First time at our gym? Please check out our frequently asked questions below or feel free to give us a call or drop us an email if your question is not answered below!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are Groups welcome?

Groups of 6 or more need to have a reservation before coming in. Reservations allow us to make sure you have a good time while you are climbing with us by providing dedicated staff just for your group. Reservations are available during our weekend hours from Friday at 6pm to close on Sunday. Any group that does not make a reservation at least a week in advance could be turned away at the door depending on how busy the gym is. We recommend calling ahead before coming in to check.

How young/old can a climber be? 
We do not have an age minimum or limit. It is more dependent on physical size and ability than age. However, if we had to assign a minimum age it would be around the age of 4 or 5, and for kids under the age of 4 we have a children’s climbing and play area that is especially designed for the little ones. Separate charge applies for children using the play area only. As long as your child can be fitted into our harness system then they may climb. 

Who needs a liability waiver form and what age do I need to be to sign my own form?
Everyone entering our facility will need to fill out our on-line Release of Liability Waiver form. You will need to be 18 years old to sign your own waiver. Anyone under the age of 18, a minor, will need a parent or legal guardian to complete the on-line waiver form. Please be sure to bring your driver's license as it will be needed to verify identity. Anyone who cannot provide these will not be allowed to climb.

Are deposits refundable? 
All deposits are non refundable and non transferrable.

When should I come if I don’t have any experience or I am a beginner?
The weekends during Climb Time (starts at 6 p.m. on Friday all the way through closing on Sunday) is a perfect time to come. We have guides on staff who can work with anyone who walks’ in off-the-street, no appointment is necessary (groups of 4 or less). With our state of the art Auto-Belay systems  you don't need a partner to climb. 

How do we belay ourselves?
Anyone who has belay experience is welcome to test out with our guide staff and get a temporary belay tag. If you fail the check off or have never belayed before we off a $5 belay course that is available on weekends. The course covers all aspects of safe belaying and takes approximately 20 min.

What forms of payment do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards. Checks and of course good ole cash. 

Can I bring a group in during Climb Time on the weekends?
Depends. Groups of 6 or more must make a reservation ahead of time. Climb Time is designed for unscheduled walk-in’s and our guides during those times will work with everyone coming in to climb. Depending on how busy the gym is you may be turned away at the door if you have a large group with no reservation. The major advantage of scheduling your group event is that you will have private guides that work exclusively with your group alone. (We would prefer you enjoy your experience as much as possible!) Large Groups can also be turned away for safety reasons if the gym is becoming over crowded.

Is climbing safe?
Climbing is as safe as the person that is participating in the activity- Think about driving a car- Certain types of climbing pose more risk of injury than others. In our gym we work very hard to reduce potential risks, however, total elimination of risk is impossible. Statistically, cheerleading is considered more dangerous than many types of rock climbing. Climb smart, practice good climbing safety and chance of injury will greatly be reduced. 

Does the climbing wall have a weight limit?
Our anchor systems can hold thousands of pounds of weight and our holds themselves can bare a great amount of weight. If an individual is “overweight” it is not recommended that they participate in climbing as the incident rate of injury is much higher.  However, we like to encourage everyone to try rock climbing regardless of physical shape and size.  Recommended Approximate Weight Limit: 250 lbs.  

Can I leave my child/children unattended at Escalade?
Escalade does not provide any form of child care or supervision of children during their visit to our facility. All minors should be accompanied by and supervised by a legal parent and/or guardian at all times during their visit to Escalade.  Escalade guide staff are not responsible for watching or providing any form of child care during any type of event where guiding services are provided by Escalade. Please do not leave children unattended if they are too young to be left alone and/or are minors.  Again, all minors need to be accompanied and supervised by a legal parent/guardian or adult in charge at all times.  All children left unattended are at your own risk.

Is there a place to climb outdoors on real rock nearby?
Yes, the Southeast has lots of climbing. Please check out the Southeastern Climbers Coalition's website for more information on climbing areas and access information. We also have lots of guidebooks for sale covering climbing areas in the Southeast.

Do I have to rent shoes?
No you do not, but yes you should. Tennis shoes will work to climb in, especially for beginners. However, rock climbing shoes are specifically designed to help you climb by providing a more rigid and sized platform to stand on. Shoe are available to rent for an additional fee.

Can I climb barefoot?
Hard No. For respect of our fellow climbers, no one wants to put their hands where someone’s feet have been. This is also a safety issue as your toes can easily get cut on certain types of holds. Please wear some form of shoes while climbing on the walls. Thank you very much. 

Is there somewhere to put our gear and personal belongings?
Yes. We have several tables, chairs and cubbies in the gym. You may use any of these as you like. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS OVERNIGHT. We donate regularly to Goodwill due to overwhelming amount of items left behind by participants & members.  Escalade will not take any responsibility for lost, stolen, or misplaced gear or personal items.

Can I use my own gear?
Yes. You may use any of your own gear in our facility. For your own safety we recommend that you only use high quality newer gear. If you are unsure of the safety of your equipment, please feel free to ask our staff. You should only use gear with good training and knowledge of how to operate equipment safely. If you come in with your own gear we will assume you know how to use it. Reminder- all belays must be cleared by staff before belaying regardless if they are using their own gear or not.  We rent all types of gear in our Pro Shop, including ropes.

Can I bring my own food?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink. We ask that all drinks have a screw on lid and all food and drink MUST be kept in the table area and lounge areas. Please, no food and drink on any carpeted areas of the gym. 

Do I have to use chalk when I climb?
No you do not have to use chalk but it really helps. Chalk wicks the moisture from your hands and helps to increase friction on the holds. Most beginners do not use chalk immediately; adults will more likely need chalk than children because they weigh more. Escalade has plenty of chalk and other chalk related accessories available for purchase or rent if needed. 

Do you rent chalk bags?
Yes, we do rent chalk bags.

What should I wear when climbing?
Loose comfortable clothing work well, preferably some form of pants. Tennis shoes work great for beginners. We have rock climbing shoes available for rent and all the other gear you will need. 

Does Escalade offer classes?
Yes, we offer classes for kids and adults every Monday & Wednesday nights. Please check out our Youth Program and Adult Program on our web site for more information. Classes are an excellent way for beginners to start rock climbing with no experience necessary. Plus, Escalade has both a professionally coached competitive climbing team and recreational climbing club.

Do I need a guide to help me climb on the walls?
The short answer is no. We have a unique belay system in our facility that will allow beginner climbers to belay their partner while climbing on the big roped walls. You must be at least 14 years of age to belay and go through a brief belay orientation prior to climbing. Each climber will need a partner of at least 14 years old to climb on the big walls or use our Auto Belay systems that do not require a guide or partner. 

Many people do NOT want to have the responsibility of belaying their partner or children. For these individuals we have guide service available all weekend long after 6 p.m. on Friday until we close on Sunday. No appointments are necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Additional fees apply for guided service. Please see our Climb Time programs for guided service on the weekends. 

Guided service also adds a new level of fun for beginner climbers and children. Our professional guide staff will help new climbers to achieve their full potential the first time climbing. Guides will also answer all your questions concerning climbing and help individuals to learn about the amazing sport of rock climbing.

Should I tip the guide staff?
Tipping is certainly not required but definitely appreciated. Our guides work very hard and want to make sure you have a unique and wonderful experience while at Escalade. Please feel free to leave a tip with them or with the front desk upon your departure. Thank you on behalf of our staff.