Hours - Mon-Fri: 10AM to10PM
- Sat: 9AM to 7PM
- Sun: 10AM to 6PM
|
|
Written by dave
|
|
Friday, 25 April 2008 02:39 |
New to climbing? New to climbing gyms? We'll try to answer some basic questions and provide links to real resources - What is indoor climbing?
- Indoor climbing is fun! OK, that's kinda cheesey. Indoor climbing is exercise and training, and challenges your strength, stamina, flexibility, and concentration. But don't fear, it is equally accessible to new and experienced climbers.
top - Are there different types of climbing?
- Boy howdy. But for most gym climbers, we can break it down into three categories: bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing.
top - Will you teach me how to climb?
- Yes, we offer classes on a regular basis. Beginner top rope classes through advanced lead climbing classes.
top - Tell me about bouldering.
- Climbing without ropes, usually under 15 feet. It often consists of powerful, dynamic moves, in contrast to the more graceful, balance and endurance-centric top rope and lead climbing style. In the gym we provide mondo padding to ease your introduction to gravity.
top - How about top rope climbing?
- Top rope climbing in our gym requires two people: one climbs while the other (the belayer) takes up the slack. The climber needs a harness, carabiner, and climbing shoes. The belayer also wears a harness, to which the rope is threaded through a specially designed belay device and a carabiner. If you have previous top rope belay experience, we provide a free certification exam which is required for all belayers on their first visit (if not enrolled in a class).
top - Great, but my friend outweighs me by 100 pounds. Won't I be launched into the ceiling if he falls?
- Yes, unless you tie into a floor anchor. And despite how funny that sort of thing is in the cartoons, it never ends well in real life.
top - So, what is lead climbing?
- Also requires two people. But instead of having the rope already looped through an anchor at the top of the climb as in top rope climbing, the lead climber carries one end of the rope with him on the way to the top while the other is held by a belayer, whose job it is to give the climber slack and take it up quickly when he falls. At various intervals the rope is looped through quick draws which will act as a top anchor in case of a fall. This means that if you have climbed 8 feet since the last time you passed the rope through a quick draw and you fall, you will see it again on your way to at least 8 feet below it. Hopefully your belayer will be paying attention rather than text messaging and catch you. BTW - no text messaging while belaying.
top - What type of clothing should I wear?
- Somewhat loose fitting, athletic-style clothing is best. Yoga pants are great, though many people climb in jeans. Just make sure they aren't tight. Wear a fitted top, layered so you can shed clothing as your workout warms you up. If you have long hair be prepared to tie it back.
top - I am alone in the world and have no one with whom I can climb.
- Fear not, you are not alone. Well, you are at the moment, but you don't need to stay that way. Since we are new we are still trying to come up with a good way to handle climbing hookups. A message board is available on this web site. You may also call the gym at 203.404.5166 and the friendly people at the front desk will try to help you.
top - Climbing Reference Material
- Everything you wanted to know about climbing but were afraid to ask.
The ubiquitous Wikipedia entry top |
|
Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 June 2009 23:31 |
|
Specials
$42 Monthly Pass!
No Contract...Cancel anytime!
More Info…
FREE Two Week Trial Membership
when you complete our "On Belay! Learn to Climb" class
More Info…
Happy Hour
Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm for only $10!
Ladies Night
Every Friday Evening, Ladies climb for only $5!
|
