Getting Started

  Welcome to TRC!  Is this your first visit to a climbing gym?

Or your first visit to The Rock Club?

If so, PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY! to find out how.

It’s important to understand that The Rock Club is a sport climbing facility and not an amusement center, although it is great for kids of all ages.

We offer “open climbing” on a walk-in basis to qualified climbers.

“Qualified” means having the skills necessary to properly manage the ropes.  This is called “belaying.” (the process of managing the safety rope).  Such climbers are free to climb whenever they want, without a reservation.

Every climber at TRC requires a belayer.

The belayer may be a friend, a family member or a member of our staff.  But, without a belayer lined up, you are not going to be able to climb!

OK, so how do I get started if I’m a new climber and need a belayer?

If you’ve never climbed before or you can’t belay, you have two options:

1. Rent-a-Belayer - the best way to try climbing for the first time

TRC provides staff belayers by appointment, typically for 1-hour climbing sessions.  For all pricing and the nuts n’bolts on renting a staff belayer, just click HERE or on the “Rent-A-Belayer” button on the left-hand sidebar.

Our belayers are specially trained to work with first-time climbers and make sure everyone is having a great time. To ensure the best climbing experience we limit the number of belayers on the floor at any time. If you want to rent a belayer it’s best to put together a small group of 3 or 4 climbers. Everyone get plenty of climbing while time for the little rests they need to climb their best. This also spreads the cost of the belayer over more climbers.

Belayers are available on Friday afternoons and weekends by appointment only. Spots fill up fast and belayer availability is limited. Avoid disappointment! It’s advisable to book several days in advance. Please call to discuss the specifics of your visit so we can arrange staffing.

2. Learning Belay Skills - the fast track to becoming a certified climber

Although belaying isn’t hard, it needs to become automatic and that takes some practice. We’ll help you every step of the way. To be eligible to belay in the gym, you must be 14 years of age and pass our belay test. If you’re already trained to belay, you can simply take the test. The best way to learn is to take our beginner course:

Intro to Climbing & Belaying (101 Class)

If you’re 12 or 13 years old you can learn to belay early in our Club Rock junior program. It’s a great way to get into climbing and meet new friends. Click here for more information.

Still Have Questions?
Have a look at our First Timers FAQ. Or just give us a call.

VERY IMPORTANT!

All climbers MUST have a waiver completed before they can participate in any activities. Climbers under the age of 18 must have a waiver completed by their parent or guardian.  Download our waiver here.