Bouldering
We want to ensure that you can fall correctly and safely from the top of the bouldering wall. Having an ability to assess for hazards and risk is also very important.
Bouldering orientation takes approximately 5 Minutes.
Top Roping
All climbers and belayers must complete a top rope belay test before using our rope walls. Participants are assessed on their competence and risk management throughout the test and could be asked to repeat some steps.
Click “Learn More” what is required to pass the test below.
AS CLIMBER:
- Put on their own harness correctly
- Tie into the rope with a figure eight follow-through knot at appropriate points on the harness
- Perform a safety check of the belayer that includes the harness, carabiner, belay device and rope
- Comfortable falling and being lowered
- Communicate effectively with the belayer
- Perform appropriate risk management throughout
AS BELAYER:
- Put on their own harness correctly
- Load the belay device and secure it to their harness in the correct location and orientation
- Perform a safety check of the climber that includes the harness, knot and rope
- Perform a belay method that adheres to the best practices as specified by the manufacturer of the device being used. For most devices this includes:
- Efficient slack management
- A firm grasp on and control of the brake strand at all times
- The brake strand in the brake position as often as possible
- Maintain an appropriate amount of tension in the system at all times
- Safely catch the climber and lower the climber at a controlled pace
- Communicate effectively with the climber
- Perform appropriate risk management throughout
Accepted devices Include:
- Mechanically assisted belay devices: Gri Gri
- Geometrically assisted belay devices: Pilot, Smart, Mega Jul
- Tube Belay device
Ground Up staff reserve the right to deny the use of devices out side of the above specified if they are not trained in their use and best practices.
Lead Climbing
Please call ahead to ensure a staff member qualified to test you is present.
All climbers and belayers who wish to lead climb must take a lead test. Examiners are not assessing climbing ability but are focused on risk assessment and decision making within the lead climbing and belaying environments. Participants are assessed on their risk management throughout the test and should be prepared to repeat some steps to prove competence.
Click “Learn More” what is required to pass the test below.
AS CLIMBER:
- Put on their own harness correctly
- Tie into the rope with a figure eight follow-through knot at appropriate points on the harness
- Perform a safety check of the belayer that includes the harness, carabiner, belay device and rope
- Clip quick draws and anchors efficiently and correctly
- Manage their body position in relation to the rope
- Fall cleanly
- Perform appropriate risk management throughout
AS BELAYER:
- Put on their own harness correctly
- Load the belay device and secure it to their harness in the correct location and orientation
- Perform a safety check of the climber that includes the harness, knot and rope
- Perform a belay method that adheres to the best practices as specified by the manufacturer of the device being used. For most devices this includes:
- Efficient slack management
- Control of the brake strand at all times
- The brake strand in the brake position as often as possible
- Manage slack in the system appropriately
- Stand in an appropriate position while belaying
- Catch a fall safely and softly
- Perform appropriate risk management throughout
Accepted devices Include:
- Mechanically assisted belay devices: Gri Gri
- Geometrically assisted belay devices: Pilot, Smart, Mega Jul
- Tube Belay device
Ground Up staff reserve the right to deny the use of devices out side of the above specified if they are not trained in their use and best practices.
Certifications or Memberships can be Revoked
At any time if a climber shows irresponsible or unsafe behavior, certifications or memberships may be revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the following Orientation & Belay Test related frequently asked quesitons here.
Is instruction or coaching allowed?
Instruction or coaching is not permitted during any of our belay tests. Our tests are strict but fair. Please do
not attempt to pass a belay test if you have not climbed in a long time. We abide by strict regulations for belaying in order to offer a safe climbing environment.
What is the minimum age for lead climbing?
16 years old.
What is the minimum age for top rope belaying?
14 years old.
What does a belay test cost?
At this time, all belay tests and bouldering orientations are free to all day pass holders, punch pass users, and members.