Climbing News

Climbing News

Independent Climbing is back!

We’re excited to announce that the climbing wall will open on 31st August. To ensure the safe enjoyment of our facilities, we’ve had to make some changes to the way we operate which are outlined below.

Covid 19 Participation statement

It should be recognised that whilst climbing walls will take all reasonable steps to prevent the transfer of COVID-19 to its staff and customers, there will always be a risk that an infected person visits the centre and either through aerosol action or smear infection, transfers the virus to others. Customers should be aware of this and make their own decision given their specific circumstances whether this residual risk is one they are willing to take. The residual risk should be no greater than in many other public spaces and facilities.

Booking

We have introduced a pre booking system for independent climbing to help us maintain social distancing. Sessions will be 90 minutes long and all sessions must be booked in advance.

There are 3 ways to book:
i. Via the member area on our website. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so using the email address linked to your membership record.
ii. Via the Places Locker app which you can download from the App Store or Google Play. Please make sure your username is the email address linked to your membership.
iii. If you haven’t linked your email address to your membership, you can also ring the centre to book on 01562 515151. Our team will be happy to help link an email to your membership to allow you to book online in the future. Please be aware that our centres will understandably be managing a high volume of calls.

The Places Locker app is the quickest way to book your sessions. If you're having trouble signing up to use Places Locker, please visit our guide.

Who can climb?

Independent climbers must have passed a Places Leisure safety test (or be supervised by someone who has). If you can tie in and belay but have not already completed a safety test you can arrange this by calling us on 01562 515151.

Unfortunately, we are unable to open our junior sessions and parties at present. Keep checking back for details of when these activities can resume.

Anyone using the centre must have booked in advance. This allows us to maintain accurate contact information for NHS test and Trace.

Arriving for your session

Please arrive 15 minutes before your climbing time, you may be asked to wait. You should arrive dressed for Climbing as there is limited changing facilities available in the centre. A member of the team will be at the entrance to greet and assist you. They are there to help all of you enjoy a safe and socially distanced visit, please follow their instructions.

If you are paying for a session at the centre, we ask that you use contactless payments where possible. You’ll find supplies of hand sanitiser and wipes available in reception and throughout the centre. Please bring your own drinks as there are currently no café facilities/water fountains available.

To aid the safe flow of people around the centre, we have introduced one-way systems in places or used alternative entrances/exits, so your route around the centre may be different to normal. Our new signage will guide you.

Cleaning/Sanitising

We pride ourselves on the cleanliness of our centre and we have implemented even more robust cleaning regimes. As it is not possible to clean holds between every use, we insist that everyone sanitises their hands on entry and regularly throughout the session. We also recommend the use of liquid chalk to further mitigate this risk.

Spectators

Unfortunately due to the limited capacity of the wall we will be unable to accommodate spectators in the climbing wall at this time.

Hire equipment

Due to us having to quarantine hire equipment we will have a much more limited supply. Please bring your own equipment wherever possible. Unfortunately we are not able to hire out climbing shoes at this time.

Memberships

Have a question about your membership? Please visit our main FAQ page.

Something to consider

Many of us will have seized on the great weather to get climbing outside, but for those that haven’t tied in or belayed for a while please ask a member of the team to check if you are at all unsure.