FAQ’s
TOP TEN QUESTIONS ASKED AT SRG
10) What do I wear?
- Movement in climbing is much like that in yoga, martial arts, and gymnastics; flexible/breathable fabrics work best. During the winter SRG can get quite cold, bring a sweater or jacket to put on between climbs. In the hot summer months wear shorts, capris, tank tops, or short sleeves.
9) Is indoor climbing safe?
- Climbing at Sanctuary Rock Gym is a safe and enjoyable activity. Our staff draws from a wealth of climbing and safety knowledge stretching over a combined three decades of climbing experience to provide our customers with a great learning and training environment.
8) Is there an age limit?
- At SRG there is no age limit, but, we think age 3 is about the right time to introduce a child to climbing. We have waist and full-body harnesses to fit just about anyone and our rental shoe fleet fits kids size 7 to adult size 14. We set our climbing routes with children in mind and try to have a route on every rope suitable for smaller climbers. If you are curious if climbing is right for your younger ones just drop in and give it a try!
7) What is belaying?
- Belaying is the act of managing the rope that is attached to the person you are climbing with. As a belayer, you are responsible for stopping your partner’s fall and lowering them to the ground when they have finished a climb.
6) Do you offer gift certificates and birthday parties?
- Yes. To both questions. We offer gift certificates for any service we offer, you can also choose a dollar amount in place of an actual item. Call or come in to purchase a gift certificate. Check out our “Kids” section for information about having your next party at Sanctuary Rock Gym.
5) Who can climb at SRG?
- Anyone. During our fourteen years of operation we have had a vast array of body types and physical abilities use our facility. From blind students with the Monterey County Office of Education to wounded veterans of our armed forces, many different people have climbed our walls, so can you. If you can climb a ladder, you can climb our walls.
4) Do I need to make a reservation?
- Two answers: Groups require a reservation for certain rates, so call if you are bringing more than 6 people. Otherwise, no, come in and we will show you the ropes. Click here for our rates.
3) Is there a belay certification/test to use the ropes?
- Yes. We want to ensure the safety of every climber who walks through our doors. Plan to either take the “Belay On” course or demonstrate your rope management proficiency with one of our staff members. You do not need to reserve a time to do either of these activities. See the image below for an idea of our “top-rope” belay system which features a Petzl Gri-Gri and pre-tied “figure-eight knot on a bight.” Our belay lesson is for strict use at our facility, what we teach you is not necessarily transferrable to use at another climbing facility or outdoors.
2) Are there any local outside climbing areas? Do you offer outdoor instruction?
- Yes. Within an hour and a half of the Monterey Peninsula there are two well-developed climbing areas, Pinnacles National Monument and Castle Rock State Park, and several smaller areas with little or no development. Sanctuary Rock Gym guides exclusively at Pinnacles National Monument and offers classes from beginner to advanced rock technique. Check out out Outdoor Instruction section for rates and more information. If the local rock isn’t your speed head out on the road; the farther you drive the more you get, Yosemite – 4 hrs., Bishop – 8 hrs., Joshua Tree – 9 hrs.
1) Do you guys climb in Yosemite and climb Half Dome?
- Occasionally.
