What's bouldering? Bouldering is a style of climbing that involves climbing very short intense climbs or `problems' that remain a safe distance from the ground and as such don't require ropes or harnesses to protect the climber. An analogy I like to use is; `Bouldering is to climbing what sprinting is to running'.

No ropes! Is it safe? Our walls are 4 metres in height and the entire floor is covered with a huge padded mat. We've made it as safe as we possibly can to avoid injuries whilst still maintaining the experience of the activity. But this is an adventure sport that can require significant physical effort at times. If you have any specific concerns please call and discuss them with a staff member.

Is it only for experienced climbers? No, like the analogy above, anyone can sprint. You might be slow, but you can sprint, so anyone can boulder. We've got a range of problems in the gym ranging from very easy ones that almost anyone climb, to really hard problems that stop all but the best boulderers in the country. - That's one of the awesome things about climbing, there's always something to challenge you at your level.

Is it OK for someone who's NEVER climbed before to turn up? No worries, we get a quite a few first timers in every week. Bouldering is a great way for beginners to be introduced to climbing as they can focus on learning how to climb in a safe, non threatening environment - getting 10-20 metres off the ground in a roped gym can be exciting, but for some it can be terrifying and then there's the stress of being responsible for your climbing partners safety when they're off the ground. We've got enough easy problems to make sure you leave tired, not bored.

Do I need any special equipment or clothes? Not really, we have a small range of climbing shoes that are available free of charge for people that don't have their own, but beginners will find that the easy problems have been set with really big foot holds and normal runners will probably suffice. If you want to wear your own street shoes, the best choice is something tight fitting with thin soles. Dunlop Volleys or similar are ideal. You'll probably get a little sweaty so clothing should be light and not restrict your movement. I recommend against wearing running shorts or jeans.

What's the climbing wall like? The climbing area contains approximately 250m² of timber climbing wall, 4 metres high with wall angles ranging from 10° overhanging through to almost horizontal in our cave. We have a large number of problems with grades ranging from V0- (beginners) to V12 (worlds best). There is also a Campus board (an advanced training tool for climbers), chin up bar, fingerboard and a exercise area with a set of rings and some free weights.

What other facilities do you have? There is a secure bike storage area, a luxurious lounge with an extensive library of climbing books and magazines to read while resting, a stretching area and a kiosk offering refreshments and essential bouldering gear like chalk and tape.

I'd like to improve my climbing, do you teach classes? Yes, One on one coaching is available with any of the staff members. Prices are $30 for half an hour and $50 for a full hour. We can work on any specific area you'd like to work on or alternatively they can assess your climbing and teach you what they think you need to work on. Also staff are always happy to offer hints and tips on basic climbing techniques whenever they can to get you up your current nemesis problem.

Do you take groups? No, sorry. We have an even distribution of climbs through all the grades from easy to hard. As a result, we have enough easy problems to entertain a few beginner climbers in the gym at the same time, but not enough for a whole group of raw beginners at once.