Sportrock belay certification. (14 years + and basic belay certification) - $95. Demonstrate the rope “on belay”. Belay cards must be worn and clearly visible at all times while belaying, climbing roped walls, and using auto-belays. If you know how to tie a figure-8 knot follow through and are familiar with the P. Looking for the perfect belaytionship? Use this Facebook Group to find yourself a belay buddy at. Great for Climbing with Friends & Family This course is perfect if you want to climb with friends, family, or children. 9 route (or harder). EXPERIENCED CLIMBER? There are many options awaiting you at The Gravity Vault Princeton. Lead climbing and belay certifications will be issued to those who meet the following requirements: AGE and GEAR REQUIREMENTS All Top Rope Belay certification requirements from above. ” in 2 reviews Sportrock climbing center in Rio has just opened! Switching from one climbing gym to another welcomes the opportunity for new communities, belay partners, and beta buddies. This guide is to help you optimize that choice! Some harnesses come with extra features, some fit differently than others, some are lighter, and some Sportrock Sterling is the largest full-service climbing gym with both ropes and bouldering in the Tysons, Reston, Sterling, Loudon area! Experience the thrill of climbing with the safety and expertise of a rock climbing instructor. How to become a Certified Belayer If you are interested in mountain climbing, then you might want to become a belayer and provide life-saving support to climbers. 2. When asked if Delap thinks that cost is a factor in belay device preference, he stated: “Yeah. Most people learn to belay fairly confidently in one or two sessions. The best way to pass this test is to take a belay lesson. S. climbing wall (“Climbing Wall”) and related facilities, operated by Sportrock, Inc. Use a palm down belay style, the gyms seem to prefer the sliding hand technique where your dominant hand is always your brake hand. Top 10 Best Indoor Rock Climbing in Fairfax, VA - July 2025 - Yelp - Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness Center, Evolution Boulders, Sportrock Climbing Center, Vertical Rock Tysons Bouldering, Fun Land of Fairfax, ZavaZone, State Climb, Scramble, The Fitness Equation, Renewal Tide Massage & Yoga Belay Certification Classes Our 90-minute Belay Skills Check is an essential annual requirement for all climbers. Specialties: Sportrock Alexandria is a rock climbing gym that specializes in all things rock climbing: bouldering, top-roping, sport leading, climbing classes and programs, indoor centers, outdoor instruction and guiding- we've got it all. Belay certification lessons are free and typically take 15–20 minutes. . 00:00 Intro02:07 Tube Style Devices06:00 Assi Learn to lead class is designed to introduce climbers to lead climbing and belaying. and Maryland. This post provides information about the belaying career and shows you how to become a certified belayer, including the training and certification programs you need to take. New Member Clinics are great ways to climb with and meet new members! Girl Beta is our monthly meetup to help women in the community find other women to climb with. Complete Guide to Top Rope Belaying - Tips & Common mistakes. We see it all the time. This session: Introduces participants to our climbing centers Provides comprehensive belay skills training Offers personalized attention with sessions limited to six participants Belay Certification Classes are offered daily and are free for students on a first come, first served Established in 1994. Start with a Day Pass or explore our Private Lead Class Required Certification: Top Rope Belay Recommended Grade Level: 5. If the climber falls, allow yourself to be lifted up in your harness and raise your feet for the impact with the wall. Designed for participants aged 18 and older, this class provides hands-on training to safely and effectively use the auto belay system on our climbing wall. 9 TIME/VISITS REQUIRED 2 Visits (included Belay Certification All first-time guests planning to Top rope must get Belay Certified by a Quarry Staff Member. Manhattan Plaza Health Club Climbing Gym, Midtown Photo courtesy of Manhattan Plaza Health Club Climbing Gym Mar 12, 2008 · I find the palm-up, thumb-down belay method is best for managing the amount of slack available to the leader. Identify all pre-climb checks and commands. Our online request form makes it easy to book a guided climb, whether you're a first-time climber or an experienced pro. When posting to find a belay buddy we recommend you Join Sportrock Climbing Centers for Intro to Climbing and Top Rope Belaying classes with up to 42% off Here's their calendar (for Alexandria), if it's your first time climbing I'd take a basic skills class, and then come back within a few days and take your quick belay certification test. Does it need an introduction? Designed for lead and top rope climbing, GRIGRI is the gold standard for belay devices. The cost is a thing. Do you have auto belays? Yes! Our Rio, Sterling, and Alexandria all have several auto belay options. Hello all. The staff is super friendly and helpful for whatever you need. No appointment necessary. Jun 15, 2025 · Many climbing gyms, like Sportrock, require belay certification tests before allowing independent belaying, ensuring all climbers meet safety standards. New to the area and looking for a belay partner to go to the Sportrock climbing gym in Sterling. Must have Belay Certification or previous Belay experience through Sportrock Summer Camps or Private Instruction. View Sean Flaherty’s profile 11:00am – Arrive at Sportrock and get day passes. 156 likes, 2 comments - sportrock on December 23, 2024: "👕 Fresh Tees Are Here! 👕 Sportrock’s 30th Anniversary and limited edition Homies Belay Homies tees have landed in our retail shops—just in time for the holidays! These shirts are the perfect last-minute gifts for the climbers in your life, but quantities are limited, so don’t wait to grab yours. Jun 28, 2018 · While there are several techniques that “belaying” refers to, in general, belaying is the act of exerting tension on a climbing rope to counterbalance the climber when they fall. Rope type must be a UIAA, single dynamic lead climbing rope This certification is required to use the top-rope walls without reserved staff assistance. 7 level. ” in 3 reviews “ The bouldering walls here are a bit high, but everything is well padded and there are safety holds that you can use to climb down if you prefer. First, comp climbs encourage climbers to perform more “showy” movements that are both difficult for the climber and look good for the crowd! Think big jumping movements Hey all. 41 likes, 0 comments - sportrock on April 5, 2024: " April Girl Beta Top Rope Belay Class and Meetups Girl Beta Top Rope Belay Class: 🔹Sunday, April 7th in Alexandria | 4-6pm Girl Beta Meetups: 🔹Friday, April 19th in Sterling | 5:30-7pm 🔹Sunday, April 21st in Alexandria | 4-5pm Interested in meeting some awesome women in our community and learning new skills in a judgment-free zone Their treadmills and bikes are also in a separate area by the front which was nice. Celebrate 30 years of Rope climbers must pass our belay certification test prior to top rope climbing (the tall walls). In the gym or at the crag, it makes belaying easier with cam-assisted blocking. Must have Belay Certification or previous belay experience through Sportrock Summer Camps or Private Instruction. Competition climbing, or comp climbing, differs from more traditional climbing in several ways. , you are buying a perfectly good piece of equipment. Belay lessons often fill up, so reserving a spot prior to your first visit is recommended. This way, climbers don’t fall very far when they fall. It costs $36 Members and $45 Non-Members. Dec 13, 2023 · Belay Device Cost When it comes to cost, the ATC has a leg up on the GriGri. Although there are numerous belay methods and myriad belay devices, there are some universal principles that a "good" belay should always adhere to. The lead test is on a 5. method of belaying, the lesson may not be required. Also, talk to the front desk folks and let them know, and maybe they can help you find someone (they're super nice). They also help with belay certification and lead certification if you need. Jan 16, 2020 · You’ll need to be able to demonstrate your ability to safely and effectively: Tie in correctly with a figure-8 follow-through knot backed up with a safety knot. Mar 21, 2024 · Getting your belay certification is an exciting step on your rock climbing journey. Our experienced instructors will teach you proper technique, equipment use, and safety protocols to help you confidently take the lead on your climbing adventures. This course includes two training sessions, one-week apart. Perfect for Sep 1, 2017 · This blog on how to learn to lead climb can serve as a guide to figure out if you’re ready to lead. I have been climbing for a bit over a year now but recently got belay certified and am looking for belay partners. Master essential belay techniques and get certified at your local climbing gym today. I bought this Alpine belay device few months ago and don’t need it - it’s for experts- latest/safest belay device in USA Name your price? 127 likes, 1 comments - sportrock on September 28, 2022: "Have you been wanting to learn how to belay and manage the ropes on your own!? Let our instruct" May 10, 2024 · If you are completely new to climbing and interested in top rope climbing, consider taking the ‘Intro to Climbing” class first. They usually have discounted intro to climbing classes where they'll teach basics and get you belay certified. Anyone wishing to use an Auto Belay, provide a top rope belay, or sport lead at the Lindseth Climbing Center must pass our Belay Proficiency tests. Their treadmills and bikes are also in a separate area by the front which was nice. Belay certification tags are required to be worn and visible at all times in Rocksport Climbing. Our Top Rope Belaying class will teach you the essential skills of managing the rope so you and your climbing partner can climb the tall walls at a Sportrock facility. You must first be Top Rope Belay Certified at Sportrock with the style of device you wish to use, either a "Tube Style Device" (such as the ATC, Reverso, etc) or an Assisted Braking Device (such as the Grigri, MegaJul, ATC Pilot, etc). 6/5. both the climber and belayer must be belay certified in order to toprope Top 10 Best Indoor Rock Climbing in Burke, VA - July 2025 - Yelp - Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness Center, Sportrock Climbing Center, Movement, Movement Crystal City, ClimbZone Laurel, Sportrock Climbing Centers, Evolution Boulders, My Gym, Bouldering Project, Mosaic Park I had a membership with Sportrock and loved it. What did you buy first? Their treadmills and bikes are also in a separate area by the front which was nice. Call any backclips, backsteps, and Z-clips. Jan 9, 2024 · We'll explore "How to Belay: The Ultimate Guide to Belaying" in this extensive guide, with a particular emphasis on the tube-style device. This article covers everything from setup to lowering the climber, so it's perfect for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Put on a harness and properly tie into the harness using a Figure Eight Retrace knot with a backup. 00:00 Introduction01:18 Preparation07:11 Belaying13:52 Most Common Mistakes Camera & Assist The group is co-hosted by Judy Bradt, CEO of Summit Insight, who has also been a professional climbing instructor at Sportrock since 2007, and Anna Urman, Sportrock member and part of the outreach team at the Department of Veterans Affairs. USA Climbing competition belaying requires qualities above and beyond excellent belay skills. Are you looking for climbing partners to hit the gym or the crags with in Washington D. In this hands-on class, you'll cover everything from proper rope management and knot tying to clear communication and effective gear usage. Get a Sportrock membership and enjoy benefits like access to all our locations, free clinics and fitness classes, discounts, and more. learn 10 tips to prepare for your belay certification test at a rock climbing gym. Shoot me a message if you;re in the area and also looking for a belay partner. The person holding the belay rope, or the belayer, pulls the rope through a belay device as the climber goes up. U. From climb time to large-scale obstacle courses, this week is jam-packed with activities. If you do not pass The Belay Certification Test requires a climber to successfully demonstrate the following procedures: 1. Hi everyone! I’m new to Sportrock and I’m on the lookout for a regular belay partner and some new friends for top rope climbing at the Alexandria gym. Fitness event by Sportrock Climbing Centers on Thursday, December 12 2019 Jul 15, 2007 · First timers who both climb and complete the belay certification class on the same day will receive a free week membership. Learn all about belaying and get AAC Belay Certified with Stone Adventures! Fitness event by Sportrock Climbing Centers on Thursday, December 19 2019 Sportrock is a climbing gym built by climbers for climbers, both veteran climbers and those who have never climbed before. Whether you are new to climbing or looking to rekindle an old relationship – look no further! Our experienced staff is here to guide you through a variety of one-time courses that will focus on climbing technique. Sportrock Climbing Centers is one of the first indoor rock climbing gyms in the country. We wanted to create a great climbing gym in which we could train for sending hard outside and share our love of climbing with others. Upon Day Passes & Rentals and Membership Information and Pricing. Class length is dependent on how many people are in the time slot and how quickly everyone learns. See full list on climbtallpeaks. Sep 8, 2024 · Discover essential belay test requirements for safe climbing. Prior to registration, all setters attending routesetting clinics must have a USA Climbing “Certified” Routesetter membership. 4. Located in the flagship space of the Rio Lakefront Shopping Center, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Ready to climb and belay with confidence? Our 2-hour "Learn to Belay" class is designed to teach you the essential skills to belay a climbing partner in a controlled environment. 3. Whether you're new to climbing or looking to refine your technique, our Certification: Lead Climbing + Belaying All lead climbers/belayers must be lead certified by Edgeworks. Rock gyms don’t require belay tests to trick or scare you away. This is a great place to start for brand new climbers, and young climbers looking to up their technical climbing skills! Jun 26, 2024 · Sportrock Climbing Centers is a popular destination for climbing enthusiasts in Northern Virginia, offering over 18,000 square feet of climbing and bouldering walls. Learn more about becoming belay certified here. For example, Cornell University’s climbing program mandates a belay course for all new members, covering PBUS, gear checks, and communication. 11:30am – Climb your heart (and hands) out! 2:30pm – Finish up climbing and leave Sportrock 2:45pm – Optionally get food (this will likely be car-dependent) ~5:00pm – Get back to Cville so you can make it to your Sunday night Before we get started on how to choose a climbing harness, let’s get one thing straight: If you purchase any from a big name company like Petzl, Arc’teryx, Black Diamond, Camp, Mammut, etc. 00 ($80 W/Membership) An introduction to the world of lead climbing and belaying. Bouldering, rope climbing, fitness, yoga, and day camps. Top Rope and Lead Belay tests must be taken at the start of your visit, and can be requested at check-in. It is equipped with an ergonomic handle that provides a smooth and comfortable descent for the climber. If its your first time in the gym, we will give you a quick belay check to ensure that you have the proper knowledge and skills needed to safely belay. Student at Mercersburg Academy · Experience: Sportrock Climbing Centers · Education: Mercersburg Academy · Location: Mercersburg · 171 connections on LinkedIn. Fitness event by Sportrock Climbing Centers on Thursday, December 12 2019 Routesetting Clinics About As part of the USA Climbing Routesetting Clinic and Certification program, USAC organizes Level 1 and Level 2 clinics for routesetters across the country. While this video covers in deta Belay Certification Cornell affiliation is required for access, and lessons are available for those who seek affiliation. com Mar 12, 2008 · How to pass an Earth Treks or Sportrock belay test Check harness buckles are doubled over (depending on harness). Whether you’re new to climbing or looking to enhance your experience, this certification gives you the freedom to climb any time the wall is available outside of regularly scheduled wall times. NEW CLIMBER? The easiest, fastest and most rewarding way to get started is to schedule a 1 Hour Private Staff Belay or to take an Introduction To Climbing class. Find out how to check your harness, belay device, knots, and communication skills before you belay. Ready to graduate from top-roping? L1 lead will give you everything you need to know to sport lead climb and belay confidently. You must first go through an orientation with staff before using the auto belays. Learn the essential skills for lead climbing in our comprehensive L1 Learn to Lead class. I do live kind of far from sportrock so can really only do weekends but Jan 15, 2012 · A couple of times people have offered to belay me (so awesome of them!) but I had done too many autobelays and my arms were done 😂 so I'm hoping to plan ahead and make some friends on the way as I progress! Thanks for reading! Samuel Hobbs and 5 others 󰍸 6 󰤦 8 󰤧 Looking for Belays - Sportrock Climbing Centers Beth Pohjala󰞋Apr 19 The Universal Belay Program was developed by the American Alpine Club to help standardize belay practices and principles. Established in 1994. L. Perform the the PBUS belay method. Anyone with a Rockstar shirt and a pink Sportrock Toprope Belay card on their harness may belay you. This post does not constitute. Learn how to safely secure climbers with our Movement Belay Certification Test. Belay Rules Established in 1994. , I do for myself, my spouse, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns hereby agree to and acknowledge each of the following. Perform pre-climbing safety checks and commands. Submit your request now to start planning your next adventure! Trip Prerequisites – [If you want to rope climb] Know how to climb and belay on toprope/lead, enough to get a certification – Be at least 14 years old [ no adult supervision >:) ] How Long Does Belay Certification Last. Best Climbing in Herndon, VA 20170 - Last Updated 2025 - Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness Center, Sportrock Climbing Center, Vertical Rock Tysons Bouldering, UP Ultimate Adventure Park, Mosaic Park, ClimbZone Laurel, Movement Crystal City, GO-Adventures Team Building & Adventure, Inner Quest, Upward Enterprises Understand the differences between all Belaying Devices and Learn how to use any of them Safely and Efficiently. Address: 9811 Washingtonian Blvd Sportrock Climbing Centers is an indoor rock climbing gym with the tallest rock walls in Northern Virginia, Washington D. Climbers can usually find an ATC Guide for about $30, while the GriGri costs $100 to $140. Compact and lightweight, it can be used with single ropes from 8. Tie figure-8 with a double fishermans as backup. Jan 9, 2024 · They offer private lessons, group climbing schools, bouldering programs, belay certification, and open climbing for individuals and groups too! Where: 62 Chelsea Piers 6. COURSE TOPICS Equipment Familiarization Communication Clipping Lead belaying Catching Falling Rope Management Minimizing Risk EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Has HiClimb top-rope belay certification Climbing a grade of 5. Wait for the lowering call before lowering the climber. Sportrock is located on the 3rd Floor of the Rio Bldg, above AMC DINE IN. But first … Who is a Belayer? Belay is the place where a Sep 23, 2024 · Earn your belay certification to elevate your climbing skills. If you’re asking when you can start leading, and you follow these guidelines, you’re probably ready to start clipping! Best Climbing in Bethesda, MD - Sportrock Climbing Center, Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness Center, Movement Crystal City, ClimbZone Laurel, Mosaic Park, Vertical Rock Tysons Bouldering, GO-Adventures Team Building & Adventure, UP Ultimate Adventure Park, Calleva Farm, Inner Quest Our five-day Indoor Base Camp (IBC) introduces kids to rock climbing at our indoor facilities. Jul 13, 2021 · Sportrock Climbing League is an awesome way to try out competition-style climbing that you wouldn’t normally find in the gym. The center also provides instruction for beginners and offers classes such as yoga, pilates, and weight training Sportrock offers a variety of clinics and events as a way to meet fellow climbing buddies, cross-train, or further develop climbing skills. So we did. Perform the correct lowering technique with a belay device. , Maryland, or Northern Virginia? Are you new to climbing and want to meet others in the community? Or are you just looking to make some new friends who share your passion for the vertical world? Join Sportrock's Looking for Belays Facbeook Groups. With the knowledge of the foregoing and as an inducement for and in consideration of being permitted to use the Sportrock, Inc. Climbing classes can help you learn climbing basics, advance your technique, or master new skills - Register online! No one is permitted to belay, tie in, mock-lead, lead climb, or use the autobelays until they pass the appropriate Sportrock belay tests. Are you doing lead and top rope belay tests? Yes! We are running belay certification tests at our gyms. Having Top 10 Best Rock Climbing Wall in Arlington, VA - May 2025 - Yelp - Sportrock Climbing Center, Movement Crystal City, Mosaic Park, Penrose Park, Bouldering Project - Eckington, Quincy Park, Terrapin Adventures, Magic Ground, Cherry Hill Park, Super, Awesome & Amazing 212 views, 8 likes, 1 loves, 0 comments, 1 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Sportrock Climbing Centers: Have you been wanting to learn how to belay and Review Highlights “ With Rio being the newest addition to the Sportrock Climbing locations, expectations were very high. Complete toprope/lead certification tests as needed. My recommendation if you're getting into it is to go to Groupon and lookup sportrock. The newest, biggest climbing gym in Maryland! Bouldering, climbing, yoga, and fitness gym in Montgomery County, Maryland. Learn the gear, techniques, and steps needed to pass your gym's belay test. It’ll allow you to venture beyond the auto-belays and boulder mats, form belaytionships, and challenge yourself in new ways. Once you’ve got those skills down, we welcome you to stick around and practice under the supervision of your instructor. If you plan on rope climbing, learn what to expect to pass a belay test. With a chalk bag and a dream. 14d. Great climbing gym in the area!" See more reviews for this business. See daily rates and gear rental fees of all Sportrock climbing gyms. After you have been certified, we will turn you loose to explore the gym. Sportorck has several amazing programs to get you established in the community and linked up with quality climbing partners: "Looking for Belays" is a group to swap belays and link up with climbing partners. They strive to be a teaching gym that delivers world-class routesetting, exceptional educational programs, and high quality fitness options to support climbers now and for the future of the sport. With 57 rope stations and an extensive bouldering area, climbers of all levels can find suitable routes to conquer. I'll guide you through techniques, gear checks, and safety protocols to ace your test and climb confidently. Or check out all the other options to climb. The American gyms I have been to require backup knots. Feb 12, 2018 · You want to go climb at an indoor climbing gym but aren't sure what you need to know. 5 to 11 mm. I Sportrock has those belay bracelets that you can wear to indicate that you're looking for a belay partner. Competition belayers must provide a consistent and professional experience, allowing competitors to achieve success based on their abilities and preparation while never compromising the safety of our athletes and support personnel. Just passed my belay test and getting started! Anyone in the same boat or more experienced who wants to climb weekend mornings or after 5p weekdays in Sterling? I’m starting at that 5. Sportrock's Ultimate Guide to Top Rope Belaying will walk you through the process of top rope belaying using the PBUS method. C. New to Sportrock? Here are important things to know before visiting any of our climbing centers for the first time. We are here to make sure you have the best experience possible whether you are just learning or training for your next 5. 9 Ready to graduate from top roping but your schedule isn't working out with our lead classes or maybe you prefer more individualized instruction? You can take a private lead climbing class. dvw yvakce bjwnehq xojykx yqa ypfgpf jljqyn dgy vqba kboqrro