CLIMBING RULES

OUR RULES OF PLAY

Please read in conjunction with our full T&Cs. You may also wish to refer to our Policies for further details on some of the following rules. They let you know what you can expect from us and what we expect from you.

For ease of convenience, all mentions of ‘climbing’ herein refers to all climbing related activities including bouldering, sport climbing, auto belay climbing and fun walls.

If you have any questions on any of the information provided below, please drop us a line at info@270climbing.com prior to booking.

We’re here to help you have the best time, please just ask if you need any advice at all.

PRE-CLIMBING

Registration: Climbers must be registered and pay for entry or membership before climbing. Report to Reception or check-in on each visit before you begin climbing. Any supervising adults or accompanying guests of climbers must be registered before climbing. By registering, you agree to adhere to our rules and abide by our terms and conditions.
Safety Briefing: Climbers watch a safety briefing video during registration to understand the risks involved in climbing.
Health: Please do not climb if you think it will put your health at risk or aggravate a pre-existing condition in any way. Climbing is not recommended for those that have neck or spinal problems, heart problems or have had recent surgery. Please let a member of the team know if you have any physical or mental health conditions that may have a bearing on your ability to climb safely. If you are in any doubt, please consult with your medical practitioner. If you are pregnant, you should consider your physical condition and limitations before deciding to participate.
Wristbands / Tags: Some areas require a wristband or tag to gain access. Whether worn on your wrist, ankle or attached to your harness, it must always be clearly visible.

BEHAVIOUR

Kindness: Try to be kind. It doesn’t cost anything – and it makes the world a better place!
Respect: Be respectful of the surroundings and our team, other climbers and visitors. We have zero tolerance to any forms of abuse to anyone.
Etiquette: Be considerate of other people – we all have our own levels when climbing. No one should feel pressured to do anything they are not comfortable with. Be aware of others around you and how your actions may affect them. Running, play fighting or gymnastics are not allowed.
Guidance: Please take any suggestions or advice from the team with good intention. Safety instructions must be adhered. We reserve the right to speak with you and potentially ask you to leave if we feel your actions are compromising the safety or wellbeing of yourself and/or others.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Dangers: Climbing is an inherently risky activity. Climbing beyond your capability is more likely to result in an injury. You climb at your own risk and acknowledge this by registering. Exercise care, common sense and self-preservation at all times.
Warm-Ups: Warming up properly before climbing helps prevent injury. A warm-up should include a pulse raiser to elevate heart rate (eg. running on the spot); dynamic stretches to engage key muscles groups and then followed by several easy climbs appropriate to your level.
Noise: Be mindful of others and avoid excessive noise or loud behaviour (loud shouting or playing music). Also be considerate of our neighbours when arriving and leaving the park by keeping noise levels reasonable.
Supervision of Children: We are a gym, not a soft play area, if you are supervising children, you must keep them under control and always supervise them directly and be close enough to affect or control the child’s behaviour.
Tidiness: Clutter creates hazards so help keep things orderly by storing personal belongings in designated areas or lockers and avoid leaving items on the floor and matting.
Waste: Help to keep things clean and dispose of any rubbish and litter in bins.
Food & Drinks: Only sealable drinks may be taken into climbing areas. Hot drinks must be in takeaway style containers with a lid. Keep drinks off the mats. Only water bottles are permitted on B2 mezzanine areas. Please consume food away from the mats (preferably in the café bar or on any of the outside benches around the park). In the café bar do not consume food not purchased on the premises.
Smoking (incl. vaping): Smoking is only permitted in designated areas as signposted. Please ask a member of the team if you are unsure of the areas.
Alcohol & Drugs: For the safety of all our climbers, we have a policy against climbing after consuming alcohol or prohibited drugs. We ask that customers refrain from climbing after drinking. Individuals who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and attempt to climb will be asked to stop immediately and may be asked to leave the park. Supervision of children (under 18’s) after consuming alcohol or drugs is prohibited. This policy is in place to minimise the risk of accidents and ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Dogs (incl. all animals): Dogs are not allowed in any climbing areas. Well behaved pooches are welcome in reception, seated areas of the café bar and all outdoor areas of the park. Dogs must be kept under control and on a lead at all times. They may be tied in numerous locations around the park, however not where they block access or cause issue to passing people. Clean up any mess your dog may make. Assistance dogs are allowed in all areas of the park and all buildings.
Security & Belongings: We recommend that you do not leave valuables unattended. Users of this facility do so at their own risk. We cannot take any responsibility for damages, theft or loss of personal property during your visit.
Lost Property: Items of lost property are kept for a period of a month then disposed of on (approx.) the 7th day of the following month, either by being donated to charity or passed on to recycling facilities as applicable. Items can be claimed by contacting Reception.
Please make yourself aware of the fire exits and the fire assembly points.
Help: If you have any questions or if you need any assistance at any time before or during your visit, please ask a member of the team.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Clothing: We recommended that all participants wear lightweight, comfortable clothing. Due to the nature of the activities, some wear and tear on clothing may occur. Participants may not wear clothing that is judged to be at risk of entanglement with elements of the activities. Tops must be worn in all indoor areas. Tops may be removed in the outdoors climbing areas. Please change clothing in the changing facilities.
Footwear: Apart from the Fun Walls, clean climbing shoes must be worn whilst climbing. Participants may not undertake activities in open-toe footwear (eg. sandals, crocs, flip-flops etc). Climbing shoes should be clean and will be checked before any activities begin. Climbing shoes must not be worn in toilets. Barefoot entry is prohibited in the café bar.
Hair: Long or loose hair must be tied back.
Accessories: We recommend that jewellery and body piercings are removed or covered, watches are removed, and that all loose items (phones, keys, wallet, coins etc) are removed from pockets during climbing. Participants may not wear any items that are judged to be at risk of entanglement with elements of the activities.
Headphones (all types): Headphones are not allowed in any roped climbing areas. The use of headphones while bouldering is allowed if they are not noise cancelling headphones and the volume is low enough for you to hear instructions or communications from a member of the team or other climbers.

EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES

All equipment is provided or available for hire.
All equipment is used at your own risk. If you are unsure how to safely use any item, please ask a member of our team.
Hire Equipment: Please take care of any equipment you use. No hire equipment is permitted to be taken out of the climbing areas (this includes toilets). Modifications may not be made to any hire equipment in any way. Upon completion of activities, it is the participants responsibility to return all safety equipment. Failure to do so may incur charges for unreturned equipment.
Loose Holds & Damage: Immediately report any loose holds or damage to members of the team.
Accidents: Report any incidents or requests for first aid to a member of the team immediately.
Music: We generally play music in climbing areas and within the café bar, however there may be times when no music is played (eg. while route setting), please ask at Reception for details. B1 will mostly remain music free.
Changing Rooms: Please use the designated changing areas. The changing room is an open-plan, communal space used by all ages, so please use the cubicles to undress in privacy.
Storage & Lockers: Try to only bring essential items and store backpacks, bags and unnecessary clothing in lockers or designated storage areas. A number of lockers are available on site and can be locked (using your own padlock). Storage is available in changing rooms and in climbing areas.
• Quiet Room: We have a multi-use quiet room next to B1, this room is available to be used for a variety of purposes including prayer, meditation, breastfeeding or if needed, somewhere to take a time-out or rest in a private sanctuary away from the sights and sounds of the park. Please respect the purpose of the room and use accordingly.
270 Climbing reserves the right to close the facilities or part thereof for any period when required for route setting, competitions, other activities or in connection with repairs, alteration or maintenance work.
Filming & Photography: We occasionally film and/or takes photographs for marketing or training purposes, during these periods we make users aware and allow people to opt-out of participation.

GENERAL CLIMBING (in all climbing areas – B1, B2, C1 & C2)

Climb Safe: Never climb or walk directly below another climber, paying special attention to overhangs and corners. Stand back from the climbing walls unless you are belaying or spotting a climber.
Chalk: Both powdered and liquid chalk are permitted in B2, C1 and C2 but please be mindful around using it – a little goes a long way! If you spill chalk anywhere, please let the team know so we can help you clear it up. For anyone sensitive to powdered chalk, our B1 Bouldering area is a liquid chalk only zone.

UNSUPERVISED CLIMBING

Before you can use the top ropes or lead walls without supervision, 270 Climbing expects you to be competent in the use of a climbing harness, a rethreaded Figure of Eight with a stopper knot to attach a rope to the harness, and a belay device to secure a falling climber or lower a climber from the wall using a rope.
Before you can use the bouldering walls without supervision, you must be aware of safe usage of bouldering and know how to use the bouldering walls safely.
You are required to register to say that you know how to top rope, lead, or boulder, that you are prepared to abide by the conditions of use of 270 Climbing and that you understand the risks involved in your participation.
Anyone who is not competent to climb unsupervised must be supervised by a competent person.

SUPERVISED CLIMBING

An adult who has registered at 270 Climbing and proved competency, may supervise up to two novice climbers, if they are prepared to take full responsibility for the safety of those people.
Groups of three or more novices must only be supervised by an instructor holding the relevant valid Mountain Training qualification and insurance or other relevant qualification.

BOULDERING (on all bouldering walls in B1, B2 and boulder comp wall in C2)

Bouldering is where most injuries occur within a climbing centre. The soft matting does not remove the risk of injury. Injuries can still occur even after a controlled/planned jump but are more likely after an uncontrolled fall. You should always do your utmost to avoid the risk of uncontrolled falls. This includes paying attention to how you will land and always assessing the risk of each climb that you undertake.
Climb Safe: Never climb or walk directly below another climber, paying special attention to overhangs and corners.
Climb Down: Always climb within your capabilities and down climb where possible. Only use a controlled fall or jump where applicable, making sure to land on your feet and bend your knees.
Safety Matting: Our matting is designed to minimise injury risk, but it does not eliminate it completely.
Top-Outs: We do not have top out boulders. Finishes will always be on the last hold. Do not attempt to climb over or use any part of the walls above any of the last holds.
Supervision: All under 18’s must be supervised by a responsible adult throughout climbing areas (unless they have been assessed by our management and registered for unsupervised climbing). When climbing this means actively supervising and the adult remains liable for the under 18’s behaviour. The ratio of a supervising adult to children climbing is 1:2.

ROPE CLIMBING (in C1 and C2)

Safety First: Solo climbing (without rope, belayer or use of protection points) is not permitted.
Knots: Only tie a rope directly into a harness using a Figure of Eight with a stopper knot. Clipping into a carabiner with a Figure of Eight on the bight is only acceptable for use by our internal instructors only.
Belaying: To ensure your climbing partner’s safety, always pay attention to what they are doing. Always stand as close to the base of the climbing wall as is practical. Lying down is not acceptable. Closed-toe footwear must be worn when belaying. Always use an appropriate belay device correctly attached to your safety harness with a locking carabiner. ‘Traditional’ or ‘body belaying’ is not permitted. Do not use Figure of Eight descenders and Italian hitches for belaying on our ropes. In top roping and leading, the greatest risk is presented by the belayer. It is your responsibility to vet your climbing partner’s ability before they belay you.
Anchors: Sandbags or ohm devices are available to provide support to people belaying a climber who is heavier than they are; direct belays from these are not permitted.
Rope Etiquette: Some lines have top ropes already. Please leave them in place, do not take them down to use on other routes or for lead climbing.
Ropes: Our ropes are cut to length and as such are not ‘standard’ lengths. Always tie in at the end of a rope.
Leading: Supply your own appropriately rated, dynamic rope when lead climbing. Minimum rope length requirements in our main roped climbing (C2) are 50m. Please ensure you tie an overhand knot at the end of your lead rope. No lead climbing on the Autobelay balcony without permission.
Clipping: All quickdraws or bolts must be clipped on routes you are climbing.
Autobelays and top ropes: Cannot be removed or let up without permission.

AUTO BELAYS & FUN WALLS

Induction: Climbers must pass an induction to use any auto belay and must be instructed to use the Fun Wall area.
Helmets: No helmets are to be worn when using auto belays or on the Fun Walls.
Fun Walls Footwear: Shoes must be clean. Participants may not undertake activities in open-toe or loose footwear.
Weight Limits: Only use an auto belay on the Fun Walls if you are within the weight range 10kg to 150kg.
Safety: Never retrieve a fully retracted belay tape.
Test: Always perform a belay tape retraction test before climbing.
Supervision: Only supervising/accompanying adults are allowed on the matting in the Fun Walls area.
Spectators viewing from the fun walls balcony must not lean over or hold loose items, such as drinks or phones etc, over the railings.

WEIGHTS & GYM AREA

The rules and instructions for the safe use of the weights and conditioning/warm-up area are displayed on entrance to the area. These must be always adhered to.