Introduction to climbing at ROCK'n & JAM'n

Who makes a good climber?

Almost anyone in reasonable condition makes a good climber. No extraordinary skills are required to begin climbing. Climbing is one of the very few sports where women can compete equally with men. Good climbing technique is similar to dance or gymnastics and women often learn this more quickly than men. Many people who have been afraid of heights have become outstanding climbers.

Why Climb Indoors?

Some do it to hone their skills for outdoor climbing. It's never cold, dark, raining, or snowing in the gym, so you can do it anytime. In addition, you get a great workout done in a couple of hours - which will probably only get you to the base of the climb outdoors. Other people climb indoors because it's FUN. Climbing is more a sport of technique, controlled movement and finesse than it is brute strength; the challenge of solving the mental puzzle is what keeps people coming back. At ROCK'n & JAM'n, routes and bouldering problems are changed regularly so there is always something new to challenge you. Climbing can be enormously satisfying. There is a thrill you get when you are able to put aside your fear of falling, focus on the problem at hand, and succeed. Finally, climbing is a sport where you compete against yourself and your own limits.

Climbing 101

Bouldering or Top Rope Climbing? For those not interested in roped climbing, you can start Bouldering without any training. Bouldering does not require a rope or harness since a boulderer is not climbing far off the ground, or in our case, a padded landing zone. If you want to take full advantage of what ROCK'n & JAM'n has to offer, we recommend enrolling in one of our Introductory Lessons if you do not already have the skills necessary to pass our belay test. In our Introductory Lessons our friendly, experienced staff will teach you the basics of belaying (managing the rope for the climber) and climbing in a controlled, positive and fun environment. Once completed, students will have the knowledge and should be able to be pass our safety test and climb on their own. Climbers must be at least 12 years old in order to participate in the Introductory Lesson. For those under age 12, we offer a wide variety of "kids programs"

What do I need to get started?

• The Paperwork. Before you are allowed to climb at ROCK'n & JAM'n, you must sign a waiver. Please note that there is a different waiver for each of our gyms. Despite our best efforts to minimize risk, serious injury is a possibility and you'll have to decide for yourself if this is the sport for you. We encourage you to watch for a while and ask a staff member any questions. YOU MAY NOT VENTURE ONTO THE LANDING ZONES UNLESS YOU HAVE A VALID WAIVER ON FILE. Anyone under 18 needs to have their parent sign. We ID anyone under 25.
• The Equipment. We rent and sell everything you will need to climb indoors. If you're bouldering, you don't need to rent anything. If you are top roping, at minimum, you will need a climbing harness and belay hardware (if you will be belaying). For any type of climbing, climbing shoes and a chalkbag may be rented, but aren't required to have a great time.
• The Cost. We offer day passes if you're just dropping in for a day of climbing, punchcards for multi-day discounts (shareable and no expiration date), and month passes or memberships if you plan on climbing a couple times a week or more.

Beyond the Basics

ROCK'n & JAM'n offers a variety of Technical and Personal Training courses to give seasoned climbers a chance to improve their climbing skills. Our experienced staff can help you enhance your climbing ability by teaching you more efficient techniques and by helping you overcome mental and physical barriers. Are you ready to Lead? Lead Climbing requires the climber or "leader" to take the rope from the ground and clip into protection while ascending the wall. The climber is unprotected until they make their first clip and is subject to a ground fall. The belayer is responsible for managing the correct amount of slack in the system to allow the climber to clip easily but minimize the fall. Lead climbing and lead belaying are for more experienced climbers. You must be certified by a staff member before lead climbing or lead belaying at ROCK'n & JAM'n. Check out our Learn to Lead class if you are an experienced top rope climber looking to take it to the next level.

Advanced Options

ROCK'n & JAM'n offers Advanced Training courses. We can also develop a program that meets your specific climbing needs. Whether you need help with a particular project or want to learn how to climb outdoors, we have the right option for you.