What should I do my first time?
1 | Sign a waiver
Get the boring stuff out of the way first, and sign a waiver. Everyone in the gym signs one, and minors must have one signed by a parent or legal guardian; no one else can sign on their behalf. Save time by completing the waiver online ahead of time.
2 | Get a pass
Time to start the adventure at Off Grid. Get a day pass, and rental shoes if you need them. The day pass covers almost everything in the gym. Once you're hooked on climbing like we are you can upgrade to a membership for full access.
3 | Get oriented to our space
Our trained and friendly staff will give you a helpful overview of our gym, from where the bathrooms & lockers are, to the equipment, and climbing etiquette we observe in the gym. They'll answer all your questions with endless patience!
4 | Want more? Take a class
Looking to level up off the bat? Sign up for our Intro to Bouldering Class. We'll go over climbing fundamentals, techniques, , and culture, plus walk you through drills to start sending climbs sooner.
5 | You're all set
Quit reading, and get climbing! We'll see you on the walls.
Tips and tricks to sound like a pro
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Bouldering – Climbing shorter walls without ropes or harnesses, with padded floors.
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Problem – What climbers call a bouldering route or sequence of moves to solve.
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Project – A climb you’re working on but haven’t completed yet.
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Send – Successfully completing a climb from start to finish.
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Beta – Advice or information about how to do a climb. Pro tip, don't give people Beta without asking first, so that they can enjoy the problem solving experience too!
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Crux – The hardest part of a climb.
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Dyno – A dynamic move where you jump or launch to reach the next hold.
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Smear – Using the sole of your shoe directly against the wall for friction.
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Jug – A big, easy‑to‑grab hold.
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Crimp – A small edge you grip with your fingertips.
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Sloper – A rounded hold with little to grab; relies on friction.
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Pocket – A hold with a hole you put fingers into.
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Grades – Numbers or labels that indicate difficulty (varies by gym/system).
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Route Setter – The person who designs and installs climbs on the wall.
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Spotting – Standing near a climber to help guide their fall (more common outdoors, and not preferred indoors).
Climbing community & culture
Climbing, like nature, is open to everyone no matter what your background is or who you are. Off Grid provides a welcoming, and hopefully a little adventurous, climbing experience for anyone who wants to climb here. Got more questions about what to expect? Check out our FAQ guide!​