First Time Climbing
First Time Climbing? Here’s How It Works
If it’s your first time climbing, starting indoors is the easiest and most approachable way to give it a go. Many people begin by simply trying bouldering — there’s no need for instruction, no prior experience required, and no ropes involved, so you can just turn up and start climbing at your own pace.
If you’d prefer a bit more structure or want to try roped climbing too, we also offer beginner-friendly sessions and inductions to help you feel confident from your very first visit.
What is bouldering?
Bouldering is climbing in its simplest form. There are no ropes, harnesses, or knots to worry about — just you, a pair of climbing shoes, and the wall.
Your challenge is to tackle short boulder ‘problems’ using technique, balance, strength, and problem-solving. Each climb has its own solution, and the way you complete it might be totally different from the next person, depending on your body and style.
It’s one of the easiest ways to get into climbing if it’s your first time, with no need for prior experience or expensive kit. If you’re 18+ just hire a pair of climbing shoes from us and you’re ready to go!
If you’re new, the first visit can feel a bit daunting. Our Bouldering Basics sessions are the perfect way to get started — our instructors will run you through the essentials and share some fundamental coaching tips, so you leave with the confidence and skills to really enjoy your first climbing experience.
We also run bouldering socials, which are a fun way to meet other climbers, try new problems, and enjoy climbing in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Otherwise, just come down and give it a go! Watch the bouldering induction video and pre-register online below to save time at the desk, and let our staff know it’s your first visit so we can point you in the right direction.
What is roped climbing?
Roped climbing takes place on taller walls, where you’re attached to a rope for safety. The rope is managed either by a partner on the ground (belaying) or by an auto-belay device, so if you slip or let go, you’ll be held securely and lowered back down.
Climbs are longer and more sustained, testing both your endurance and technique. Because of this, roped climbing is a bit less accessible for complete beginners — you’ll need some instruction and experience before climbing independently.
If you already know someone experienced, they can supervise you and guide you while you learn. Otherwise, we offer Auto-belay Inductions, which let you get signed off to climb safely on our auto-belay walls — perfect if you don’t yet have a climbing partner.
For a more complete introduction, our Learn to Climb course takes you from the basics, through auto-belay training, and onto top-rope climbing. Once you’ve mastered that, you can progress onto our Learn to Lead course to start lead climbing.
If you’re not sure whether you want to stick with bouldering or try roped climbing, a Taster session is a great way to explore it all. We’ll cover a bit of everything — bouldering, auto-belay, and top-rope — so you can decide what you enjoy most.
