Indoor Climbing Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts of the Gym

Stepping into the world of indoor bouldering can be an exhilarating experience. Whether you’re tackling your first ever climb or chasing your next climbing project, the climbing gym is more than just a workout space, it’s a community. And like any community, it thrives on respect, awareness, and a little bit of common sense.

To help you get to grips with things, here’s a guide to indoor climbing etiquette. It’s all about making your climbing session enjoyable for you and everyone around you.

The Do’s of Indoor Climbing

1. Respect the Queue

Bouldering problems are a shared experience. If someone’s gearing up to climb, give them space to try it without feeling rushed or watched too closely. Likewise, wait your turn if there’s already a climber eyeing the same hold sequence you’re planning.

2. Brush the Holds

Climbing holds get greasy from chalk, sweat, and skin. If you’re projecting a problem or finishing up a tough attempt, take a moment to brush the holds for the next climber. Trust us, your good karma will come back to you when someone does the same.

3. Be Aware of Your Space

Bouldering walls can get crowded. Watch where you walk, and make sure you’re not hanging out underneath someone mid-climb. Keeping an eye out for falling climbers will save you both from awkward, or painful, moments.

4. Offer Support, Not Spray

If you see someone struggling on a climb, resist the urge to yell unsolicited advice (aka “beta spraying”). If they ask, sure, go ahead and share your wisdom. But otherwise, let them have the satisfaction of figuring it out themselves.

5. Say Hi to the New Faces

At The Climbing Hangar, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming space for everyone, whether it’s their first climb or their fiftieth. A friendly smile or quick “nice one” when someone tops out goes a long way to building the kind of community we all want to climb in.

The Don’ts of Indoor Climbing

1. Don’t Hog the Wall

Camping out in front of a climb, trying it endlessly, or setting up shop with your gear can block other climbers and make the space feel less accessible. Take a break, let others try, and come back when the wall clears up.

2. Don’t Skip Warm-Ups or Cool-Downs

While this isn’t strictly about etiquette, warming up on easy climbs before diving into your project keeps you injury-free and keeps the vibe in the gym chill (no one likes seeing an overly ambitious climber go down hard on their first attempt).

3. Don’t Wear Climbing Shoes Off the Mat

Climbing shoes are for climbing, period. Wearing them in the bathroom or cafe spreads dirt and grime, making the gym less pleasant for everyone. Keep a pair of sliders or training shoes handy for when you’re off the mats.

4. Don’t Block the View

Standing directly in front of someone as they’re about to climb is like sitting in front of someone at the cinema. Give them a clear line of sight to their project and save your wall-leaning for another time.

5. Don’t Take Over the Mats

The mats are a shared space and are there for your safety. Whilst it's okay to chill on the mats in between climbs, don't take up too much space and remember to watch out for climbers on the wall above!

Bonus Tips for the Best Climbing Experience

• Keep It Quiet: If someone is deep in concentration, loud conversations or blasting music on your phone can be distracting. Save the chit-chat for after their climb.
• Mind Your Chalk: Excessive chalk clouds not only look dramatic but also make the air less breathable. Keep it tidy and controlled.
• Dress for the Climb: Loose clothing and dangling accessories can get in the way and potentially put you at risk.
• Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about etiquette, ask! The team at The Climbing Hangar is always happy to guide you.

Climbing Together, Better

At The Climbing Hangar, we’re passionate about creating a space where climbers of all levels feel at home. We want as many people as possible to discover the sport and change their lives for the better through it. To do that we aim to foster a community where everyone shares in the thrill of the send, without any of the potential pitfalls.

So, next time you’re at the gym, remember that climbing isn’t just about you; it’s about everyone around you, too. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you’ll not only have a great session but also help make the gym a better place for all.