?
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Can I bring a group in during Family Night or Climb Time on the weekends?
For Parents​
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What to Wear, Bring, and Use
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Waivers and Payment
About Rock Climbing
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Why should I include climbing as part of my fitness program?
According to Eric J. Horst, in his Training for Climbing book, rock climbing is unique among sports in that it requires a near-equal balance of mental, technical, and physical ability. So it provides a good all-around work out.
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Doesn’t rock climbing just target the arm muscles?
In addition to offering an anaerobic and aerobic workout, rock climbing exercises almost every muscle group, according to Michelle Hurni, former President of the Colorado-based American Sport Climbers Federation (ASCF).
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Can’t I get the same workout just doing pull-ups?
Pull-ups strictly focus on arm muscles. Rock climbing two or more times a week improves your strength, muscular and cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, mental toughness and balance.
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What is belaying?
Belay means “to hold”. The person managing the rope for a climber is called the Belayer. Our climb staff will provide a Belay Qualifying Class upon request. All belayers must have taken the qualifying class here at The Climbing Place, or demonstrate proficiency to a staff member before acting as a belayer in our facility. Any age can climb, but you have to be 13+ to belay.
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What’s the colored tape?
The colored tapes mark a specific route. The routes vary in degree of difficulty. Each route is graded by a number system in which the higher the number the harder the route. Feel free to ask any staff member to walk you through the facility and explain the different level of routes.
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Who sets the routes?
Our trained staff is responsible for setting routes.
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Will the routes change?
Yes, the routes will change to keep the climbing experience new and fresh. It is a continual process, so there will regularly be new routes to try out at different levels.
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Do I have to climb on the marked route?
No, you do not have to climb on the marked routes. As you continue to climb you may find that following routes adds to the challenge, making your experience more enjoyable.
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Do I need a staff to help me climb on the walls?
There are many aspects of climbing that can be done alone. For example, bouldering. Additionally, when climbing in pairs or groups, qualified belayers will be able to help other climbers. We also have several Auto-Belays which allow you to climb unassisted on certain walls.
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Rock Climbing Safety
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Is climbing safe?
Climbing is as safe as the person that is participating in the activity. Certain types of climbing pose more risk of injury than others. In our gym we work very hard to reduce potential risks, however, total elimination of risk is impossible. Climb smart, practice good climbing safety and chance of injury will be greatly reduced. ​
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How do you know the equipment is safe?
Equipment is inspected regularly. Safety is a high priority in our facility.
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Does the climbing wall have a weight limit?
Our anchor systems can hold thousands of pounds of weight and our holds themselves can bare a great amount of weight. We like to encourage everyone to try rock climbing regardless of physical shape and size. The only equipment in our facility with a weight limit is the Auto-Belay. Recommended Approximate Weight Limit: 250 lbs.
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What kind of training does the climb staff have?
Our climb staff has a large variety of expertise in climbing program management, gym climbing, outdoor climbing, and bouldering. They also go through regular performance evaluations and safety checks. All have personal climbing and belay experience.
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The climber looks bigger than the belayer. How can they hold the climber?
There is a lot of physics at work in climbing and the belay system makes a great use of friction, so a smaller belayer is capable of handling a larger climber. We also have floor anchors to aid in this process. Unless there is an extreme weight difference, there usually is not a problem. If you have any concerns, please be sure to ask a staff member before beginning.
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New Climbers and Visitors
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When should I come if I don’t have any experience or I am a beginner?
Anytime! We always have staff available to get you started.
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Can I bring a group in anytime?
Walk-ins are welcome, but you must make a reservation for your group function (i.e. Birthday Party) to receive the special group rates.
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Does The Climbing Place offer classes?
Yes, we offer classes for all levels. Please check out our Classes page for more information.
For Parents​
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What age does my child have to be to participate?
We are a family friendly facility. Any age is welcome and we believe if you can walk, you can climb. We have areas and routes for even the smallest climbers.
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Can I leave my child/children unattended at The Climbing Place?
The Climbing Place does not provide any form of child care or supervision of children during their visit to our facility. All minors should be accompanied by and supervised by a caregiver age 13+ during their visit to The Climbing Place. All children left unattended are at your own risk.
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What to Wear, Bring, and Use
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What should I wear when climbing?
Loose comfortable clothing works well. Tennis shoes are acceptable for age 12 and under, though we have and do recommend climbing shoes for children. Climbing shoes are required for age 13+.
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What equipment is provided?
The entrance fee covers your climb time. All other equipment is available to rent.
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Can I use my own gear?
Yes. You may use any of your own gear in our facility. For your own safety we only allow the use of professionally manufactured equipment. If you are unsure of the safety of your equipment, please feel free to ask our staff. You should only use gear with good training and knowledge of how to operate that equipment safely.
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Why am I required to wear climbing shoes?
The shoes allow for greater flexibility than street shoes. The climbing shoes are very close fitting and have friction rubber around the soles for much greater traction. Barefoot climbing is not allowed due to safety. Five finger shoes spread your toes apart, giving you less traction and more injuries. For your safety and better function climbing shoes are required.​​​
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Do I have to use chalk when I climb?
No, you do not have to use chalk; however chalk wicks the moisture from your hands and helps to increase friction on the holds. Most beginners do not use chalk immediately; adults will often need chalk more than children because they weigh more. The Climbing Place has plenty of chalk and other chalk related accessories available for rent or purchase.
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Is there somewhere to put our gear and personal belongings?
Yes. We have several tables and chairs in the gym. You may use any of these as you like. We also have limited shelves to put your things. The Climbing Place will not take any responsibility for lost, stolen, or misplaced gear or personal items.
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Can I bring my own food?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink. We ask that all drinks have a screw on lid. All food and drink MUST be kept in the table area and lounge areas. Please, no food and drink on any carpeted areas of the gym or on the climbing mats.
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Waivers and Payment
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Who needs a liability waiver form and what age do I need to be to sign my own form?
Everyone entering our facility will need to fill out our Release of Liability Waiver Form. You will need to be 18 years old to sign your own waiver. Please be sure to bring your driver's license as it will be needed to verify identity. Minors (anyone under the age of 18) will need a parent or legal guardian to complete the online waiver form.
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Are Group/Party deposits refundable?
All deposits are non-refundable if no-show. Cancelations must be made 2 weeks before the event.
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What forms of payment do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards. Checks and of course good 'ole cash.