FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Bouldering is rock climbing, without using ropes or harnesses, on climbs that don’t go too high off the ground. Most of our boulders will be between thirteen to sixteen feet tall.  Outside, boulderers move small mats and pads under the climbs. In our gym, the entire floor will be a giant, squishy pad.

Boulder routes are commonly referred to as problems (a British appellation) because the nature of the climbs are often short, inspire curiosity, and require problem solving. They consist of a series of carefully-placed holds which you climb from start to finish.

Problems can be easy or really really hard. That’s what makes it fun!

Yes!! You don’t need any prior experience to have a great time bouldering. There will be boulders for everyone, from younger to older climbers and from beginner to advanced climbers. 

If you are new to the sport and want more support getting started, we will have several classes that will help you understand the basics of climbing movement and technique.

We have a small section of auto belays in our upstairs youth room. They are about 22 ft high. If you are interested in climbing on our auto-belays you will need to bring your own harness or rent one from us (harness rentals are free for members). You will have to take a class to learn how to use the auto-belays. Once you are certified, you can use them at any time (unless there is a party or event taking place). 

Kids between the ages of 4 and 13 can get auto-belay certified but they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who also plans on taking the class and getting certified.  Kids 4 -13 can only get clipped and out of the auto belays by a certified parent/guardian. The minimum age for auto-belay use is 4 years old.

The only thing you need to boulder is a pair of climbing shoes and chalk (to keep your hands dry). Technically you don’t need chalk but many climbers use it and we highly recommend it. Bring your own shoes and chalk bag (no loose chalk) or rent them from us. 

Everyone must wear climbing shoes while climbing (barefoot climbing isn’t allowed). The only exception is children whose feet are too small to comfortably or safely use our rental shoes. In this case, they can use close toed shoes. 

And if you want to climb the auto-belays you will also need a harness.

Take a look at our class schedule! Currently we offer Intro to Bouldering, Auto Belay Class/Certification and a bouldering progression series where you can learn more about the fundamentals of basic climbing movement, safety and technique. 

Over the summer, we have summer camps and during the school year, we offer a variety of youth programs. 

We also have climbing teams for kids ages 9-18. Go under the youth tab to learn more!

The best places to put your stuff are the cubbies along the walls and cubby benches near the windows upstairs and along the divider wall downstairs. You can use the lockers in the locker rooms to store your stuff but you will need to bring your own lock

Yes we will have disinfectant wipes that you can use to wipe down fitness equipment and hand sanitizer is located in various locations throughout the gym. In the yoga studio, there is a spray bottle with disinfectant and micro fiber towels to wipe down mats and blocks. 

Your child must be 14 or older to climb without parental supervision. Your child must also be 14 and older to use the auto belays without parental supervision.

All children under 14 must take the auto-belay class with a parent. If the parents gains their certification, they can assist their children (who have also taken the class) with using auto belay. The minimum age for auto belay use is 4 years old.