Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I would like to bring my kids climbing for the first time. They are ages 5 and 9. What will we need to do?
You will need to go through a full belay lesson yourself so you can hold the ropes for your kids. Your 9 year old will participate in the first 15 minutes of the lesson, but will not learn to belay. Your 5 year old does not need to participate in the lesson at all. We recommended that you bring along an extra adult to keep an eye on the kids while you go through the belay lesson, which usually takes about an hour. Click here for more information on what to expect your first visit to Planet Rock.
My son would like to have his birthday party at Planet Rock, what kinds of parties do you offer and what do I need to do?
Planet Rock has several different birthday party options for kids from age 3 and up. Please click here to read about our party options.
I learned to belay (hold the ropes) when I climbed at Planet Rock last year but haven’t climbed since. Do I need to go through the belay lesson again?
Anytime you visit Planet Rock after passing an initial belay lesson, you can go through the lesson again for free. Just be sure to arrive at least 2 ½ hours prior to closing time so you’ll have lots of time to climb!
What is belaying?
Belaying is the act of taking up the slack in the rope while your partner climbs up the wall. As a belayer, you will catch your partner if they fall and then lower them back to the ground safely.
What styles of climbing do you offer at your gyms?
Planet Rock offers all varieties of climbing including the following:
Top roping is the main style of climbing offered at our gyms. Ann Arbor has over 70 top ropes and Pontiac has 50. Climbers must pass the basic lesson to learn to belay (hold the rope) to climb on the top rope routes.
Bouldering is climbing close to the ground (usually not higher then 5 feet) and does not require ropes or harnesses. Both gyms have multiple caves devoted to bouldering.
Rock Tread Wall – this is a treadmill climbing wall that rotates as you climb. The speed and angle are adjustable.
Lead Climbing requires an advanced lesson or check and involves clipping the rope into quick draws as you climb. Planet Rock Ann Arbor has over 20 routes and Pontiac has over 15.
Is climbing safe?
Indoor climbing is one of the safest sports around. Safety is our primary concern at Planet Rock.
My daughter is disabled but would like to try climbing.
Bring her in and we will help her experience climbing! Planet Rock staff have worked with persons with a wide variety of disabilities including persons with vision and hearing impairments as well as children with autism. PBS filmed a special featuring a climbing device designed by the owner of Planet Rock to aid paraplegic climbers. In 2008 and 2009 Planet Rock Pontiac hosted the climbing competition portion of the Extremity Games for persons with amputations. We realize that each person’s situation is unique and strive to bring an excellent climbing experience to everyone.