There are always lots of questions when it comes to rock climbing. The frequently asked questions below may answer what you’ve already been thinking. If it’s not here, drop us a line below so we can answer your questions.
How safe is rock climbing?
When done correctly, indoor rock climbing is very safe. We have specific rules around belaying techniques and bouldering standards to ensure that you are safe. A friendly staff member will show you how to belay and boulder properly when you come in to climb with us for the first time. We require anyone looking to lead climb at our gyms to go through either a lead course or a skill assessment to obtain a lead pass.
Do I need a partner for climbing?
You will only need a partner if you want to do top-rope climbing. If you don’t have a partner, you can check out our bouldering area or look into coming to one of our social nights.
How do I make a booking?
Groups of less than 10 are welcome to show up without a booking.
If you do need to book in, you have a few options.
- If talking is your thing, feel free to call us.
- If you like to talk face-to-face, you are welcome to head to our gym during opening hours and have a chat with a friendly staff member.
What age restrictions are there on climbing?
Anyone of any age can climb if they are willing! We have a full body harnesses at each gym for those little kids that you can’t stop from climbing the walls. Children under ten years of age can climb, but are not allowed to belay another climber.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The lower floor and party area are wheelchair accessible. There is no elevator to access the upstairs bouldering cave. There is no designated handicap parking. Bathrooms are narrow.
What’s the best clothing for climbing?
Tights, leggings, loose pants, jeans or shorts are fine. Closed-toe shoes are a must, and for comfort’s sake we recommend that no one wears dresses or skirts while climbing. Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.
How often do you change your climbing routes?
Our experienced setters reset our walls every 2-4 weeks. If we reset too quickly, we begin to wipe out people’s projects before they have finished them, and if we move too slow, the holds can become slippery. It can be a fine balance sometimes, but we endeavour to try and find a good middle ground.
I’m an experienced climber, do I have to go through the belay lesson?
Yes, everyone must go through a belay lesson on their first visit to our gyms. Like any climbing gym in Australia, we have our own waiver forms and we have a belay technique tailored to our equipment. Like most sports, the equipment has advanced and with that comes new techniques to learn (most of them easier than 20 years ago!). Once you have been taken through our belay lesson, you are welcome to explore the gym and its climbs at your leisure.
Are there any restrictions with bouldering at your gyms?
Our gym has a strict 16+ years old to boulder in the upstairs area without adult supervision. This is due to how it isn’t within eyesight of the staff at all times. Birthday parties and school group bookings are not permitted to use the bouldering area during their visit.
Our staff reserve the right to close off the bouldering area if they feel it is not being used safely.
What gear do I need to rent?
You only need to rent the harness if you don’t have your own. Climbing shoes and chalk are optional. We caution against using harnesses that are more than six years old.
Can I climb barefoot?
No. We ask that all children and adults climb in either closed-toe shoes or climbing shoes. Shoes must also be worn at all times, even when not climbing.
Do I have to fill in the waiver form every time I visit?
You only need to fill out our digital waiver form the first time you visit, and then once every 3 years when it expires.
Can I lead climb at your gym if I am experienced/have lead climbed at another gym?
No. We completely believe that you are capable and confident climbers, however, like most gyms we have our own risk assessments that must be abided by. Email us at canrocknorth@iinet.net.au, and we will schedule a time for you to come in and get checked off for lead climbing by one of our experienced staff members. If you pass the test, you will receive a lead pass that you must show to our staff before leading in our gyms.
Can I lead without doing the lead course?
While we would recommend the lead course, we also understand that for someone that has been leading for several years that you might not want to spend the money learning something you already know. For this reason we do offer — by bookings only — the option to be ticked off to lead in our gyms by an experienced lead climbing staff member. Contact us at canrocknorth@iinet.net.au to book in a time to come get checked off.
I would like a refund.
Due to the nature of the services and products we supply, we only offer refunds in rare circumstances. Read our complete refund and return policy to learn more about what options are available.
Need another questioned answered?
Jump over to our contact page, leave your question, and we’ll get back to you.
