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​A WORD ON SAFETY
The Arch Project Climbing Center has developed guidelines of review, rules and etiquette during climbing, that we feel minimize the chance of injury to a participant. Our tests are not certifications or training. We have found the primary cause of a mistake on the part of a climber to be inattentiveness. Our philosophy regarding injury prevention for climbing is to focus on principle, and not specific method.
 
CLIMBING GYM rules and ETIQUETTE:
  • All climbers and gym visitors must sign waiver before entering climbing area. (waiver available at top or bottom of page)
  • All climbers must go through a boulder orientation.
  • Pay attention to posted signs in the gym and read all rules before proceeding.
  • Running is not permitted in the gym.
  • Store all personal belongings in designated areas (cubbies, lockers, etc….). We will not be responsible for your items that are lost or stolen.
  • No walking or climbing under other climbers.
  • All climbing areas are fall zones. Watch out for swinging or falling climbers around you.
  • During busy times, be aware of other climbers. Take turns when climbing in areas that are highly trafficked, routes that cross paths, or on routes with intersecting fall zones.
  • Whoever starts their climb first has the right-of-way on the climbing wall. If you become aware of a conflict, someone needs to yield.
  • It’s natural to want to share ideas. You may feel a strong desire to offer beta (advice) to someone climbing. If so, consider first asking if they would like to receive it. Sometimes people enjoy the challenge of problem solving and the joy of unlocking sequences on their own, while other times they will gladly accept your offerings.
  • Please place your chalk bags and buckets on the ground (and out of fall zones and padded flooring) as opposed to tossing them. Also, try to dust your hands with chalk inside of a chalk bag or chalk bucket to contain as much excess chalk as possible.
  • If you use a brush poll, store it in a safe, landing-zone-free space without making it a trip hazard. Preferably, off the pad, or tucked flush against the base of the wall or return to original location if borrowed from the gym.
  • Creating your own routes can be a lot of fun, if doing so, please do not use tick marks to share your route with others. Instead download the app Open-Climb to create and share routes that way (highly encouraged).
  • If you are not on the wall or reviewing a problem, please enjoy your time off the pads, perhaps in a chair, or near the pad edges. This is to help maintain clear landing zones and extend pad lifespan.
  • Wear closed toe shoes and keep climbing shoes off restroom floors. Other climbers don’t want to grab where your feet have been or the residue from restroom floors. Think about it.
  • Parents keep your children with you always.
  • There is a ZERO tolerance policy towards drugs or alcohol. If you are under the influence, you will be asked to leave our facility.
  • Be courteous, friendly and above all HAVE FUN!

A WORD ON BOULDERING
The popularity of bouldering has grown rapidly in recent years. With that growth has also come the increased awareness of and emphasis upon bouldering techniques for both the climber and the spotter(s). Even though you may only be a few feet off the ground while bouldering, climbers and spotters must still take precautions to prevent or minimize injuries to themselves and to others. If you have questions about etiquette or safe practices, do not hesitate to ask! 

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:  
  • Understand that bouldering is dangerous.
  • All falls are ground falls.
  • All boulderers must be willing to take personal responsibility for themselves.
  • All participants are required to go through our climbing orientation and fulfill and pass a test fall and demonstrate adequate spotting.
 
FALL ZONES & GENERAL BOULDERING AWARENESS:
  • A fall zone is the area where someone currently climbing could fall.
  • Fall zones are generally defined by an imaginary 6-10 ft radius around every climber on the wall.
  • Since climbers are constantly moving, fall zones are always changing. Your awareness of them is vital in preventing injuries and everyone else’s.
  • Climbers are focused on climbing and cannot be expected to be aware of what’s below them. Don’t walk through an active fall zone. If they fall, you can both be injured. Wait for the other climber to finish climbing before you walk through, otherwise walk around.
  • Climbing shoes will be required when climbing. Street shoes and barefoot will not be allowed on the walls.
  • Don’t climb over someone. If you fall, you can both be injured.
  • If you notice someone walking inside your fall zone or someone else’s, notify them to move out of it immediately.
  • The climbing wall terrain is always changing. Be aware of climbing holds and other features that may extend down from the wall. Take precautions to avoid walking into or standing up into any of these.
  • Using headphones or earbuds means you may not be able to hear others who may be trying to communicate with you. Please make sure the volume is low enough, so you can hear what is going on around you.
  • If you see anyone doing anything dangerous, let them (or us) know!

FALLING:
  • YOU WILL FALL WHILE BOULDERING.
  • Don’t boulder unless you are comfortable falling from height.
  • Know your body’s abilities and what impacts you can sustain. Climb inside of your comfort zone.
  • As you ascend the wall, anticipate falling and how you will react. Practice falling from increasing heights until you are comfortable falling from any elevation.
  • If you ever feel uncomfortable falling, downclimb to a level where you are comfortable using any hold available. Nearby downclimb jugs are also available. Downclimb whenever possible.
  • Every climbing facility’s padded surfaces are unique. Even if you are an experienced climber, take the necessary time to acquaint yourself with our padding in order to understand the stiffness and how it reacts when falling from different heights.
  • Before you start your climb, be sure that the area underneath is clear from other people, chalk bags, bottles, brush poles, etc.
  • When falling, DO NOT break falls with arms or hands nor should you lock your knees. DO NOT attempt to catch yourself on your feet, like a gymnast’s finish. While impressive in appearance, the padded surfaces do not offer reliable terrain and put your ankles and back at great risk…
  • … instead, tuck and tumble, distributing the impact over as much protected surface area of your body and over as much distance/time as possible. Like a ninja!

SPOTTING:
  • SPOTTING IS NOT REQUIRED.
  • Use a ‘spotter’ for difficult or risky moves.
  • Know how to ‘spot’. Be active and poised to orient falling climber correctly onto pad.
  • Do not try to catch a falling climber while spotting.
  • Parents, please spot your children.  
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LAST WORDS:
It is very important to be sure that all minors have a waiver fully completed and signed by their parents or legal guardian. If the parent or guardian will not be present, please bring a photocopy of their government issued photo identification (for signature verification). Please note: legal guardians must present proof of guardianship to sign a child’s waiver.

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