FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Fitness & Training Areas, age 16+

    Top Rope Belaying, 13+

    Lead Belaying, 13+

    Climbing, all ages

  • How can I make changes to my membership?

    The best way to make changes to your membership regarding cancellation, billing information, and other changes is to request a change here. Please note, all membership changes must be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following billing cycle.

    When will I be charged for my membership?

    All members are charged on the 15th of the month. When you purchase a membership, your dues will be prorated. See above regarding membership changes.

    Are there cancellation or start up fees?

    There are no cancellation or start up fees for memberships. You can cancel or restart your membership any time.

  • How tall are the climbing walls?

    Our Roped walls are 45’ high. Our Bouldering walls are up to 13’ high.

    How much climbing is in the Roped area?

    We have 63 anchors in the roped area. 13 anchors on the Freeform. About 80% of the routes can be Top Roped, 50% can be lead and 20% are Lead Only. We normally have around 18 routes on the Freeform and 99 routes on the Mosaic Walls, for a total of 117. 66 routes are leadable, 17 routes are lead-only, and 100 routes are top ropable.

    Do you have auto-belays?

    We have four auto-belays. Each auto-belay has about three routes of varying difficulty.

    How many bouldering problems do you have?

    We normally have around 95 problems in the bouldering area at any given time.

    What is Circuit Grading?

    More information can be found at What are Bouldering Circuits and Why Are We Using Them? - Pine Brook Fitness

    How often do you set?

    We reset one-sixth of the Bouldering area each Thursday, taking down old problems and adding around 15 new problems. We set in the Roped area on Mondays, taking down old routes and adding about 8 new ones.

  • If I already know how to top-rope belay, do I have to take a belay lesson?

    You do not need to go through a belay lesson ($9) if you already know how to belay according to The Commons regulations. The only acceptable belay method at The Commons is PBUS (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide). We will do a belay check (no charge) to ensure your belaying is in line with our regulations.

    Do you provide belay devices?

    For top-rope belaying, we have GriGri’s already attached to the ropes. For lead belaying, you must bring your own device. Belay devices are not available for rent.

    How old do participants need to be to top-rope belay?

    Participants must be at least 13 years old to top-rope belay at The Commons.

    How old do participants need to be to lead climb and/or belay?

    Participants must be at least 13 years old to lead belay at The Commons.

    How can I get lead climb and/or lead belay certified at The Commons?

    If you already know how to lead climb and/or belay, ask the front desk to give you a lead test. If we have staff available, we will test you at no charge. You must have a partner that is also testing or is already certified to lead climb and/or belay, have your own dynamic rope (at least 30m), and an appropriate belay device. We are happy to share our expectations and regulations regarding lead climbing and belaying prior to the test.

  • Do you have Yoga classes?

    Yes! See our yoga schedule here. Yoga classes are free for members.

    What cardio equipment do you have?

    We have a treadmill, elliptical, rowing machine, and a Jacobs Ladder machine.

    What weight and lifting equipment do you have?

    We have 2 squat racks, 2 benches, a variety of free weights, kettlebells, resistance bands, & more.

    What climbing-specific training equipment do you have?

    We have a wide variety of campus boards and hangboards. We have a Moon Board, Spray Wall, and one of the only Treadwall boards in the state.

  • How can I learn more about climbing

    If you’d like to take your climbing to the next level, check out our programs page for class offerings or email operations@commonsclimbing.com to schedule a class!

    Do you have programs for kids?

    Yes! See our Kids Club and Youth Climbing Team programs for more information.

  • What if I’ve never climbed before?

    No problem! We have all the necessary equipment and orientations to get you started climbing. Top-rope belay lessons are only $9, and do not need to be scheduled in advance.

    Is equipment provided?

    All necessary equipment to get you climbing is available for rent, including harnesses, shoes, and chalk. Belay devices for top-roping are already attached to the ropes.

    Can I climb by myself?

    Absolutely! Solo climbers have access to around 95 boulder problems, and routes on our four auto-belays.

    Do you have a shower?

    Yes! We have one shower.