First Time
I’ve never climbed before, what do I need to get started?
Awesome news! Welcome to Climb Base5, we have you covered. Our facilities have bouldering, auto-belays and route climbing available. Route climbing requires a belay certification with us. If you are not yet belay certified, not to worry! Our auto-belays allow you to climb our routes without a “human” belayer. Instead, you clip into an auto-belay device which connects to the top of the wall. If you fall or finish a climb, the auto-belay slowly lowers you to the ground. Visitors must be 14+ to clip themselves into the auto-belay.
All climbers must have a valid waiver and new climbers must complete an orientation at the start of your session prior to climbing.
Visit our booking page to see our introductory offers.memberships & passes
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.
What consitutes as a "legal guardian" ?
A person who is not a parent can become a guardian by a court order or under a will.
See BC Family Law for more information.
Is there an age limit for climbing?
We find that most parents try to start their child climbing at about age 3 or 4 depending on the child’s interest. If you already know how to belay, or are willing to learn, we can teach you how manage the gear for your child. Due to our supervision ratios, our group climbing sessions start at age 5. Good news for our older climbers, there is no upper age limit! The low impact nature of climbing makes it an excellent choice for aging fitness seekers.
What is your supervision ratio for kids?
Children under the age of 14 must be supervised at all times.
Adult : Child supervision ratio
- Ages 0-5 (1:1)
- Ages 6-8 (1:2)
- Ages 9-13 (1:4)
Do I have to be super fit or have strong upper body strength to climb?
No, not too worry if you feel you can’t pull yourself up the wall. An efficient climber is able to make the most of his or her strongest muscles, the core and lower body. Using a “feet first mentality” you can focus on your foot placements, maintain good balance and push with your legs. Your arms will get stronger and you will get a total body work out through climbing.
What type of climbing do you offer?
We have on average 100 of routes that can be climbed on lead or top rope, 20 auto-belay routes, and 5000 square feet of bouldering space.
What is bouldering?
Bouldering is rock climbing in its purest form. It involves climbing short routes called ‘problems’ on specially designed climbing walls of a lower height, removing the need for ropes, harnesses and other equipment. Instead, the floor is covered with a thick soft pad in case you fall. Bouldering is also fun and more social activity than traditional indoor climbing as it can be carried out as a group. It also keeps you fit because the variety of problems on our bouldering wall keeps you from getting bored. You can boulder at any age and requires only a basic level of fitness and a pair of climbing shoes.
Do I need to book or can I just drop-in?
We no longer require you to pre-book before dropping in to climb at our facilities! Our drop-ins are non-guided sessions. However, we do provide a full orientation on our auto-belays and bouldering walls. The maximum drop-in group size we can host at once is 8 participants. If you have a group larger than 8 and would like to drop-in, please email ally@climbbase5.com
Do you offer technique classes?
Yes. We offer weekly technique classes. See our booking page for more information on individual courses.
What do I wear for climbing?
Anything that you would work out in, should be suitable. Breathable, slightly loose fitting or stretchy works the best. Keep in mind; in most cases you’ll be wearing a harness, so make sure clothing does not interfere with proper fit of climbing gear.
Do I need my own climbing gear?
We do recommend that you purchase your own gear to personalize fit and function. However, we offer affordable rental gear on a drop in basis, or a 7-time rental package if you plan on waiting a bit before getting your own gear. For prices and more information please visit our Member page. Rental gear is provided free of charge for Group bookings.
Where can I buy climbing gear?
Uh oh, you’re hooked. Now it’s time to gear up. If you are in the Tri-Cities: MEC, Valhalla Outfitters, and Atmosphere carry a full range of climbing gear. Craigslist, not so much. It’s best to have first hand knowledge of the care and maintenance of your life saving gear.
Why do I need to sign a waiver?
We want to ensure the health and safety of our staff and everyone who climbs at our gyms.
Memberships & Day Passes
What are the benefits of membership?
It saves you Money! No more throwing your money away by paying per visit. Enjoy guilt-free unlimited access to all we have to offer. Members receive 5% off retail purchases excluding food and drink, 10% off classes, discount on admission to facility events, and a free monthly guest pass.
Can I climb at both the Coquitlam and North Vancouver gyms?
Yes! Climb Base5 is the only facility to provide 2/1 gyms for the same price.
How much does a membership cost?
Visit our membership and drop-in rates page for up-to-date information on rates and prices.
Can I pay by pre-authorized debit for your EFT monthly membership?
Yes! Please choose “bank account” when entering your payment information, and additionally send a void cheque to billing@climbbase5.com
Are memberships transferable?
Our pre-paid memberships are transferable. There is a $50 transfer fee, and a transfer form provided by us that needs to be completed.
*EFT monthly memberships are not transferable
Can I suspend or change my monthly membership?
We allow Monthly Plan Members to Suspend, Change or Cancel their membership for any reason. Memberships can be placed on hold for a maximum of 3 months. Membership Change Request forms must be received no later then the 10th of the month to take affect for the next billing cycle. A maintenance fee of $16/month + gst (Individual) and $21/month + gst (Family) will be applied monthly to any passes placed on-hold. Please fill out our membership change request form here.
Note: cancelling your membership before completing 12 monthly payments will result in a cancellation fee.
What happens to my membership if I get injured?
Just bring in a doctor’s note, and we would be happy to put your membership on hold until you are able to climb again free of charge.
What is your membership cancellation policy?
Monthly Membership Plans can be cancelled at any time via the online membership change request form. We must receive notification of membership changes at least 8 days prior to the next billing date. If a Monthly Membership is cancelled within the first 12 months of active membership, a $98 cancellation fee will apply.
Annual Prepaid and One Month Prepaid Memberships are non-refundable. In the event of an injury (with a doctor’s note) or relocation more than 30km from the facility, the membership may be placed on hold or transferred to another individual, subject to a $98 processing fee where applicable. Proof of eligibility is required.
Why do I have to pay an administration fee upon cancelling my monthly membership?
Climb Base5 is proud to offer “Monthly Membership Plans”, the first truly flexible climbing membership. Whether you are planning an extended trip or eager to try a new sport, no matter the reason, we can put your pass on hold, NO QUESTIONS ASKED! The benefit to you is it allows you to do this while saving you money at the same time. At Climb Base5 we want to help our members as climbers be apart of a much larger community. Be active, have fun and share your passion! We are committed to offering the convenience and flexible afforded by the Monthly Membership program, but we also want our members to be committed to helping to grow our climbing community. Pardon the pun, but cancellation fees aren’t used to “PAD” our pockets, they help to offset the costs for belay testing, gym orientations, and membership activations, suspensions, or cancellations.
Do you offer family memberships?
Yes. Our members are family, so of course we have Family Memberships. Family passes are available on our Monthly or Annual memberships. Our definition of “Family” is a couple or single parent, with one or more kids 18 and under. We allow for up to (4) individuals to be under a family pass. Extra family member (5th person) can be added for an additional fee.
Do you offer student or senior discounts?
Seniors (65yo) get a 10% discount on all passes and memberships.
Students get a 10% discount on Annual and monthly payment memberships.
What’s the fine print for memberships?
MONTHLY PAYMENT PLANS
Monthly Memberships can be cancelled or placed on-hold for any reason with written notice to Climb Base5. Notice must be given prior to the 10th of each month in order for the changes to take affect for the next billing cycle.
Membership holds will reduce your monthly charge to $16/month or $21/month for family memberships. Memberships may be placed on-hold for up to 3 months per calendar year; Memberships on-hold due to an injury or illness may remain on-hold at no charge. Monthly rate changes are applied at the beginning of your billing cycle, and freezes will only take effect at that time.
Admin fee of $98 will be applied if Membership is cancelled within the first 12 months excluding time on-hold.
Climb Base5 reserves the right to change Membership terms and dues with 60 days written notice.
If a payment is declined (NSF), a $15 fee will be charged to next billing.
Payments are processed every 17th of the month. For more information on PAD agreements contact your financial institution or visit www.cdnpay.ca.
FIXED-TERM PASSES AND MEMBERSHIPS
May be put on hold for medical reasons with doctor’s note
May be transfered – $50 transfer fee
May not be refunded, cancelled, or put on-hold
5-Visit Passes
Can I use my pass at both Coquitlam and North Vancouver locations?
Yes, you can use your 5-Visit Pass at either of our locations!
Can I share my visits with family/friends?
Of course! Feel free to share a pass with a friend or family member. Up to two passes can be used per visit.
Are there any black out dates or restrictions?
There are no black out dates or restrictions. You can use your pass any day of the week during our business hours!
Do my passes expire?
5-Visit passes do not have an expiry date. However, 5-Visit passes purchased during a sale do have a 1 year expiry from the date of purchase.
Programs & Pricing
What’s your cancellation policy?
Guests are able to receive a full refund for their course/program up to 1 week prior to the start date of the program. If it is less than 7 days, and more than 48 hours, they can receive a 50% refund. If it is less than 48 hours, no refund is possible but 50% of the course fee can be credited to their account to use for future use. No refunds will be given after a course or program begins. Exceptions for doctor’s note due to illness or injury.
GST
All prices are subject to GST.
Belaying
What is belaying?
Belaying, is a term derived from sailing meaning to “hold fast”. In climbing parlance, it means to manage a rope for a climber using a dynamic friction device. It’s not hard to learn how to belay, we do however recommend that you employ the guidance of a certified professional to “teach you the ropes” and provide the right environment to practice. See our Introductory Courses to get started.
What is an auto-belay?
An Auto-Belay is a great tool to climb on your own. We have 4 TRUBLUE auto-belays in the gym that allow you flexibility to get in a quick great endurance workout. Without having to rely on a partner. No experience necessary.
How old do I have to be to belay on my own?
Our minimum age for belay testing is 14 years. Unless you are a member of our Youth Development program.
How much are Belay and Lead tests?
If you’ve already learned how to belay or lead and want to get tested to climb in our gym, the cost is $6 for a belay test and $11 for a lead test. Tests are included in our intro belay and lead courses.
Why do you charge for belay testing and orientation?
We take safety systems seriously at Climb Base5. As a result, we make sure to provide a thorough belay test and gym orientations to ensure all new climbers are fully competent with gym equipment and aware of the rules. Testing and orientation takes time. We want to ensure that new climbers take these procedures seriously and are confident in their skills. There is a $6 charge for the Top-Rope test, and $15 for Top-Rope and Lead. If you are new to climbing or it has been awhile, we offer Belay courses, which include the cost of the test and orientation.
Why do you have weight restrictions for lead climbing partners?
Since there are higher fall forces involved with Lead climbing, we ask that the lead climber not exceed 130% of the belayer’s weight. If exceeding this weight, we ask that you use the Ohm device (which desk staff will provide to you to rent at no cost). Bigger differences in weight will inhibit the belayer’s ability to provide a safe catch for the climber, leading to a potential ground fall or collision. We also do not allow for ground anchoring, as it can limit the effectiveness of a dynamic belay, and create an entanglement issue for a falling climber.
Location
Where are you located?
Visit our hours & locations page for more details.
