Plan Your First Visit
Trying things that challenge us is one of the secrets to growth, happiness, and a life well lived.
Off Grid is happy to welcome you whether you've climbed your whole life, or waited your whole life to climb. Here's everything you need to know about your first visit to our gym!
What is Bouldering?
The easiest way to start climbing.
Bouldering is one of the simplest forms of climbing. Unlike top-rope climbing, bouldering relies on thick mats and padding to protect you in the event of a fall. Most boulder climbs, or “problems”, only go up to about 15 feet tall, but you can climb until you’re comfortable before down climbing or jumping off. No need for a rope or harness, all you need is a pair of shoes and a good attitude to have fun here! Bouldering is an inherently social and communal activity, so whether you’re coming with friends or sending solo you’ll be able to hang out with other people who love climbing & adventure.
What should I do my first time?
1 | Sign a waiver
Get the boring stuff out of the way first, and sign a waiver. Everyone in the gym signs one, and minors must have one signed by a parent or legal guardian; no one else can sign on their behalf. Save time by completing the waiver online ahead of time.
2 | Buy a pass
Time to start the adventure at Off Grid. Get a day pass, and rental shoes if you need them. The day pass covers almost everything in the gym. Once you're hooked on climbing like we are you can upgrade to a membership for full access.
3 | Get oriented to our space
Our trained and friendly staff will give you a helpful overview of our gym, from where the bathrooms & lockers are, to the equipment, and climbing etiquette we observe in the gym. They'll answer all your questions with endless patience!
4 | Want more? Take a class
Looking to level up off the bat? Sign up for our Intro to Bouldering Class. We'll go over climbing fundamentals, techniques, safe falling, and culture, plus walk you through drills to start sending climbs sooner.
5 | You're all set
Quit reading, and get climbing! We'll see you on the walls.
Tips and tricks to sound like a Pro
Learn the Lingo
- Bouldering – Climbing shorter walls without ropes or harnesses, with padded floors for safety.
- Problem – What climbers call a bouldering route or sequence of moves to solve.
- Project – A climb you’re working on but haven’t completed yet.
- Send – Successfully completing a climb from start to finish.
- Beta – Advice or information about how to do a climb. Pro tip, don't give people Beta without asking first, so that they can enjoy the problem solving experience too!
- Crux – The hardest part of a climb.
- Dyno – A dynamic move where you jump or launch to reach the next hold.
- Smear – Using the sole of your shoe directly against the wall for friction.
- Jug – A big, easy‑to‑grab hold.
- Crimp – A small edge you grip with your fingertips.
- Sloper – A rounded hold with little to grab; relies on friction.
- Pocket – A hold with a hole you put fingers into.
- Grades – Numbers or labels that indicate difficulty (varies by gym/system).
- Route Setter – The person who designs and installs climbs on the wall.
- Spotting – Standing near a climber to help guide their fall safely (more common outdoors).
Climbing Community & Culture
Climbing, like nature, is open to everyone no matter what your background is or who you are. Off Grid provides a safe, welcoming, and hopefully a little adventurous climbing experience for anyone who wants to climb here. Got more questions about what to expect? Check out our FAQ guide!
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