Gravity Lab Rules and Policies
Warning: Climbing/Bouldering is dangerous. It has an inherent risk to all those participating and can result in injury, paralysis, or even death. When you and/or the minors in your care participate in any activity at Gravity Lab, you voluntarily assume all risk associated with climbing, bouldering and related activities. These rules were designed to keep you safe. Please follow them closely, be careful and respectful. Please reference the waiver you signed for more details of risk, consent and release of liability.
Our Rules
Children under 4 can not climb and are not allowed in the climbing areas.
Anyone who enters the climbing gym facility must check in at the front desk and have a current waiver signed.
Climbers under age 18 must have their waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian).
Everyone must have a completed Gym Orientation on file.
Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or adult chaperone during the orientation and while using the facility
No unsupervised drop-offs at any time. Parents or chaperones must be supervising children under 14 at all times.
No bouldering or climbing if under the age of 14 without direct parental/guardian supervision.
No one under 14 years of age may belay unless supervised by staff or a coach
No one under the age of 16 may use the fitness equipment.
No un-roped climbing higher than 15 feet.
Do not top out any boulder problems.
No jumping off of any structures.
No running, rough-housing, horseplay, or acrobatics.
No yelling or highly distracting noises.
No climbing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
No food or drink on padding.
Do not leave anything other than chalk bags on climbing pads, they are a hazard.
No barefoot climbing. Climbing shoes must be worn at all times while climbing.
Never stand, sit, or lie down underneath the walls where someone could fall on you. Be careful when walking under walls. Be vigilant, and watch for climbers.
Never climb above, below, or near another climber.
Be aware of hazards and other people when climbing. Watch for climbers above and below
Beware or any route setting, or construction work, and steer clear of it.
Adhere to all warning signs posted in facility.
Absolutely no instruction or coaching shall be provided by anybody other than Gravity Lab staff without prior consent.
If you notice any problems or concern with any equipment, immediately notify the staff.
Our Policies
Waiver Policy
All Climbers and spectators must have a current Gravity Lab Waiver/Release of Liability Form on file to enter any climbing areas.
If the climber is under 18 years of age, the waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. This waiver will be kept on file for one year.
Bouldering 101/Gym Orientation Policy
All climbers and adult chaperones of children under 14 must complete a Bouldering 101 and Gym Orientation with Gravity Lab staff before being granted access to any climbing area. This orientation is mandatory and will include an introduction to all of our climbing areas, climbing features, exercise equipment, a review of basic bouldering safety and etiquette and facility rules and policies.
This orientation normally lasts about 10 minutes and will be kept on file with for one year.
Certification Policies
Top Rope Climbing and Belaying Certification Process
Climbers who wish to belay or climb on top ropes are required to pass a Top Rope and Belay Certification prior to any roped climbing. Simply ask a staff member if you are ready for this certification.
Upon completion of certification, you will be given access to climb and belay any climber on the top rope systems
In order to be certified, belayers must demonstrate the following competencies and skills.
An understanding of the inherent risks of Top Rope climbing and Belaying
Climber can properly secure and fit their climbing harness
Proper figure-8 knot tying, and checks
Proper belay device/carabiner/rope setup (GriGri)
Proper climber communication/checks
Proper belay technique (brake hand must never leave rope)
Proper fall arresting technique
Controlled lowering of the climber
The certification process is not a lesson, you are expected to already know and be able to demonstrate these skills to pass certification.
If you need a refresher or would like to learn how to belay on top rope, we invite you to attend our Top-Rope Belay Class.
24 hour waiting period is mandatory between certification attempts. We will keep certifications on file for one year.
Auto-Belay Certification Process
Climbers who wish to use auto belays at Gravity Lab will be required to complete an auto belay certification before use. Please simply request a certification from a staff member when you are ready.
Climbers must demonstrate the following competencies and skills:
An understanding of the inherent risks of using auto belays.
An understanding of the hazards and limitations of use with an auto belay.
Climber can properly secure and fit their climbing harness.
Proper use of locking carabiner in attaching auto belay to harness.
Proper releasing and descent on the auto belay system.
Youth Climbing Special Policies
All minors wishing to use the facility are subject to a more rigorous set of standards than adults using the facility. All minors must have their parent or legal guardian complete the liability waiver before participation in any gym activity.
Climbers Under 18
Waiver must be signed by parent or legal guardian
Not allowed access to any training equipment
Climbers Under 14
Waiver must be signed by parent or legal guardian
Orientation process must be completed with adult chaperone
Adult chaperone is expected to be with youth climbers ensuring a respectful and safe climbing experience
Climbers under 14 are not allowed to belay unless participating in a Gravity Lab program or team
Climbers must be attached and checked by adult chaperone EVERY TIME before climbing on ropes or auto belays
Certification for top rope belay will not be available unless the minor is enrolled in our Youth Climbing Team Program