Gym Specifications
- 50+ climbing stations
- 30 foot hand and finger crack
- 10,000 square feet of seamless textured climbing
- 30 foot high walls
- Lead climbing and bouldering
- Rappel and multi-pitch station
- Full service retail store
- Showers, lockers, and changing rooms
- Party/conference room
- Vending services
- Climate-controlled environment
- See more pictures!
Types of Climbing
Top Rope Climbing
The majority of the climbing that takes place at the Rhode Island Rock Gym is top rope climbing. In top rope climbing, the climber is tied to a rope that passes through an anchor at the top of the wall and back down to the belayer, or spotter. As the climber moves up the wall the belayer pulls the rope through the belay device and holds the climber if they fall. In top rope climbing, as long as there is no slack in the rope, the climber actually does not fall at all. The belayer also is responsible for lowering the climber back to the ground when the climber is finished.
Learn about our Beginner's Package
Bouldering
Bouldering is another kind of climbing that you can do at the Rhode Island Rock Gym. When bouldering, the climber does not tie into a safety rope. Instead, the climber traverses across walls, very low to the ground. Bouldering is an ideal way to get a workout without a climbing partner. Many climbers boulder to warm up and to work on strength and climbing technique. You can boulder continuously on our gym walls or try out the cave.
Learn about Bouldering rates
Lead Climbing
Leading is the most advanced form of climbing offered at the Rhode Island Rock Gym. A lead climber starts with the rope disconnected from all anchors. As they climb, the belayer gives them slack so they may clip the rope into anchors set along the wall. Climbers at the Rhode Island Rock Gym must pass a test before they are allowed to lead climb. The Rhode Island Rock Gym also offers lessons on both leading and lead belaying.
