There are always lots of questions when it comes to rock climbing. The frequently asked questions below may answer what you’ve already been thinking. If it’s not here, drop us a line below so we can answer your questions.
How safe is rock climbing?
When done correctly, indoor rock climbing is very safe. We have specific rules around belaying techniques and bouldering standards to ensure that you are safe. A friendly staff member will show you how to belay and boulder properly when you come in to climb with us for the first time.
Do I need a partner for climbing?
Only if you are top-roping. If you are flying solo, you are welcome to check out our bouldering facilities. If you don’t have a climbing partner but would like to find one, we have contact sheets that you can peruse through and add your name to at our gyms. Alternatively, checkout the CIRC MeetUp Group!
How do I make a booking?
You have a few options.
- Head to our booking page and select which gym you would like to book into.
- If talking is your thing, feel free to call us.
- If you like to talk face-to-face, you are welcome to head to your local gym during our opening hours and have a chat with a friendly staff member.
What age restrictions are there on climbing?
Anyone of any age can climb if they are willing! We have a full body harnesses at each gym for those little kids that you can’t stop from climbing the walls. Children under ten years of age are not allowed to belay.
Who is legally responsible if someone gets hurt?
Climbing as a sport has an inherent risk of injury, just like soccer or cricket. Anyone choosing to take up climbing does so at their own risk. When you come to climb at our gyms for the first time, you will be required to fill out a Release and Indemnity form (which, to save some time, you fill out here before you show up). If you refuse to fill out this form, you will not be allowed to climb with us.
Are your gyms accessible?
Mitchell: The lower floor and party area are wheelchair accessible. There is no elevator to access the upstairs bouldering cave. There is no designated handicap parking. Bathrooms are narrow.
Hume: The lower floor is wheelchair accessible – however accessibility may vary depending on user, as floor is soft and uneven. There is no elevator to access the upstairs party area and bouldering cave. There is no designated handicap parking. Bathrooms are narrow.
We recommend booking your parties and events at Mitchell if you or any of your guests use wheelchairs.
What’s the best clothing for climbing?
Tights, leggings, loose pants, jeans or shorts are fine. Closed-toe shoes are a must, and for comfort’s sake we recommend that no one wears dresses or skirts while climbing.
How often do you change your climbing routes?
We try to change a wall every two weeks. If we reset too quickly, we begin to wipe out people’s projects before they have finished them, and if we move too slow, the holds can become slippery. It can be a fine balance sometimes, but we endeavour to try and find a good middle ground.
I’m an experienced climber, do I have to go through the belay lesson?
Yep, you sure do. Like any new gym you’ve been too we have our own waiver forms and we have a belay technique tailored to our equipment. Like most spots, the equipment has advanced and with that comes new techniques to learn (most of them easier than 20 years ago!). Once you have been taken through our belay lesson, you are welcome to explore the gym and its climbs.
Are there any restrictions with bouldering at your gyms?
Our Hume gym is attached to our party area upstairs, so we welcome anyone to give it a go, however, it is still a training area. We ask that parents supervise their children and ensure they don’t run underneath anyone trying a problem.
Our Mitchell gym has a strict 16+ years old to boulder in upstairs area. This is because it is higher than the Hume gym and isn’t within eyesight of the staff at all times.
What gear do I need to rent?
You only need to rent the harness if you don’t have your own. Climbing shoes and chalk are optional. We caution against using harnesses that are more than six years old.
Can I climb barefoot?
No. We ask that all children and adults climb in either closed-toe shoes or climbing shoes. Shoes must also be worn at all times, even when not climbing.
Do I have to fill in the waiver form every time I visit?
With our brand new till system and digital waiver form, you should only have to fill it out once, barring any technology glitches. Kiss those paper belay passes goodbye!
Can I lead climb at your gym if I am experienced/have lead climbed at another gym?
No. We completely believe that you are capable and confident climbers, however, like most gyms we have our own risk assessments that must be abided by. Email us at canrock@iinet.net.au, and we will schedule a time for you to come in and get checked off for lead climbing by one of our experienced staff members. If you pass the test, you will receive a lead pass that you must show to our staff before leading in our gyms.
Can I lead without doing the lead course?
While we would recommend the lead course, we also understand that for someone that has been leading for several years that you might not want to spend the money learning something you already know. For this reason we do offer — by bookings only — the option to be ticked off to lead in our gyms by an experienced lead climbing staff member. Contact us at canrock@iinet.net.au to book in a time to come get checked off.
Need another questioned answered?
Jump over to our contact page, leave your question, and we’ll get back to you.
