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Frequently Asked Climbing Questions
How does wall/rock climbing work?
So how do I get a belayer?
What is bouldering?
What is Top Roping?
What is lead climbing?
How old do you have to be?
Do you have to be strong/tall/athletic?
Is climbing safe?
Why do I sign a waiver?
May a relative, such as a grandparent, fill out the waiver for a child?
What is the deal with helmets?
What about bike helmets?
If I am only going to climb for an hour, is there a cheaper rate?
Can I drop my child off at Aiguille?
May I bring and use my own climbing gear?
How does wall/rock climbing work?
Climbing involves two people: the climber, and the belayer. The climber wears a safety harness and is tied to a safety rope. The belayer also wears a harness and uses a special belay device. As the climber moves up the climbing wall, the belayer keeps the rope snug. If the climber falls, the belayer essentially "catches" the fall, by using the belay device to lock the rope. The belayer can lower the climber to the ground at any time. As you can see, the belayer has a very important job.
So how do I get a belayer?
You must come with someone who is 14 or older who can belay for you. If two people are climbing, they can take turns belaying for each other. If you have never belayed before, we can teach you how. If children under 14 are climbing, a parent or older brother or sister can belay for them. The class is free to those paying to climb. If someone is only going to belay, the cost is $5.50, and includes the equipment.
What is bouldering?
Bouldering is climbing low enough that you do not need a rope or harness to stop your fall. At Aiguille, we have a line painted on the wall at 4 feet. No one is allowed to boulder high enough that their feet pass this line. Staying below the height that you feel comfortable jumping down from is important. You know your own personal limits better than we do, so stay within them. Some people say "What fun is climbing without going up high?" You can boulder from one end of the gym to the other, which is longer than any roped climb. We also have a special boulder area that has caves, rooves, and other interesting features, while still staying low. Aiguille recommends the use of at least one spotter while bouldering.
Climbing up high without a rope is called free soloing. This is never permitted at Aiguille.
What is Top Roping?
This means climbing using a harness and rope, and the ropes goes up from the climber to an anchor and then back down to the belayer. It is called top roping because the anchor is at the top of the climb. Because the rope goes up from the climber, when the climber falls they shouldn't fall more than a few inches as the slack and strech come out of the rope.
What is lead climbing?
Lead climbing, or leading, is when the rope goes down from the climber to the belayer. When a lead climber falls they fall at least twice the distance they are above their last piece of protection. This kind of climbing is potentially more dangerous than top roping, because of the distances and speeds involved in the fall. At Aiguille lead climbing is only available to members who have successfully completed a lead climbing class.
How old do you have to be?
Climbing is suitable for ages 4 and up. In order for the rope system and harness to work properly, children must weigh at least 45 pounds. The minimum age to belay is 14.
Do you have to be strong/tall/athletic?
No, climbing is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or athletic ability. If you have a physical impairment, or other handicap, and are interested in climbing please call us to discuss it. We have been able to get many people with special needs climbing, and love sharing our passion for climbing.
Is climbing safe?
Climbing, by it's nature, is extremely risky. You must be willing to take complete responsibility for your own safety. Whenever you climb, belay, or boulder, you are placing yourself in a situation where you could be hurt, gravely injured, paralyzed, or killed. Climbing is dangerous, and it is impossible to remove all of the associated risks and dangers. Accept that climbing is dangerous and take responsibility for your own safety, or please don't climb.
Why do I sign a waiver?
We want to be sure that you understand the dangers involved so you can make an informed decision on whether or not you want to climb at Aiguille.
May a relative, such as a grandparent, fill out the waiver for a child?
No. Only a child's parent, or legal guardian, may complete the waiver. Legal guardians are required to provide Aiguille with an original notarized Power of Attorney.
What is the deal with helmets?
Climbing is definetly safer when a helmet is worn. Aiguille always recommends the use of helmets, but the choice is up to you (or your parents if you are under 18.) Aiguille rents climbing helmets - click here for pricing.
What about bike helmets?
Bike helmets were never meant by their designers to be worn while climbing. Bicycling, equestrian, skateboarding, rock climbing, and motorcycling all have different design criteria. For example, it would be inappropriate for us to say "Equestrian helmets are fine for riding motorcycles". Likewise, it would be inappropriate for us to say "Bike helmets are fine for climbing." So at Aiguille, a helmet is either certified for climbing or it isn't. A helmet designed and certified for rock climbing will bear CE and UIAA stamps.
If I am only going to climb for an hour, is there a cheaper rate?
Do I need to purchase the Day Pass?
You must purchase the appropriate Day Pass.
Can I drop my child off at Aiguille?
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a chaperone. Here is question that illustrates a "grey area" - May a 16 year old chaperone for a 13 year old? Probably, but please use your best judgment in this regard, considering:
- Aiguille staff is not responsible for supervising your children
- Customers behaving inappropriately may be asked to leave.
May I bring and use my own climbing gear?
Yes, as long as it was commercially manufactured for climbing activities. Homemade harnesses, tied slings, or "swiss seats" are not acceptable.
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