FAQ - Cleveland Rock Gym

You must have a signed waiver in order to climb.
Children under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

Reservations required for all new climbers
so we can have staff present to assist you.

Reservation can be made in person or by phone.
We do not accept reservation by email.

faq

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. 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 by phone for an Introduction to Climbing Group. We'll introduce you 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 and belay for you. (Our instructors are trained in how to belay - that what we call "working the ropes" - while you climb.) This is the perfect setting 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 be made by phone or in person. We do not accept reservations by email. CRG Staff will take your party's information including your address and phone number. CRG requires deposit for each reservation, but we usually 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 charges $30 for each belayer required. (see also our Cancellation Policy)

Group reservations must be made in person or by phone at least seven days in advance, but weekend dates fill up quickly. Birthday parties, youth groups, girl scouts, boy scouts, groups of friends, etc� are all groups that frequent The Cleveland Rock Gym.

The cost is $30 for each belayer and $12 for each climber. This averages out to less than $20 per person for all but the smallest groups. This fee includes entrance into the gym, equipment rental and belay staff - there are no hidden charges. We staff one belayer for every six climbers. So, for example, 8 climbers require 2 belayers. Every climber in the group must fill out 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:
1. 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.
2. The Testing Customer must properly put on the harness.
3. 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.
4. The Testing Customer must set up the belay device and demonstrate flawless Belay technique.
  1. The Belayer must keep the brake hand on at all times.
  2. The Belayer must belay someone (who will take an unannounced fall) with the tester backing up the belayer.
  3. The Belayer must use a double handed lowering technique.
5. REMEMBER: The Testing Customer will be passed only if they are able to complete ALL parts of the Test without practice, instruction, or error.
6. 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.