Climbing FAQs
What do I need to do the first time I come to climb?
1. You'll need to sign a waiver. For those under 18, a waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian. Want to save some time? Click here to complete an online e-sign waiver ahead of time.
2. We can rent everything you need to get started; we'll get you fitted with shoes and/or a harness.
3. Finally, we'll give you a complimentary orientation to the gym. If you plan to only boulder, you can start climbing right away.
If you’ve never done roped climbing before (or not in a long time) our staff will give you one free belay on your first visit. If you fall in love with roped climbing, you can either hire a belayer or take a belay lesson.
If you are an experienced climber, you can simply take a belay test and then begin climbing.
Can I come by myself?
Absolutely! About half of our wall space is dedicated to bouldering, where you can climb without a rope or a partner. If you want to climb our rope walls, you can hire a belayer or make a new friend by posting a note on our “belay buddies” bulletin board or in our Line group. We also offer one free staff belay per visit with our memberships (all climbing passes except day passes).
Do you have auto-belayers?
No, we do not currently have any auto-belayers. While we may have some in the future, for now we have chosen not to have them for a few reasons:
1. They are expensive (100,000 THB or more each!). We would much rather spend that money expanding our walls, investing in more holds, upgrading our facilities, or hosting more programming.
2. There are no auto-belayers outdoors on real rock. We feel that one of the roles of an indoor climbing gym is to teach climbers the fundamental skills needed for safe outdoor climbing, such as belaying and leading. Climbers only learn those skills when they have an opportunity to practice them.
3. It is difficult to “project” routes on auto-belay. If you are working on route that is hard for you, you will often need to try a particular move more than once. If you fall on an auto-belayer, you will go all the way back to the ground and will need to start the climb again from the beginning. At this point you will likely be too tired to try again. A belay partner, meanwhile, can hold you in the same spot, allowing you rest and try again when you’re ready.
What is the difference between bouldering and roped climbing?
Bouldering and roped climbing are two different styles of rock climbing, although there’s no need to choose just one - many climbers enjoy both!
Bouldering is climbing on shorter walls (<4.5m) without a rope. Climbers are kept safe by large foam pads on the floor to absorb falls. This style of climbing tends to focus on strength and dynamic movement in short bursts. About half of our wall area is for bouldering.
Roped climbing is for taller walls (>5m). Climbers are kept safe by a harness, a rope, and a belayer. This style of climbing tends to focus on endurance and technical movement over longer climbs. More advanced climbers can learn to lead climb, where they bring the rope up with them as they climb. About half of our wall area is dedicated to roped climbing.
Can I bring kids?
Climbing is a fun sport for people of all ages—and kids are often braver than their parents! There is no minimum age for climbing; we have equipment specifically designed to fit tiny bodies. We have a section of wall specifically for our youngest climbers, and we do our best to set fun, kid-friendly routes throughout the gym.
Kids 12 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times to ensure everyone’s safety. Kids can climb our rope walls without taking a belay test, but must be belayed by an adult who has passed a belay test.
Teens must either be under adult supervision or must be able to demonstrate safe climbing behavior and/or pass a belay test in order to climb without supervision.
Are climbing shoes required?
Yes, climbing shoes are required. Street shoes are not allowed on climbing walls or climbing pads, because they get the walls and pads dirty. Climbing in street shoes is also MUCH more difficult - climbing shoes are specifically designed to make climbing easier! Climbing in sandals, socks, or bare feet is not allowed for safety reasons.
We rent shoes of all sizes, from very small kids sizes to very large adult sizes. We can also help you purchase your own shoes from leading brands. If you are renting shoes, wearing socks is recommended, but not required.
What do I need to wear?
Any clothes that don't restrict movement are great. If you will be doing roped climbing, remember that you will be wearing a harness; pick clothes that won’t chafe or bunch around your waist, hips, or thighs. You also want to make sure that you’re not wearing any jewelry or loose clothing that might accidentally get snagged on holds or other equipment.
Do I have to buy a climbing pass if just belaying for my children/spouse/other?
We do not require the purchase of a climbing pass if you are only belaying another paying climber. However, you will still need to sign a waiver and pass a comprehensive belay test. Rental harnesses are available for belayers if the belayer does not own their own.
How hard is rock climbing?
We have climbs for kids and beginners all the way up to experts, so you can always find something easy enough (or hard enough) for you. All of our climbs are clearly marked with a difficulty rating, so you can easily find the climbs that are right for you.
We also regularly reset our walls so that there are always new and exciting climbs for everyone. We have new climbs every week so that the whole gym is new every 6 weeks.
Is rock climbing safe?
As with any sport, it is possible to get injured while climbing. However, we follow industry best practices for keeping climbers safe. Climbing equipment is designed with a very high safety margin - most climbing gear is rated to hold more than 2200 kg! Our walls and our safety equipment are regularly inspected and replaced as needed.
We also provide a free safety orientation to all newcomers to our gym and ensure that all belayers pass a comprehensive belay test. All of our climbing classes focus on safe climbing techniques. We reserve the right to revoke the belay card or climbing pass of persons observed being unsafe.