FIRST VISIT
Welcome to True North Climbing!
To make your first visit comfortable and as smooth as possible, please review this guide to familiarize yourself with what we have to offer.
Mandatory Waivers
Before climbing, visitors must sign our Facility Waiver. Minors’ waivers must be signed by their parent or legal guardian. Waivers expire after two years, or when a child turns 18. You can get a head start on your visit by filling out the waivers online.
COVID-19 Policies
Everyone who enters the gym, including children, must wear a mask at all times. Masks will be required at all times until Monday, June 20th, at which point they will only be mandatory on Tuesday mornings. Please see our COVID-19 Policies page for more details.
Ways to Climb
Once you’re ready, you can decide how you wish to climb. There are four styles of indoor climbing at True North:
- Top Rope
- Auto-Belay
- Bouldering
- Lead Climbing
Auto-belays and intro lessons are great options for beginners. Bouldering is also a good way to get started, but can be a bit more challenging for people with little or no climbing experience.
Top Rope
Top rope climbing happens on the taller walls, where the climber ties into a climbing rope that goes to the top of the wall, through an anchor system, and back to a belayer, who manages the rope with a belay device.
The majority of climbing routes in True North are set up for top rope. Before you can use them, and to get the most out of our gym for your first time, you’ll need to take the Intro Lesson.
If you’re a seasoned climber, we will need you to do a belay test before you can start climbing.
Auto Belay
Auto belays allow a climber to access tall routes without a belay partner. We have 14 Perfect Descent auto belay systems in use. Now you can climb higher, even without a partner! After a quick orientation, you’ll be set to climb on your own.
Bouldering
Bouldering is climbing on shorter walls without the use of ropes and harnesses. All you need is climbing shoes. If you’re new to bouldering, you’ll have to go through a safety orientation before you can start climbing. Our main bouldering area is only available for climbers who are 13 or older, but we have some smaller walls that are suitable for kids as young as 5.
Lead Climbing
When lead climbing, the climber brings up their own rope and clips it into carabiners attached to bolts in the wall as they progress upward. Minimizing risk while lead climbing requires significant climbing experience and knowledge.
If you have been climbing for a year or more, can climb 5.10- with ease, and you and a partner want to challenge yourselves, consider taking our lead climbing course. See our front desk staff for details.
If you already lead climb but it’s your first time at True North, we’ll need you to take a lead belay test before you can start climbing. Please call ahead to ensure we have staff on hand to accommodate your test.
Things to Bring
- Comfortable, flexible clothing that lets you move freely is ideal.
- Flip-flops or other light footwear if you expect to be taking off your climbing shoes often (which you should!)
- Hair elastic if you have long hair (to avoid getting it caught in belay devices or other equipment
- Bring a water bottle, as we don’t sell packaged water. There is a water fountain for you to fill up.
- Bring a lock to secure your valuables. We also have basic key locks for sale ($5).
Climbing with Kids
Kids under 5 require close, 1:1 adult supervision.
Kids who are 5-12 require close, 2:1 adult supervision.
1. You can take the free Auto Belay orientation and get a Day Pass for your kids. You’ll need to stay close to supervise and help clip them in at the auto belay stations.
2. You can boulder with your kids and perhaps return another time without the kids to take the Intro Lesson.
3. You can book your kids into our youth recreational program (contact James at james@truenorthclimbing.com for more info)
4. If your children are mature enough, they can accompany you in the Intro Lesson as your climber (or take the lesson with you, if they are 13 or older).
Important Notes: If you’re bringing kids under 18, that are not your own, make sure they arrive with signed waivers from their own parent.
Retail Gear
As you progress through your climbing journey, the gear you use will play a vital role in your experience. Whether you are just starting out and in need of your first harness, or a globe-trotting mountaineer looking for something specific, our retail selection can cater to your needs. If you have questions about any of the products that we offer, please free feel to chat with our friendly staff at the front desk.