Experienced climber
What is a Competent / Experienced Climber?
To climb at our gyms you must have the relevant experience within the discipline of climbing that you intend to do. The amount of experience required varies depending on what you would like to do at the centre.
Any adult 18+ wishing to boulder who is not already experienced can watch our induction video and answer some basic questions to get signed off. Anyone wishing to rope climb (top rope or lead) must have enough experienced to pass a belay test where will will assess you to be able to: correctly put on a harness, tie into a rope with a suitable climbing knot, set up a belay device and belay for tope rope, correctly answer questions regarding bouldering and the correct use of auto belays.
If you do not have the relevant experience to rope climb, you fail a belay test, or you’re under 18, you must either be supervised by someone experienced until you are able to pass a belay test on another visit.
If you are not wishing to climb but rather to supervise either a novice or a junior then please read the section below for more information regarding supervising.
Experienced climbers visiting our centres should pre-register with us to save some time at the desk when you come in. If you’re looking to rope climb but don’t have the correct experience, consider booking some instruction with us so we can get you up to scratch.
Supervising Others
Under 18s and novice climbers can climb under the supervision of an experienced adult climber, with a maximum ratio of 1:2.
Roped Climbing
To supervise roped climbing and auto belays, you must be signed off as roped competent at our centres. This involves a short competency test where we’ll check that you can:
- Put on a harness correctly
- Tie in with a suitable climbing knot
- Set up a belay device and safely belay on top rope
- Answer questions covering auto belays and bouldering
Bouldering
To supervise bouldering, you must either:
- Already be signed off as roped competent, or
- Have plenty of prior bouldering experience and complete our Bouldering Supervisor Assessment. This is a short written check of your knowledge and awareness of safe bouldering practice. It can be taken at any time – just ask a member of staff.
Need Some Help First?
Not ready to supervise yet? We offer sessions to build your skills:
Learn to Climb – a full course that teaches you everything you need to become roped competent.
Skills Coaching – develop the knowledge needed to supervise bouldering.