Please continue to return to this page for more updates.
March 16th, 2022 Update
Unfortunately it appears that COVID-19 is present and spreading in our gyms. We now have a number of staff who are COVID positive or feeling unwell and waiting on test results. As well, we are receiving frequent messages from families in our programs that their kids have tested positive and are isolating after attending our classes. Most of the positive cases are happening at Mitchell, but Hume has a few as well.
At this stage we are still managing, but we are short-staffed, and if COVID continues to spread among our staff, we will struggle to remain fully operational.
We wanted to give our community a heads up that on short notice, we may need to:
- Open our gyms late or close earlier than our regular hours
- Close our gyms for a day or more
- Cancel scheduled classes and private lessons
- Cancel larger bookings (20+ people)
We will do our best to keep the community updated with any sudden changes here on our COVID-19 update page and also on social media.
If a class is cancelled, we will contact participants directly via email with as much notice as we can. As well, we will either A) offer a date for a make-up lesson or B) if a make-up lesson is not possible for us to schedule, offer credit for the value of the class(es) we cancel. We understand if, given this information, you do not feel comfortable attending class and choose to stay home. However, keep in mind that we will only be able to offer make-ups/credits for classes that we are forced to cancel.
At this time what we need most from our community is patience and understanding. This is incredibly difficult for a small business like us to navigate, and simply hiring new short-term staff is not a sustainable or fair solution. As well, some of our staff who have recovered from COVID and have returned are still experiencing both mental and physical “long” COVID symptoms that make it difficult for us to work at our usual pace.
We encourage everyone to do their best to follow COVID safe practices while they are in our gyms. While masks are not currently required indoors in the ACT, we do recommend continuing to wear them, as well as observing social distancing and frequently sanitising/washing your hands. As well, you can check our weekly schedule to see when we have bookings and classes in, so you can avoid climbing at busier times.
Please get tested even if you have only minor symptoms. You can find more information about testing, symptoms, contact risk, and isolation rules here: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/stay-safe-and-healthy/symptoms-and-getting-tested
March 15th, 2022 Update
We recommend that anyone who attended the Mitchell gym on Friday, March 11th should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested if you have even minor symptoms.
Unfortunately, a large number of our students who attended classes on Friday between 4pm and 7pm, as well as one of our staff who coaches regularly on Fridays, have tested positive over the weekend and early this week.
We wish everyone who has tested positive a speedy recovery.
Please refer to the ACT COVID-19 website for advise on testing, symptoms, contact risk, and isolation rules. https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/stay-safe-and-healthy/symptoms-and-getting-tested
February 24th, 2022 Update
From 6pm Friday, February 25th, in accordance with ACT Government guidelines, wearing masks will no longer be mandatory. Customers and staff may continue to wear masks if they wish to do so.
Wearing masks will be mandatory for everyone 12 years old and older through 5:59pm Friday, February 25th, and we appreciate your continued compliance with COVID-19 safety restrictions.
As well, we no longer have capacity restrictions at our gyms, including zone capacities that limits the number of people that can be in a specific part of the gym at one time (for example, 2 people in the kitchen or 15 people in the bouldering area). We still encourage people to socially distance where possible.
We still require or recommend the following:
- Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.
- We recommend arriving in the clothes you intend to climb in and avoid changing in the gyms.
- We recommend minimising the number of personal belongings you bring to the gyms, and storing them in one bag.
- We would appreciate it if you stashed your belongings in the designated areas, rather than leaving them on the tables and floor.
- As much as possible, we recommend using your own equipment. Avoid sharing equipment with other climbers, and avoid renting gym equipment. We do still have rentals available.
- We recommend not sitting on the floor or touching the floor with anything else besides your (shoed) feet. If you would like to stretch or work out, you can request a yoga mat from our staff.
- Please let staff know when you’re done using shared training/workout equipment so we can clean it.
February 10th, 2022 Update
From open of business on Saturday, February 12th, in accordance with ACT Government guidelines, checking in using the CBR Check-In App will no longer be mandatory at our gyms.
We will continue to display the QR codes at our gyms, and we encourage people to keep checking in using the app if they still wish to do so. However, it will no longer be a requirement for entry.
Checking in on the app will be mandatory through close of business on Friday, February 11th.
At this time, all other COVID-related rules and restrictions at our gyms will be remaining the same.
- Face masks are required. They may be removed while eating, drinking, and exercising/climbing, but should stay on at all other times, including while belaying and resting between climbs.
- Please arrive in the clothes you intend to climb in and avoid changing in the gyms.
- Remain socially distanced from others in the gym as much as possible. There should be at least one empty rope between you and other climbers.
- Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.
- Please minimise the number of personal belongings you bring to the gyms, and store them in one bag.
- Stash your belongings in the designated areas, rather than leaving them on the tables and floor.
- As much as possible, use your own equipment. Avoid sharing equipment with other climbers, and avoid renting gym equipment. We do still have rentals available that are sanitised after each use.
- Please avoid sitting on the floor or touching the floor with anything else besides your (shoed) feet. If you would like to stretch or work out, you can request a yoga mat from our staff.
- Please let staff know when you’re done using shared training/workout equipment so we can clean it.
January 6th, 2021 Update
In accordance with ACT Health guidelines, we no longer need to cap birthday party bookings at 20 people, and can welcome larger party bookings.
We will continue to take only one party booking at a time at each of our facilities, avoiding overlap between bookings. This means if the time you request has already been booked by another party, you will need to select a different time.
Read more about booking requirements on our Make A Booking page.
December 21st, 2021 Update
Masks are back! From open of business tomorrow, Wednesday, December 22nd, masks will once again be required in all indoor spaces to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.
According to ACT Health, masks may be removed during vigorous exercise. Please wear your mask to our gyms, when occupying shared spaces such as the kitchens, bathrooms, and seating areas, and while belaying. Once you start climbing, you can take your mask off. Please put your mask back on while resting between climbs. Children under 12 years old are not required to wear masks.
Thank you for your help with keeping our community safe this holiday season.
December 1st, 2021 Update
Our Hume location has been listed as a casual contact on the COVID-19 exposure list at the following time:
Saturday, Nov 27th between 11:30am and 12:30pm
Casual contact locations have a lower risk of onward transmission to people who were at the location at the date and times identified. If you receive an alert text message informing you that you are a casual contact, you should follow the casual contact instructions.
Continue reading our previous updates for more information on COVID safety rules at our gyms.
November 9th, 2021 Update
In line with ACT Health guidelines, restrictions will be easing at our gyms later this week, starting from open of business on Friday, November 12th.
Our gym capacities will be increasing again to 100 people, allowing 2 square metres/person.
Our class numbers will no longer be capped.
As well, for birthday parties, functions, team bonding events, etc. we can take groups of up to 20 people. Attendance numbers include all climbers, belayers, and adult supervisors in the party.
And finally, face masks will no longer be required inside our gyms. If you wish to continue wearing them, you are welcome to.
During times when our gyms are more crowded and social distancing is difficult among people who you don’t regularly interact with, ACT Health recommends wearing a face mask. This is not required – just a recommendation.
We ask that you please continue to wear face masks to the gyms under our current rules through close of business on Thursday, November 11th.
COVID safety
Most everything else will be remaining the same! This includes:
- Mandatory check in on the CBR Check-in App
- Loose chalk is not allowed. Liquid chalk or chalk balls inside chalk bags are fine.
- You must wash/sanitise your hands immediately upon entering the gym, and again before you leave. We will have hand sanitiser available, and we also recommend sanitising your hands between individual climbs and belay stations.
- Please arrive in the clothes you intend to climb in and avoid changing in the gyms.
- Remain socially distanced from others in the gym. There should be at least one empty rope between you and other climbers.
- Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.
- Please minimise the number of personal belongings you bring to the gyms, and store them in one bag.
- Stash your belongings in the designated areas, rather than leaving them on the tables and floor.
- As much as possible, use your own equipment. Avoid sharing equipment with other climbers, and avoid renting gym equipment. We do still have rentals available that are sanitised after each use.
- Please avoid sitting on the floor or touching the floor with anything else besides your (shoed) feet. If you would like to stretch or work out, you can request a yoga mat from our staff.
- Please let staff know when you’re done using shared training/workout equipment so we can clean it.
October 27th, 2021 Update
In line with ACT Health guidelines, restrictions will be easing at our gyms later this week, starting from open of business on Friday, October 29th.
The most significant change is that our gym capacities will be increasing, so we will no longer need to take bookings for all climbers. We will also be removing the set 2 hour time slots, and the amount of time you will have to climb will not be capped. Our weekly pricing specials will also resume.
Starting on Friday, both of our locations can accept a maximum of 70 people, not including staff. This is based on allowing 4 square metres/person.
We ask that you please continue to make bookings through close of business on Thursday, October 28th.
We will be updating our weekly schedule page again from October 29th, so you can check to see how busy we are with group bookings.
Group bookings for entertainment purposes from Oct 29th onward
From Friday, October 29th, we will be able to host birthday parties, functions, team bonding events, and other group bookings once more! The maximum booking size we will be able to take at both locations is 10 people. Attendance numbers include all climbers, belayers, and adult supervisors in the party.
If you are looking to formally book in and reserve table space for food, cake, presents, etc., we will need to take a booking regardless of the number of people attending. We will only be able to host one party at a time at each location.
Learn more about our group booking options and pricing here.
If you would like to make a booking for October 29th onward, please contact the location you want to book at with the following information:
- A name for the booking (i.e.; Lucy’s Birthday Party, Canberra Youth Group, Magpies Footie Club, etc.)
- Start and finish time (maximum of 2.5 hours, earliest booking start time on weekends is 10:30am)
- The number of climbers and the age range of climbers
- The number of additional people attending who are not climbing
- A contact name, phone number, and email for the booking
Climbing and Fitness Classes
From October 29th, we will be able to run classes of up to 20 people.
We will be resuming the following programs shortly: our 4-week Adult Beginner Course, our 2-day Lead Course, 3 days/week Rock Squad training, and a partial term for Mountain Goats.
If you are involved with the programs listed above or are on our waiting lists for them, keep an eye on your email for communications from us with more details (be sure to check your spam folders).
At this time we are not planning to resume Rock Rats, Geckos, and Link Squad until Term 1 of 2022. However, we will be looking into organising a school holiday program over the long break – again, keep an eye out for email communications from us about this.
Spectators and belayers
Given our increase in capacity, spectators will once again be allowed in our gyms. As well, the temporary $10 fee for belayers-only will be lifted, and belay-only entry will be free.
COVID safety
Most everything else will be remaining the same! This includes:
- Mandatory check in on the CBR Check-in App
- Face masks are also mandatory. They may be removed while eating, drinking, and exercise. Once you have finished a climb and are belaying or taking a break, your mask should go back on.
- Loose chalk is not allowed. Liquid chalk or chalk balls inside chalk bags are fine.
- We recommend climbing with members of your household, or with a consistent climbing partner outside of your household. We recommend that you avoid swapping around climbing partners during your visit.
- You must wash/sanitise your hands immediately upon entering the gym, and again before you leave. We will have hand sanitiser available, and we also recommend sanitising your hands between individual climbs and belay stations.
- Please arrive in the clothes you intend to climb in and avoid changing in the gyms.
- Remain socially distanced from others in the gym. There should be at least one empty rope between you and other climbers.
- Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.
- Please minimise the number of personal belongings you bring to the gyms, and store them in one bag.
- Stash your belongings in the designated areas, rather than leaving them on the tables and floor.
- As much as possible, use your own equipment. Avoid sharing equipment with other climbers, and avoid renting gym equipment. We do still have rentals available that are sanitised after each use.
- Please avoid sitting on the floor or touching the floor with anything else besides your (shoed) feet. If you would like to stretch or work out, you can request a yoga mat from our staff.
- Please let staff know when you’re done using shared training/workout equipment so we can clean it.
October 19th, 2021 Update
We have some great news! ACT Health has confirmed that masks may be removed during exercise in gym settings.
So starting from open tomorrow, Wednesday October 20th, you may remove your mask while climbing. As soon as you’re done with a climb, your mask needs to go back on. It should be kept on while belaying and for your downtime between routes.
Keep reading through our previous update for more information about our current COVID safety rules.
October 12th, 2021 Update
Lockdown in the ACT is ending, and our gyms will be reopening this Friday, October 15th. We are excited to welcome everyone back!
As always, please stay home if you are not feeling well.
Bookings required
During the initial reopening phase, our capacity will be limited to just 25 people at each gym (not including our staff). This means that bookings will be absolutely essential for all visitors.
We will be offering set two hour time slots for you to book into. We have extended our weekend hours to 10pm to make more time slots available. If you arrive late to your booking, you still have to leave at the designated time. If you show up without a booking, you will be turned away.
Learn what times are available and how to make a booking here.
We unfortunately cannot offer our classes at this time, and we cannot take birthday party or group bookings.
No spectators, temporary belay-only fee
At this time, we can only accept bookings for people who are climbing and/or belaying. Spectators (people who are only coming to watch) are not allowed. This is to reserve as much space as possible for climbers.
As well, we are implementing a temporary fee for people who are belaying but not climbing. Usually belaying-only is free, however with such limited space, we need to cover costs and, again, reserve as much space as possible for climbers. For the time being, belay-only entry will be $10.
CBR Check-In App
It is mandatory that everyone entering the gym sign in using the CBR Check-In app. If you do not have the app or a smartphone, let our staff know when you enter and we will assist you with checking in.
Masks are mandatory
You must wear a mask to our gyms. Please have your mask on and properly fitted before entering the facility.
The only time masks may be removed inside our gyms is when you are eating or drinking. Masks must remain on while climbing.
Currently, ACT Health recommendations allow masks to be removed for outdoor exercise, but not indoor exercise. We have asked ACT Health to consider whether or not it is acceptable to remove your mask while exercising indoors, and are waiting to hear back. If anything changes regarding mask rules, we will provide an update here on our website and on social media. But for the time being, please wear your mask during your entire visit, including while climbing.
Chalk
You may use liquid chalk or chalk balls (chalk socks) contained in chalk bags. Loose chalk is not allowed. We are still unable to offer rental chalk bags, as we have no way of effectively cleaning them between uses.
Squads
If you were a member of Mountain Goats, Geckos, Rock Rats, Rock Squad, or Link Squad when our gyms closed in August, you should have received an email with information about account credits and when we expect to run classes again. If you have not received this email, please contact your gym.
Other things to be aware of:
- We recommend climbing with members of your household, or with a consistent climbing partner outside of your household. We recommend that you avoid swapping around climbing partners during your visit.
- You must wash/sanitise your hands immediately upon entering the gym, and again before you leave. We will have hand sanitiser available, and we also recommend sanitising your hands between individual climbs and belay stations.
- Please arrive in the clothes you intend to climb in and avoid changing in the gyms.
- Remain socially distanced from others in the gym. There should be at least one empty rope between you and other climbers.
- Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.
- Please minimise the number of personal belongings you bring to the gyms, and store them in one bag. Stash your belongings in the designated areas, rather than leaving them on the tables and floor.
- As much as possible, use your own equipment. Avoid sharing equipment with other climbers, and avoid renting gym equipment. We do still have rentals available that are sanitised after each use.
- Please avoid sitting on the floor or touching the floor with anything else besides your (shoed) feet. If you would like to stretch or work out, you can request a yoga mat from our staff.
- Please let staff know when you’re done using shared training/workout equipment so we can clean it.
- Here is a more detailed PDF version of our rules and expectations of customers around COVID-19 restrictions:
August 16th, 2021 Update
The ACT government has announced today that the lockdown will be extended for an additional two weeks, until Thursday, September 2nd. Our gyms will remain closed for the duration of lockdown.
All bookings and classes scheduled for this time period will be cancelled. All information provided in the previous update about contacting our gyms during lockdown is still accurate.
Please take time to learn more about the current ACT health advice and lockdown directions here: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/news-articles/seven-day-lockdown-for-the-act
August 12th, 2021 Update
The ACT will be entering a 7-day lockdown from 5pm this evening. Our gyms will not be opening at all today, August 12th, and will not re-open until lockdown is lifted.
All bookings and classes will obviously be cancelled. If you are interested in re-booking for after lockdown, please email our gyms. You can reach Mitchell at canrock@grapevine.com.au and Hume at canrock@iinet.net.au. We will get back to you once lockdown is over.
Please do not call our gyms – our staff are not there to answer the phones. As well, please do not send us messages regarding bookings over social media platforms, as our social media manager does not have access to our schedule from home.
We will have more concrete information about making up for cancelled classes once the lockdown is over, and we will get in touch with our students with that information once we’re back in the gyms.
We ask our community to stay home, stay safe, and be sensible. The better we stick together and follow health orders, the sooner we’ll be back climbing together.
Please take time to learn more about the current ACT health advice and lockdown directions here: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/news-articles/seven-day-lockdown-for-the-act
July 9th, 2021 Update
From open of business tomorrow, Saturday July 10th, masks will no longer be required in our gyms in accordance with ACT Government rules.
Customers who still wish to wear masks are welcome to do so. ACT Health still encourages you “to wear a face mask where physical distancing is not possible, such as public transport or crowded indoor venues.”
We would like to thank our customers and community for happily complying with the mask requirements over the last couple of weeks.
June 27th, 2021 Update
Starting Monday, June 28th, all staff and customers will be required to wear masks at our gyms in accordance with ACT Government rules. If you arrive at our gyms without a mask, we will have to ask you to leave.
The official advice from ACT Health for wearing masks in gyms and during exercise is: “When visiting a gym, we ask that you keep your mask on when entering the facility, waiting for classes and in other common areas. You can remove it to do your workout and put it back on afterwards.” Children under 12 years old do not need to wear masks.
You can read more about the mask mandate here.
As always with COVID restrictions, please remember that our staff are just doing our jobs and following government restrictions. Please be kind to us! Any verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated.
Not much else is changing at our gyms. It is still required for you to check in with the CBR Check-in App, and as always, please stay home if you are unwell and seek testing.
February 19th, 2021 Update
At 9am on Saturday, February 20th, COVID-19 restrictions will be easing further in the ACT. Most of the changes do not affect the rules at our gyms, which will largely be staying the same.
The biggest change that our customers need to be aware of is that the CBR Check-in App will now be required for all restricted businesses and their patrons to use, and we are one of those “restricted” businesses. We already have the CBR Check-in App in place at our gyms and are compliant.
Starting on March 6th, it will be required for all customers to check-in using the app – this means that we will no longer be able to provide other sign-in methods like paper sheets. If customers are not able to sign-in using the app, there will be a new function on the app that will allow our staff members to sign-in for you.
If you have not already, please download the Check-in CBR App on your phone. Please remember that being frustrated at our staff about this change – or any change related to COVID-19 restrictions – will not help the situation.
You can download the app for iPhone here, and Android here.
Please continue reading for more about our COVID-19 safety rules at the gyms, which are staying the same.
December 8th, 2020 Update
Update regarding chalk use
We are happy to say that we have received an update from ACT’s Chief Health Officer, and we can go ahead with loosening our rules around chalk use per current Sport Climbing Australia guidelines.
From opening at 3pm tomorrow, Wednesday December 9th, we can now allow both liquid chalk and chalk balls (chalk socks) in chalk bags to be used at our gyms. However, loose chalk is still strictly prohibited.
If you intend on using a chalk bag at our gyms, when you check-in at the front bench, it would be very helpful to our staff if you could show us the contents of your chalk bag. If you do not do this, don’t be surprised if a staff member approaches you during your climb to check your chalk bag. If you are found with loose chalk, you will be asked to put it away. If you fail to comply, you will be asked to leave.
Unfortunately, Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing will still not be able to hire out rental chalk bags, as we have no way of effectively cleaning them. We also encourage customers to use their own gear and not to share with other climbers.
Please continue to the December 6th update to read more about changes due to Stage 4 of restriction easing.
December 6th, 2020 Update
As of December 2nd, the ACT has moved into Stage 4 of restriction easing.
Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing has applied for use of the CBR Check-in app, and our QR codes for signing in will be coming soon. This means that CIRC is now eligible for increased capacity per the 2 square metres/person requirement for Stage 4.
Please understand that there is a very real possibility that the ACT may have to return to tighter restrictions again in the future. Stay tuned to this page for updates on what that means for the gyms.
Capacity and bookings
Our capacity at both gyms has increased from a maximum of 55 to our pre-COVID maximum of 100. There are still zoned areas of the gyms with different capacities (for example: the bouldering areas and kitchens), that are clearly sign-posted. Please continue to adhere to all signage and staff instruction while at our gyms.
Our increased capacity means that we no longer need to cap bookings at 30 people, and can proceed with larger bookings again. We are also accepting non-paying spectators once more (but please understand if we do need more space for climbers, you may be asked to leave).
As always, we still require bookings for birthday parties of any size, as well as groups of 10 or more. You do not need to make a booking for a casual visit of less than 10 people, and given our increased capacity, it is no longer necessary to call ahead and check if there’s space (you still can if you want).
Signing in
Please continue to check in at the front bench whenever you come into the gyms. It is still necessary for everyone who comes into the gyms to sign in on a COVID-19 register. Once our Check-In CBR App code is ready to go, it is preferable to use the app to sign in. You can download the app for iPhone here, and Android here.
If you cannot or do not want to use the Check-In CBR App to sign in, you must still sign in on the paper register at the front bench. Anyone who refuses to sign in all together will be asked to leave the gyms.
Liquid chalk only
Many of you have asked about our liquid chalk only rule, especially in light of some climbing gyms in Sydney allowing powder chalk again. We contacted ACT Health several weeks ago to ask for a reconsideration of the liquid chalk only rule. Our query was acknowledged, but we are still waiting to hear back from them regarding any possible changes.
We cannot allow powder chalk again without approval from ACT Health. If you would like to see this rule changed, please feel free to contact your local member or the office of the Chief Health Officer about this issue.
We will let our customers know about any changes as soon as we know, but until then, liquid chalk only.
Other things to be aware of
Not much else has changed! It is still important to practice social distancing in the gyms (1.5 metres), and our staggered rope rule (illustrated below) will still be in place. Here’s a quick rehash of hygiene expectations our customers need to follow:
- You must wash/sanitize your hands immediately upon entering the gym, and again before you leave. We will have hand sanitizer available, and we also recommend sanitizing your hands between individual climbs and belay stations.
- If you are unwell, please do not come to the gyms.
- Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.
- Liquid chalk only until the ACT Government indicates otherwise.
- Please minimise the number of personal belongings you bring to the gyms, and store them in one bag. Stash your belongings in the designated areas, rather than leaving them on the tables and floor.
- As much as possible, use your own equipment. Avoid sharing equipment with other climbers, and avoid renting gym equipment. We do still have rentals available that are sanitised after each use.
- As much as possible, please arrive in the clothes you intend to climb in and avoid changing in the gyms.
- Please avoid sitting on the floor or touching the floor with anything else besides your feet (you must wear shoes at all times). If you would like to stretch or work out, you can request a yoga mat from our staff.
- Please let staff know when you’re done using shared training/workout equipment so we can clean it.
- Here is a more detailed PDF version of our rules and expectations of customers around COVID-19 restrictions:
August 6th, 2020 Update
The ACT government has announced Monday, August 10th at 9am as the start time for Stage 3, step 3.1 of easing of restrictions, assuming a successful risk assessment is completed.
According to the released guidelines for Stage 3, not much will be changing for Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing. We must maintain our current 55-person maximum capacity at both gyms to allow for 4 square metres per person and proper social distancing.
The ACT government only requires that we ask for first names and phone numbers on our contact tracing sign in/sign out sheets. Given that, we will soon be simplifying our sign in sheets, which will make check-in a little quicker and easier for everyone.
We thank you for your continued patience and understanding, and we ask that you continue to adhere to our current guidelines as outlined in previous updates.
June 16th, 2020 Update
Alright friends, let’s try this again, shall we? For reals this time.
We will be opening our doors again at both locations this Saturday, June 20th, and we are very excited to finally have you all back. There will be a 55-person maximum capacity at both gyms to allow proper space for social distancing.
Changed opening hours
Until further notice, our opening hours at both gyms will be as follows:
Normal hours:
Monday: 3pm-10pm
Tuesday: 12pm-10pm
Wednesday-Friday: 3pm-10pm
Sat-Sun: 10am-8pm
During school holidays:
Monday-Fri: 10am-10pm
Sat-Sun: 10am-8pm
Bookings/Calling Ahead
We will be returning to our normal booking procedures: we do not require bookings for groups smaller than 10. HOWEVER, we do strongly recommend that you call ahead shortly before you leave for our gyms to make sure we have the space for you. If you show up and we are at capacity, we will unfortunately have to ask you to wait outside or come back another time.
We still need bookings for groups of 10 people or more. For now, we will have a maximum group booking size of 30. For some larger bookings, we may ask for advance payment, and there may be a $5 surcharge for patrons who are belayers-only to help us cover costs.
Other things to be aware of
- Sorry, no spectators. A spectator is someone who is just coming to watch, and is neither climbing nor belaying. For now, we need to prioritise space for people who are climbing.
- Liquid chalk only. We have received a small shipment of liquid chalk and will have it on hand at both gyms, however, we expect that we will run out of stock fast. As you can imagine, it is in high demand and difficult to order at the moment. We recommend making your own at home if you can. Check out this video from Emma Horan at Nomad Bouldering Sydney to learn how to do that.
- COVIDSafe app: While it is not a requirement to enter the gyms, we strongly recommend that you download the COVIDSafe app, and have it running on your phone while you are in the gyms.
- Sorry, no doggos for now, just people.
Social Distancing and Hygiene
- You must wash/sanitize your hands immediately upon entering the gym, and again before you leave. We will have hand sanitizer available, and we also recommend sanitizing your hands between individual climbs and belay stations.
- If you are unwell, please do not come to the gyms.
- We all must continue to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people in the gym who we do not share a household with. So, if you are meeting a friend at the gym who you don’t live with, you will have to stay distanced as much as possible. We will be reinstating our staggered rope rule, as illustrated below. We will have markers and signs in the gym to help remind people of proper distancing.
- Please minimise the number of personal belongings you bring to the gyms, and store them in one bag. Stash your belongings in the designated areas, rather than leaving them on the tables and floor.
- As much as possible, use your own equipment. Avoid sharing equipment with other climbers, and avoid renting gym equipment. We do still have rentals available.
- As much as possible, please arrive in the clothes you intend to climb in and avoid changing in the gyms.
- Please avoid sitting on the floor or touching the floor with anything else besides your feet (you must wear shoes at all times). If you would like to stretch or work out, you can request a yoga mat from our staff.
- Please let staff know when you’re done using shared training/workout equipment so we can clean it.
Stay tuned!
As we are all well aware at this point, circumstances have the ability to change quickly. Please continue to keep tabs on this page and our social media platforms for the latest updates.
June 2nd, 2020 Update
To our lovely community, this news comes with a heavy heart.
The ACT Government has now decided it is too risky for us to open.
We were advised by the ACT business helpline that our climbing gyms could open so long as we followed recommendations from Sport Climbing Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport. SCA and AIS had worked together to create guidelines for gyms all over the country, and had acknowledged that cleaning holds between individual use was impractical for climbing gyms. They put recommendations forward with that in mind, and we followed those recommendations and had thorough plans in place.
Unfortunately, despite SA and WA gyms reopening with state governments considering holds to be a part of building structure, the ACT Government considers them to be equipment. This would require us to clean the entire wall and holds after every single use. We are unable to do this.
We are so sorry, and frankly devastated. We hope to see you all soon. Please keep an eye on this page and our social media for more information and when we can open back up.
June 1st, 2020 Update
We are very much looking forward to our first day back tomorrow after being closed for over two months.
In addition to the rules outlined in the previous update, we have developed quite a few more to make sure we are meeting restrictions and recommendations laid out by the ACT Government, Sport Climbing Australia, and the Australian Institute of Sport.
Most notably:
- We strongly recommend that climbers and belayers sanitise their hands between each distinct route and bouldering problem, as well as in between belay stations, and before and after using fingerboards and hangboards.
- Please minimise the number of personal belongings you bring to the gyms, and store them in one bag. Stash your belongings in the designated areas, rather than leaving them on the tables and floor.
- As much as possible, use your own equipment. Avoid sharing equipment with other climbers, and avoid renting gym equipment. We will still have rentals available under a strict combined sanitising and isolation regimen.
- As much as possible, please arrive in the clothes you intend to climb in and avoid changing in the gyms.
- Please avoid sitting on the floor or touching the floor with anything else besides your feet (you must wear shoes at all times). If you would like to stretch or work out, you can request a yoga mat from our staff.
- Please let staff know when you’re done using shared training/workout equipment so we can clean it.
- We love our community’s crag doggos very much, and they are indeed very cute and great climbing cheerleaders, but we unfortunately must ask that pets stay home for now.
We have done our best to communicate everything clearly through signage in our gym, as well as on our website and social media. Our staff have also been trained and will be able to help you and give friendly reminders. Please be kind and patient to our staff and understand that everyone involved is under a lot of pressure to make sure this runs smoothly.
We have also created this document which lays out all the new rules and expectations of customers in detail. Hard copies will be available at the gyms on request.
Don’t forget to make a booking! Contact us here.
Remember, no loose chalk for the time being. Liquid chalk only. Learn how to make your own liquid chalk at home here.
May 23rd, 2020 Update
We are excited to announce our official re-opening date for both gyms: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020!
However, until Stage 3 of the government’s reopening plan begins, we are going to be running things a little bit differently than you might be used to.
Bookings Essential
Most importantly, we are only allowed to have 20 people in the gym at a time (not including our staff). Due to this intense limit, bookings are essential. Please do not just show up at the gym, as there is a strong possibility we might have to turn you away.
To make a booking, call or email the gym you would like to attend. Please only email us booking requests before June 2nd, as staffing will be sparse before we reopen. When you make a booking, we will need to know roughly how long you’ll be there for. If you don’t give us an end-time, we’ll automatically allot you two hours. It is important that you notify our staff of any changes in your booking times immediately, so we can accommodate other customers appropriately. Please be kind to our staff if they notify you that your time slot has expired and ask you to leave. We are doing our best in difficult times. Verbal and physical abuse toward our staff will not be tolerated.
Limited Opening Hours
Until Stage 3 begins, our opening hours at both gyms will be as follows:
Monday-Fri: 7am-11am, 5pm-9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am-2pm
Again, bookings are essential. Please do not just rock up without contacting us ahead of time.
Social Distancing and Hygiene
- You must wash/sanitize your hands immediately upon entering the gym, and again before you leave. We will have hand sanitizer available, and we would also recommend sanitizing your hands between climbs.
- If you are unwell, please do not come to the gyms.
- We all must continue to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people in the gym who we do not share a household with. So, if you are meeting a friend at the gym who you don’t live with, you will have to stay distanced as much as possible. We will be reinstating our staggered rope rule, as illustrated below. We will have markers and signs in the gym to help remind people of proper distancing.
- While it is not a requirement to enter the gym, we strongly recommend that you download the COVIDSafe app, and have it running on your phone while you are in the gyms (and whenever you’re in public). Try to keep your phone near you while you’re climbing.
iPhone app link | Android app link | About the app and what it does
- Unfortunately, there will be a temporary ban on loose chalk when our gyms reopen. It has been shown that using liquid chalk is better for decreasing COVID-19 infection rates in climbing gyms. We have ordered a supply of liquid chalk, and will have it on-hand for purchase when we open. Read more about why here.
Squad Programs
As we are in the midst of Term 2, we won’t be opening Rock Rats, Geckos, and Link Squads again until Term 3. Rock Squad will resume training ASAP.
Price Rises
Just a small handful of our prices will be increasing, effective immediately, as follows:
- School groups will now be $14.50/pp for entry and harness hire
- The cost of our Adult Beginner Course will now be $160.00
- The cost of our Lead Climbing Course will now be $85.00
Outside the Gym
It is important that everyone follows government recommendations, inside and outside of the gyms. We all need to do our part to keep a significant second wave of COVID-19 at bay. Not only to save lives, but also to save small businesses like ours. These closures have had a significant financial impact, and it will be difficult for our business to survive another months-long closure. We very much want to be around to serve Canberra’s climbing community for many years to come.
We genuinely look forward to seeing you soon! We have missed our community dearly these past few months.
May 19th, 2020 Update
The latest news from the ACT Government is that, assuming all continues to go well, gyms will be allowed to re-open from May 30th, with maximum gatherings increasing to 20 people. You can read more about that here.
We are aware of this news, and we look forward to updating the community very soon about our re-opening plan. At this time we cannot confirm our exact re-opening date. We need some time to discuss with our strategy with staff and management.
In the meantime, some of our staff have still been coming to the gym to perform maintenance, updates, and set plenty of new climbs in anticipation of our re-opening. We can’t wait to be open to our wonderful community again, and we will update you as soon as we have clearer information. Keep checking back to this page for further updates.
March 23rd, 2020 Update
We had hoped to be able to give everyone a little more notice, but the news evolved quickly yesterday. All non-essential businesses have been ordered to close, and that includes us. Unfortunately, we unknowingly had our last day of business for the foreseeable future on Sunday. Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing is closed until further notice from today.
We ask that if you have a current 3-month membership, please email us so that we can put your membership on hold. Please contact us either at Hume ( canrock@iinet.net.au ) or Mitchell (canrock@grapevine.com.au ) to let us know.
Our coaches have prepared at-home training programs for our squad kids. We also welcome those with 3-month memberships to email us and ask for those training programs, and we’ll gladly pass them along to you.
For now, the best way to get in touch with us is via email or over social media, as no one will be at the gyms to answer the phones. Our managers will be periodically checking in and responding to emails. We will do our best to continue posting updates and relevant content on our social platforms.
We will miss our little climbing community dearly, and while we’re sad this is happening, we understand that it’s for the greater good and keeping everyone healthy.
Yours truly,
CIRC Staff
March 20th, 2020 Update
In accordance with new government recommendations released today, effective immediately, we will now be reducing our indoor capacity at both gyms to no more than 50 people at a time. To avoid getting turned away at the door, you are welcome to call or email the gyms ahead of time to see if there is space available for you.
In addition, we are asking all climbers at our gyms to keep a distance of at least one rope between them and neighbouring climbers. What this means as that you should never be belaying directly beside another belayer.
Just as our staff have been enforcing hand-washing, they will also be asked to enforce this rule. If one of our staff members asks you to move to a different rope, please obey their instructions.
It is also important to be mindful of social distancing in general at the gyms, not just when climbing. This, for example, may mean taking turns in the kitchens, or standing farther back when waiting for another customer who is ahead of you at the front bench.
Please continue to follow all other recommendations from our previous update, below.
March 18th, 2020 Update
To our CIRC community:
We would like to update you regarding the COVID-19/Coronavirus situation and how it will be affecting our gyms and our expectations of both our staff and customers.
We want you to know that we are keeping a close eye on formal health recommendations and will be updating our approach to this as new information comes to light. Please watch our pages for updates, as we’re sure there will be many in the coming days and weeks as the situation progresses.
Gym Capacity Limits
Government recommendations have called for gatherings of no more than 100 people indoors. Our gyms do not often reach this capacity, however we will take measures to make sure that the 100 person limit is not exceeded. This number will likely continue to decrease as time goes on, and we will keep you posted on our restrictions and how we will carry them out.
When our gyms do reach 100 people, it is usually due to large school group bookings. However, ACT schools and many of Australia’s schools have cancelled excursions for the remainder of the term, including those booked with us.
What we need you to do
It is vital that everyone entering the gyms practices good hygiene.
-Please DO NOT come to the gyms if you are unwell. DO NOT bring your children to the gyms if they are unwell. Even if you think what you have is a common cold and not Coronavirus, please stay home.
-If you or anyone you live with is particularly vulnerable or at-risk, please stay home.
-When entering the gyms, please immediately head to the bathrooms and wash your hands. Wash your hands again before leaving.
-Card transactions are preferred over cash, but not required.
-We have removed our mugs and other reusable utensils from our kitchens. Please bring your own drink bottles with you to the gyms. We are doing our best to stock our gyms with single-use options.
-Please cough and sneeze into the bend of your elbow.
-Avoid touching your face.
-Please do not shake hands or hug your friends when greeting them. Try waving hello or touching elbows.
-Please maintain a reasonable distance from other people where possible.
-Our quietest times at the gyms are during the day between 12 and 4pm. If you are able to come during slower times, please do so to help thin out the evening crowds.
What we’re doing
-As mentioned above, we are replacing reusable items with single use items where possible.
-We have removed tea towels and hand towels and are only using paper towels.
-We are meticulously cleaning the gyms daily, with special focus on disinfecting things that people touch often.
-We are providing additional sanitizing supplies to staff and customers, however please bear in mind that hand sanitizer is in short supply. Please use soap and water to wash your hands if there is no sanitizer available. In fact, washing with soap and water is preferable.
-We have asked our staff to stay home if they are feeling unwell.
Youth programs
We have decided to follow the lead of our schools and government, and we will close down our youth classes when schools begin to close. We will contact all squad families when this happens. Until then, we will continue to run our classes.
In the meantime, as mentioned above, please DO NOT bring your children to the gym if they or their siblings are unwell.
If your family has decided that you are not comfortable with your child attending class during this time, we completely understand and respect that decision. If anyone in your family is particularly vulnerable or at risk, we encourage you to stay at home.