The Connecticut Rock Gym

Programs and Lessons

Please visit our "Calendar/Events" page or call 203.404.5166 for a current course schedule.

Class sizes are limited to ensure a quality experience, please call to reserve your spot.

AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Course (CWI)

Nate McKenzie, gym owner and AMGA CWI Course Provider, will be offering the 20 hour class over 2 and a half days for anyone interested in receiving this credential. Class size is limited to 6 participants so please reserve your space early!
Topics covered include:
Instructor roles, professionalism, risk management, client orientation, lesson planning, teaching movement skills, teaching top-rope belaying, teaching knots, teaching lead climbing and belay techniques, equipment and facility use, rescue and emergency procedures.

Cost: $350 Includes 1 year membership with American Mountain Guides Association

For more information or to register, please contact Nate McKenzie nate[at]ctrockgym.com or call 203.675.5510.

"On Belay!" Introduction to Rock Climbing

"On Belay!" is our most popular class! Perfect for anyone new to the vertical world, this hands-on course will teach you everything you need to know to safely climb in our gym! You’ll learn to belay, tie the knots, use climbing equipment, and climb to the top…all with an emphasis on safety. Gear rental and full day pass are included! Call 203.404.5166 to reserve your spot today.

Bonus: Call now to receive a FREE two week gym membership!

“On Belay!” is offered Mon-Fri at 6:30pm, Sat-Sun at 11:30am and 1:30pm. Please call to reserve your spot.

Cost: $55 per person

"Experience The Rock"

Enjoy all the climbing gym has to offer and let our staff take care of the rest. You’ll climb the walls for 75 minutes while our experienced instructors belay and provide encouragement. Perfect for kids or anyone willing to give rock climbing a “try”.

“Experience the Rock” for only $25 per person. All equipment provided. Please call 203.404.5166 to reserve your spot.

NEW! CRG "Bouldering Boot-Camp"

Climbing Specific Training for EVERYONE! Our "Bouldering Boot-Camp" will focus on strength, fitness, and endurance. If you're ready to train hard and get in shape, this class is just for you! Our 45 minute "Boot-Camp" is held weekly. Make plans to join us for this intense workout and watch how quickly your fitness and climbing performance improves!

Cost: Members $10/month. Non-Members $15/session.

"Climb On!" Climbing Technique Workshops

CRG offers hands-on, progressive courses in climbing technique guaranteed to help anyone improve!

We can help climbers of all ability levels progress...whether you just completed our "On Belay!" Intro or have been climbing for years. Our instructors provide encouragement, tips, training exercises, and technique in a fun and supportive environment guaranteed to help you climb better!

Check the calendar page or call 203.404.5166 for our current course schedule. Ask about private lessons or schedule a course for you and some friends.

"Climb On!" - Basic Introduction to Bouldering & Climbing Movement

A perfect follow up to our "On Belay!" Intro or for anyone new to climbing. This course is everything you need to develop good climbing habits and start progressing through the grades. You'll learn the basics of handholds, footwork, and efficient climbing techniques to help you conserve energy on the wall. Plus, we'll introduce you to better bouldering...an incredible way to build strength, endurance, and confidence!

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $25 members / $40 non-members (Includes day pass & rental)

"Climb On!" - Intermediate Technique I

The first workshop in our intermediate series will focus primarily on balance and body position to enhance climbing technique. Strength alone is not enough to climb harder. We'll cover effective body position, flagging, drop-knees, back-steps, resting, lie-backs, and smearing among other topics. Every climber needs this class regardless of ability level!

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $25 members / $40 non-members (Includes day pass & rental)

"Climb On!" - Intermediate Technique II

Conquer the overhang! In this intermediate course we'll help you develop the strength and techniques to master steep terrain. You'll practice dynamic climbing movement, advanced body positions, and footwork for mastering steep terrain. We'll also focus on improving you workouts to build climbing specific strength and prevent injury.

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $25 members / $40 non-members (Includes day pass & rental)

"Climb On!" - Advanced Technique Workshop

Wanna go pro? Perhaps not, but if you climb hard and want to climb harder we can help! We'll focus on advanced techniques like the figure-4, heel-toe cam, and knee bar among others. We'll also work to improve your route sequencing, onsight, and redpoint skills. Our coaches will help to identify individual weaknesses that may be holding you back and offer training and technique solutions. This course is ideal for the competitive climber or anyone pushing the grades beyond 5.10/V3.

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $25 members / $40 non-members (Includes day pass & rental)

"Climb On!" Learn to Lead Course

Sport Climbing Instruction for those wanting to experience the challenge and excitement of climbing on the “sharp end” of the rope. Our experienced instructors will teach you the advanced climbing and belay skills needed to climb bolted sport routes in the gym. Participants should be comfortable climbing 5.7 routes and be proficient at top-rope belay.

Cost: $60 members / $75 non-members. All technical equipment provided.

Private Instruction

CRG has qualified personal trainers for just about any climbing discipline. If you would like private instruction on climbing technique, safety skills, adventure racing, or outdoor climbing, give us a call at 203.404.5166. We will customize our programs to fit your specific needs and skill level.

Indoor Cost: $60/hour.

Outdoor Cost: $180 (4 hour session) or $240 for a full day trip.

Top Rope Belay Check

Experienced Climbers: On your first visit to CRG, you will be required to take our free belay check. Demonstrate a properly tied figure 8 retrace knot, correct equipment use, and safe belay technique (all without assistance). Once completed, you'll be certified to top-rope in our gym! A $15 refresher course is available for climbers who may need a little help remembering the knot and belay techniques.

Cost: Absolutely Free No reservation required.