Getting Started

Bouldering does not require specialist instruction although first time participants are required to undertake a 1 hour bouldering induction. The induction session covers the fundamentals of bouldering and clearly explains how to use the Big Rock bouldering arena safely and responsibly.

Bouldering Induction (18+ years)

To complete a bouldering induction session at Big Rock, choose one of the session schedules below then phone us on 01908 583 128 to arrange your booking. If you are under 18 years old and want to get involved in climbing at Big Rock, please visit our Young Climbers section.

Price

£15 per person.

The price for the induction includes entry to the wall and all instruction and equipment required for the session.

Big Rock Climbing Centre Registration

Once a bouldering induction session has been completed, you will become a registered member of Big Rock Climbing Centre and you are welcome to use the bouldering arena at any time unsupervised. You will be issued with a membership card with a unique number, which you sign and keep, and must be able to produce on all future visits.

Only registered members over the age of 18 are allowed to use the bouldering arena unsupervised and we offer different levels of registration based on age and previous climbing experience.

Bouldering Only Registration

Available to over 18s with previous bouldering experience or to over 18s who have completed a Big Rock bouldering induction session. Registration involves completing a form declaring that you have read and accepted the bouldering conditions of use and understand the risks associated with this style of climbing.

• Bouldering only members are not permitted to use any of the roped climbing areas.
• Bouldering only member cannot sign in novices.
• Bouldering only member cannot sign in U18s.

Full Registration (for Experienced Climbers aged 18+)

Experienced climbers can use the bouldering arena and roped climbing walls once they have registered. This involves reading conditions of use and completing a registration form declaring your basic competence and a willingness to accept responsibility for yourself and anyone you are supervising in the wall (see special conditions below). You will be issued with a membership card with a unique number, which you sign and keep, and must be able to produce on all future visits. All experienced adult climbers are expected to register.

Experienced climbers often like to introduce friends to climbing via the climbing wall, which we accept, but we also recognise that there are inherent risks. We therefore have a clear policy to minimise these risks:

• Fully registered adult climbers may sign in no more than two guests, who may be novices or U18s
• By signing in a guest, you are accepting responsibility for the full and constant supervision of your guest(s) while on the premises. We specifically warn that if you wish to teach a novice to belay on roped climbs, you ensure that it is done in a way that is appropriate and puts no other wall users at risk. For anyone wanting to learn to belay we would recommend attending our Beginner Intro Climbing Course.
• The sign-in form details what we expect from members signing in guests, so it is important that you read it and ensure you understand your responsibilities. If you are in any doubt, please ask a member of staff for advice.

Big Rock Policy for Climbers under aged 18 (U18)

Big Rock encourages young climbers to use the climbing wall, yet takes this responsibility very seriously. The basis of the U18 policy at the Big Rock Climbing Centre is that all U18s are regarded as minors and should be supervised in the Big Rock Climbing Centre by an appropriate fully registered adult climber, as follows:

• A fully registered adult climber can supervise a maximum of two people.
• U18s can also be part of a group supervised by a suitably qualified person (minimum CWA/SPA qualified) or on a taster session run by Big Rock.
• In line with nationally recognised guidelines, there is a scheme at Big Rock whereby very experienced 16-17 year olds can undertake an assessment at our discretion, and with the written consent of their parents or guardians. If successful in the assessment, the applicant can use Big Rock in the same way as an adult climber, with the exception that they cannot supervise any novices or other U18s.