Get Climbing
A guide for new climbers on how to prepare for your first visit to Onsight Rock Gym.
BEFORE YOUR First VISIT
Everyone who enters the facility must have a current and valid Onsight Rock Gym Release of Liability Form (waiver) on file.
To get started climbing faster when you arrive, please fill out the online waiver before your visit.
Everyone under 18 years of age must have their waiver signed by his or her parent or legal guardian. If the parent or legal guardian will not be present, the waiver must be completed in advance. Legal guardians must provide proof of guardianship to sign a child's waiver.
All children under 13 years of age must be supervised by an adult at all times while at Onsight Rock Gym.
Basic information:
Upon arrival to our facility, all guests must complete a Gym Orientation with Onsight Rock Gym staff and watch a short Bouldering Orientation video before being granted access to any climbing area. This orientation procedure is mandatory and will include an introduction to all of our climbing areas, facility rules, and policies.
Most first timers purchase a day pass, which lasts all business day (you can leave and return).
Experienced Climbers: Have your own equipment? You are encouraged to use your personally owned climbing equipment. All harnesses and belay devices must be inspected and approved by Onsight Rock Gym staff before use. Climbing harnesses, belay devices, chalk bags, climbing shoes, and lead climbing ropes are all available for rent.
Belaying: Onsight offers three different types of climbing, Top Rope, Lead, and Bouldering. Please make sure to check in and get belay certified with an Onsight Staff Member before handling the ropes.
What to wear? We highly suggest avoiding restrictive clothing such as jeans because it can limit movement and make rock climbing uncomfortable and more difficult. Any athletic type of pants would be perfect. No skirts or dresses are allowed while climbing. Don't forget to wear closed toed shoes! Rock climbing shoes, while not required, are highly recommended. Climbing harnesses, belay devices, chalk bags, and climbing shoes are all available for rent.
Onsight offers seven Perfect Descent Auto Belay units in the kids’/beginner’s climbing room and five in our main climbing area. During private group events and parties (usually on weekends), the kids’/beginner’s room may be unavailable. Please call us ahead of time to ensure the room is available if you are interested in using the auto belays in that room. An auto belay eliminates the need for a human belayer. The auto belay takes up the slack as the climber ascends and controls the descent when the climber reaches the top or in the event of a fall. After a quick orientation on how to use the auto belays, you can clip yourself in and try out rock climbing! Children ages 12 and under must be clipped in by an adult and supervised at all times.
Bouldering is a type of climbing that involves climbing to shorter heights which are not tall enough to require a rope or harness. It also doesn't require you to have a partner, but it is always more fun to climb with others and have someone spotting you. For these reasons, bouldering is a great way to try out climbing! Onsight Rock Gym has a large bouldering area that is equipped with a super thick and seamless flooring system.
You must be supervised by an adult if you are under the age of 13.
Although you do not have to be certified to boulder, you must understand the rules of bouldering, how to spot, and how to fall properly, which are covered in our mandatory Bouldering Orientation Video that you will watch when you arrive.
Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page or Contact Us