faq

First Timers

  • I’ve never tried climbing. What do I need to do to start?
    Give us a call and schedule a Base climb. You’ll get a private instructor to get you on the wall and climbing in no time. It’s even better with a friend. Or take the Beginning Rock Climbing course. You’ll meet other beginners and be climbing quickly. It’s a great introduction to the sport. Finally, you should check out the Getting Started page. It has great information on all the different types of climbing. Pick whichever suits you best.
  • What is belaying?
    Belaying is the process of managing the climbers’ safety rope. As the climber ascends, the belayer takes up slack in the rope. This is done with a friction device so if or when the climber falls, the belayer can stop the rope and catch the climber before he/she falls. The belayer also lowers the climber from the top of the wall.
  • How much does it cost to climb at Stone Summit?
    Click here for our current prices and options.
  • Is there a minimum age to climb?
    No - we have activities for all ages and abilities.
  • Who needs to sign a waiver?
    Everyone who climbs in our gym needs to sign a waiver. If you're over 18, you can sign it, if not, your parent or guardian can sign for you.
  • Where are you located?
    Click here for a map and directions.
  • Do you do parties or group events?
    Yes! We provide a great venue for birthday parties, group events and corporate team-building sessions. Click here for more information on parties...and here for more information about group events.
  • What is bouldering?
    Bouldering is ropeless climbing on walls that are typically fifteen feet high or less. This lets you practice climbing without a belayer or the fear of being too high. It's a great way to get introduced to the sport of rock climbing!
  • Do you teach classes?
    We offer classes for all levels, abilities, and ages. We also offer training on specific topics and private instruction based on individual needs.
  • Can I come alone, or do I need a partner?
    Climbing is a partner oriented activity, and visiting with a friend is a good idea. If you are just beginning, try the Beginning Rock Climbing course. You’ll be paired with an instructor and other classmates during your 2 hour session. We welcome newcomers and do everything possible to make sure they are on their way to a fulfilling experience.
  • What should I wear?
    Comfortable clothing! Sweats, tights, yoga pants, T-shirts, tank tops and sports bras all work well. Flexibility is the key here. Extremely baggy clothes are not recommended and jeans aren’t either. Please avoid wearing jewelry, as it can get scratched, dented or hooked on the holds. Long hair is best if pulled back in a pony tail.
  • I don’t own my own climbing gear, do you supply it?
    We supply all the gear you will need to get started. Once you decide to continue, we have a shop on site that can outfit you completely.
  • Do I have to wear a helmet?
    Wearing a helmet while climbing in our gym is not required, but we encourage our customers to use helmets at all times when climbing or belaying other climbers. You may request a helmet from the gym for your use at no additional charge.

General Questions

  • Is climbing dangerous?
    Climbing, like most other sports, has an element of danger. There is the possibility of falling, or being dropped by your belayer. All active sports entail risks that can never be controlled. However, indoor sport climbing occurs in a very controlled environment that limits the types of risks you are exposed to. The greatest risk associated with indoor climbing, is the climber’s own lack of skill, awareness, or discipline. To counter these risks, we encourage training, education and practice. We are proud of our training programs and have developed our facility with an emphasis on climber safety. You alone can make the decision to climb and accept personal responsibility for your own safety. Please see our safety page for more information.
  • How does Stone Summit do the belay test?
    We require the belayer to demonstrate the following:
    • Proper use of the harness – doubling back and checking harness on climber
    • Ability to tie in using Figure – 8 follow-through knot with additional safety knot through waist belt and leg loops.
    • Proper use of commands between belayer and climber
    • Proper set-up of belay device and locking carabiner
    • Belaying without dropping/letting go of the brake hand
    • Switching between belaying and lowering without compromising the brake hand
    • When lowering, brake hand must not go above 3 o’clock position
    • Ability to safely catch 4 falls
  • Why do you require the figure 8 knot to tie in?
    The figure-8 tie in allows us to monitor the gym for safety more accurately than any other knot. It is easy to see at a distance and provides us with a uniform standard by which to run the gym.
  • How often do you change the routes?
    Our routes are set by certified setters and we work very hard to make sure you always have challenging and fun climbs. New routes go up on a weekly basis as we feel every great gym is determined by the quality of routes.