Top roping is a climbing style in which a rope, used for the climber’s safety, runs from the climber’s partner. Partners, known as a “belayer,” must be Belay Certified and positioned at the foot of a route through one or more carabiners connected to an anchor system at the top of the route and back down to the climber.
Belaying is the act of properly using the climbing rope to safeguard a climber. In the event of a fall, the belayer locks off the rope to stop the fall. Belaying is a big responsibility. If you take on the task you should be competent and alert. You should know the proper safety checks and belay signals.
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed safely without the use of ropes or harnesses. It serves to build stamina, technique, and increase finger strength. While it can be done without any equipment whatsoever, most climbers use climbing shoes to help secure footholds, chalk to keep their hands dry, and bouldering crash pads to prevent injuries from falls.
The sport originated as a method of training for roped climbs and mountaineering. Bouldering enables climbers to practice at a safe distance from the ground. At the Kroc, our bouldering height is 11 feet at head level, and boulderers position crash pads near the climbing wall to provide a softer landing, as well as one or more spotters to help redirect the climber towards the pads.
• All Climbers must be at least 4 years old for Top Roping, 18 years old for Bouldering.
• No open-toed shoes (slippers, sandals, etc.).
• No wet clothing.
• No child under 12 years of age can be left unattended.
• No horseplay, wrestling, or intentionally dropping climbers.
• No food or drink is permitted in the rock wall area (other than water).
• Belay certification is required.