What is Proper Climbing Etiquette?

  • Practice fall zone safety awareness in the climbing room.  A fall zone is the area where someone currently climbing could fall. Fall zones are a 6-8 ft radius around every climber on the wall.
  • Be aware of other climbers. Take turns when climbing in areas that are busy and have 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 stop and wait or climb down.
  • Since climbers are constantly moving, fall zones are always changing. Your awareness of them is important to your safety and others.
  • 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.
  • Don’t climb over the top of 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.
  • Be attentive and please keep active fall zones clear of chalk bags, brushes, and other personal items
  • The climbing walls are always changing. Be aware of climbing holds and other features that may extend down from the wall. Watch your head and use cautions to avoid walking into or standing up into these places.
  • Please do not use your phone, headphones, or earbuds while actively climbing since you may not be able to hear others trying to communicate with you.
  • If you see anyone doing anything dangerous, let them (or us) know!
  • If you are tired and want to take a break from climbing please enjoy your time off the mats, perhaps on a bench or upstairs in AC in a comfortable chair. This allows others to use the climbing space.
  • Please take off your climbing shoes before leaving the gym room and do not wear them if you use the toilet.  Other climbers won’t want to grab where your feet have been. Think about it.