Your First Visit — What to Expect at Strait Up Climbing

Every move tells a story. It's a perfect mix of power and precision

First time at a climbing gym? We're stoked you're here!

Sure, it might look a little wild when you walk through the doors—ropes everywhere, chalk clouds floating around, people defying gravity on walls that look impossibly steep. But here's the thing: every single climber in here started exactly where you are right now. That person casually hanging upside down on the overhang? They were nervous on day one too.

At Strait Up Climbing, our goal is simple: make your first session fun, safe, and packed with small victories that keep you coming back.

What to Bring (Spoiler: Not Much)

Just show up in comfortable athletic clothes and bring water. That's it. We've got rental shoes, harnesses, and chalk bags if you don't have your own gear yet. Wear something you can move in—think yoga pants, athletic shorts, or joggers. Shoes are required until you get your rental climbing shoes, and bring socks are there are no bare feet on the gym mats. Try to avoid anything too baggy that might get caught on holds.

Don't worry about being "in shape" either. Climbing uses muscles you didn't know you had, so everyone feels like a beginner at first. You'll build strength as you go.

What Happens When You Arrive

Our front desk team will greet you and get you set up with a quick waiver (standard gym stuff—nothing scary). Then we'll give you a brief orientation to show you around the space and explain how everything works.

You can boulder (climbing shorter walls without ropes), we'll show you how to fall safely onto our padded mats and how to identify the start. Each route is set in its own colour and the grade (difficulty level) is marked on the wall. We'll help you find the perfect starting point for your ability.

We'll walk you through how to use our auto-belay devices. These are incredibly safe and let you climb solo without needing a partner. Our staff will demonstrate, watch your first attempt, and answer any questions before you head up.

The whole orientation takes about 10-15 minutes, and then you're free to explore.

Your First Climbs: Start Low, Stay Curious

Here's what we tell everyone on day one: you don't need to be strong, and you definitely don't need to know climbing lingo. You'll pick up terms like "crux" (the hardest part of a climb) and "beta" (the sequence of moves) as you go. For now, just focus on having fun.

Start with easier routes. The goal isn't to race to the top. It's to experiment, solve the puzzle, and notice what works. Climbing is way more about technique, balance, and creativity than brute strength. You'll be surprised how much your legs do the work once you figure it out.

Take breaks whenever you need them. Seriously. Climbing is intense, and your forearms will probably feel like jelly after 45 minutes. That's totally normal. Sit down, hydrate, watch other climbers, and rest up before jumping back on the wall.

Why People Fall in Love with Climbing

Climbing is one of those rare workouts that doesn't feel like work. It's a full-body challenge, sure—your arms, legs, core, and even your brain get a workout. But it's also deeply satisfying in a way that treadmills and dumbbells just aren't.

Every route is a puzzle. You're constantly thinking: How do I reach that hold? Should I use my left foot or right? Can I balance here if I shift my weight? It's problem-solving in motion, and when you finally unlock the sequence and reach the top, the feeling is unbeatable.

Plus, the climbing community is genuinely welcoming. You'll get encouragement from strangers, tips from people who've been climbing for years, and plenty of high-fives. It's the kind of place where everyone's cheering for everyone else.

Common First-Timer Questions

Will I fall? Maybe! But that's part of the fun. Our bouldering mats are thick and cushy, and our auto-belays lower you gently to the ground. Falling safely is something we teach, and after a couple of sessions, it won't feel scary at all.

Do I need a partner? Nope. Bouldering is completely solo, and our auto-belays mean you can climb to the top alone too. That said, bringing a friend makes it even more fun. You can cheer each other on, share tips, and laugh at each other's struggles.

How long should I stay? Most first-timers spend 60-90 minutes climbing before their arms give out. Listen to your body. If you're gassed after 45 minutes, that's awesome—you worked hard. There's no need to overdo it on day one.

What if I can't finish a route? Then you've found your project! Climbing is all about progress, not perfection. The routes that stump you today are the ones you'll crush in a few weeks. Embrace the challenge.

One Last Tip: Bring a Friend

Climbing solo is great, but bringing a buddy makes everything better. You'll push each other, laugh at the struggles, and celebrate the wins together. Plus, it's way easier to commit to coming back when you've got someone to meet at the gym.

Ready to Start?

Seriously—just show up. Grab a day pass and explore, or sign up for one of our intro classes where we'll walk you through everything step by step. Either way, we'll see you on the wall.

Check out our Intro to Climbing Classes or grab a Day Pass and get started today.