Your First Climbing Session!

When you think about Fargo Moorhead, rock climbing might not come to mind. Why should it? We have some of the flattest terrain around. The closest climbing is nearly 3-4 hours away, and the nearest mountains are 12+ hours away. So let us help guide you through this unfamiliar journey to the world of rock climbing.

You’ve made it this far, not sure how you got here, but we are glad you are here, and thinking about trying rock climbing! Whether you found us through your own curiousity, saw climbing in the olympics, a friend climbs with us, drove past our building, or saw our ads on social media… we are glad you are here!

Since you’ve made it to our blog it’s safe to say you’ve checked out our pricing, facilities, and possibly our progamming. So we won’t go over that, instead we’d like to take the time and take you though a typical first time climber’s journey. Give you some tips and hints to make your first session as enjoyable as possible!

First things first, you are going to want to sign your waiver! You can do that online or at our front desk! If you have kids you will want to add them to your profile as well. You can purchase day passes online or at the front desk. No reservations required. Our facility is located in South Fargo, near the La Quinta Hotel, our parking lot can get a little busy, especially on weekends and weekday evenings! If the lot is full we have parking on both sides of the street!

When you come in, check in at the front desk, there our friendly staff will get you all the equipment you need! Shoes & Chalk! Climbing shoes are going to give you better grip and support on the wall. Fit is important, our staff will work with you to get you the perfect fit. Too loose and you won’t feel confident gripping the holds with your toes, too tight your toes will be uncomfortable. Somewhere in between is the perfect size, let us help you find it. We have shoes for the smallest of climbers to the largest of feet with sizes up to 17. Chalk is optional but recommended, if you have sweaty hands it will help you grip the plastic holds better!

Once you have your equipment it’s time for orientation! Every first time visitor gets an orientation where we go over the facilities, safety, and some general tips! If you want more instruction check out our “Intro to Climbing Class” that runs multiple times a day. This offers a more in depth orientation covering more tips and tricks.

Now it’s time to climb. It can be a little overwhelming figuring out where to start. With nearly 4,400 square feet of climbable walls, some of which overhang nearly 70 degrees, and 100+ unique climbs it can feel intimidating. We seperated Fargo Climbing into two bays or “zones”. Bay 1, is primarirly low angled walls, the majority of which are slab. Slab is less than vertical. Almost like climbing up a ladder. This allows you to get more weight over your feet, and feel more confident. In bay 1 we have a small section of 5 degree overhang and vertical as well. All good for beginners when paired with large positive holds and good feet.

Bay 2 is a little more aggressive, here we have a section that ranges from 70 degrees to 30 degrees overhung, a 15 degree overhang, and small section of vertical. Each side has a selection of beginner to elite routes, so there is stuff to climb no matter what wall you are on. Fun fact, we set at least one beginner route on each section of wall, so you can experience every wall we have!

So what should you look for in a route? We do our best to grade the climbs as accurately as possible, but depending on strengths and weaknesses not all grades are created equal. The scale starts at 0-1, so we recommend starting on the low angle and vertical walls first, and slowly working your way up in numbers until you feel challenged.

Climbing is a full body sport! Not a series of pull ups! Just as you wouldn’t pull yourself up a ladder, pulling yourself up a climb isn’t very effective either. Stand and push through your feet. This is why a good fitting climbing shoe is important. Your feet are the foundation to your success!

The best part of climbing? Being able to challenge yourself and see progress. While your first session might seem scary to really push yourself, try and find a couple climbs that seem barely out of your comfort zone. Not only is climbing physically demanding but it’s also mentally demanding. Think of it like dancing or yoga. Often times a specific sequence and body position is the only way to the top!

We recommend leaving with a little gas in the tank. No need to destroy yourself on the wall your first time. Between the rough holds and phsyical nature, you are going to feel it the next day! Especially in the forearms! Leave a little gas in the tank so you can come back fresh to climb the “ones that got away”

Pro-tip, trial memberships are just $25 and are good for 14 days! That’s two weeks worth of unlimited climbing and gear rentals, for just $4 dollars more than a day pass!