We consider our Belay checking a vital aspect of each facility’s overall safety. Never assume that you will automatically pass. Each customer must pass ALL parts of the belay check without practice, instruction, or error. Customers who do not demonstrate proficiency in all parts of the belay check will not be allowed to belay that day, but can still enjoy bouldering, climbing on the Auto Belays, or with climbers who are belay certified. A belay check may only happen one time a day, per customer.

Climbers who cannot pass the top-rope belay check are encouraged to consider taking our Intro to Rope Climbing Class.

• Harness: Climber must put on a harness correctly, according to the specifications of the harness manufacturer.
• Carabiner: Climber must clip-in correctly.
• Device: Belayer must properly set up an approved brake assisted belay device according to device and harness manufacturers’ specifications.
• Belay: Belayer must demonstrate proficiency in top-rope belaying. The belayer’s brake hand must remain in constant control of the brake strand of the rope. Belayer must safely and immediately catch at least 2 simulated top-rope falls and lower safely while keeping the brake hand below the belay device.

• Harness: Climber must put on a harness correctly, according to the specifications of the harness manufacturer.
• Carabiner: Climber must clip-in correctly.
• Device: Belayer must properly set up a Petzl Gri Gri belay device according to device and harness manufacturers’ specifications.
• Belay: Belayer must demonstrate proficiency in top-rope belaying. The belayer’s brake hand must remain in constant control of the brake strand of the rope. Belayer must safely and immediately catch at least 2 simulated top-rope falls and lower safely while keeping the brake hand below the belay device.

• Harness: Climber must put on a harness correctly, according to the specifications of the harness manufacturer.
• Climber: Climber must demonstrate how to properly tie in to the tie-in point(s) on their harness using a retraced figure-eight know with at least six inches of tail. Climber must confidently climb up the wall while correctly clipping each quickdraw in a controlled manner and take one announced fall and one unannounced fall.
• Belayer: Belayer must demonstrate how to flake a rope and properly set up an approved brake assisted belay device according to device and harness manufacturers’ specifications.
• Technique: Belayer must demonstrate effective lead belaying by taking in and paying out rope to the climber while in constant control of the brake strand of the rope. Belayer must stay at an appropriate angle and distance from the climbing wall and must catch one announced fall, one unannounced fall, and lower the climber.
• Checks: Climbers must provide a double-check that carabiners are locked and knots are properly tied and secured to harness and equipment.

• Do not drop weights
• No loose chalk
• Must be 14yrs. or older to use the fitness area.
• Please re-rack your weights and wipe down equipment after use
• Please wear appropriate exercise attire at all times. Proper athletic shoes are also required. No open-toed shoes, open-backed shoes, boots, sandals, or rock climbing shoes are allowed.
• Report all equipment malfunctions, personal injuries and specific concerns immediately to the Fitness Coordinator.
• Please be courteous of your fellow gym users.

• No food or drinks are allowed on the matted floors or bouldering areas.
• No loose chalk is allowed, chalk must be confined to chalk balls.
• Do not swing on the ropes or run. Unruly conduct will be cause for removal from the gym.
• Participants at Session must be at least 14 years of age in order to belay, lead, or use exercise equipment.
• Guests age 11 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• The use of vulgar language or improper conduct is not permitted.
• Climbing at Session or using any Session equipment while under the influence of intoxicating substances is not permitted.
• Session is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• There is no climbing instruction, personal training, coaching, or commercial use of Session without specific authorization by a Session Manager. This includes teaching others how to belay.
• All participants must use the proper equipment. Equipment brought into Session shall be used at the sole and exclusive risk of the owner of such equipment.
• Before belaying, you must be approved by a Session staff member and display issued belay or lead tag.
• All belayers and climbers must utilize proper belay technique and DOUBLE CHECK their set up before beginning the climb. The belayer will check the climber’s gear and knots, and the climber will check the belayer’s gear and system and exchange confirmation that the setup is correct. This must be performed at the start of every climb.
• Do not boulder underneath roped climbers. Roped climbers have the right of way on all walls.
• It is recommended to have a minimum of one spotter per climber when bouldering.
• A climber’s voluntary participation in bouldering indicates their acknowledgment that bouldering is dangerous and that a spotter may not prevent injuries. Spotters understand that they may be injured by a falling boulderer.