Rules, Safety & Etiquette

CLIMBING GYM ETIQUETTE:

  • Be aware of other climbers. Take turns when climbing in areas that are highly trafficked, on routes that cross paths, or on routes with intersecting fall zones.
  • Whoever starts their climb first has the right-of-way on the climbing wall. If you become aware of a conflict, someone needs to yield.
  • It’s natural to want to share ideas. You may feel a strong desire to offer beta (advice) to someone climbing. If so, consider first asking if they would like to receive it. Sometimes people enjoy the challenge of problem solving and the joy of unlocking sequences on their own, while other times they will gladly accept your offerings.
  • If bouldering, please place your chalk bags and buckets on the ground (and out of fall zones) as opposed to tossing them. Also, try to dust your hands with chalk inside of a chalk bag or chalk pot in order to contain as much excess chalk as possible.
  • If you use a brush poll, store it in a safe, landing-zone-free space without making it a trip hazard. Preferably, off the pad, or tucked flush against the base of the wall.
  • If you tick holds with chalk, brush them off when you leave. Tick marks are like silent beta, and other climbers may not want your ticks present when they work the problem.
  • If you are not on the wall or reviewing a problem, please enjoy your time off the pads, perhaps in a chair, or near the pad edges. This is to help guarantee safe landing zones and extended pad lifespans.
  • Wear closed toe shoes and keep climbing shoes off restroom floors. Other climbers don’t want to grab where your feet have been or the residue from restroom floors. Think about it.

YOGA & FITNESS ETIQUETTE:

  • Please use provided rags and sprays to clean mats and other equipment after use.
  • Kindly return yoga mats, bolsters, and blocks to their storage locations.
  • If others are waiting on a machine or equipment you are using, please limit usage to 30 minutes.

BOULDERING ORIENTATION

Please read the following carefully. This bouldering orientation is extremely important for your safety and the safety of other climbers. Ask a staff member if you would like guidance about any of the following.

FALL ZONES & GENERAL BOULDERING AWARENESS:

  • A fall zone is the area where someone currently climbing could fall.
  • Fall zones are generally defined by an imaginary 6-10 ft radius around every climber on the wall.
  • Since climbers are constantly moving, fall zones are always changing. Your awareness of them is vital to your safety and everyone else’s.
  • Climbers are focused on climbing and cannot be expected to be aware of what’s below them. Don’t walk through an active fall zone. If they fall, you can both be injured. Wait for the other climber to finish climbing before you walk through, otherwise walk around.
  • Don’t climb over someone. If you fall, you can both be injured.
  • If you notice someone walking inside your fall zone or someone else’s, notify them to move out of it immediately.
  • The climbing wall terrain is always changing. Be aware of climbing holds and other features that may extend down from the wall. Take precautions to avoid walking into or standing up into any of these.
  • Using headphones or earbuds means you may not be able to hear others who may be trying to communicate with you. Please make sure the volume is low enough, so you can hear what is going on around you.
  • If you see anyone doing anything dangerous, let them (or us) know!

FALLING:

  • It is most likely that you will fall at some point in your use of the gym.
  • Know your body’s abilities and what impacts you can sustain. Climb inside of your comfort zone.
  • As you ascend the wall, anticipate falling and how you will react. Practice falling from increasing heights until you are comfortable falling from any elevation.
  • If you ever feel uncomfortable falling, downclimb to a level where you are comfortable using any hold available. Nearby downclimb jugs are also available.
  • Every climbing facility’s padded surfaces are unique. Even if you are an experienced climber, take the necessary time to acquaint yourself with our padding in order to understand the stiffness and how it reacts when falling from different heights.
  • Before you start your climb, be sure that the area underneath is clear from other people, chalk bags, bottles, brush poles, etc.
  • When falling, DO NOT attempt to catch yourself on your feet, like a gymnast’s finish. While impressive in appearance, the padded surfaces do not offer reliable terrain and put your ankles and back at great risk…
  • … instead, tuck and tumble, distributing the impact over as much protected surface area of your body and over as much distance/time as possible. Like a ninja!