The do’s and don’ts (don’t not climb) for a great time climbing!
If you’re reading this, you probably already have a passion (very healthy addiction) for climbing, are interested in giving climbing a go (honestly, it will change your life), or are supervising a little one climbing (it’s objectively the best activity to do with your child).
No matter who you are – old climbers, new climbers and everyone in between – it’s important that indoor climbing etiquette is followed so that climbing can not only be safe, but enjoyable for all of us crazy (*wonderfully friendly) indoor climbing lovers.
Tie in climbers, here we go.
Outdoor Bouldering Etiquette
1. Give Climbers Space.
See someone climbing? Stand back. Or just in general, always give the wall a wide berth. Whether a climber is warming up or on their project (the climb they are working on), it is always possible for climbers to fall uncontrollably and land in a wide drop zone.
Now, we are not medically trained (climbing careers are more fun right?), but we think it would be pretty painful for both you to be landed on, and for the climber to land on you, and it could result in both of you having to take time out of climbing to recover from injury (and we know no one wants that – no, literally how would we cope?).
Whilst on this topic, CALLING ALL SUPERVISORS, we know little ones have wonderful minds of their own, but we could do without the fright of seeing a child run underneath an adult climbing and missing being landed on by the skin of their teeth. Please always keep your child close by (within an arm’s reach) and teach them to stay away from people on the wall.
2. Take Turns
We know you are keen to climb. But please take turns! The climbing community is very friendly and casual, but be aware of who has been waiting to jump on a climb.
Some potential tell-tale signs for someone waiting to climb: they may have brushed holds on a climb, they may have chalked up their hands, they may have been standing next to you for a while and not know you, or they may be psyching themselves up and staring intently at holds on the wall. If in doubt, just ask, you may even make a friend!
3. Say Hey, Don’t Beta Spray.
“Beta spraying: giving unsolicited advice on a climb.” It can be tempting to give suggestions and ideas, no matter how crazy, to other climbers in the centre about how to complete the climbing route they are on.
We know you are eager to help others (climbers 🤝 being the most helpful people ever), but for some people, problem-solving on the wall and self-analysis is all part of the fun. Say hey and ask if someone wants beta (or just say hey, we’re all super friendly), but if someone declines, keep your beta spraying to yourself, and just offer words of encouragement instead.
4. Don’t Rush, Brush.
Chalk is commonly used in climbing gyms and can be immensely useful in increasing the friction between your hands and the holds. However, a build-up of chalk on holds makes friction worse for your hands and makes the holds glassy under your feet.
Get yourself a brush, or use one of the climbing walls brushes (and then return it to it’s lovely little brush stick home) and give chalky holds a good brush before, and (if you want to be a climbing angel) after you climb, this will make it easier for you, as well as showing respect to the next climber.
Whilst on the topic of chalk, liquid chalk can be brilliant but please wait for it to dry on your hands before climbing, sadly if you don’t wait for it to dry it is useless (and can damage climbing holds), so hold back you keen little climbing warrior, take a breath and only climb once hands are dry.
5. Be Encouraging, Not Distracting.
One of the great things about indoor climbing is the community it fosters, and we want new climbers to be able to feel this when they begin their climbing journey at Depot Climbing.
Positivity and encouragement can do wonders for people’s confidence, as well as creating an environment where people feel comfortable and welcome. Chat to people and offer words of encouragement (allez) to others, but try not to be distracting.
We understand it’s a great place to hang out with friends, but respect people’s space and peace. This is especially important while indoor rope climbing. It is imperative that belayers are not distracted whilst belaying their climber, as this could result in danger for other climbers, as well as injury to the roped climber. Give them space and only start a conversation once climbing is complete.
6. Walk, Don’t Run (We Climb So We Don’t hHave To Run, Surely?)
On first thought, you could say this is more aimed at supervisors and children than adult climbers, however, we’ve seen how excited you get, and quite frankly in a relaxed environment that feels so community-based it can be difficult to remember to chill out and take a stroll rather than running full speed to greet your climbing partner who you haven’t seen for 3 days.
Running, on or off the mats can increase the risk of injury (imagine an 85kg wad landing on you), as well as intimidate other climbers. Supervisors, to reiterate, we know that it’s difficult, but please refrain from letting your child run off. There are, sadly, plenty of videos online showing collisions between running children and climbers which end in injury or just immense shock – we would love to avoid this occurring.
7. It’s a bouldering mat, not a mattress.
With climbing as a hobby increasing (welcome new climbers, it’s great to have you), this means indoor bouldering and climbing centres are increasingly busy.
The mats under the boulders are there for your safety and to decrease the risk of injury (not guarantee your safety). No matter how comfortable they are, they are not there for sunbathing, cuddling, meditating, or hanging out.
Wait your turn off the mats, or in widely matted areas, and step onto the mats towards the wall when it is your turn and save all other activities for elsewhere.
8. Sliders Are In. Germs Are Out.
I’m sure we have all seen someone run for a ‘quick wee’ or to wash their hands whilst keeping their climbing shoes on. Don’t let this be you.
Imagine, all those toilet germs being stepped all over the climbing holds we then hold with our hands. *cries in unwanted illnesses*. Let’s keep the wall as clean as possible (because then you can climb more, right?), and change into sliders, hut slippers, trainers or any non-climbing footwear for all those toilet breaks.
We hope that this rundown of climbing etiquette enables new climbers, old climbers and everyone in between to have an enjoyable and safe indoor climbing experience at Depot Climbing. If you have any questions, be sure to ask our friendly staff on your next visit – we love to talk all things climbing!
Happy sending!
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This post was written by depotadmin
