Indoor Climbing

Indoor Climbing Gyms take the challenge and fitness benefits of climbing and remove the unpredictable nature of the mountain environment to offer a truly alternative form of active recreation. No longer do you have to travel hours each way to a climbing area. Vertically Inclined is right here in Edmonton so that after climbing you can go out to a movie, for a drink and most importantly, to your own bed!

The pursuit of rock climbing, with its inherent benefits, is now accessible to everyone.

Check out the top 12 questions that are asked about indoor climbing (and our responses!)

   

Question #1

What do you guys do over there?

 Answer
We run a state-of-the-art facility that is dedicated to climbing. We live, breathe and dream climbing at Vertically Inclined. Vertically Inclined runs adult and kids semester programs, introductory courses, birthday parties and even corporate team development.
   

Question #2

How does it work?

 Answer
To climb you need a climber and a belayer. The climber goes up the wall and the belayer manages the rope and safety of the climber. We run exposure sessions, introductory courses, semester programs, birthdays and custom progrms for people who have never climbed before. If you currently a climber and can can pass a belay check then you can pay on a daily basis or get an annual pass.
   

Question #3

What is belaying...and what is the Belay Check?

 Answer
Belaying is managing the rope so that the climber is safe on the wall. If the climber falls then the belayer "catches" them using the rope and proper technique. A Belay Check is a little test to show us that you indeed know how to belay with an accepted belay technique and how to tie in with a follow through figure eight knot. If you have never learned you won’t be able to fake it!
   

Question #4

I've never done this before........ Can I still belay my friend?

 Answer
You can belay your friend in the gym no problem – even if you don’t want to climb yourself. If you do want to climb, then you can get your friend to do our Climbing Adventure. Our Climbing Adventure is oriented toward the person who has never climbed before. We give a 25 minute orientation and boom…now they can belay you!
   

Question #5

What is 'Bouldering'?

Answer

Bouldering is climbing without ropes below a set height limit. In our facility that mark is just over 10 feet. Much of the technique instruction we offer is taught through bouldering so that participants can try the moves and step off the wall. It is also popular as it is viewed as simple (very little equipment) and as the purest form of climbing.

   

Question #6

Is any special equipment needed?

Answer

Yes there is and we rent all the equipment that is needed for indoor rock climbing. Shoes, harness, belay devices and ropes.

All of our introductory courses include all required rental equipment.
   

Question #7

Do I have to sign a waiver?

Or have it signed by my parent?

Answer
All adults (18 years and older) must fill out a waiver before entering the climbing area.

Everyone who comes into the gym who is under 18 yrs. of age will have to have a pre-signed waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
   

Question #8

Is it Safe?

Answer
Indoor climbing has removed the major dangers (limited protection, falling rock, wild animals, weather conditions etc.) from the sport. However, like any activity (skiing, mountain biking, walking across the street) indoor climbing has associated risks. We technically (and legally) cannot say that climbing is a safe sport (or for that matter that any sport is safe) because humans are unpredictable and can do completely unexpected things. We make every effort to account for all possible situations through continuously upgrading our programs and training our staff. Our safety systems in courses include the following:

  • A double rap on our ropes to double the amount of friction in the belay situation – helps slow down a fall.
  • 6:1 participant to instructor ratio in courses
  • We ensure that no one leaves the ground until checked by an instructor.
  • A comprehensive rope log that monitors wear and tear on all ropes
  • Impact absobant padding in all climbing areas
   

Question #9

Can I drop my kids off at your gym for the day?

Answer
Kids 12 years and younger require constant adult supervision and will require an adult to come in to manage the ropes for them.

Depending upon their maturity level we can show kids (13 yrs. and older) how to manage the ropes on their own. Due to the seriousness of climbing we cannot allow any horseplay or running around the facility.

   

Question #10

I have my belay check at another climbing gym...do I need one for Vertically Inclined?

Answer
Although belaying is an activity that is fairly basic and very transferable, each climbing gym that you visit will ask you to show them how to belay. Various climbing gyms might have different requirements for belaying but the basics should be the same.
   

Question #11

Do you sell Gift Certificates?

Answer
Yes we do. We sell them for specific items like Getting Into It courses or Climbing Adventures. We can also make them for a straight monetary amount too.

   

Question #12

Do you have a birthday room we can use?

Answer

Unfortunately we do not have a room for meeting after the event. There are several restaurants in the area that you can go to after climbing.
   

© 2007 Vertically Inclined Rock Gym Inc.

Contact Us!