Some Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to Crag X?

Wear clothing that is comfortable and allows you the greatest freedom of movement. Many climbers prefer to have their knees covered as the climbing surface can be rough. Clothing appropriate for yoga works well. Gloves are not used.
A water bottle and a warm layer/fleece are a great thing to bring along also.

When is it busiest at Crag X?

Shifting your climbing time by an hour or a day can make a real difference to how much climbing you can snag for yourself in a visit. Our 'rush hour' tends to be Monday to Thursday, 7pm to 9pm. Our quietest times are Saturday and Sunday after 6pm and weekdays until 6pm or so. Our Power Hour is both quieter and cheap! Monday to Friday last hour for $8.

How often do you change your routes?

We change our routes constantly, but with over 80 routes it takes time to cycle through all of our terrain. You should always find something new to challenge yourself with, boulder problems, traverses, routes at (or below) your grade.

Why don't you have an indoor crack?

Although indoor cracks are kind of fun to try once or twice, they don't offer enough versatility to make it into Crag X.

Is there a cheap way to climb?

Our Power Hour is the cheapest and least accurately named option. Come climb for the last hour Monday to Friday for only $8.

Can I come in just to boulder?

Yes you can. However, you still must demonstrate an ability to belay and when climbing un-roped (bouldering) you must obey Crag X rules on the height of un-roped climbing.

Is there a cheaper rate just to boulder?

No. Admission to the gym is paid for access to the facility. How each climber divides their time between bouldering and climbing is up to each climber.

Why don't you allow lead climbing?

Insurance rates and a busier gym both contributed to our decision to eliminate lead climbing at Crag X.

How can I make a suggestion?

Email our suggestion box.

Can I book online?

Sorry, we can't take reservations online, our bookings move too fast! Give us a call at the gym and we can slot you into a space for your program.

How far ahead do I need to reserve my spot in a lesson?

Our lessons normally book up a week ahead of time. Group lessons sometimes require two or more weeks notice for popular time slots.

Do I need to leave a deposit?

Yes. Payment is required to make a reservation. We require 24 hours notice for cancellation or change of date. If you wish to reschedule but do not have an available date, we will gladly issue you a gift certificate for the full amount of your payment.

How old do I have to be to climb?

Although kids like to climb around, climbing is a sport for adults and teens. Our recommended minimum age is 16 for beginner lessons and 12 and up for our Climbing Club, group programs and birthday parties. We allow children who are seven and up to climb with their climber parents (maximum 2 children per belayer).

But what happened to the old Junior Program?

We've decided to shift our focus to adult climbing. Part of that shift is moving away from the amusement park aspect of junior climbing programs and instead teach youth to enjoy climbing the way we enjoy climbing. No pressure, no comps, just climbing. Teens (12+) can make their way into the sport with our new Climbing Club. Children of our members are welcome to come and be belayed by their parents. Some restrictions apply (7+)(maximum 2 children per belayer).

Why is there a group lesson/training course/seminar going on during regular gym hours?

A big part of Crag X is bringing new people into the sport of climbing. When Crag X was closed weekend nights we offered several group programs. Now that we have extended our opening hours (without extending our prices!) we are going to continue running these sessions. This might mean that a portion of the gym might not be available to you temporarily, or a favourite route might be used to demonstrate a technique to a group. We hope that the extra 8 hours a week Crag X is now available to members makes up for any inconvenience.

Can you teach me about outdoor climbing?

No, sorry. Although all of the physical skills of indoor climbing are transferable to outdoor climbing, indoor climbing experience is not a substitute for outdoor climbing instruction. Crag X is a risk controlled facility and the important skill of judging outdoor risk must be learned and/or taught to you by a professional. See our links section for instruction.

Is climbing dangerous?

Yes.

No seriously, is climbing at Crag X really dangerous?

Yes. Although we make every effort to minimize the risk of death or disability, we can not eliminate the risk. Crag X takes safety seriously. Our staff are well trained, our facilities exceed insurance standards for safety and operation, our instruction and belay testing are designed to increase the safe habits of our clients. However, accidents can happen and climbers must assume responsibility for their own safety. If you see something unsafe at Crag X let us know.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. Our gym is a fully insured climbing facility.

What certification do your instructors have?

All of our instructors have gone through technical and first aid training with Crag X. All our training surpasses Association of Canadian Mountain Guides requirements and many of our instructors have also achieved certification with the ACMG. Our staff have many years experience in the climbing gym industry - almost 50 years worth in our four senior staff. Experience is our strength. Crag X is a member of the Canadian Climbing Gym Association.

Do I have to sign a waiver?

Yes you do. You (or your guardian if you are under 18) must sign an unaltered copy of the waiver BEFORE you are allowed to climb at Crag X. Get the waiver from the downloads page. Minors must have their waivers signed by their OWN parents or guardian. Aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends can NOT sign waivers for minors. Foreign exchange students, foster children and others under temporary guardianship must provide proof of such guardianship to Crag X before we will accept signature. Notes, telephone messages and text messages are NOT acceptable substitutes for the waiver properly signed. We will gladly fax you a waiver for you to sign and send back.

I don't accept all of the waiver. Can I cross a section out?

No. The waiver must be accepted in its entirety. If part of the waiver is unacceptable to you, then the risks of climbing are not acceptable to you either. Crag X recommends not climbing if the danger described in parts of the waiver seem excessive to you. Signing limits your right to sue, so please read the waiver. We will give you a full refund, no questions asked should you not agree to the waiver.

How can I work at Crag X?

We almost always hire our customers! We like to know our employees before we hire them, so if you would like to work at Crag X, the best way to get to know us and our vibe is to climb here. Want to apply? Talk to Drew or Herb or send an email. Misspelling our name counts against you.

What kind of name is Crag X? Who is Craig?

A crag is a cliff, and to climbers 'the crag' can mean the local cliff. The X represents man-made/future/mystery. The X does not represent 'X-treme' or the X-Games. Crag X was two years old before the first X-Games in 1997.

There is no Craig.

What do you do with my information?

Crag X will never sell, trade, rent or loan your information to another company or entity. We will only contact you with information related to Crag X and your membership. Signed waivers are kept for seven years after your last visit. If you no longer want to climb at Crag X and want your information purged from our computer record, please contact us by email.