Gym Rules & Child Policy

ALASKA GYM RULES & CHILD POLICY

  • Anyone climbing, bouldering or belaying must be checked in at the front desk.
  • Anyone climbing, bouldering or belaying must have participated in a gym orientation and be certified by Alaska Rock Gym staff to belay, lead belay or lead climb.
  • Climbers must use a UIAA approved harness and belay device. All equipment must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Climbers must be on belay when climbing above one body length in height off the floor.
  • No street shoes, food, or beverages on the padded surfaces.
  • Children under the age of 14 must be SUPERVISED by a parent or guardian at ALL TIMES.
  • No swinging, hanging or pulling on the ropes.
  • No running, screaming or horseplay.
  • Please be respectful of our family friendly environment.

Lead Rope Requirements

Personal lead ropes may be used in the gym, but MUST meet the following specifications:

  • UIAA certified dynamic rope in good condition
  • 9.4mm – 10.2mm diameter
  • 35M absolute minimum length or longer

The Alaska Rock Gym is not responsible for inspecting or approving personal climbing equipment used in the gym.

Boulder Area Guidelines

  • Anyone climbing in the boulder area must be checked in at the front desk and have participated in a boulder orientation with Alaska Rock Gym staff.
  • BOULDERING IS DANGEROUS! You will fall, and injuries are common. Use spotters where appropriate, keep fall zones clear.
  • DO NOT CLIMB ABOVE YOUR ABILITY to control and absorb the fall! Take the force of the fall to the pad – tuck and roll.
  • BE AWARE OF OTHER CLIMBERS in your area, don’t climb above others.
  • DO NOT CLIMB OVER THE TOP EDGE OF THE BOULDER WALL.
  • Keep harnesses, water bottles and chalk bags OFF PADDED SURFACES.
  • NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES allowed past the seating area.
  • NO STREET SHOES allowed on the padded surfaces.

Youth Supervision Guidelines

Children Ages 10-13

  • All children in the bouldering area between the ages of 10 to 13 must be within eyesight of a responsible adult at all times
  • Children between the ages of 10 to 13 must be under direct supervision of a responsible adult while using the auto belays

A supervising adult may not be responsible for more than 5 children under the age of 14 at any time.

Children Ages 10 & Under

All children in the boulder area under the age of 10 must be within arm’s reach of a responsible adult at all times.

  • If your child is climbing, you should be spotting them
  • If your child is not climbing, they should be standing next to you
  • If you would like to boulder with your child, a second adult must be present to supervise. You may not climb and supervise simultaneously

Infant/Child Policy

Infants in Carriers

  • Please place properly restrained infants in carriers on hard floor surfaces.
  • Please do not place carriers on any padded surfaces.
  • Infants need to be in caregiver’s direct line of sight at all times.
Mobile Infants
  • Infants that can crawl, scoot, roll, or otherwise move themselves need to be within arm’s length and closely attended by a non-climbing, non-belaying caregiver at all times.
  • Padded surfaces are fall zones, not play areas. Please keep mobile infants off padded surfaces.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can anyone learn to climb?

Yes! Anyone - young or old, in shape or out, thin or not so thin - can get on the walls and experience the physical challenge and mental stimulation of working out the “problem” found in the arrangement of holds on the wall. The Alaska Rock Gym has terrain from less than vertical to overhanging, giving virtually everyone an opportunity to “climb the walls “. We offer our Intro to Gym Climbing and Belay Certification class on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. This is a great way to become familiar with the gym and indoor climbing!

2. What if I'm afraid of heights?

The Alaska Rock Gym offers two types of climbing: roped climbing on the taller walls, and bouldering, which is climbing on low walls in an un-roped fashion. Bouldering, while offering the same experience of working out the “problem” of the arrangement of the holds, allows the climber to remain low – only climbing to a height within his comfort zone. If height is an issue, bouldering is a great way to get started climbing. It requires no belayer and can be engaged in after just a short orientation.

3. What is belaying?

Roped climbing requires two people; a climber, who ascends the wall, and a belayer. The belayer manages the rope protecting the climber from a fall. Belaying involves learning a sequence of tasks, including a climber/belayer cross-check, taking up slack, catching a potential fall, and lowering the climber after she reaches the top of the climb. Our “Intro to Gym Climbing” class includes teaching the participants how to belay and certifying them as top rope belayers in the gym.

4. What if I don't have anyone to climb with?

Don't have a climbing partner yet? Don't worry, the Alaska Rock Gym has an amazing bouldering area, no rope or belayer needed. Want to give the taller walls a shot? We now have 12 new Perfect Descent auto belays that are available for use after a short orientation.

5. Can I bring my kids?

Climbing is a great family activity, and kids as young as two years old can prove to be agile and adept climbers. Children are always welcome at the Alaska Rock Gym! Once parents have been oriented to the gym and passed the belay certification, they can climb and belay their kids any time. Kids must be 14 years or older to earn their own belay certification, and all children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Check out our full youth supervision guidelines here.

HOURS

Monday

6AM - 10PM

Tuesday

6AM - 10PM

Wednesday

6AM - 10PM

Thursday

6AM - 10PM

Friday

6AM - 10PM

Saturday

9AM - 9PM

Sunday

9AM - 9PM