Grand
River
Rocks
KITCHENER
First Time?
Watch this video for more info on your first visit to the gym!
At Grand River Rocks we have a few different options for first-time or beginner climbers:
Boulder
We have 2 boulders in our gym. For the boulder, you are NOT tied in to a rope, so if you fall, you fall onto the soft mats below. All climbers must go through a boulder orientation with staff before climbing.
Download Waiver
Auto-Belays
Parents! Don’t know how to belay, but want the kids want to climb on the taller walls? Just ask the desk staff to show you how to clip the kids in!
No previous climbing experience or knowledge of belaying required!
Climbers! Don’t have a partner? Or perhaps your partner is busy belaying someone else? Auto-belays are the answer!
The auto-belays allow you to climb on the roped walls without needing to know how to belay. We have around 13 auto-belays (with 2 routes on each) on the roped walls, as well as our kids section. With a quick, free orientation you can be climbing in no time!
Top-Rope
Top-rope climbing requires at least 2 climbers. Both wear harnesses and tie into a rope attached to a belay anchor at the top of the wall. The belayer stands at the bottom and takes out the slack in the rope as the other person climbs and lets him/her down safely.
In order to climb on the roped walls, you need to know how to belay (put the harness on, tie the proper knots, and belay safely) or have someone with you that knows how.
If you already know how to belay, you must pass a belay test in order to become certified at our gym. Our belay tests are free.
If you do not know how to belay, you can either book a lesson or a guided climb. We do not keep staff on hand to belay. You must book a guided climb in advance if you would like us to provide you with belay staff.
TOP-ROPE BELAY LESSON: $55+tax per person
-lesson is 1-2 hours
– includes a 2-week trial membership and a 1-day harness rental
– minimum age = 13
– please book at least 24 hours in advance
– click here to see when we offer lessons throughout the week
GUIDED CLIMB: $30+tax per person
– includes harness rental and a 1.5 hour climb with our belay staff
– we provide 1 belayer for every 5 people
– minimum of 2 people
– must book AT LEAST 10 days in advance
Tips for First-Time Climbers
If you do not have your own equipment, we have shoe, harness, and chalk bag rentals available. Wear comfortable clothing that you can easily move around in. If you don’t have climbing shoes (or if you don’t want to rent shoes) then the next best alternative is a clean pair of tight-fitting running shoes. And it may sound strange, but short toe nails is a good thing since climbing shoes fit so snug!
There is no age restrictions for climbing! We’ve had people ages 3 to 90 on our walls! (However, to learn how to belay you must be 13+).
FAQs
1. Do I need to book anything before coming in?
If you would like us to teach you how to belay, or if you would like us to provide staff to belay for you, you must book in advance for either a lesson or a guided climb. If you just want to climb on the boulder or use the auto-belays, you do not need to book in advance.
2. How much does it cost?
Check out our Prices for daypasses, punch cards, memberships, birthday parties, and guided climbs.
3. How old do you have to be to climb?
There is no minimum age for climbing! Any age is welcome! You do, however, have to be 13 years or older to belay in our gym.
4. What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that you can easily move around in. If you don’t want to rent climbing shoes, tight-fitting running shoes with a good grip are a good alternative.
5. What do I need to do if I know how to belay and how much does it cost?
If you know how to belay, you will need to do a belay test before belaying at our gym. It’s free, so just let the staff know upon arrival that you need to do one.
6. How old do you have to be to stay at the gym on your own?
If you are under 13, you need to be accompanied by someone over 13.