Indoor Rock Climbing Tips: Gym Rules & Regulations

Typically, there’s bouldering and rope climbing… you use pads for bouldering and stay out of the way of the climbers. On the rope side, there may be a line that shows how high you can go without a rope- you can boulder and traverse up to that line as long as you’re not getting in the way of other climbers.

Video info: Learn about rock climbing gym rules with expert tips for indoor rock climbing in this free rock climbing video lesson.

Expert: Hal Thureson
Bio: Hal Thureson is part owner of Vertical Ventures, one of the largest indoor rock climbing gyms in the southeast.
Filmmaker: Bob Hunt

Here are some tips on your average  rock climbing gym’s rules…

Equipment:
> Harnesses must be commercial products designed for climbing. Rescue, tree and fire equipment is not permitted.
> Helmets are available on request. Climbers may also use their own helmets. All helmets must be CE or UIAA
approved climbing helmets. Non-climbing helmets, such as bicycle or ski helmets, are not permitted.
> Gri-gri’s are only permitted for advanced climbers with lead certification.

Shoes must be worn. No barefoot climbing, open-toed sandals, hiking boots or hard soled shoes.

No climbing with personal stereos, iPods, etc.

No teaching or instruction except by staff.

Water in “sport bottles” is allowed in the climbing area. No other food, drinks or gum are allowed on the padded landing surface.

Drugs, alcohol or objectionable language are not permitted. We are a PG-13 facility. Offenders may be removed without refund.

Bouldering

Boulderers must take responsibility for not climbing beyond their ability, ensuring their own safety and the safety of others in the bouldering area.

1. Bouldering is only allowed in the bouldering area.

2. Bouldering with harnesses is not permitted.

3. Never boulder underneath anybody else.

4. Small mats should be positioned over the spaces between the large colored mats. Never move mats when someone is climbing.

5. Topping out is only allowed using the marked routes. Any climber attempting to top out requires a spotter. Only 1 top out attempt is allowed at a time.

6. Climbers are responsible for appointing their own spotters.

7. Climbers should always assess their comfort level in spotting another climber, or in being spotted. Nobody is ever obligated to spot!

Indoor Climbing Etiquette

1. Climbers are encouraged to stretch and loosen or warm up prior to climbing.

2. Please avoid stepping on the ropes.

3. Climb Safe!! All climbers must use a belayer-check-climber and climber-check-belayer system before every climb.
Check each other’s harness, knot, belay device and anchor.

4. Climb Safe!! Always use standard climbing commands:
“On belay?” “Belay on!” “Climbing?” “Climb on!”

5. Climbers should never climb faster than the belayer can keep the rope secure. The belayer should let them know if they need to slow down.

6. Please stay on line, on route and avoid crossing other ropes. Climbers should never climb directly above or below others on the wall.

7. Remove all jewelry, watches, keys, etc. These objects can cause injury and break. They are also bad for the crash pads!

8. Don’t bogart that rope! If you and you partner have climbed the route, give the rope to those waiting.

9. Keep your eyes open! We encourage experienced climbers to help nOObs.

Kid’s Climbing Rules & Etiquette

1. Swinging from the ropes or pulling them is never permitted.

2. No one under age 14 is allowed in the bouldering area unless participating in a program.

3. Running and unsupervised roaming are not permitted. This rule will be strictly enforced.

4. No food or drinks. Water in “sport bottles” is allowed in the main area.

5. Please use your “indoor voice” in the main climbing area.

6. No horseplay in the main area. Moderate horseplay in the Training Center is expected!

7. When climbing in the main area please exercise restraint in selecting routes. If other climbers are waiting and the climber can’t make the climb in a couple attempts please move on to another route.