Rules & Safety

At Spire, our number-one priority is a safe environment for our customers and staff.  To help foster this, we offer free top-rope lessons to all patrons of the gym, any time we are open.  In addition, all climbers using the ropes must either take a lesson or go through a top-rope/lead climbing/Autobelay assessment process.  We also offer free Intro to Climbing and free Intro to Lead classes for all members.  The Intro to Climbing class is strongly recommended (but not required) and will teach you the necessary skills to get on the wall!

Orientation Video:

All participants MUST watch the Facility/Bouldering Orientation video before using our facilities.  If the participant is a minor, it is the parent or legal guardian’s responsibility to review the video orientation and provide the information to the participant.

Safety Rules:

CLIMBING IS DANGEROUS! TO HELP MANAGE THE RISKS INVOLVED, PLEASE ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING SAFETY RULES AND POLICIES.

  • All participants MUST watch the Facility/Bouldering Orientation video.  If the participant is a minor, it is the parent or legal guardian’s responsibility to review the video orientation and provide the information to the participant.

  • All visitors must have a valid waiver and orientation to enter the climbing or fitness areas. Waivers are valid for one year.  Anyone under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or court appointed guardian.

  • Participants who would like to auto belay, top rope belay, lead belay, or lead climb must receive the appropriate assessment from Spire staff before climbing and must be 14 or older to belay or use auto belays unless otherwise approved by Spire.

  • Participants under 14 must have direct adult supervision at a 1:3 ratio or Spire instructor supervision at all times unless otherwise approved by Spire.  Adults supervising youth must be 18 years or older and have a valid waiver and orientation. 

  • All participants must have an appropriate fitness level to participate.  Any participants with limiting conditions should consult a physician before participating.

  • Everyone must check in at the front desk.

  • Please report any unsafe climbing, damage to walls, holds, or exercise equipment to Spire staff immediately.

  • Assisted braking devices are required for all belaying in the facility. See our Brake Assist Policy page for more information.

  • All personal protective equipment must be appropriately certified (eg., UIAA, CE, etc.) for climbing activities and used following manufacturer’s instructions.

  • It is the participant’s responsibility to seek further assistance, orientation, instruction, training, or assessment(s) from Spire staff prior to using any equipment or participating in any activity in which the participant is not familiar, trained, or qualified.

  • Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are not permitted.

  • Weapons are not permitted.

  • No food or drink in the climbing areas.

  • No running or roughhousing is allowed.

  • Profanity or inappropriate language is not permitted.

  • Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn at all times.

  • Earphones use is prohibited while climbing on auto-belays, top ropes, and while lead climbing.

  • Objects, such as phones and keys, are not permitted to be carried in pockets while climbing.

  • Only Spire staff may provide instruction unless prior consent is given.

  • Spire reserves the right to revoke climbing privileges for unsafe or inappropriate behavior.

Bouldering Orientation:

  • Bouldering is dangerous, and you should anticipate falling. Every fall is a ground fall, and you will fall while bouldering.  Falling can result in injury, and injuries can be severe.

  • Bouldering is only allowed in designated bouldering areas.

  • Holds can spin or break causing a fall.  If this happens notify staff immediately.  Do not attempt to fix yourself.

  • The climbing areas have flooring systems designed to absorb the impact of a bouldering fall.  The flooring system is designed to mitigate the impact of a fall only and does not guarantee safety while bouldering.

  • No bouldering above 16 feet.  For youth under 14, we recommend their feet may only go as high as they are tall.

  • Do not boulder above or below others. Keep landing zones clear.

  • Climbs are set by hold color with the start tag(s) indicating where to begin.

  • Topping out is only allowed in bouldering areas with dedicated top out zones.  Extra care should be taken when topping out due to increased fall potential.  For participants under the age of 14, topping out is not recommended.

  • Spotting is not required and does not guarantee safety. If a participant decides to spot, they are helping to control the fall and not catching the climber.

  • When falling land with bent knees, tucked arms and neck, and let the pads absorb your impact.  We recommend down climbing whenever possible.

  • It is the participant’s responsibility to seek further instruction on topping out, spotting, or proper falling technique from Spire staff if they have questions or need further instruction.