Safety and Facility Policies

Be aware that climbing is inherently dangerous. Climbing or bouldering on any manufactured climbing wall can result in falls, and falling from any height can result in serious injury or even death.

If you have any questions or concerns about climbing in this facility or these risks, please ask us. We want you to remain safe, but your safety is your own responsibility.

TRC Rules of Conduct

These are the rules. Follow these or face the music:

  • No food or drinks are allowed on the blue matted floor in the main climbing area.
  • No loose chalk is allowed, chalk must be confined to chalk balls.
  • Do not swing on the ropes or run. Unruly conduct will be cause for removal from the gym.
  • Participants at Triangle Rock Club must be at least 12 years of age in order to belay, lead, use exercise equipment or top out on boulder.
  • Guests age 11 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • The use of vulgar language or improper conduct is not permitted.
  • Climbing at TRC or using any TRC equipment while under the influence of intoxicating substances is not permitted.
  • Triangle Rock Club is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • There is no climbing instruction, personal training, coaching, or commercial use of TRC without specific authorization by a TRC Manager.
  • All participants must use proper equipment. Equipment brought into Triangle Rock Club shall be used at the sole and exclusive risk of the owner of such equipment.
  • Before belaying, lead climbing, or lead belaying, you must be approved by a Triangle Rock Club staff member and display issued belay or lead tag.
  • All belayers and climbers must utilize proper belay technique and DOUBLE CHECK their set up before beginning the climb. The belayer will check the climber’s gear and knots, and the climber will check the belayer’s gear and system and exchange confirmation that the setup is correct. This must be performed at the start of every climb.
  • Lead climbing at TRC is a privilege. While leading, climbers are required to clip all appropriate gym draws on that route. There is no skipping clips. Practice lead falls are not allowed in the facility except in lessons supervised by TRC staff. Breaking these rules is grounds for removal of lead privileges.
  • Do not boulder underneath roped climbers. Roped climbers have the right of way on all walls.
  • It is recommended to have a minimum of one spotter per climber when bouldering. When bouldering the boulder’s hands shall not pass the line of color change on the roped wall.
  • A climber’s voluntary participation in bouldering indicates their acknowledgement that bouldering is dangerous and that a spotter may not prevent injuries. Spotters understand that they may be injured by a falling boulderer.

TRC Top-Rope Belay Test

Our belay test is a test. Testing customers must pass ALL parts of this test without practice, instruction, or error. Customers who do not demonstrate proficiency in all parts of the belay test are not allowed to belay that day, but can still enjoy bouldering, as well as climbing on the AutoBelays or with climbers who are belay certified. This test may only be taken once per day.

Climbers who cannot pass the top-rope belay test are encouraged to consider taking our Intro to Climbing Class. Help every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, this 2-hour class teaches the basics of indoor climbing, including the test requirements.

Belay Test Requirements
  • Harness: Testing customer must put on a harness correctly, according to the specifications of the harness manufacturer.
  • Knot: Testing customer must tie into a harness correctly with a retraced figure eight/figure eight follow through knot with at least 6” of tail. *
  • Device: Belayer must properly set up an approved belay device according to device and harness manufacturers’ specifications. **
  • Belay: Belayer must demonstrate a proficiency in top-rope belaying. The belayer’s break hand must remain in constant control of the brake strand of the rope. Belayer must safely and immediately catch at least 2 simulated top-rope falls and lower safely while keeping the brake hand below the belay device.

* No backup knot is required with the figure eight follow through knot, but double fisherman’s and Yosemite finishes are acceptable.

** Approved belay devices include modern plate and tube style devices (ATC, Reverso, Pyramid, Spring Plate, etc.) and assisted braking devices (GriGri, Cinch, Eddy, Smart, etc.).

General Safety Guidelines

These aren’t the rules, but we strongly suggest you follow the guidelines to stay safe:

  • Use your equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions.
  • Always communicate clearly with your partner and use standard climbing commands.
  • When bouldering, use spotters and spot others.
  • When spotting or belaying, give the climber your full attention.