Family Taster Sessions

Never climbed before or only done a little? Big Rock 1.5 hour Taster Sessions are a great introduction to indoor climbing and are suitable for nearly everybody. Big Rock offers climbing at all levels of difficulty including climbing suitable for small children, so almost anyone can book a Taster Session.

If you would like to try climbing as a family then you can book a Private Family Taster Session. Please note that for your safety and in conjunction with national guidelines, Big Rock Climbing Centre instructs groups and families at a maximum ratio of 1 instructor to 8 people.

During a Taster Session, one of our qualified instructors will guide you safely through your first exciting steps off the ground. Indoor climbing provides a really positive, physical and mental workout in an engaging, sociable environment, and we are sure that a Big Rock Taster Session will leave you hooked!

When

We can organise session dates and times to suit your requirements. Please phone us on 01908 583128 or email info@bigrockclimbing.co.uk to make a booking.

Price

£52 per instructor for 1.5 hours plus £8 per person

£68 per instructor for 2 hours plus £8 per person

£97 per instructor for 3 hours plus £8 per person

£122 per instructor for 4 hours plus £8 per person

Maximum number of 8 people per instructor.

The price of the Taster Session includes entry to the wall and all instruction and equipment required. Just turn up wearing comfortable clothing.

More about Taster Sessions

Depending on ability, a typical Taster Session could involve...

• Warming up on the easy traverse walls.
• Putting on a climbing harness.
• Introduction to belaying if appropriate (holding the ropes for each other).
• Plenty of climbing on our roped walls.
• 'Bouldering' on the smaller matted walls.

Frequently Asked Questions...

Q. What is the youngest age I can bring my kids on a Taster Session?
A. We have no minimum age limit, though realistically children of less than 4 years old may not necessarily get that much from a Taster Session. However you are very welcome to bring them along if they want to have a go.

Q. Can you take disabled students?
A. At Big Rock we believe that everybody should have a chance to climb. If you have a person or group with disabilities then please contact us to see if it would be practical to bring them.

Q. Sorry I haven't booked, but could we do a session in half an hour?
A. We will always try to accommodate people at short notice if we can, however to avoid disappointment, please make sure you ring in advance so we can make sure we have an instructor available for you.

Q. I'd love to have a go but I'm scared of heights!
A. Fear of heights is very natural and it is what makes climbing so safe. Climbing is all about controlling this fear and our instructors will be sensitive to this. With the help of our instructor, take things step by step and you will be surprised at what you can achieve.

Q. What if we have to cancel?
A. When you book a Taster Session at Big Rock we have to arrange for a qualified freelance instructor to come in and work. It causes a lot of inconvenience if groups don't turn up or arrive with a different number of students. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.

Q. I have completed a Taster Session, can I now climb at Big Rock without an instructor?
A. No! Generally speaking it takes at least 4 sessions before beginners become competent to look after themselves on the climbing wall. When we think you are ready you can take a short assessment, and if you are successful, you will be allowed to register as a Big Rock member and to use the wall independently. We strongly recommend our Beginner Intro Climbing Courses rather than a Taster Session for anybody serious about getting started with indoor climbing.

Q. If I complete the Intro Course, will I be able to go climbing outside?
A. Not recommended! Our courses equip you with the knowledge to use the climbing wall safely. If you wish to learn to climb outside, the wall is a good starting point, but further, qualified instruction is required to master all the extra problems encountered in the great outdoors, such as access, guidebook usage, appropriate use of a rack of gear, gear placements, bird bans, ethics etc.