FAQ

Typically climbing is done in pairs: one climbs and one belays (manages the safety rope) and then they switch. However, if you don't have a partner you can still participate in climbing in one of two ways:

Auto Belays - The Rock Oasis features 8 Perfect Decent auto belays which service 24 routes of varying degrees of difficulty. An auto belay is an automatic belay device that eliminates the need for a human belayer. The auto belay takes up the slack as a climber ascends and safely controls the descent when the climber lets go or falls.

Bouldering - is a form of climbing that is performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. While it can be done without any equipment whatsoever, most climbers use climbing shoes to help secure footholds, chalk to keep their hands dry, and bouldering mats to prevent injuries from falls. We offer lots of bouldering that feature varying degrees of overhang and all sizes of climbing holds. You may practice vertical technique as well as steep roof climbing skills. Whether you need to work on technique, power, or endurance, bouldering will complement your training program.

If you can climb a ladder you can climb our easy walls. We have routes of varying difficulty from very easy to next-to-impossible.

We no longer require reservations to climb. Though our Top Rope 101 and Boulder 101 lessons must be booked online in advance, as they are only offered at specific times.

If you are not an experienced climber and you wish to use the roped areas of the facility then you must take a lesson to learn the basic safety procedures. This is for your own safety and only costs $4 more than the cost of climbing and renting the equipment. The lesson is very interactive; we get you climbing the walls as soon as possible. For more information please see our Lessons page.

Yes. For more information please see ourLesson page to make a booking. On weekdays lessons are available at 7pm, and on weekends at 2pm and 4pm.

All ages can climb. We have members from age 4 to age 70. Generally, children begin to enjoy climbing around the age of 6. However, in order to belay (manage the safety rope) you must be 14 years old or over.

Children love climbing. Children 14 years old or over can take the introductory lesson and learn to belay. Children under 14 can be belayed by their parent. For more information please see our Lesson page to make a booking. On weekdays lessons are available at 7pm, and on weekends at 2pm and 4pm. All climbers under 18 must have their own parent read and sign our liability waiver. Please see our Kids/Youth page for more information.

Wear loose gym clothing. For example sweat pants, tights or shorts and a T-shirt. In the winter, a sweater or sweat shirt is helpful. Please bring thin socks for the climbing shoes.

Metered street parking is available on Carlaw Ave. and on Dickens St. Underground parking is also available under the Crow's Nest Theatre on Carlaw. ** NOTE - Parking in the back gravel lot by our back entrance is at your own risk. **

For top rope climbing a weight difference of up to 75% of the lower weight can be managed. For lead climbing a weight difference of up to 50% of the lower weight can be managed.

The Rock Oasis can be accessed either from the main building entrance on Carlaw Avenue, or from the back of the building.

The main entrance for 388 Carlaw Avenue is between the two Canadian flags and birch trees. Walk up a flight of stairs to the 2nd floor and follow the pink tape on the floor. This entrance is accessible until 9pm.

Direct access to the gym is accessible from the back of the building, off Thackery St.