Frequently Asked Questions
Here we’ve pulled together answers to some of the most common questions people have when they are considering climbing at the Vertical Edge Climbing Center for the first time.
What does it cost?
While our rates vary depending on a number of factors, most of our first-time climbers come to top-rope climb for a few hours on a given day, and do not have their own gear.
Adding together the daily adult rate for top-roping with the cost to rent a harness and shoes, gives a total of $16.00. (Print out a Rock Bucks coupon and bring it with you, and you’ll shave $2.00 off the cost of your first visit!)
Do I need my own equipment?
No. We rent everything you need. Of course, if you have your own gear, bring it!
Do I need experience?
No. Sure, it doesn’t hurt, but most of the people who climb at the Vertical Edge first walked through our doors having never climbed before. Anyone can learn to climb, whether at your own pace, or by taking one of our classes.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably, and choose clothing based on the kind of workout you intend to get. You can climb in the same clothes you’d wear to the mall, though you may want to dress as you would for any active pursuit. Most of our climbers wear shorts or sweat pants and a T-shirt or tank-top when climbing.
Is it safe?
The experienced staff at the Vertical Edge put safety first. If you intend to top-rope, you’ll be required to wear a harness and show that you know how to tie-in with the correct knot.
Anyone belaying at VECC must be belay certified by our staff, to ensure that everyone has a safe, fun time. If you just want to boulder, come and get to it, but again, the staff will monitor everyone to ensure that you stay close to the ground when not wearing a harness and tied in to a top-rope.
How do I get belay certified?
Any customer may take the belay certification test once per visit. If you pass, you will receive a belay tag to wear on your harness whenever belaying at VECC. If you fail, you will have to come back and retake the test on another day, though you will still be free to climb during that visit.
You may already know how to belay safely, or you may have a friend who plans to come with you and show you what you need to know. Both cases are fine, so long as you can demonstrate a solid knowledge of proper belay techiniques and a conscientious attitude toward belaying.
VECC strongly recommends that first-time climbers attend one of our scheduled classes. You’ll have fun and be absolutely assured that you know how to climb and belay others safely.
Are my kids too young to try rock climbing?
That’s a question you are probably better suited to answer than we are. We’ve had children as young as 2 years old climb and have fun at the Vertical Edge. Still, some considerably older children might find the experience intimidating. In the end, we’ve found that most children approach rock climbing with whatever expectations their parents have given them.
Do you offer programs for groups?
Yes. Please see the Other Programs page for details of our group offerings.
I want to learn to climb. Do you offer instruction?
Yes. Please see the Instruction page for details.