Climbing Gym Etiquette: Don’t Be That Climber

Climbing gym etiquette: the unspoken code of the gym. This isn’t supposed to make that climbing gym in Phoenix feel elitist, as if you must already understand what climbing etiquette is. It’s relatively simple, actually, because climbing gym etiquette should be common sense.

Essentially, be respectful, responsible, and understand that you’re in a shared space. If you want to go wild or be rude when climbing, then get your own home wall and climb by yourself. The climbing gym has no room for disrespect or judgment.

While climbing gym etiquette may be common sense for climbers who have been in the game for a while, it may not be at the forefront of newer climbers’ minds, and that’s okay! Most climbers are happy to share tips and tricks about the climbing gym and how to make it flow. If you’d rather learn on your own, follow along so you don’t become that climber at the climbing gym.

Personal Space is Sacred: Respecting Climbers Around You

Give other climbers room to send. Don’t hang out at the base of the wall watching/waiting for them to be done. Give them or their belayer some space to let them do their thing. Nobody wants to feel pressured to finish their climb, so just relax and take a step back.

Steer clear of landing zones in the bouldering area. If you’re going to sit on the mats, stay back and away from any of the walls. If a climber gets close, move. They don’t want to fall on you; you don’t want to get fallen on, it’s pretty simple. This applies to your gear as well. Keep your stuff out of the landing zones!

Sharing is Caring: How to Navigate Crowded Gyms

Climbing is popular! You will, without a doubt, enter a crowded climbing gym in Phoenix one day and wonder why everybody decided to climb at the same time. Whether it’s the weather, the after-work crowd, or the weekend, it will happen.

If crowded gyms irk you, then turn right around and walk back out because adding yourself isn’t going to make it any less crowded. If you decide to stay, understand that sharing is caring. You will be forced to take turns with other people. This is a great chance to meet different people and share beta. Instead of being grumpy about the crowds, treat it as an opportunity to connect more deeply with the climbing community.

Don’t Be Loud and Proud: Managing Noise and Vibes

Be psyched your friend sent your project! But the whole gym doesn’t need to know. Remember that you’re in a shared space, and others are trying to enjoy their climbing session as well. You’re at a local climbing gym in Phoenix, not on the World Cup circuit — tone it down.

Need to make a phone call? Take it outside or to the common areas. Keep your business, your business, nobody else cares. And don’t ever, ever use your own Bluetooth speaker. If you don’t like the music the gym is playing, you can either request to change it or throw in some headphones. Common sense stuff, right?

Routes Are Not a Playground: Gym-Specific Respect

Don’t climb over, under, or through someone else’s route. Before you hop on the wall, do a quick check to see if anyone is climbing nearby. If so, follow their route and see if it overlaps or intersects with your route. If it does, wait. It’s as simple as that. Don’t be the reason somebody stops climbing because you entered their space on the wall.

Further, rainbowing is a great way to get better at using a bunch of different types of holds and can be a great way to keep climbing if you’ve sent everything within your skill range. However, ensure that you’re not getting in the way of others when doing so. Just be mindful of those climbing around you, and you’ll be fine!

Leave No Trace (Yes, in the Climbing Gym)

Put your gear away, not in the way. Climbing gyms typically have cubbies or lockers for a reason. Use them. Tripping over a loose climbing bag can not only be annoying, but you can potentially get caught in it and twist an ankle trying to get free. Be respectful of others’ space.

Please take a moment to appreciate the staff and report any issues politely. Find blood on the wall? Let somebody know. See some sketchy belaying? Let somebody know. See some dangerous climbing (that is clearly hazardous); let someone know.

It’s Not That Serious!

Seriously, though, it’s not that deep. While entering a climbing gym in Phoenix may feel a little overwhelming because of all the unspoken rules, you shouldn’t worry too much and focus on having fun. You’ll learn what to do and what not to do as you go!