Conditions of Use

Bouldering is a form of free climbing above industry regulation matting, so ropes and harnesses are not required. It challenges the climber to complete short but technical boulder ‘problems’ using strength, technique, power, balance and most importantly, their brain!

Risks

The British Mountaineering Council recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

Although this bouldering centre is an artificial environment, the risks involved are no less serious than when bouldering outside. There is an additional risk that the climbing grips / holds may become loose. Loose or damaged holds must be reported to reception immediately.

The soft matting does not make the climbing any safer! The matting under the bouldering wall is designed to provide a more comfortable landing for climbers falling or jumping from the bouldering wall.

A fall from the climbing surface could result in an injury despite the safety systems put in place to avoid it. Uncontrolled falls are likely to result in injuries to yourself or others - broken and sprained limbs are common injuries when bouldering despite the soft landing.

Climbing beyond your capabilities on any wall is likely to result in a fall.

You must make your own assessment of the risks whenever you climb.

Our duty of care

The rule of this bouldering centre are set out below and are not intended to limit your enjoyment of the facilities. They are part of the duty of care that we as operators owe to you the customer by law. As such they are non negotiable and if you are not prepared to abide by them then staff must politely ask you to leave.

Your duty of care

Report to reception on each visit before you climb. You must exercise care, common sense and self preservation at all times. Report any problems with the walls, equipment or other climber’s behaviour to a member of staff immediately.

Beware of other climbers around you and how your actions will affect them. Never climb directly above or below another climber. Do not sit or stand under or near the walls when people are climbing. Keep the mats free of any obstructions like bags and bottles. No food or drink on the mats at any time.

Spectators are not permitted on the matted area or in the training area. Accidents and near misses should be reported to a member of staff. You should not climb if you suffer from a medical condition or ailment that may put you or others at risk.

Bouldering Safety

Always climb within your capability and descend by climbing down, or at the very least a controlled fall.

Do not attempt to climb on top of the climbing surface. Climbing shoes should be worn by all participants on the climbing surface. Be aware that some climbs cross over, always give way to those already climbing.

Unsupervised climbing

Before you climb without supervision the centre expects you to fully understand the dangers involved with bouldering and accept the risks involved.

You are required to register to say that you are prepared to abide by the rules and that you understand the risks involved in your anticipation.

Anyone who has not registered with the centre must not climb with or without supervision. Staff will provide whatever help and advice that can, but instruction in climbing techniques and safety will only be provided where it has been booked and paid for.

If you are not confident in the use of any of the facility, then do not attempt to use it without the supervision of someone who is competent to do so.

Supervised climbing

An adult who has registered at the centre may supervise up to two novice climbers as long as they are prepared to take full responsibility for the safety of those people. Groups of three or more novice climbers should only be supervised by an instructor with prior agreement from the centre.

Children

Ages 14-17 years old

Existing experience : May climb unsupervised upon successful completion of our Junior Assessment*. Parental consent via online U18 registration form will also be required to climb without supervision.

Little or no experience : Will need to be supervised by a registered member of Boulderworld (18+) or have completed a taster session and upon completion a Junior Assessment.

Ages 8-13 years old

Must always be supervised by a registered member of Boulderworld (18+). Boulderworld Youth Team and Youth Squad members can climb unsupervised upon successful completion of our Junior Assessment.

Ages 3-7 years old Must always be supervised by a registered member of Boulderworld (18+).

Please note we operate a strict 1:2 ratio of supervising to supervised climbers. (Experienced : Novice or U18)

*Our Junior Assessment is a written test that allows individuals to demonstrate their understanding of the centres conditions of use as well as their own skill level. A Boulderworld staff member will asses the completed form and it is to their discretion to allow the junior to be able to climb unsupervised based on the answers given on the form.