New Visitors
So you think you might want to try climbing, but you're not sure how to begin? Here is a basic rundown of a lot of the questions that we hear.
What is belaying?
Belaying is the technique of controlling the rope so that a climber does not fall far. The belayer is at the opposite end of the rope as the climber on top rope. The gym does not provide staff belayers. Instead, we train and certify everyone who is over 13 to belay each other. That way you spend more time on the wall rather than waiting for a belayer.
How do I learn how to belay?
We have a free belay certification class every hour from 4pm to 8pm. Just drop by the front desk and ask when the next class is so that you can join.
How old do you have to be to climb?
For the boulder; no younger than 12. Since bouldering has no ropes for fall protection, it is reserved for more mature climbers, who understand the risks associated with the sport. For our high walls we recommend 5 years old, in some cases a child younger than that can fit in our children’s full body harness. Our adult harnesses fit up to a 40 inch waist.
What does the team “bouldering” mean?
Bouldering is a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope and normally limited to very short climbs over a crash pad (sometimes called a bouldering mat) so that a fall will not result in serious injury.
Can I climb if I don’t have a climbing partner?
Yes. As well as a high wall, we also have a 2500 square foot boulder that is 12 feet in height that you can climb by yourself. We do recommend that you find another boulderer to spot you while you climb. Proper spotting technique can be learned very quickly.
How old do I have to be to belay?
You must be at least 14 years old to belay.
Where can I find a copy of your liability of release waiver?
Click here to download a copy.
What should I wear to come and climb?
Most people wear athletic gear. Comfortable clothing that will not inhibit your movement. Tights, sweats, long shorts, t-shirts and tank tops all work great.
I’ve heard the word “problem” used. Does that mean that there’s something wrong with the climbing walls?
No. There is nothing wrong with the climbing here at The Ascent. The term “problem” refers to boulder routes. They are called problems instead because the nature of the climb is often short, curious, and much like problem solving.
How can I tell the difference between and easy route and a hard one?
For the boulder there are 4 different levels of difficulty. We use the R.I.A.O. system. R is for Recreational which is are beginners problems, (those are the easy ones). I stands for Intermediate which is the next step up from Recreational, just past that is A which stands for Advanced and O is for Open (which are the hardest problems).
On the high wall we use the Yosemite Decimal System. The ratings can vary between 5.0 (very, very easy) to 5.15 (ridiculously hard). Any climb past 5.10 there may also be letter grades (a trough d) to use further subdivision for each route (i.e. 5.12b or 5.10d).
Routes are color-coded with tape next to the holds that are included on each route.
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