Choosing the best rock climbing gym depends on your climbing goals, equipment needs, and gym fees. Talk to the staff about their climbing experience and safety measures, and check the rental gear. For advanced climbers, look for varied features and textures on the wall, and ask about climbing competitions.
A rock climbing gym is a great place to hone your rock climbing skills and get in shape, but not all rock climbing gym locations are created equal. Some are larger than others and have different wall features, such as a lead wall, bouldering cave, and multiple top rope areas, while others are simple venues with a small number of walls and only top rope areas. Some offer climbing classes, and some have a large amount of rental equipment available. To choose the best climbing gym, first consider what you will be using the gym for and how often you will use it. Determining your climbing goals and choosing the best rock climbing gym should be easy.
Of course, if there is only one gym in your area, the decision is easy. But if you need to compare rock gyms before joining one, think about the type of climbing you want to do. If you primarily lead lead climb then you will want to choose a gym that has the equipment and capabilities to handle such climbing. If bouldering is your specialty, choose a gym that has a large bouldering cave that can accommodate more than one user at a time. Also check out gym fees, as many gyms offer bouldering passes that are less expensive than a full gym pass.
Whatever your purposes, be sure to talk to the gym staff. Make sure they are well informed and safe minded. Ask them about their climbing pasts and ask about the instructors in the class. In addition to knowledgeable staff who can help you when you need it, safety is the most important feature of any rock climbing gym. Take a look at the rental gear and make sure the shoes and harnesses are clean, in good repair, and free of defects, rips, or tears. Ask staff how often ropes and other equipment are inspected for safety.
For the advanced climber, a rock climbing gym should have a variety of ascents that allow for an easy warm up and several challenging ascents. Look for varied features, holds, and textures on the wall. If the walls have features like overhangs, slopes, and chimneys, it will be more difficult than a simple straight wall. If competitions interest you, check with the gym managers to see if there are any climbing competitions and what walls they will be held on. The more activities and features the gym has, the better you will be as an advanced climber.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
