Common Climbing Questions
Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about climbing with us.
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All of our Depot Climbing centres are now fully cashless; we can only accept payment via card and contactless.
What is bouldering?
One of the most common climbing questions we are asked
Bouldering is a style of climbing free from the use of ropes. Taking place above our state-of-the-art matting, climbers are free to express themselves on hundreds of climbs (called problems) for all abilities.
Everyone can enjoy bouldering – regardless of your level of fitness – and it’s a superb way to keep fit in a social environment. Here at Depot Climbing we cater for all ages, abilities and fitness levels. We have an expert team of friendly instructors who can get you started in under an hour with one of our inductions, or, can help you progress through the climbing grades on one of our coaching courses!
We are a member of the Association of British Climbing Walls.
How long do I get?
As long as you like! We do not enforce a time limit for sessions, but we do ask you to be mindful of the length of your session during busy periods due to limited capacities within the centres.
Do I need to pre-book?
Just arrive and we’ll get you to watch our induction video. You’ll then be asked some questions on the video, assuming we’re happy with the answers, we can sign you off the climb unsupervised that day.
What should I wear?
The main thing is to be comfortable and wear something that allows for lots of movement. Loose gym-style clothing is perfect!
What do I need?
You don’t need to bring anything other than some comfortable clothes – climbing shoes can be hired from the centre for £3.50.
Our comprehensive on-site climbing shops are on hand with friendly staff to help you with any climbing equipment you might want to buy for yourself too!
When are your quiet times?
As we don’t have a booking system, busy periods can vary, but what we can say is that centres are usually at their quietest between 9-5, Monday to Friday.
What is the minimum age?
There is no minimum age, we have sessions suitable for 12 months upwards or if you prefer to supervise a junior, adults can do a short induction and supervise in the centre.
How do I become an adult unsupervised member?
Visit our website and select get into bouldering for the centre you want to attend. Here you will find our video induction and registration forms. Once completed you can come to the centre where we’ll ask you a few questions relating to the video to make sure you’re in the know. Once you’ve answered the questions correctly, you’ll be free to climb in the centre without supervision.
Can I drop my child off and leave them unsupervised?
Only if they are aged between 14-18 and have been signed off to climb unsupervised in the centre. Sign-off takes about 15 minutes and the parent or legal guardian must be present in the building whilst the assessment takes place. If you are on an instructed session (e.g Kids Club), you are welcome to leave once the child is with the instructor and return before the session finishes for the handover.
Can I make a change to my membership?
Yes, this can be done online via a simple and quick form available on the Membership section of the website.
Common Climbing Questions
We’ve tried to answer as many common climbing questions as we can here, based on what we are asked the most; but if you have a question you can’t find the answer to, click the link below and drop us an email. We’ll be happy to help!
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