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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Find answers to our most commonly asked questions here!

What's the difference between Bouldering, Top Roping, and Lead Climbing?

Bouldering is climbing up to 15ft (in gym) off the ground without the use of ropes or climbing gear. Pads are provided throughout the bouldering areas and participation in a Safety Orientation is required prior to climbing. This type of climbing is available to climbers of any skill level and does not require a partner. 

Top Roping is climbing up to 50ft (in gym) on a rope that is already attached to the top of the wall while being belayed by a certified partner below. This type of climbing is available to climbers of any skill level and requires a partner(s). Belay certification is required prior to climbing. Belay Classes are offered daily, visit a location’s “classes” page for more information or to sign up.

Lead Climbing refers to climbing on our full height walls in areas that do not already have a rope attached at the top. Unlike Top Roping, Lead climbers must bring the rope with them as they progress up the wall. Leading is an advanced form of climbing and not recommended until you have a strong Top Rope climbing foundation. Lead Certification is required prior to leading in our gyms. Classes are offered several times a month at our rope gyms, please review the requirements prior to signing up for this class on a location’s “classes” page.

  • Please note:
    • Momentum Lehi, SODO, and Silver Street are Bouldering Only gyms.
      Momentum Millcreek, Sandy, and Katy offer both Rope Climbing and Bouldering.
    • We do not allow anyone other than Momentum employees to provide belay instruction inside our gyms. 

What does "Belaying" mean?

Belaying is a technique climbers use to create friction on a climbing rope so that a falling climber does not fall very far and can be lowered to the ground at a controlled speed when they are done climbing.

All Momentum locations with top rope climbing offer belay instruction. Class schedules are available on the “Classes” page of each gym. 

How old do I have to be to belay?

Top Rope Belayers must be at least 12 years old.
Top Rope Climbers can be any age.

Lead Belayers and Climbers must be at least 14 years old.
Participants under 18 years old who wish to be Lead certified must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

What if I already know how to belay?

If you are an experienced belayer, you can certify at the front desk by demonstrating your Top Rope belay proficiency without any help or reminders from our staff or your climbing partner. 

  • If you do not pass the certification test, you can sign up for our Learn to Belay class, offered daily. Or you may choose to boulder only.
  • Lead Climb and Belay certification tests are subject to staff availability and may require a fee. Partners are not provided.

What if I just need a refresher?

Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport.
Your safety and that of your partner depend on your ability to belay properly. If you are unable or uncertain if you could pass a belay test, we highly encourage you to sign up for our Learn to Belay class.

Safety first! This class is free for members and available to customers for a small fee. 

  • We do not allow anyone other than Momentum employees to provide belay instruction inside our gyms. 

Do you have Auto Belays?

With the exception to Momentum Katy, we do not currently offer auto-belays for public use. We do offer Top-rope belay classes every day at all of our roped facilities!

  • Momentum Katy does offer an auto belay section.
    • Certification required before using, call the front desk for details.

Do you provide belay partners?

We will do our best to help you find a partner in the gym, but cannot guarantee anyone will be available to partner with you.  We strongly recommend you coordinate with a partner prior to visiting.

  • Partner boards and online partner group finders are available at most locations, ask our friendly staff for details.
  • Don’t forget! Minimum belay age requirements are 12+ for Top Rope and 14+ for Leading.

How much does it cost?

Day Passes and Membership options are available. Prices and Rates vary.
Please visit the RATES page on the location you intend to visit for more details.

If you are using a promotional discount or Groupon please confirm the location(s) and date(s) it is valid for before visiting.

If I just plan to belay or spectate do I need to pay?

If you are just spectating or belaying only, such as to let your child rope climb, there is no purchase necessary.

  • Belayers must have a waiver and belay certification.

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit to rock climb at Momentum!

Toddlers with direct supervision – can boulder in our kids specific area AND climb our kid-friendly top rope routes. We also offer a MO MINI youth program (age 3 – 7). Check it out under your preferred location’s YOUTH tab.

Adult supervision is required at all times for kids under 12 years of age.
Some areas of the gym may have additional age requirements. For example, participants must be at least 16 years old to use the fitness areas of the gym unsupervised. 

Don’t forget! Minimum belay age requirements are 12+ for Top Rope and 14+ for Leading.

What do I need to bring?

If you have your own climbing gear (shoes, harness, etc) you are welcome to bring them.

  • Some types of climbing equipment, such as a figure 8 belay device, are not permitted at Momentum, check with our friendly desk staff for more information. 

Rental Equipment (shoes, harness, belay device) is available at the Front Desk.

  • Close-toed street shoes are permitted instead of climbing shoes, but climbing shoes will provide a better experience! We do not allow climbing with bare feet or in just socks.
  • Chalk is available for purchase at most gyms.

Lead Climbing Ropes are not provided or available for rent.

  • Minimum 35 meter dynamic rope required for lead climbing.

We also recommend general workout attire: comfortable/flexible/stretchy clothing. 

How tall are the walls?

Bouldering walls range from 10-15 linear feet

  • Kids walls range from 5-10 linear feet
  • Pads are provided for all bouldering areas

Our rope walls range from 30 – 55 linear feet

  • Top Ropes are provided
  • Lead Ropes are not provided and are not available for rent (min 35meter dynamic rope required to lead)

GENERAL INQUIRY

Have something more specific? Send us a message!