FAQs

• I'm new to climbing. Can I just drop-in and start climbing?

  For sure! First-time climbers often begin with bouldering as it does not require certification or rope management experience. You’ll just need to fill out the waiver and watch the bouldering orientation video. New climbers can also top rope as long as their belayer has passed our Belay Check.

  By taking Introduction to Rope Climbing, you’ll build the necessary skills to pass our Belay Safety Check and start climbing in the gym whenever you want! If you want to get started without a class, check out our Book A Climb service.

  Everyone needs to sign our waiver and watch our Bouldering Orientation Video.

• What is belaying?

  Belaying is the act of managing a rope to protect a climber. The belayer is there to control the slack in the rope system, catch a climber if they fall, and lower them down when they’re finished climbing. It’s a crucial skill to learn and refine, and one of the first skills we teach in our Introduction to Rope Climbing class.

• How do I pass a Belay Check?

  So, you’re ready to belay? We’re psyched for you! Here’s what you need to know about the Belay Check. Before belaying in the gym you must pass a belay competency check, demonstrating the required skills outlined below. We encourage you to ask questions and practice briefly at our belay check station before starting.

  The minimum age for belaying is 13.

  You can learn all of these required skills and more in our Introduction to Rope Climbing course.

  As part of your Belay Check, you will be asked to:

  1. Put on a harness and tie into the harness using a Figure Eight Retrace Knot*, with a minimum of six inches of tail.
  2. Put the rope “on belay” using an approved belay device.
  3. Demonstrate pre-climbing checks including harness and knot checks and commands.
  4. Belay, or manage the rope, such that a brake hand is maintained on the rope at all times. Catch simulated falls and demonstrate the proper lowering technique.

  *The DFW region uses the carabiner clip-in system instead of knot-tying.

• What is bouldering? Do I need experience to try it?

  Bouldering is unroped climbing on shorter walls ranging from 14 to 17 feet high. All of our locations have expansive bouldering areas. While you don’t need any previous climbing experience to boulder, it definitely helps. Consider our Intro to Bouldering class, check out some of our blog posts, and be sure to watch our Bouldering Orientation Video.

• What is Book a Climb?

  Book a Climb is an hour of climbing with one of our instructors leading your climbing experience. It will give you a great taste of climbing—no experience is necessary! Harness rental is included.

• Do I need to be a member and how much does it cost?

  Nope, everyone is welcome! There are a variety of entrance fee options depending on your needs. We offer memberships, day passes, seven-visit passes, and monthly memberships. Learn more about entrance and gear rental fees here.

• Does my membership include all locations?

  Yes! Your membership includes access to all Movement locations.

• What is included with a day pass?

  A day pass includes full access to our world-class climbing routes, climbing-specific training areas, quality fitness and yoga classes, full-service weight rooms, and community events.

  If you decide you’d like to become a member by the end of the day, we’ll even apply your day pass to your total membership cost!

• Can I bring someone as a guest if I am a member?

  Absolutely! Every membership includes guest passes you can use at your convenience.

  Each month, you get one guest pass for a returning visitor — perfect for friends who’ve climbed with us before. Plus, you can bring up to two first-time guests per day at no cost. That means you can introduce new friends to climbing, yoga, or fitness classes anytime!

• Do you offer rental gear?

  Definitely. We’ve got ya covered. Locations are fully stocked with rental shoes, harnesses, chalk bags, and belay devices. Learn more about gear rental fees here.

• Do you have auto belays?

  Some of our gyms in Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania have auto-belays. All other gyms do not. However, as occupancy allows, we will offer a class at our roped facilities called The Partner Project! This class is designed for members and guests of the community who are looking to meet belay partners and build friendships based on trust and a shared interest in rock climbing. All abilities are welcome and must be top rope belay certified.

  *Movement Plano, Grapevine, Callowhill, Gowanus, LIC, Valhalla do have auto belays available for use in the gym.