| Q:
I am a climber who is competent belaying, can I come in any time?
A: Absolutely. We
will give you a Belay Test when
you arrive; other than that, you are welcome during any of our
open hours.
Q: I've never
climbed, can I just come in?
A: Yes, BUT you
will be limited in what you will be able to do. If you are unable
to pass our Belay Test, then you will be able to
boulder, but will not be permitted on the roped walls. The CRG
does not have staff on hand to belay for walk-ins. If you have no
previous belay experience, please refer to the "I want to
start climbing…" question below.
Q: I want to
start climbing, what do I do?
A: If you
have no previous climbing experience and you would like to start
climbing indoors, make a reservation for an Introduction to
Climbing Class. The Intro Class is first come, first serve, and a
24 hour advanced reservation is required for this class. This class
will be an introduction to the basic components which are
necessary for climbing on indoor, roped walls. Our instructors
will help you put on a climbing harness correctly and tie you into
a climbing rope. When your harness is buckled and your knot is
tied, our instructors will Belay for you. Belaying is a technique
that the instructor will perform so you can climb (and even fall)
safely! This is the perfect class for those who just want a taste
of climbing.
Q: How do I
arrange a Private Group Introduction or Birthday Party?
A: Reservations
at the Cleveland Rock Gym must, at this time, be made by phone or
in person. CRG Staff will take your Party information, your
address and phone number, and a Deposit. The CRG requires a $20.00
deposit for every belayer reserved. (Ex. 2 belayers $40.00
deposit) Usually, we will reserve your group simply by taking a
credit card number to hold your space. In the event of a
cancellation without 48-hour advanced notice, CRG will charge
$20.00 to your account for each belayer required. Finally, should
the size of your group change, The CRG will charge $20.00 for each
belayer not required due to an unexpectedly small group size. (See
also: 48-hour Cancellation Policy in Hours & Rates)
Group
reservations are taken seven to ten days in advance (you may need
up to one month advanced reservations for a weekend date) and all
available times are first come first serve. Birthday parties,
youth groups, girl scouts, boy scouts, groups of friends, etc…
are all groups that frequent The Cleveland Rock Gym.
The cost is
$18.00 per climber; this fee includes equipment rental and
instructors. The CRG provides one belayer for every six climbers.
(Ex. 12 climbers will require 2 belayers) Every climber in the
group must fill out and sign a Cleveland Rock Gym Waiver. Waivers
for children under age 18 must be signed by the participant’s
parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Be sure the participants have
their signed waiver on their person upon arrival at the CRG.
Q: I REALLY
liked climbing; what do I do now?
A: If you liked
your indoor climbing experience, perhaps you should consider
taking a Belay Class. As was previously mentioned, Belaying and
tying-in to your harness are essential components of climbing. In
the Belay Class you will learn everything you need to know to
become a competent Top-Rope/Indoor Belayer. Therefore, learning
how to Belay will give you a basic knowledge with which you can
begin your climbing adventures. In addition, this Class will
prepare you to take a Belay Test at any Climbing Facility.
Q:
What do I need to do to Belay at the Cleveland Rock Gym?
A: If you have
completed our Belay Class, or if you are visiting the Gym and have
previous Belay experience, you are eligible to take the Belay
Test.
Those taking a
Belay Test are expected to (and/or can expect) the following:
- The Testing
Customer must fill out the Waiver and front of Certification
sheet completely and thoroughly.
- The Testing
Customer must remit the cost of the Belay Tests ($2.00 - money
up front) for each test.
- The Testing
Customer must request a Belay Test upon entering the gym, NO
EXCEPTIONS.
- The Belay Test
is a test. The Testing Customer must pass all parts of
the test without practice, instruction, or error.
- The Belay Test
will happen in the following manner:
- The
Testing Customer will be given an unbuckled harness, a
carabiner, and an ATC as three separate units. For patrons
using their own equipment: The tester will thoroughly
inspect all equipment to insure it is in good condition.
The Testing Customer may use any ‘slotted’ friction
device to take the test. Super Eights and GriGris are
not permitted.
- The
Testing Customer must properly put on the harness.
- The
Testing Customer must tie a Figure Eight Follow-through
with a Double Fisherman’s backup, either on themselves
or on a climber who will climb and fall for the Testing
Customer.
- The
Testing Customer must set up the belay device and
demonstrate flawless Belay technique.
- The
Belayer must keep the brake hand on at all times.
- The
Belayer must belay someone (who will take an
unannounced fall) with the tester backing up the
belayer.
- The
Belayer must use a double handed lowering technique.
- REMEMBER:
The Testing Customer will be passed only if they are able
to complete ALL parts of the Test without practice,
instruction, or error.
- Patrons
who are unable to pass the Belay Certification Test in two
attempts are required to take (or re-take) the Cleveland
Rock Gym’s Belay Class before they are permitted to
belay at the Cleveland Rock Gym.
- After
completing the Belay Test the Testing Customer must complete
the back of the Certification Sheet with the CRG Staff member
that tested them.
It is important to note that any
Belayer observed using poor or unsafe Belay Technique may be
subject to immediate loss of Belay privileges. |