Frequently asked Questions
Have some questions about climbing?
I've never climbed before, can I try climbing?
Absolutely! During your first visit, you will be able to spend time top roping or using any of our auto-belays. If you find yourself enjoying climbing, sign up for a belay lesson and learn how to get on the ropes on your own.
What is belaying?
Belaying is what the person on the ground is doing to keep the climber safe. They are making sure the rope goes up with the climber so in the event of a fall, the climber is caught by the rope and the counter weight of the belayer.
What do I need to do to be able to belay?
In order to belay in our facility, you must pass a belay test. This test covers putting on a harness, tying a figure eight, setting up a belay device, communication, lowering, and arresting a fall. If you know how to belay, you can take the test. If not, we encourage you to sign up for a belay lesson.
What is an auto-belay?
An auto-belay is a great tool to climb on your own. No experience necessary, we’ll show you how to use it during your facility orientation. Children under 13 need to be supervised on the auto-belays by an adult who has done an orientation.
I used to climb, but its been a few years. Can you give me a quick refresher on belaying?
Because safety is crucial when belaying, a quick refresher is often not enough to be confident that you have committed the skill to long term memory, so we do not offer "quick refreshers". If you are at all hesitant, sign up for a belay lesson. It’s better to be fully confident when you have your friends on the other end of the rope!
I am belay certified at another facility, can I belay at The arch?
All climbing gyms will ask you to do their own belay test and we are no different. You will need to pass a belay test at our facility in order to belay here. You do not need to learn how to belay here, but you do need to pass our belay test.
Do you offer rentals?
Yes, The Arch offers rentals for harnesses, shoes, and belay devices (both ATC's and GriGri's). Rentals are included in cost of drop-in and programs.
Do I have to sign a waiver?
All participants must fill out a waiver before entering the climbing area. Everyone who comes into the gym who is under 18 years of age will need to have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Our waiver can be filled out ahead of time online to save time at the gym.
Can my kids come climbing?
Yes! We have routes for all ages, most kids can start as young as 4. If your child is 3-4, you can always come in and look around and judge for yourself if they are ready to get started.
Can I drop my kids off for the day?
Kids under 13 years old require constant adult supervision and will require an adult to come in to manage the ropes and/or autobelays for them. Depending upon their maturity level we can show kids (13 yrs. and older) how to manage the auto belays on their own. Due to the seriousness of climbing we cannot allow any horseplay or running around in the facility. Our permitted adult to child ratio is 1:2.
What should I wear to go climbing?
We suggest you wear comfortable non-restrictive clothing to climb, and clean non-marking indoor shoes are required to climb here. We do not allow bare-feet or socks, and we recommend tying long hair back to ensure it does not become tangled in equipment. If you plan on renting climbing shoes, we do require you to wear socks in them. Bring some water, its hard work!
Do you Offer Birthday parties?
We do! You can book and find information here .
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