Traverse City Michigan's Indoor Rock Climbing Gym.
A Vertical Division of TBAY's

FAQ

Can I visit The Rock Club alone or do I need to come with someone else?
We have 5 auto belays that allow you to climb unassisted, we also have many bouldering routes, plus there is always staff or belay certified climbers there willing to help you out. GT-Rocks! prides itself on having such a friendly, family-oriented community.

This looks fun, but I've never climbed in my life. What's the best way way to try it?
Just show up during our regular business hours. We have staff that are ready and happy to give you all the information to get you started

Who can climb?
Anyone can climb; we have climbs for all ages and abilities.

Do I need a strong upper body to climb?
Rock climbing well requires many things. Upper body strength certainly helps, but is by no means a requirement. Far more important are strong legs, flexibility and technique. Not having a strong upper body will not prevent you from climbing well and you will begin to see improvements rapidly. Many newcomers are surprised and delighted to discover that climbing is very much a mental sport.

Is climbing dangerous?
Since there's the possibility of falling, or being dropped by your belayer, the answer can only be "yes." It can also be said that riding in a car is dangerous, both entail risks that can never be totally controlled.However, climbing is an indoor sport, and occurs in a very controlled environment. What we do have, however, are people and people can sometimes make mistakes. The greatest indoor climbing risks arise from the climber's own lack of skill, awareness or discipline. The best defense against these shortcomings is training and education. But you must still make the decision to climb and accept personal responsibility for your own safety. For more information please read our waiver.

Do you have any rates for group climbing or partys?
10 person for 2 hours of climbing $160
each additional person $10
Download Party Planner

How old do I have to be?
You must be 7 years old or older to climb at GT Rocks

Is there an age limit to belay?
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. If you are new to climbing tennis-shoes work fine but you can rent or purchase climbing shoes for better traction.

How do I sign up?
All participants must sign a liability release waiver. If participant is not yet 18, a parent or legal guardian must fill out the waiver before being allowed to participate.

What is belaying?
Belaying is the process of managing the climber's safety rope. As the climber ascends, the belayer takes up slack in the rope. This is done with a friction device so that when the climber falls the belayer can stop the rope and catch the fall. The belayer also lowers the climber from the top of the wall.

How much does belay checks cost ?
$3

How do I learn how to belay?
Ask any staff member to give you a belay lesson. The cost is $5 and will take approximately 45 min to complete. Somedays though we are too busy to do so on the spot, but will make arrangements with you.

How old do I need to be to climb?
At least 7 years old.

Is climbing a good workout?
Climbing is one of the best workouts around! You will build strength and flexibility while burning calories. You are only pulling and pushing your own body weight, making strength gains natural and healthy. And it’s easy to stay motivated because it's so much fun!

Do you teach classes?
Yes Click here for our class listings

I don’t own my own climbing gear, do you supply it?
We have harnesses, shoes, atcs, locking ds, and chalk bags for rent. Anything you will need to climb in our gym.

Why do you require the figure 8 knot to tie in?
The easier it is for us to monitor safety, the better. The figure 8 is very easy to learn, easy to check, and easy to see from a distance. We have nothing against other knots. But for safety reasons it's essential that we be able to easily see the knot from a distance.

My question is not on this list. What do I do?
Email us your question