Getting Started

Whether you have climbed before or not, all you need to do to get started is simply come in! Unless you are coming with a group of eight or more climbers, you do not need to call ahead and schedule an appointment. Once you get here, we will check you checked in, provide you with the gear and instruction you need. Importantly, you will need to fill out our waiver. You can save time by filling it out ahead of time and bringing it in with you. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing.

How does climbing work?

Hoosier Heights provides the three main types of climbing: toproping, leading, and bouldering. Toprope climbing is where the climber is secured to a rope that runs from them up to the ceiling, through an anchor, and back down to their partner, who is holding the rope and will catch the climber should they slip. The act of holding the rope and protecting the climber from a fall is called belaying; the person holding the rope is called the belayer. Belaying people even heavier than you is not physically demanding, as we provide belayers with a mechanical device that will hold the weight of the climber. All first time climbers are put through a thorough lesson on toprope safety, including belaying.

Leading is an advanced form of climbing, different from toproping, where the climber clips their rope into intermediate anchors on the wall as they move up the wall. Belaying works much differently in lead than in toprope climbing. Therefore, to lead climb and/or belay at Hoosier Heights, we require to you either take our lead climbing class or demonstrate to a staff member that you can safely lead climb and/or belay safely.

Bouldering is a style of climbing that does not involve the use of ropes, named from climbing on 10-15 foot boulders outside. Hoosier Heights recreates this outdoor experience by having a separate room dedicated to just bouldering, with uniquely shaped walls that mimic features found on real boulders. Because boulderers are not constrained by a rope, bouldering offers climbers a unique experience not found in either toprope or lead climbing.

Do I need a partner?

Toprope and lead climbing require a partner to belay. Most new climbers prefer to come with a friend (or friends!) for the first few times. However, Hoosier Heights’ members and regular climbers are a friendly and helpful bunch. It is not uncommon for a first time climber to join in with a member of several years. Of course, since bouldering does not require a belayer, if you can’t find a partner you can always boulder!

Who can climb?

Keeping in mind that climbing is a physical activity, almost everyone can experience climbing and/or belaying. We offer a wide range of climbs to ensure that all customers will be both challenged and successful. We can also work with customers with special needs (please call for details).

Hoosier Heights requires belayers to be 15 years or older. Adults are welcome to come in and just belay for kids under 15.