CHILDREN IN THE GYM FAQ
Ask Us Anything!
Got questions? We’ve got answers. We have collected some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive below. We’ve tried to provide the best answers, but if there is something that we missed, please reach out and a member of our staff will get in touch with you!
Waiver required! - Must be signed by a parent or legal guardian if under the age of 19.
CAN I BRING MY KIDS?
Absolutely! We believe everyone is a climber. Please see our child to parent ratios
CHILD TO PARENT RATIO
In order to reduce the risk of injury, we have age-specific parent-to-child supervisory ratios.
Parent:child ratios are as follows:
Up to and including age 5: 1:1
Parent/Guardian provides constant supervision. Child should be within arm’s reach of supervising adult at all times. Children in this age range are still developing awareness and ability to understand potential for harm. Supervisor may not climb.
Ages 6-8: 1:2
Parent/Guardian is required to remain within arms’ reach of both kids at all times; meaning the children must climb together; children under 9 may still be developing the cognitive ability to be mindful of people around them, which means parents must stay within arms reach to ensure a child, or children, do not wander into a fall zone. Supervisor may not climb.
Ages 9-12: 1:4
This age range requires a parent on the mats, with a clear line of sight to their child. Parent is not required to remain in arm’s reach while the children are climbing. Supervisor may not climb.
Ages 13-14: 1:4
Parents must be present and available in the facility, though are not required to be on the mats while the kids are climbing unless the children prove to be at increased risk of harm to themselves or others. Supervisor may climb.
If it’s your children’s first time at the gym, the parent or guardian of children 13-14 should be present with the children, at least for the first 1/2 of the session until the kids become familiar with the climbing gym environment.
HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE TO CLIMB?
We don't have a minimum age. We believe that everyone is a climber and with proper supervision all children can boulder (climb with out a rope).
Children need to be properly fitted into a harness to top rope climb. Our kids harnesses fit children about 30 lbs and 36 inches tall.
CAN YOU TEACH ME TO MANAGE THE ROPES (BELAY)?
Absolutely! We have belay lessons and we can even teach you while your child climbs.
Check out our indoor climbing classes here.
WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BRING
Athletic clothing is suggested but not required. Absolutely no skirts, dresses or excessively baggy clothes
DO YOU HAVE RENTAL GEAR?
Yes we have all of the equipment you will need for rent: shoes, harness and chalk bag.
I'M 18, CAN I SIGN MY OWN WAIVER?
No, your parent or legal guardian must complete the waiver on your behalf prior to being allowed to climb or use the facility. Legally, you must be 19 to sign your own waiver in BC.
CAN ANYONE OTHER THAN A PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN SIGN A WAIVER FOR SOMEONE 18 OR YOUNGER?
No, it MUST be the child’s parent or legal, court appointed guardian. To avoid any inconvenience please have the parent complete the waiver online. A teacher, grandparent, or another child’s parent(s) are NOT allowed to sign consent for anyone’s child other than their own, unless they are also the child’s legal guardian. There are no exceptions to this rule.
See BC Family Law for more information.
WHAT IF I'M UNDER 19, TRAVELLING FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY AS AN EXCHANGE STUDENT, OR POST-SECONDARY STUDENT, AND MY PARENTS ARE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY (OR PROVINCE, OR CITY) CAN I CLIMB WITHOUT THEM SIGNING A WAIVER?
In short? No. Please plan ahead, have a parent complete the Online waiver.