Login | April 25, 2024
COVID-19 and rock climbing
PETE GLADDEN
Pete’s World
Published: July 6, 2020
My three month sabbatical from rock climbing hasn’t been something I’d planned on, nor was it something I’d lost interest in. No, like many recreational climbers I’ve been sidelined from the sport because of all the mitigation guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Now I have to say that I’ve been developing a really bad case of the climbing jones, which has pushed me into surfing the net to check out the possibility of getting back into a rock gym. So for those of you who are suffering through the same climbing malady as me, here’s the latest news on indoor climbing in Northeastern Ohio.
Cleveland Rock Gym
21150 Saint Clair Ave, #B3
Euclid, Oh
216-692-3300
info@clevelandrockgym.com
New hours: Weekdays: 5 -10 p.m.; Weekends: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Now open with these restrictions:
Do not enter the facility if you have been exposed to COVID-19.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer upon entering the facility.
Masks must be worn entering the facility and at all times except when seated at the picnic tables and while actively climbing a route. For those near the climbing area who are not actively climbing, masks are still required (belayers must still wear a mask).
Clean all equipment used in the training and weight areas.
Practice social distancing.
There are limits on the number of people in every area of the gym.
Limit climbs to one attempt per person before yielding to those in line.
Lost and Found may not be available.
The drinking fountain has been disabled, but you can refill water bottles.
Let the staff know which cubby you vacate upon leaving the gym.
The training area is limited to 3 people. Keep sessions to 30 minutes or less.
Rock Mill Climbing
677 Carroll St.
Akron, OH 44304
(330) 222-6419
info@rockmillclimbing.com
PHASE 1: Members Only
Rock Mill has now reopened to members by reservation only. At a later - undetermined - date they will allow punch pass holders and other guests to attend.
New Gym Policies
Liquid Chalk Only.
Drinking fountains are closed (bring a refillable water bottle).
Cubbies and lockers are limited (bring all belongings in a bag and carry them with you throughout your visit).
Rental shoes will not be available.
In-person yoga and fitness classes have not resumed at this time.
Children under the age of 8 will not be permitted in the gym at this time. Older children can attend with an adult at a 1:1 ratio.
Kendall Cliffs
60 Kendall Park Rd suite b,
Peninsula, Oh 44264
(330) 655-5489
info@kendallcliffs.com
Now open with these restrictions:
Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to leave.
New waivers dated May 28, 2020 or later are required for everyone. They strongly recommended filling out new waivers at home rather than on site.
Climbers are asked to secure a climbing slot online before visiting, this so they don’t have to turn people away due to their reduced occupancy. These slots are limited to two-hour sessions. Walk-in’s are welcome only if slots are available.
Everyone must check in before climbing - this as a part of Ohio’s contact tracing procedure.
Hands must be washed or sanitized before climbing and after touching one’s face.
Groups are limited to pre-sold Groupon vouchers until further notice. Those with a Groupon Voucher must call to schedule a climbing slot.
You must wear a mask while climbing.
Liquid chalk only. They will have liquid chalk available for sale at a special price in the gym.
You can not change your climbing partner during the duration of your visit.
Wash hands upon entry, between climbs, and before exiting.
Climbers must limit their sessions to two hours in order to allow more people in to climb and to reduce the chances of viral exposure.
Some routes will be blocked off with orange safety cones to help assure proper distancing, and routes will be alternated every other day. Blocked off routes are not to be climbed.
Water is available for purchase, but the public water dispenser is temporarily shut down.
Climbers are encouraged to bring their own equipment.
Avoid sharing, and this includes ropes and liquid chalk.
So that's the good news - you can now cure your climbing jones at our local rock gyms. But then there’s the bad news… your indoor climbing experience is going to feel very, very different than it did prior to March 2020.