Just like driving a car or skiing, climbing can be dangerous. Please keep this in mind and check, recheck, and ask a staff person if there are any doubts. Indoor climbing is very safe - when a few basics are followed.

Terms to know:

Routes - Paths that are followed to get to the top.
Belaying - Technique of managing the rope to safeguard a climber against a fall.
Belay Device - Connects the belayer to the climber through the rope.
"On Belay" - Said by the climber, means the climber is tied in and ready to climb.
"Belay is On" - Said by the belayer, means the belayer is ready and is now responsible for the climber

Types of climbing at North Summit:

Bouldering: Considered to be the purest form of climbing since it involves no safety equipment. When bouldering, the movement is horizontal or a couple of moves vertical, but never going above 6ft high with the feet. Bouldering routes at the gym are generally marked with flourescent colored tape and may have marked or "open" (using anything) feet.

Tope Rope Climbing: Is considered the safest form of climbing and involves all of the ropes hanging from the top of the walls. The rope is already secured at the top of the climb. The climber is tied into one end of the rope, and the belayer is on the other. As the climber goes up the route, the belayer takes out the slack, so there is no falling.

Lead Climbing: This is the most complex method of indoor climbing. Lead climbing simulates outdoor sport climbing where outdoor rock formations don't normally have ropes hanging from the top. The climber drags the rope up the wall and clips it into protection while ascending.

Check Your Knot!!