Here we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions for your convenience. Hopefully you will be able to find an answer to your question here.
If you have any other questions
not listed below, please feel free to email us at webmaster@elevatorrock.com.
1. I am an adult (15 years or older). How do I get started?
You will have to come by to go through a belay class with one of our certified instructors. You will need to have an adult with you to sign the waiver if you are under 18; however you are not required to have the adult stay with you in order to climb if you are over 15 years old.
2. I have a family with kids. How do I get started?
If you do not have any climbing experience, you will need to take a belay class to get the most from your visit to the gym. Our instructors will teach you the correct techniques to get the most out of your climbing experience.
The belayer is the person on the ground holding the safety end of the rope for the climber. It is the belayer’s job to belay, i.e. stop the fall of the climber, take out the slack, and lower the climber safely to the ground.
Rappelling and climbing are two completely different sports. Rappellers descend the rope by using their own power, while climbers rely on their belayer to take the slack out of the system, stop a fall, and lower them back to the ground.
5. If I take a belay class, do I have to climb or can I just belay?
No, you don't have to climb if you don't want to. Many people come in just to belay for their children or friends.
6. Do you host birthday parties?
Yes, we do. You can find information on our birthday party package here.
7. I have a group of adults or adults and children, what can we do?
Some or all of the people in the group would be required to take a class. The class would teach everyone how to belay and use the equipment so they could use the facility on their own. If people in the group have been to Elevator Rock before and know how to belay or some don't want to take the class and just climb, they could climb on their own.
8. I have climbed outdoors or at other gyms. What do I need to do to climb at your facility?
If you have climbed before, you need to take a belay test to climb in the gym. You would need to demonstrate proper belay technique with an grigri style belay device, and demonstrate proper use of climbing commands and safety checks. After the belay check and orientation you would be free to use the facility. You can find daily fees and rental rates here.
9. I have never climbed before and don't want to take a class. Is there anything I can do?
If you don't have any belaying experience and you aren't interested in taking a class, you can traverse or boulder (climb low to the ground). With these types of climbing your hands never go above 8 to 10 feet.
10. Do I need to come with a partner to climb or take a class?
No, you don't have to have a partner when you come in. If you're coming in to climb there are usually other climbers around so it's pretty easy to find someone to share belays with.
11. What is top rope climbing?
Top rope climbing is the only style of climbing that is practiced at Elevator Rock. With this type of rock climbing (common indoors at climbing gyms) the rope is connected to the top of the route.
The best thing to wear is something comfortable you can easily move around in. Sweat pants or shorts work well and are nice because the temperature inside the gym can fluctuate depending on the season. If you don't plan to use climbing shoes, tennis shoes or any shoes that fit fairly snug will suffice.
13. What types of shoes are required?
Street shoes are allowed in the gym, but it is recommended that you use climbing shoes. Climbing shoes are more form fitting and allow you to feel the wall with more accuracy.
14. What equipment is involved?
Climbing at Elevator Rock involves ropes, harnesses, carabiners,
climbing shoes (optional), grigris (belay devices), and hand chalk (optional).
