Getting started at Earth Treks
is easy.
Ready to begin your adventure? Find everything you need here to
prepare for your first climb.
1
PICK A LOCATION
2
LEARN TO CLIMB
3
SIGN OUR WAIVER
1) Pick a Location
Find the Earth Treks climbing gym closest to you. We’re now in three states – and growing.
Got questions? We have answers.
I'm new to climbing. Can I just drop in and start climbing?
With the exception of the waiver form and bouldering orientation video, there is no restriction for someone to just come in and climb. Climbing is a rewarding sport that is enjoyed by all ages and experience levels. But to climb the tall walls with ropes, someone who has passed our Belay Safety Check must belay for you… and of course it’s easier to find a partner if you can belay for them as well.
By taking Introduction to Climbing, you’ll build the necessary skills to pass our Belay Safety Check and start climbing in the gym whenever you want! If you want to get started without a class, check out our weekend Open Climb service. Find a gym near you for class details.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes, All climbers, course participants, individuals operating a rope system and anyone walking on a padded surface must sign Earth Treks’ Waiver with Bouldering and Facility Orientation and watch a Bouldering Orientation Video. Climbers under 18 years of age must have the waiver form and orientations signed by their parent or court-appointed guardian.
How much does it cost?
There are lots of entrance fee options depending on how often you’re climbing. We offer memberships, day passes, 7 visit passes, and monthly passes. Learn more about entrance and gear rental fees at individual gym location pages.
What is belaying?
Belaying is the act of managing a rope to protect a climber. The belayer is there to control the slack in the rope system, catch a climber if they fall and lower them down when they’re finished climbing. It’s a crucial skill to learn and refine, and one of the first skills we teach in our Introduction to Climbing class.
How do I pass the belay check?
The Belay Check is required of anyone tying into or managing the rope climbing system.
The belayer and climber assume all risks in a climbing gym including the risk of injury or death. Before belaying in the gym you must pass a belay competence check. You must demonstrate the required skills to pass (outlined below). We encourage you to ask questions and practice briefly at our belay check station before starting.
Climbers are encouraged to repeat the belay check if needed, but must wait a minimum of one day between attempts. If you do not pass the belay check you can still climb, but you won’t be able to belay or tie knots that day.
The minimum age for belaying is 13.
You can learn all of these required skills (and more) in our Introduction to Climbing course.
As part of your Belay Check, you will be asked to…
- Put on a harness and tie into the harness using a Figure Eight Retrace knot, with a minimum of six inches of tail. A Double Bowline, with a back-up knot, is also acceptable.
- Put the rope “on belay” using an approved belay device.
- Demonstrate pre-climbing checks (including harness and knot checks) and commands.
- Belay (manage the rope) such that a brake hand is maintained on the rope at all times. Catch simulated falls and demonstrate proper lowering technique.
What is bouldering? Do I need experience to try it?
All Earth Treks Climbing Centers have extensive bouldering areas. Bouldering is unroped climbing on shorter walls ranging from 14 to 17 feet high. While you don’t need any previous climbing experience to boulder, to reduce the chance of injury we strongly encourage new climbers to experience roped climbing first.
Bouldering involves increased risks because YOU WILL FALL, and all falls are ground falls that could result in serious injury. Check out the Waiver Form and Bouldering Orientation Video for more info. Introduction to Bouldering is also a great class to get started.
Do I need to be a member and how much does it cost?
No – you do not need to be a member to take advantage of all of the climbing, fitness and yoga activities that Earth Treks has to offer. There are a variety of entrance fee options depending on your needs. We offer memberships, day passes, seven visit passes and monthly memberships. Learn more about entrance and gear rental fees at individual gym location pages.
Do you offer rental gear?
Yes! Each location is fully stocked with rental shoes, harnesses, chalk bags and belay devices. You have the option to rent them separately or save money with the rental package.
Shoes: $6
Harness: $5
Chalk + chalk bag: $2
Belay device: $2
Package – all of the above: $11
What is Open Climb?
An open climb pass includes three climbs, a harness rental, and an Earth Treks instructor to lead your climbing experience. This will give you a great taste of climbing – no experience is necessary!
Standard Open Climb hours are Saturday and Sunday from 9a.m. – 5p.m. Each Earth Treks gym also offers special holiday open climb hours. Find your gym to get more information on an Open Climb near to you!