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Q: What if I've never climbed before?
A: Visit the club and speak with one of our staff members to get signed up for our Introduction to Climbing course. It will cover the skills you'll need to know: how to use your harness, tying into the rope, and how to work the belay device. From here, you will have the necessary skills to pass the belay test and start climbing in the club whenever you want.
Q: What is belaying?
A: In climbing, belaying is the technique of controlling the rope so that a falling climber can be caught in mid-air. This task is assigned to a belayer, who passes the rope through a belay device. The device forces the rope through a series of tight turns that greatly increase friction. Friction helps stop the climber in mid-air. Belaying is a critical part of the climbing system and one we teach in our Introduction to Climbing course.
Q: How do I learn to belay?
A: It's easy! Take a course from one of our qualified instructors at the Triangle Rock Club. Belaying is a crucial skill to learn for safe climbing, so we do not allow instruction, coaching, or lessons from non-staff members.
Q: If I know how to belay, do I need to take a course?
A: No, just come in and take a belay test with a staff member. That will certify you for top roping within the gym. When you advance to Lead Climbing, you will need to take the Lead Climbing test.
Q: What skills am I expected to demonstrate during the Belay Test?
A: To pass the Triangle Rock Club belay test, the belayer must demonstrate these skills (unassisted):
• Correct fitting of the harness, waist belt, leg loops, doubling back and checking harness on the climber
• Ability to tie in to the rope, using the Figure-8 follow through knot
• Correct set up of belay device and locking carabiner
• Correct belaying while maintaining control of the brake side of the rope at all times
• When lowering the climber, the brake hand must not go above the 3 o'clock position
• Ability to safely catch an unannounced fall
• If you do not pass, our staff will let you know what adjustments you need to make and encourage you to retake the test upon your next visit. The minimum age for belaying is 12
For those that have belayed before but need to review some of the skills, we also offer a Belay Refresher course, an impromptu belay class (usually about 30 minutes) for a small fee.
Q: What should I wear to climb?
A: You should wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Most climbers wear typical workout apparel, ranging from t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, board shorts, sweat pants, tights, and sports bras. Keep in mind that your clothing will be worn under a harness (which will have snug fit).
Q: What gear is needed to climb?
A: If you are bouldering, all you need is a pair of climbing shoes and a chalk bag. If top-roping or lead climbing you will need a climbing harness, climbing shoes, chalk bag, and a belay device with locking carabiner. You are welcome to bring your own or you can rent all of these items from our front desk. For your convenience, we also stock a variety of these items in our Pro Shop for purchase.
Q: Is climbing a good workout?
A: Absolutely, climbing is a total body workout. While climbing, you pull and push your body weight, which uses muscles, therefore building strength and flexibility. Climbing burns calories and is a fun, muscular workout.
Q: Do I need to be in good shape or have a strong upper body to climb?
A: No. Anyone can climb. As mentioned above, climbing is a total body workout. In time, you will gain upper body strength and get in shape. Climbing technique is more important than total body strength, and the more you climb, the better your technique will become. With determination and a good attitude, improvements will come quickly.
Q: How old do I need to be to climb?
A: The minimum age is 4, and the child must have a secure fit into the child full body harness.
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