New Members Advisories, Tips, and Some “Rules”

3. Be a good member of the gym community.

Specifically, this means:

• When in doubt, ask. Climbers tend to be helpful, supportive people and they also remember what it’s like to be new to the sport. They are almost always happy to help as long as you aren’t talking to them while they’re in the middle of a climb. If you could use some guidance, just ask.
• Don’t be afraid to go ”smarties“. There are set routes in a gym that are a lot of fun. But when you’re new, don’t feel like you have to follow them exactly. Feel free to use holds and/or feet that aren’t on the official route /problem- just getting up the wall is an achievement in its own right. Just don’t veer way off a set climb since you might confuse other climbers who are trying to jump on a section of the wall that they think is open.
• Take turns on the bouldering wall. In a bouldering gym, there’s no set order or timing for when to climb and when to wait. Getting on a crowded wall is part empathy, part selfishness, and totally a feel thing. Simply be aware of the rhythm of those around you and, when the wall seems free, climb. If you’re feeling rushed and/or stressed out while climbing, you aren’t doing it right. And don’t forget, rest is important for peak performance – flailing hard, rarely gets the job done.
• Be aware that others might want to use the rope you’re on. If you’re climbing on the ropes, hanging briefly to rest and get some more attempts at a particular move or section is fine. But if the gym is crowded, chances are there are other people who want the rope you’re on, so don’t stay up there for 15 minutes trying over and over again. Lower down, take a break, and regroup while others get their psych on.
• Don’t offer unsolicited advice/beta. It’s fun to figure out how to do a route. If you think you have advice for another climber, be sure they want it before you say it. Whether they are on or off the wall, ask if they want a suggestion before making one. Giving unsolicited advice is called “spraying beta” and can annoy climbers who love figuring a route out for themselves. It can also be distracting for a climber who is already on the wall. Just to be clear, spraying beta is not the same as pointing out interesting routes. Feel free to tell someone about a route you really like or don’t like – just don’t get into what to do or not do unless you’re sure that the advice is wanted first.
• Those who brush it, crush it. Don’t get on a problem in between when someone brushes it and when they’re putting the brush away. Climbers brush holds to get rid of excess chalk, shoe rubber, and other residue that prevents the holds from feeling optimal. Don’t take the fruits of their labour for yourself. Or course, if they brush it and then for some reason don’t immediately get on the route, go ahead and jump in, but clean it after you try it.
• Don’t disrupt the peace. Sometimes, you may let out a power scream. Sometimes you’ll go for a hold, miss, and groan out of frustration. Just don’t make a habit of it. Loud noises can be distracting for others, so keep them to a minimum. Try hard to avoid throwing a young Ondra  temper tantrum if you can’t do a climb, not only are they annoying to listen to, but they also make you look like a big lump of conglomerate.
  
  Kids in Climbing Gyms
• Kids are natural climbers. Climbing gyms typically have classes and programs for children as young as 6 years old. After your child has taken a few classes, then you can all go to the gym together and enjoy some family climbing time. 

• Climbing builds muscle, endurance and physical skills. Planning and anticipating moves is also a mental workout. Climbing is also a healthy option for children who are not interested in traditional team sports. It can also be an alternative team sport if you’re lucky enough to have school that fields a climbing team.