FAQ

Can I climb here if I’ve never rock climbed before?

Yes, beginners are always welcome. You’ll need to pass a test to belay your partner, so consider signing up for a Lesson.

Can I borrow climbing shoes, a harnesses, and one of those clippy metal things while I’m climbing here?

Yes, you can! Rental equipment is free. :)

Why can’t I just climb in my Nike’s? They’re athletic, right?

We do not allow non-climbing shoes on the wall. We do this to avoid coating our expensive climbing holds with outside dirt. Also, you’ll have much more fun if you use the proper equipment.

Can I climb here if I’m under 16 years old?

If your guardian signs your waiver and you come with a belayer who is over 16, then yes! However, you will not be allowed to belay until you turn 16.

What if I am under 19 years old?

If your guardian signs your waiver, then yes!

Can I climb here if I have never belayed before?

Since The Aviary is exclusively for route climbing, you will need to know how to belay. We promise it’s easy to learn, and we’ll teach you! See Lessons above for details.

I see a sign saying the gym is “full”, what does that mean?

This means the monitor on duty has determined the gym is at capacity. This is typically around 18 people, but could be fewer depending on how much attention the climbers require (e.g., if everyone needs a belay test, the monitor might call it “full” early for safety).

Do I need to take a belay test to climb here?

Yes. You must pass our belay test to climb and belay at The Aviary. Since different gyms have different standards, we cannot accept certifications from other facilities.

I’ve been rock climbing since before rocks were invented, do I still need to take that pesky belay test?

Yes. Our insurance agreement requires everyone climbing in our gym to pass a belay test.

What’s this “belay-ing” stuff, anyways?

Learn about what belaying is and how to do it in one of our lessons! (See the Lessons section above).

What happens if I fail my belay test?

You probably just need some instruction! Sign up for one of our belay lessons. If you’ve taken a lesson already, you might just need more practice. Ask a monitor for some tips.

Do you have auto belays?

No, we do not have any auto belays.

What do I do when I first arrive at the gym?

Whether it’s your first or millionth visit, always check in. Approach the monitor on duty and tell them you’d like to check in, or scan your membership card.

Why should I become a member?

It’ll make you cooler, you’ll save money if you climb frequently, and you’ll be invited to club gatherings.

Can I just boulder here?

Only if the monitor on duty says it’s OK. They make this decision based on gym capacity and supervision needs. Always ask first—do not assume it is okay to boulder.

Can I lead climb here?

To lead climb at the Aviary you must:

• Pass a lead belay test (free upon request).
• Pass a lead climbing test (free upon request).
• Check out a lead rope from a monitor (do not use the top-ropes!).
• Ensure the route is clear: you cannot lead climb on a route immediately adjacent to another climber.

Note: Lead climbing is only feasible when the gym is quiet. You may need to visit multiple times before an opportunity for a test or a lead climb opens up.

Can I learn how to lead climb here?

Yes! We offer lead lessons as often as we can. To register, you must demonstrate competency to a monitor first.

How do I take a lead test?

Ask a monitor nicely. You need to pass both lead climbing and lead belaying. These tests are free and take about 10 minutes, but are only offered when the gym isn’t too crowded.

Do you test lead climbing and lead belaying separately?

Yes, and you’ll have to pass both to lead climb.

What’s “lead” climbing, anyways? Where do you even find a piece of lead big enough to climb?

Think “lead” as in “leadership,” not the heavy metal. It’s a technique used to climb rocks that you can’t walk to the top of.

Why are the gym’s hours so unpredictable?

Our gym is run by volunteers who do their best, but life happens. Using volunteers keeps climbing affordable and provides teaching opportunities, but the trade-off is that hours can change on short notice.

The belay lesson is running late and the gym still isn’t open, does this make it OK for me to be rude to the monitor on shift?

Nope. Always be kind to our monitors. They are volunteering their time for free, so please treat them with respect.

Who are these “monitor” people, anyways? Why’re they all so strange?

Our monitors are volunteers who donate their time to keep the Aviary running. They are all rock climbers, and since all rock climbers are at least a little weird, our monitors are too.

Can I be one of these “monitors”? Do I have to be weird too?

If you have the knowledge and are sufficiently weird, we’d love to have you! Tell a monitor you’re interested; they will take your info and provide a reference for our next recruiting round.

What’s with all the weird wooden things piled against the walls?

These are training devices (like hangboards or campus boards) to help climbers strengthen their fingers. Ask a monitor before using them, as it is very easy to cause severe finger injuries if used improperly.

A member in the gym is doing something that I think is unsafe, what do I do?

Notify the monitor on duty immediately. They will evaluate the behavior and address it if necessary.

A monitor here is doing things that seem unsafe, what do I do?

If there is another monitor present, notify them. If the monitor in question is alone and poses an immediate threat, contact AMS Security.

Someone at the Aviary makes me feel threatened, triggered, or unwelcome, what do I do?

If comfortable, notify a wall monitor. If not, or if there is an immediate threat, contact AMS Security.

Why do people get so worked up about the Fermi Paradox?

Because they have too much free time and should probably spend more of it rock climbing instead of worrying about hypotheticals.

Where does climbing chalk come from and should I use it?

Climbers use magnesium carbonate to dry sweat and improve grip. Some choose not to use it for environmental reasons or to improve skill. If you use it, don’t spill it, and consider the environmental impact.

I’ve heard bolts are unethical in rock climbing but I see a lot of them here. Explain that, Ben!

On natural rock, permanent modifications are controversial. However, our wall is artificial! When you head outdoors, remember to consider your ecological footprint (trails, noise, garbage, etc.).

I have a lot of strong feelings about the route setting here, what do I do?

• If you love it: Tell Caleb and Alex!
• If you don’t: You can make up your own routes, volunteer to help set, or just get stronger. Our setters are unpaid volunteers, so please be constructive and thankful.

So what’s the deal with crack climbing?

The blue rectangles snaking up the wall and the wooden “crack machine” are for wedging your hands and feet to scoot upwards. It involves a bit of “pain and suffering,” but it’s a core climbing skill!

How do I climb a crack?

… (It’s a secret best learned in person).

Are any other kinds of crack allowed here…?

We support cracking the glass ceiling, cracking jokes, and climbing at the crack of dawn. We do not allow crack cocaine or exposed butt cracks. Keep your pants on and the drugs out.

Can I aid climb here?

No.

Can I free solo here?

Also no.

Why does it smell like feet in here?

All climbing gyms smell like feet. We are no exception.