FIRST TIME CLIMBING
Helping Everyone Climb
First time climbing? Don’t worry or be intimidated! The basics of climbing are quick and easy to learn.
High Five
The best choice for beginner climbers
This package gives the whole climbing experience with unlimited bouldering and staff to get you on our ropes. No prior experience required and can also serve any level climber needing someone to hold the rope (belay). Our staff will provide guidance and set you up for success while giving you a challenge.
EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS
You Love Climbing – Come Climb at Vertical Adventures
Useful Tips for Climbing at 5.Life Locations
Sign The Waiver
First-Time Visitors: Save time and sign your waiver online prior to your visit. Bonus: FREE rental gear by completing your waiver online.
Bring Your Water Bottle
The climbing gym is equipped with a filtered water dispensers, so bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Take A Class
We are here to help you through your 5.Life journey. Learn the beginner basics and develop and diversify your skills.
Join a Community Event
Climbing is not just about the workout. It’s about the community and helping everyone feel welcomed and invited to participate.
Our Most Popular Classes
Discover Sport Climbing
Learn the basics of knot tying and belay technique (holding the rope) in this fun 90-minute group class. Created for those new to climbing to become self-sufficient in the gym.
Discover Climbing Series
The best deal. Three, 90-minute sessions; giving you all the tools you need to kick off your climbing journey. Plus a FREE month of climbing.
Develop Lead
In this 2 session course, you will learn the proper lead belay techniques and best practices for clipping, rope management, and falling.
What are our Guests Saying
Don’t just take it from us, let our guets do the talkig!
“The instructors here are nothing short of amazing. So helpful, so kind, and so fun. I’ve had nothing but great experiences getting comfortable with climbing and learning new things at vertical. Shoutout to River who is my favorite instructor and helped us progress in climbing so much”
“I hadn’t been in over 10 years. The new gym is terrific! Tons of routes for any skill level. My 4-year-old loved it. Shout-out to Zach for his help and encouragement!”
“LOVE Vertical Adventures. Madie was amazing with my daughter – patient and supportive and fun. Highly recommend!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a class or make a reservation to climb at your facility?
Walk-ins welcome.
Supervision guidelines do apply, see question below regarding kids climbing in facility.
We do recommend booking a High Five for the ultimate experience. Book Now
If you're new to Vertical Adventures, but not to climbing, here are some steps to get you on the wall once you arrive.
ORIENTATION
Everyone must complete an orientation before being able to climb. To save time when you arrive we recommend you complet your waiver prior to arriving. Waiver
TOP ROPE EXPECTATIONS
Everyone MUST have a Belay Card visible on their harness whenever they are belaying. Ask a team member about doing a Top Rope check when you arrive.
Top Rope Belay Check Requirements:
- Correctly tie in with a figure-8 follow-through knot.
- Correctly load and use their prefered belay device.
LEAD CLIMBING EXPECTATIONS
Everyone MUST have a Belay Card visible on their harness whenever they are lead climbing or lead belaying. Ask a staff member about doing a Lead Climb/Belay check when you arrive or call in advance.
Lead Climbing and Belay Requirements:
- Bring your own rope and belay device
– The rope must be at least 40 meters long - During the lead check, participants will be required to climb a 5.9, take a fall, and demonstrate proper lead climbing and belaying techniques
It’s my first time, what do I need to do?
EVERYONE entering our facility is required to sign a waiver and complete a brief orientation. Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver for them and watch the orientation video. Supervision guidelines apply to all youth climbers.
Can kids climb at Vertical Adventures?
Under 18 years old
A parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver and watch the orientation video.
Under 14 years old
Not permitted to belay (hold the rope)
Must follow these supervision guidelines:
4 years and under can climb within arm’s length of their supervising adult. Each adult can only supervise two children this young at a time.
5-7 years old can climb under direct supervision (can see and hear them at all times) of an adult. Each adult can only supervise two children this young at a time.
8-14 years old can climb under direct supervision (can see and hear them at all times) of an adult. Each adult can only supervise three children this young at a time.
Alternately, we offer youth classes check, them out here.
Can anyone belay or lead climb?
To belay or lead climb at our facility, you must first pass a proficiency test with one of our team members. Our team is available most days and times to conduct a proficiency test, no appointment required.
Kids 14 and over may belay after completing this waiver and passing a proficiency test with our staff.
What kind of climbing do you offer?
We have bouldering which is climbing on shorter walls with no rope and lots of padding; top rope walls where a rope has been fixed at the top of the wall and a climber requires the support of a belayer; and we have lead climbing which is where experienced climbers clip the rope into the wall as they climb up.
Do you have Auto belays?
Nope! While it’s always awesome to get a free ride, we are passionate about community…so we want you to meet new belay partners irl. We have partner finder nights. We have a belay partner board. We will make belay partner calls over the PA system. We WILL help you find a climbing partner.
What is good gym etiquette?
We’re so glad you asked! Climbing is dangerous, so you must always be aware of your surroundings while in the facility. Keep space between climbers, don’t walk between an active belayer (person holding rope) and their partner, and don’t hold ropes if you have not passed a proficiency to use them. When bouldering, stay off the mats until you’re ready to climb, down climb a few holds when possible to avoid jumping from height, and if you fall hug your arms to your chest, land on your feet, and roll onto your back to disperse the force. See our orientation video for more information!
Contact
614 888-8393
6513 Kingsmill Court
Columbus, OH 43229
Stay Connected
Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11 AM- 10 PM
Tuesday & Thursday 7 AM – 10 PM
Saturday 9 AM – 8 PM
Sunday 11 AM – 6 PM