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Hi there! Megan here, Sales and Marketing Manager for Inner Peaks. I’ve been with Inner Peaks for over three years, and I created this beginner climbing guide for anyone curious about indoor rock climbing but unsure where to start. A little about me: I’ve always been an athlete, jumping between volleyball, tennis, and golf. After college, though, organized sports were behind me, and intramural leagues just weren’t doing it. That’s when I found indoor climbing through a college class (thanks, Indiana University!). Seven years later, I’m still climbing and loving the journey.

 

This beginner climbing guide is here to give you the tools and confidence to take the leap into climbing and connect with an incredible community.

Why Climbing? Why Now?

Indoor climbing isn’t just a workout. It’s an adventure! You’ll challenge your body and mind while connecting with a supportive, welcoming community. Whether your looking to try something new, build strength, or just have fun, climbing is a space for all that and more.

What to Know Before You Start

No experience? No problem! Our staff will walk you through everything. It might feel tough at first because most of us haven’t used these muscles since our playground days. I like to tell people climbing is like an adult recess and it feels like solving a fun, physical puzzle. Who doesn’t love that! Let’s start with the basics.

Essentials: 

 

  • Wear comfortable athletic clothing you can move in
  • We’ve got all the gear rentals you’ll need
  • If you’d rather skip rentals, make sure to bring closed-toe shoes
  • Climbing shoes can feel snug. Try sizing up a half a size to start
  • Most importantly: there’s no pressure! Climbers are encouraging on day one!

*Want to know more about gear? Check it out here.

Your First Visits

Visit 1: Getting Started 

  • Learn the grading system (V-scale for bouldering or the Yosemite Decimal System for rope climbs.
  • If you’re bouldering, practice climbing down and falling safely
  • Ask our staff for tips to boost confidence as you explore

 

Visits 2 and 3: Settling In 

  • Find your style (overhangs, slabs, or vertical walls)
  • Learn about hold types (jug, sloper, pinch, crimp, pocket)
  • Discover the power of beta (advice or strategies for a climb).
  • Experience the camaraderie. Climbers genuinely want you to succeed!

 

*Not familiar with climbing lingo yet? Check out our quick glossary below or our more comprehensive article here

How to Meet People

Climbing is a social sport, and the community is one of its best parts. 

  • Cheer others on or congratulate them after a climb.
  • Ask for beta or join someone working on the same climb.
  • Offer to “project” a climb together and solve the puzzle as a team.

How to Get Involved

Want to dive deeper? 

  • Sign up for our newsletter to see upcoming events like competitions, climbing film screenings, and meetups.
  • Say hi to the Carolina Climber’s Coalition or chat with staff about ways to contribute to coaching, leading meetups, or volunteering.

Beginner Tips to Build Strength

Focus on consistency: climb 2-3 times a week for 1.5-2 hours per session. Strength comes naturally when you commit to quality sessions and have fun along the way. Start with VB-V1 climbs, and let your body adjust. The best progress happens when you keep it lighthearted and playful. Want more training guides? Check out how to measure your training progress here.

Glossary of Climbing Terms

Jug: Large, easy to hold grips

Sloper: Smooth, rounded holds requiring technique

Pinch: Holds squeezed with thumb and fingers

Crimp: Small holds for fingertips only

Pocket: Holds with small openings for one or two fingers

Projecting: Working on solving a challenging climb over multiple attempts

Beta: Tips or strategies to complete a climb

Traverse: Climbing horizontally across a wall

V Scale: The grading system for boulders, ranging from VB (easiest) to V17 (hardest)

Yosemite Decimal System: Grades rope climbs (e.g. 5.6 to 5.15)

Figure 8: A knot used for securing a climber to a rope

Lead Climbing: Climbing with a rope clipped into quickdraws as you ascend

Sport Climbing: Rope climbing on walls with pre-placed anchors

Boulder Climbing: Short, unroped climbs with padded mats below

Top Rope Climbing: Rope climbing with an anchor system already in place

Let’s get climbing! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out or ask our staff during your visit. We’re cheering you on. 🧗‍♀️ 

Inner Peaks Staff

The Inner Peaks team is made up of passionate climbers, coaches, and community builders who live and breathe climbing. Our goal is to share helpful tips, inspiring stories, and everything you need to feel confident on the wall—whether it's your first time or your hundredth send.

Inner Peaks membership

Terms and Conditions

Membership Draft: This membership drafts monthly. By signing and initialing this contract: 

  • I hereby authorize Inner Peaks, Inc. hereafter referred to as ‘IP’, to effect payment for the draft of monthly dues, including but not limited to fees and authorized special charges by drafting my debit/credit card. 
  • I understand the initial terms of this contract include applicable join fees and prorated and/or monthly dues for an Individual (IND), Household Primary (HHP), and/or Household Additional (HHA). 
  • I understand that monthly dues will automatically renew on a month to month basis as a continuous contract until such time as a Termination Request is received by completion of the Termination Request Form found on the IP website. 
  • I understand that in the case of Household Memberships, the IND/HHP member is financially responsible for all members listed on the contract and any that are added after the contract has been enacted.

 

Membership Freeze/Termination Policy: I understand that I may Freeze or Terminate my membership under the following conditions: 

  • I understand that to FREEZE or TERMINATE the membership, I must submit a Membership Change Form (found under the ‘Membership’ tab on the website) by the 25th of the month prior in order for my selected date(s) to be honored by the 1st of the month billing. 
  • I understand that in freezing, I will not be billed membership dues for the month(s) nor will I have to pay a join fee to thaw my membership. 
  • I understand that each membership unit (IND, HHP, HHA, HHY) that freezes will be charged a Freeze Fee of $10/membership unit per month and collected in lieu of monthly dues. 
  • I understand that when submitting a Membership Change Form for a membership Freeze I am required to select a Freeze START date and a Freeze End date. 
  • I understand that members may request Freezes for only full calendar months with a maximum of six (6) consecutive calendar months per submission. 
  • I understand that the monthly draft will automatically resume on the 1st of the month following the Freeze END date indicated on the submitted Freeze form. 
  • I understand that any membership may be THAWED/UNFROZEN at any time before the original Freeze End Date by submitting a Membership Change Form and selecting the ‘Unfreeze’ box. This action results in billing the card on file the prorated dues of that month. 
  • I understand that I may Freeze all or part of my membership; if the IND/HHP is frozen, the next active member will be charged the IND/HHP rate and additional members will be charged the respective HHA rate. 
  • I understand that any member may climb when a Membership is Frozen by paying regular day pass & rental fees. 
  • I understand that Membership Freeze(s)/TERMINATION(S) are not effective until a MEMBERSHIP CHANGE FORM has been submitted, received and processed. The deadline for this action is the 25th of each month. 
  • I understand that Inner Peaks Staff are not permitted to submit freeze requests for members.

 

Notice of Risk & Consumer Rights: I understand and agree that by using the facilities maintained by IP, there is the possibility of accidental or other physical injury. I agree to assume the risk of such injury and further agree to release and indemnify IP from any and all liability on the part of IP by either the member or a third party, as the result of my use as a member of IP facilities. 
You have the right to cancel this contract within three business days of the purchase for a full refund less any day pass, rental, and instructional fees accured. Within the three-day business period you must notify Inner Peaks, Inc. in writing. Written notification must be delivered in writing in an email form within the three business days in order to receive a full refund. This notice of consumer rights is an integral part of the application and contract for membership.


Rules, Regulations, and Membership Conditions 
SECTION I. GENERAL PROVISIONS 

  1. Any person of good character is eligible to become a Member and is expected to follow and abided by all rules and regulations set forth by Inner Peaks, hereinafter referred to as IP. Memberships shall not be granted or denied on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, or national origin nor shall any aspect of such matters ever be made a condition of membership. 
  2. Membership entitles Member to unlimited use of the Facility unless limitations are otherwise documented in this agreement. 
  3. Dues, fees, and/or conditions are subject to change with thirty (30) days prior notice. 
  4. The classification of membership, applicable charges of each class, amount of admission, suspension or expulsion of members, and all other matters affecting or relating to the membership shall be and remain under the complete control of IP. All memberships are non-voting, non-proprietary, non-assessable and carry no interest in the property, assets or any rights to participate in the operations of IP, financially or otherwise. 
  5. Member warrants and represents that the Member has no disability, ailment or impairment which prevents such person from engaging in active or passive exercise or that would be detrimental to such person’s health, safety and physical condition, or the safety and health of others. IP assumes no responsibility for injury or loss caused by the Member’s conditions. 
  6. IP reserves the right to add, delete, modify, or otherwise change member classifications and related privileges of membership as it deems necessary. 
  7. Any members may be expelled from IP for a violation of any regulation of IP, or any conduct that, in the opinion of the IP, is prejudicial to its welfare, good order, character, and reputation. An expelled member shall not be entitled to a refund of any par of their membership monlthly dues. 
  8. If the authoried draft on the member’s bank account specified in this agreement is not honored for two consecutive months, IP may put membership on hold and the climber will not be allowed to use their membership until all dues are collected in full.
     

SECTION II. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 

  1. IP reserves the right to restrict or close the facility to general use for special events, private parties, seminars, maintenance, or any other activity it may deem desirable. 
  2. All Members shall be expected to wear proper attire while utilizing the Facility.
  3. This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with North Carolina Law. 
  4. In the event that Member fails to pay any of the sums owed under this agreement, Member shall pay all of IP’s costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees related to the collection of the amounts that are due. 
  5. Inner Peaks reserves the right to use any photograph or other media of a Member taken by Inner Peaks to be used in Inner Peaks promotional materials, brochures, and/or on the website. 

 

SECTION III. LIABILITY 
Members acknowledge that using the Facility and participating in activities sponsored by IP involves risks, including the risk of death or serious personal injury. Member agrees to assume all such risks for all family members listed on this contract. Member also agrees to release and discharge IP and all of its employees, agents and representatives, as well as all other persons, corporations or other entities that may have any liability to Member, from and against any and all claims and liabilities, whether known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, relating to or arising from any activity, occurrence or event involving IP or the Facility. Member also agrees to compensate IP for any loss or damage suffered by IP as a result of any willful or negligent act of member.
 
THIS IS A CONTRACT and becomes legally binding upon signing below. By signing, I certify that I have read the contract in its entirety and understand my obligations under it. In addition, I that I have read my Notice of Consumer Rights and the Rules, Regulations, and Membership Conditions set out herein. 

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Introduction to Lead Climbing

Wednesdays (7 pm – 9 pm)

Lead classes at East Falls offered during: February, April, June, August, October, December

Mondays (7 pm – 9 pm)

Lead classes at Fishtown offered during: January, March, May, July, September, November

Wednesdays (7 pm – 9 pm)

Lead classes at Malvern offered during: February, April, June, August, October, December

Tuesdays (7 pm – 9 pm)

Lead classes at Oaks offered during: February, April, June, August, October, December

Thursdays (7 pm – 9 pm)

Lead classes at Wyncote offered during: January, March, May, July, September, November