New Climbers and Visitors

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So you are planning a visit to Climb Kalamazoo and you’ve never climbed or belayed…

Scroll to the bottom if you are new to our facility and already know how to belay to see about our safety checks.

 

LESSONS

We do not provide belayers at Climb Kalamazoo. It is our philosophy that in order to use the ropes you must know how the equipment works. Therefore, we will teach you how to belay using a standard tube-style belay device (black diamond ATC). Belaying is the safety technique and equipment used to keep the climber safe with the use of a rope. Climbers from age 14 and up, regardless of height and weight, will be treated as an adult at our facility and be eligible to belay. The required safety lesson will teach you how to handle (put on, take off, adjust) your harness, tie all the knots you would need and belay for your partner. This lesson takes about 45 min to 1 hour and is available during our safety lesson hours . The lesson can be taken immedietly preceding your first climbing day or on a previous day, whichever best suits your needs. At the completion of the lesson you will tested for compentency with all the pertent safety equipment. Once “certified” you will not need to take this lesson again. Complementary refreshers will be provided, if needed, on additional visits. Refreshers are available during regular business hours.

FEATURES

Climb Kalamazoo has a lounge area that is perfect for warming up, hanging out, and cooling down.The lounge has comfortable sofas, tables, and chairs. Need a place to eat your cake for your birthday party? There is plenty of room in the lounge area.

 

Need a place to keep your valueables while you aren't climbing? Climb Kalamazoo has lockers and locks (locks-$1 rental). Need to freshen up after you finish climbing? Showers are available (supplies not available).

 

Forgot your chalk? Want to upgrade your equipment? Climb Kalamazoo also has a Pro Shop.

 

WHAT IT TAKES TO CLIMB

All participants must have a current release of liability form (waiver) on file. Youth (under age 18) must have parent/ guardian signature. Notes from parent/ guardian are NOT accepted. You will need a partner, at least one. Individuals are welcome to take the safety lesson but will not be able to use the ropes without a cohort. Children, under 14 are welcome to climb, but will need an adult to belay for them. It is advisable to dress athletically minded. Wear clothing that will not restrict movement, especially while wearing a harness. The average climbing visit is usually 2-4 hours of climbing (after the lesson).

 

COSTS

Adult -1st visit (ages 14 and up)	$29 (Includes: lesson ($10), gear rental ($8), and use of the facility($11))
Adult- belay "certified"	$19 (Includes: gear rental ($8), use of facility($11), and refresher, if needed)
Adult - with own gear (harness, belay device, & shoes)	$11 (Includes: use of the facility)
Adult - belay only, not climbing	$7 (Includes: rental of harness & belay device)
College Student - 1st visit (with valid I.D.)	$27 (Includes: lesson ($10), gear rental ($8), and use of facility ($9))
College Student - belay "certified"	$17 (Includes: gear rental ($8), use of the facility ($9), and refresher, if needed)
College Student - with own gear (harness, belay device, & shoes)	$9 (Includes: use of the facility)
Child (under 14 years)	$11 (Includes: harness rental ($4) and use of the facility ($7) )
Child - with own gear	$7 (Includes: use of the facility)

 

 

SAFETY CHECK
You are new to our facility but have climbed before and know how to tie your knots and belay.This means you will have to pass a safety check. You must be at least 14 years old, regardless of height or weight. Cost is a one-time fee of $3. No appointment is necessary. Safety checks are offered during regular business hours. The safety check will go as follows: You will demonstrate the correct way to tie your climber's knots (figure-eight with follow through directly on harness) and set up for the belay. You will belay for your partner using a correct and safe belay method while using proper climbing safety commands and correct use of climbing safety equipment. You must be able to catch an unexpected fall.

 

 

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