FERGS | First Time Rock Climbing

First Visit + FAQs

"Can I climb without any prior experience?"

Of course you can! Check out our first-visit guide below.

Ages

All children (aged 13 and below) are required to have a responsible adult with them and be actively supervised while within the facility.

While there is no minimum age for climbing, our smallest harness has a minimum waist circumference of 17.7 inches (45 cm).

Attire

Come dressed in comfortable active wear! You will need proper climbing shoes (available for hire at $5 per pair) for bouldering.

If you are doing top-roping, you can climb in your closed-toed sneakers/trainers. If you are in jandals, Crocs, sandal, work boots, etc, you will need climbing shoes.

What is the difference between top-rope and bouldering?

Top-rope climbing is the activity where the climber is attached to one end of the rope, and a belayer will be at the bottom of the climb, pulling the rope through the belay device as the climber ascends. You will need a belayer (min. age of 14) and a harness to do top-rope climbing. Climbing shoes are optional if you have closed-toed sneakers on.

Fergs staff will provide a free belay lesson for all belayers.

Bouldering involves going up the wall without ropes and the climbs are shorter. Climbers will be given a safety briefing at the start of the session on bouldering etiquette and how to come off the wall safely.

Is there a minimum age to belay?

Belayers have to be at least 14 years old.

Children aged 12 to 13 can belay with an adult's active supervision. This means that the adult must be next to the belayer at all times to supervise the belaying.

First visit - Booking

You do not need to make a booking, just come down and we will let you know when the next belay lesson will be.

Do note that our top-rope floor opens from 4pm onwards on weekdays (except school holidays and public holidays) and it opens all-day on weekends, school holidays and public holidays.

For group bookings, please email us at: sales@fergswellington.co.nz