YOUTH CLIMBING POLICY
Have a child interested in climbing? Here is what you need to know to get started.
At Planet Rock, we love kids and are excited to welcome them to the world of climbing! However, climbing gyms (although super fun) can be dangerous spaces for inexperienced climbers of all ages. Like adults, kids are expected to share the space safely with other climbers and are subject to safety rules and gym etiquette expectations (listed below).
All children, parents, guardians and guests must have a waiver on file prior to entering the main climbing areas of Planet Rock. Adults (parents or guardians) are required to fill out and sign waivers for all persons under the age of 18 years.
Parents are not permitted to drop children off or leave children under the age of 16 unattended inside the climbing gyms.
Climbing is an inherently risky sport and safety is our main priority, so please take the time to review our Youth Climbing Rules before visiting the gym. It is important to us that you come to the gym knowing everything beforehand so that we can give you the best experience possible.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum age to climb at Planet Rock is 4 years of age
- Minimum age to belay at Planet Rock is 16 years of age
- Children under the age of 14 must be clipped into auto-belays by an adult or guardian aged 18+
- Children under the age of 16 must be closely supervised at all times
- Children under 16 are not permitted in the weight room or cardio area unless directly supervised by an adult
- Mobile infants that crawl, scoot, roll or otherwise move themselves need to be within arm’s length and closely attended by a non-climbing, non-belaying guardian at all times
YOUTH CLIMBING RULES
- All children, parents, guardians and spectators must have a waiver on file prior to entering the main climbing areas.
- The required adult to child ratio for children aged 4-6 is 1:3
- The required adult to child ratio for children aged 7-15 is 1:4
- Groups of children must not exceed 12 youth participants. Interested in bringing a group of children to Planet Rock? Please submit your request to hello@planet-rock.com
- Parents are not permitted to drop children off or leave children unattended inside the climbing gyms.
- Children are not permitted to climb on ropes unless accompanied by a guardian that has fulfilled our top-rope belaying requirements. Additional information below.
YOUTH CLIMBING OPTIONS
TOP ROPE CLIMBING
The preferred style of climbing for new climbers and families.
Top Rope climbing requires a partner, also known as a belayer. Planet Rock does not rent out staff belayers. Children are not permitted to climb on ropes unless accompanied by a guardian that has fulfilled our top-rope belaying requirements.
All new climbers looking to climb on top ropes at Planet Rock must either successfully complete a Starter Package or successfully pass a belay check upon arrival.
The Starter Package is the most comprehensive first-time experience for new climbers. Starter Packages are available at both locations every day of the week. Each Starter Package also includes a complimentary day pass to return to the gym and climb on a future date. These complimentary day passes must be redeemed within 30 days of the initial lesson.
Each lesson is roughly 1.5-2 hours in length, so plan accordingly. It is recommended that parents and guardians take this lesson prior to bringing children into the climbing gyms. Minimum age to belay or take this lesson is 16 years old.
Starter Package Cost: $45
Includes: rental gear + extra day pass (future day)
*We recommend that brand new customers book our Starter Packages in advance. Walk-ins will be placed into the next available lesson.
What is belaying?
In rope climbing, the belayer is the partner that attaches into the opposite end of the rope from the climber, and remains firmly fixed to the ground for the entirety of the climb. The belayer is responsible for managing the rope as the climber ascends the wall, utilizing a belay device to keep the climber’s rope tight as they climb, catch them when they fall, and lower climbers safely to the ground.
BOULDERING
Not recommended for children under 7 years of age.
Bouldering is a version of free-climbing on shorter walls without ropes. This form of climbing offers zero protection from ropes and gear. All bouldering falls are ground falls. All new climbers and guardians are required to take a Bouldering Safety Orientation prior to climbing at Planet Rock. Walk-in Bouldering Orientations are available every day of the week.
Bouldering is the most dangerous form of rock climbing. Bouldering is not recommended for children under 7 years of age. Children under the age of 14 should not climb higher than twice their height while bouldering. Children under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times while bouldering at Planet Rock.
Boulder-Only Cost: $25
- Day Pass: $20
- Rental Shoes: $5
*Boulder Orientations included in Starter Package.
AUTO-BELAYS
Requires direct supervision for children under 14 years of age.
Planet Rock’s auto-belays provide the similar experience and protection as rope climbing, without the need for a belayer. All new climbers and guardians are required to take an Auto-Belay Safety Orientation prior to using the auto-belays at Planet Rock. Walk-in Auto-Belay Orientations are available every day of the week.
Children under the age of 16 must be supervised by a guardian at all times. Children under the age of 14 are required to be clipped into auto-belays by a non-climbing guardian.
Auto-Belay Cost: $29
- Day Pass: $20
- Rental Shoes: $5
- Rental Harness: $4
*Auto-belay Orientations included in Starter Package.