Belay certifications are challengeable by a practical exam at no cost to the customer.
TO APPLY TO TAKE THE LEAD COURSE, PLEASE FILL OUT OUR ONLINE APPLICATION.
The lead test is approximately half an hour in length, and must be booked in advance. To book a lead test, email us at kitchener@grandriverrocks.com.
Our Bouldering 101 course is designed to cover the fundamentals of good climbing technique and terminology. You’ll get lots of time practicing movement on the wall with one of our instructors. This course is geared towards people who have climbed fewer than 5 times including those who have never climbed before.
The 2 hour program is a great way to get into the sport of bouldering. You will be in a group of 5 and our coach will help introduce you to the sport. The $30+tax charge includes your admission for the day and rental shoes.
Spaces are limited, if we are at capacity please call us to be added to a wait list. This program is for beginners to the sport. Participants must be 16+.
What is Bouldering? Bouldering is a style of rock climbing that uses a shorter wall without the use of harnesses or ropes.
Hi and welcome to boulder 101! My name is Josué Kurke and I will be your coach for bouldering 101. I have been climbing for almost 4 years and last year I drove across the U.S. and Canada for a 6 week long climbing road trip. I have a degree in math from the University of Waterloo and have been climbing at GRR since 2020. I am passionate about teaching and currently am also the assistant head coach for the Rubble Rebels program.
Ready to get started?
Our inaugural session takes place on November 25th from 11am – 1pm.
The intro lesson is for people who want to learn how to belay. You will learn how to put on a harness, tie the necessary knots, and belay your climbing partner. The lesson usually takes about 1-2 hours. Participants must be 13 years or older.
Available lesson times: Please see our schedule to book into an available time. You can book up to a week in advance.
Pricing $55 Includes 1-day harness rental and a 2-week trial membership
The Lead course is designed to teach pairs of climbers safety practices and procedures when climbing in a lead and lead/belay situation.
Skills learned through this class are practical for climbing indoors and outdoors. Participants must be 13 years or older.
Pricing Part 1: LEAD CLIMBING COURSE (6 hours): $180.00 per person for a 2-person lesson $230.00 per person for a 1-person lesson (but must provide partner who is already certified) Includes two 3 hour classes Participants must have their own rope, grigri, and locking carabiner Partners must be relatively similar in weight Participants must be able to easily climb a 5.10 in our gym Optional part 2: OUTDOOR SKILLS CLASS (2.5 hours): $90 per person for a 2-person lesson $120 per person for a 1-person lesson This class covers content related to lead climbing outdoors but takes place inside the gym.
LEAD CLIMBING REFRESHER COURSE (charged by the hour): $26.55 per person per hour for a 2-person lesson
Participants must have their own rope, grigri, and locking carabiner Feeling a little rusty? For this class, we charge by the hour and create a course tailored to your needs. Whether you need one hour, or three, this course will get you back to feeling confident in your lead climbing skills. This course is designed for 2 people. The course will end in a lead climbing re-test to make sure you’re ready to be set free in the gym again! (The test is free and will not be included in the course time) *this course is intended for people who already have a lead certification at GRR and need a refresher*
All prices excluding HST
Price does not include gym entrance fee (must have daypass or membership)
