About the Gym
The Facility
We believe in the power of climbing – we have experienced the potential it has to bring people together, regardless of background, ethnicity, religion, age, or gender. Our facility was designed with the intention of creating an inclusive space for climbers of all abilities. Whether you are completely new to the sport or have years of experience, our facility has something for you; from low-angle slabs to steep walls, a fitness area, mezzanine, lounge, and overall positive vibrations! Our route setting crew has years of collective experience and is nuanced in creating thoughtful and engaging problems for climbers of all skill levels to enjoy.
We worked with Onsite Climbing, a wall designer and fabricator out of Montreal, to design and build our wall. After working through a seemingly infinite amount of layout and geometry options we created what we thought was the best use of our space, for now and future considerations!
Our facility was designed with intention. We desired to maximize the climbing potential but to also create a welcoming, central space for people to commune, that takes advantage of the inspiring natural light.
Our climbing walls are large, planar surfaces that offer our setters maximum creativity to create problems that will excite and challenge you. We have a section of wall that is 10 degrees overhanging. Then a slab that is 3 degrees off-vertical; a 5 degree overhanging section; a 45 degree section; and finally a 25 degree wall. This creates about 1200 square feet of climbing surface.
PLUS we’re incredibly excited to offer the first 12′ x 12′ adjustable Grasshopper board in Canada. This board is a game-changer! Connected to a huge, online data base of problems, and a mirrored layout with holds that light up, it is sure to provide a near-infinite amount of fun for beginners and veterans alike.
We also have about 300 square feet of training area which will include free weights, a rowing machine, a stationary bike, a fitness rack, hangboards, and a campus board. A mezzanine area will be outfitted for stretching, studying, or just hanging out away from all the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Liability waivers
Every person, regardless of age, must have a waiver completed and verified before using the facility. This can be done in person or online ahead of time to speed up the check-in process.
Anyone under the age of 19 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver on their behalf.
Government issued photo ID is required to verify your legal name and date of birth entered on the waiver upon first visit.
What is bouldering?
Bouldering is a very accessible form of the sport of rock climbing, in that all you need is climbing shoes, some chalk and yourself! There are no ropes or harnesses used for bouldering, but instead there are thick pads below all climbing areas to cushion the landing. Bouldering walls are typically not as high as sport climbing walls; the climbing walls in our facility are 15 ft tall with approximately 2 ft of padding below. Bouldering builds power, strength, balance, agility, coordination, flexibility and cognitive problem solving.
What do I need to bring?
Athletic clothing and an open mind is all you need! We have climbing shoes available to rent and chalk for purchase.
Do you rent climbing shoes?
Yes we do. We have a selection of shoes from small children’s shoes up to about euro size 46 (12 1/2)
Can I bring my kids?
Yes! We encourage families to come in and enjoy our climbing facility. Bouldering is a great activity to challenge your whole family both mentally and physically.
We also encourage you to climb together with your kids for a session, however we do ask that parents and children take turns on the wall, meaning if the parent is climbing on the wall then the child is waiting on the floor off of the pads, and if the child is climbing on the wall the parent is actively supervising and/or spotting and not climbing themselves.
All youth must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Liability Waiver for them prior to entry.
All youth under the age of 12 must have adult supervision at all times. We ask that there is at least 1 adult per every 2 children for supervision.
Children are not permitted to play in the bouldering area, and children under 10 are not permitted in the training area.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, no. We ask that you leave your pups at home for the safety and comfort of all climbers in the gym.
Still have questions?
Feel free to contact us by calling 250-344-2669 or shooting us an email to info@confluenceclimbing.com and we’d be happy to help you out!
Gym Rules
- All climbers and observers must check in at the front desk before proceeding into the climbing area.
- All first time visitors must attend a short, free bouldering safety orientation session.
- Anyone entering the climbing area must have a current waiver on file. Anyone under the age of 19 must have the form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- All users of Confluence Climbing are expected to respect other individuals and conduct themselves in good order. Persons deemed by Confluence Climbing staff to be behaving in an unsafe or disorderly fashion will be asked to leave the facility.
- No climbing instruction, personal training, coaching, or commercial use of the facility without prior consent from Confluence Climbing management.
- Children under the age of 13 must be supervised, one on one, by an adult at all times.
- No water bottles, chalk bags, or personal belongings on the pads.
- No food or drink on or over the pads.
- Be aware of your surroundings: do not sit, stand, or walk below another climber.
- No bare feet on the pads. Climbing shoes are required when climbing: no street shoes or bare feet. (Exceptions can be made for clean footwear that will not damage the surfaces. Please check with front desk).
- Do not wear climbing shoes in the washrooms.
- Shirts must be worn in the facility
Unstaffed Hours
Definitions
UnStaffed Operation refers to scheduled times at which certain members are allowed to use the gym when there are no Confluence Climbing staff present. Our insurers have imposed the limitation that we can only offer Unstaffed Hours between 5am and 10pm.
Unstaffed Operation Orientation refers to a session in which members are introduced to the rules and additional safety procedures of Unstaffed Operation.
Goals
The goal of Unstaffed Operation is to allow the gym to be available to members more hours of the day than are economically feasible for us to staff, especially during slow periods of the season.
Spirit of Cooperation
We hope it is obvious that we have invested much effort in designing and building a quality facility. It’s probably equally obvious that we spend a lot of effort vacuuming chalk, cleaning, washing holds and routesetting. If Unstaffed Operation is to be a success climbers must be prepared to help us keep the facility clean and safe.
Note that many of the following rules and requirements are stipulated by our insurance company.
Requirements
If you are a member of Confluence Climbing you are eligible to use the gym when no staff are present during predetermined “Unstaffed Hours”. These are the requirements:
You must:
have attended an Unstaffed Hours orientation session;
be over 19 years of age, or accompanied by a guardian who is also a member
be a recurring or non-recurring monthly or annual member of the gym
have signed the new legal waiver
agree to our terms of use
installed and configured the Avigilon Alta Open app.
Activation
These are the steps to set yourself up:
Meet the requirements outlined in the section above
Attend an Unstaffed Operation orientation session (ask at front desk)
Read and sign the new, improved legal waiver for Unstaffed Operation
Install the “Avigilon Alta Open” app on your mobile device from android iphone app store.
Configure the software with the same email address we know you by.
After the orientation, a staff member will authorize your credentials corresponding to your membership to enable you access!
Getting Help
The most complex aspect of Unstaffed Operation is how a solo user of the gym is to call for help in the case of an injury or medical event that immobilizes them. The best approach is the “buddy system”, namely that members climb with at least one other person. We strongly advise this system! However, we, and our insurance company, recognize that members can’t always find a friend to climb with. In this case, the solo climber must connect their phone to our smart speaker, which will enable a hands-free call in case of emergency.
Rules of Unstaffed Operation
Please follow the regular rules posted at the gym and (https://confluenceclimbing.com/about-the-gym/#rules). In addition the following rules apply to Unstaffed Operation:
Access to the facility during Unstaffed hours is only allowed between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Your gym access credentials (Avigilon Alta Open on your phone) cannot be shared with anyone under any circumstances.
It is always advisable to climb with a friend (who must also be authorized for Unstaffed Operation.) If you are at the gym alone you must connect your phone to the smart speaker so calls may be made in case of an emergency.
Members must be 19+ to access the gym alone. Minors can only access the gym during unstaffed hours with a legal guardian who is also a Confluence Climbing member.
Sorry no guests, no pets.
Remove outdoor footwear.
Keep the doors closed behind you at all times.
Take care of the space. Keep the gym clean and don’t leave a mess behind.
We will be implementing a ‘No loose chalk’ policy this fall; please start as soon as you can!
Follow these unstaffed access instructions posted at the front desk.
No smoking, drugs, or alcohol allowed in the gym ever.
No one may be at the gym while intoxicated.
If an incident has occurred, and/or 911 has been called, our general manager (Chris) must be notified via his personal number as soon as is safe to do so
A first aid kit (with icepacks) is readily available in the cubby; use it as needed.
The back deck can be used (and back door propped open) during your session but must be closed when you leave. Note that the door is locked from the outside so don’t lock yourself out!
A vacuum is available to clean up small spills.
If you have a shower, please wipe the shower down when you’re finished, hang the mat on the shower door, and clean up any water on the floor. A mop is provided.
You are responsible for your safety. Understand that if you wish to climb/train alone you are doing so at your own risk,
Got any questions or issues? Come see us in person, give us a call, or email us at info@confluenceclimbing.com
To preserve the privilege for the rest of the community Confluence Climbing will revoke gym access to anyone who does not follow these rules. The process described here is a work in progress and may change at any time. We will notify all members of changes in rules via email.
