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First Time Climbers Gift Cards Frequently Asked Questions

Learn the Ropes

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Unlock Rope Climbing

Learn the skills you need to start top rope climbing at CRG. We’ll walk through the gear, knots, belaying, and necessary communication so you can get comfortable on the ropes and start climbing higher.

What you'll learn

  • How to top rope belay
  • How to tie in using the figure-8 knot
  • Rope climbing communication
  • Proper belay technique and partner checks

Session Info

  • 1.5 hours, led by our experienced instructors
  • Free for members!
  • A day pass and rental gear is included to climb after the class for non-members
  • Ages 13+

Book your class

You must pre-register to guarantee a spot, as classes can fill up quickly. See the schedule below to book your spot!

What is 'belaying'?

Belaying is the process of managing the rope for the climber as they climb. In the Learn the Ropes class, you’ll learn how to top rope belay, as well as the knots required to tie in as the climber.

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What is 'top roping'?

Top rope climbing is a style of climbing where the rope runs from the climber up through an anchor at the top of the wall and back down to the belayer on the ground.

The climber is tied into one end of the rope while the belayer manages the rope using a belay device. In this class, you’ll learn how to tie in as the climber, manage the rope as the belayer, and work together as a climbing team.

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FAQs

Not at all. Learn the Ropes is beginner-friendly and designed to teach both new and experienced climbers how to top rope belay.

Learn the Ropes is mostly focused on instruction and learning the fundamentals of belaying, knots, rope systems, and partner communication.

You’ll also spend some time climbing and practicing with a partner so you can apply what you’re learning throughout the class. We highly recommend staying after the class to try rope climbing throughout the facility.

Nope, you’ll practice with others during class, but future rope climbing visits typically require a partner.

If you don’t have someone to climb with, check out our climbing meetups and member appreciation events.

Climbers ages 13+ are welcome to take the Learn the Ropes class and learn how to belay.

Climbers under 13 are still welcome to rope climb, but they must be tied in and belayed by a certified belayer.

For families or mixed-age groups, we recommend Climb with an Instructor, where a staff member handles the belaying. You can also visit on a Day Pass and explore our auto belay climbing areas together.

After completing the Learn the Ropes class, you’ll receive a provisional certification for the rest of the day so you can continue practicing your belaying and knot tying skills.

When you return for a future visit, a staff member will walk you through a belay check to complete your certification. Once completed, you’ll be certified to top rope belay at all Central Rock Gym locations.

We recommend coming back to test sooner rather than later while the techniques are still fresh, but no stress if you need a little more practice. Our staff can help guide you through the process as you continue building confidence on the ropes.

If you already feel confident belaying and tying in, you may not need the class.

Stop by the front desk and a staff member can help you complete a belay test to get certified at CRG.