Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our list of frequently asked questions. (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if something’s missing!
- It's my first time. What do I do? What do I need?
- First time adults should arrive with a friend and wear comfortable, workout type clothing. After filling out our liability waiver, our staff will take you through the "Intro Package." This package includes all climbing equipment necessary as well as belay lesson and orientation to the gym. (If you have never received a belay lesson here, you will need this. It's when we show you how to safely hold the rope for your climbing partner.) The best part is no reservations are necessary and admission is per day, not per hour. So stay as long as you'd like. First timers under 18 require their parent's signature, so download the waiver at home, print it off, and have your parent sign it before you come. Check out the big link in the upper right-hand corner.
Reservations and deposits ARE required for groups. See group details.
- Who can climb?
- All ages, 6 months to 106 years.
- All levels of experience.
- All abilities levels.
- Is climbing dangerous?
- Climbing is a dangerous sport. Here at Climb Nashville we do everything possible to ensure your safety, such as daily inspections of gear, formal training for customers, and periodic safety sweeps. These and other measures provide you with the safest and most enjoyable climbing experience available.
- How old do I have to be to learn how to belay or use the bouldering area?
- Belayers and boulderers must be at least 14 years old.
- What should I wear?
- Any garment that is easy to move around in will work. Fully enclosed shoes are required. Dresses, skirts, high-heels, and chainmail won't work so well.
- Anything else I should know?
- All participants must sign a liability waiver. So if you are less than 18 years old, download the waiver at home, print it off, and have your parent sign it before you come. Check out the big link in the upper right-hand corner.
If participant is not yet 18, a parent or court-appointed legal guardian MUST fill out the waiver before being allowed to participate.
- Do I need a membership to come to Climb Nashville?
- No membership is required and no appointments are necessary. Any minors accompanying you will need our Liability Waiver filled out and signed by their parents before you arrive. (of course you may fill out the waivers for YOUR children once you get here.) Our "day pass" ($17 w/tax) will cover admission (and readmission the same day) to the gym. Rental harnesses are $4 w/tax and shoes are $5 w/tax. Anyone that is over 14 may take the "belay lesson" for $15. It is necessary for at least one person in the group to take the belay lesson in order to safely hold the rope for the climbers. We recommend no more than 3 climbers to 1 belayer. The day pass, rental shoes, rental harness, and belay lesson can be purchased together as the "Intro" for $39 w/tax. Right now, if you purchase the "Intro", we will include one free day pass with gear for use on any return visit.
- Can I bring my own food? What food do you have?
- Individuals may bring in food and eat at the booths around the gym. We offer drinks and a small assortment of snacks. We ask that large groups please refrain from bringing food unless you have made arrangements with our groups coordinator.
- What is belaying?
- Climbing with a rope is a two man system. As the climber climbs, the belayer keeps the rope taught and prevents the climber from taking a long fall. If you do not know how to belay we offer belay lessons during normal business hours up until 1 hour before closing. You do not have to make an appointment for a belay lesson. You must be 14 or older to belay.
- What do I do if my son/daughter would like to come and climb?
- Individuals must be 14 years of age or older in order to belay or boulder. This means that children under 14 will need a parent or person of age with them to belay in order for them to climb. We do not have staff on hand to belay people in the gym. If you would like to rent a belayer you may do so by contacting our (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). NOTE: Minors must have a waiver signed by their parent or court appointed legal guardian.
- How can I purchase a gift for a friend?
- You can purchase a gift card online (HERE), over the phone ($1 shipping & handling to mail), or stop by the gym any time. Anyone that answers the phone or is at the front desk will be able to assist you. You can purchase gift card for a monitary amount. At this time (other than gift card) we are unable to ship any items, regardless of location.
- Must I use climbing specific shoes?
- Any footwear that covers your whole foot is allowed in the gym. Many people start out climbing with just tennis shoes. A few folks have tried 5-Finger style shoes with little success. (They do have a similar rubber to technical climbing shoes, however they do not focus the pressure of your foot to a single point. They actually require you to hold the weight of your body on one or two toes.) You are welcome to try out whatever you like within reason, but we have rental climbing shoes available if you change your mind. $5 after tax.
- How much is a good pair of climbing shoes?
- One man's trash is another man's treasure and vice versa. You could pay everywhere from $0 to $170 for a pair of climbing shoes. There is little rhyme or reason to what connects a man (or woman) to a pair of shoes that--in their eyes--are the most comfortably amazing sending machines they ever strapped to their feet. There is a long road ahead of you in order to finding that perfect match, but a good rule of thumb to keep in mind is, try not to pay over $100 for your first couple of pairs. The reason is simply that new climbers are a bit rougher on their rubber than the seasoned veteran who has learned how to tip toe up a pine tree faster than Chow Yun-Fat in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. So you'll probably be buying a new pair of shoes within 6 months if you are climbing regularly (2-3 times a week). We have an $89 pair of Evolv Defy's which is a great entry level shoe. We now also carry the La Sportiva Tarantulace which is another great entry level shoe for only $80! If you buy a 1, 3, 6, 12 or EFT (pay by the month) membership you also get 10% off retail gear! Best of luck finding your sole-mate!
