Our Policies

Waiver Policy

All Climbers and spectators must have a current GVC Release of Liability Form (waiver) on file to enter any climbing area.
If the climber is under 18 years of age, the waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. This waiver will be kept on file for one year.

Gym Orientation Policy

All climbers and adult chaperones must complete a Gym Orientation with GVC staff before being granted access to any climbing
area. This orientation is mandatory and will include an introduction to all of our climbing area, climbing
systems, facility rules and policies. This orientation normally lasts 5-10 minutes and will be kept on file with
staff for one year.

Certification Policies

Auto-Belay Certification Process

• Climbers will complete auto-belay certification process during the Gym Orientation. There are no age limits on auto-belay systems.
• In order to be certified, climbers must demonstrate the following to Grand Valley Climbing Gym Staff…
  • Proper understanding of auto-belay rules and policies
  • Proper understanding of potential hazards of auto-belay climbing
  • Proper attachment to auto-belay system and checks
  • Proper releasing of the climbing wall
  • Proper descent on the auto-belay system

Bouldering Certification Process

• Climbers will complete bouldering certification process during the Gym Orientation. Climbers must be at least 14 years of age or current GVC team member to use bouldering area unsupervised.
• In order to be certified, climbers must demonstrate the following to Grand Valley Climbing Gym Staff…
  • Proper understanding of bouldering rules and policies
  • Proper understanding of potential hazards of bouldering
  • Proper body position while climbing
  • Proper releasing of the climbing wall
  • Proper impact on flooring
  • Proper understanding of spotting

Top Rope Climbing and Belaying Certification Process

• All climbers looking to certify on top rope must complete a GVC Top Rope Belay Certification. Simply ask a staff member if you are ready for this certification.
• Upon completion of certification, you will be given access to belay any climbers on the top rope system.
• WE DO NOT ACCEPT OTHER GYM’S OR INSTITUTION’S CERTIFICATIONS.
• In order to be certified, belayers must demonstrate the following to Grand Valley Climbing Gym Staff…
  • Proper figure-8 knot construction and use and checks
  • Proper belay device/carabiner/rope setup (ATC or GriGri)
  • Proper climber communication/checks
  • Proper belay technique (brake hand must never leave rope)
  • Proper fall arresting technique
• Controlled lowering of the climber
• If you need a refresher or would like to learn how to belay on top rope, we invite you to our Top-Rope Belay Class.
• 24 hour waiting period is mandatory between certification attempts. We will keep certifications on file for one year.

Lead Climbing and Belaying Certification Process

• All climbers looking to certify for lead climbing or lead belaying must complete a GVC Lead Climbing and Lead Belay Certification. Simply ask a staff member if you are ready for this certification.
• 24 hour waiting period is mandatory between certification attempts. We will keep certifications on file for one year.
• WE DO NOT ACCEPT OTHER GYM’S OR INSTITUTION’S CERTIFICATIONS.
• In order to be certified to lead climb, climbers must demonstrate the following to Grand Valley Climbing Gym Staff…
  • Proper knowledge of back clips and z-clips
  • Proper communication/checks before and during climb
  • Proper clipping of quick draws (no skipping clips, no back clips, no z-clips, clips both top anchors)
  • Proper body positioning while climbing and clipping (no foot over rope, proper comfortable clipping stances)
• In order to be certified to lead belay, belayers must demonstrate the following to Grand Valley Climbing Gym Staff…
  • Proper knowledge of back clips and z-clips
  • Proper communication/checks with the climber, before and during climb
• Correct maintenance of slack to the climber during climbing and clipping
• Maintains brake hand in control of the rope at all times
• Proper understanding of effect of lead falls on climber and belayer
• Maintains correct positioning in respect to wall and climber at all times

*If you have not lead climbed before but would like to learn, we highly recommend enrolling in our Introduction into Lead Climbing and Belaying Course. Our instructors will teach you proper rope management, clipping techniques, and train you to belay a lead climber.

Youth Climbing Special Policies

All minors wishing to use the facility are subject to a more rigorous set of standards than adults using the facility. All minors must have their parent or legal guardian complete the liability waiver before participation in any gym activity.

Climbers Under 18

• Waiver must be signed by parent or legal guardian
• Not allowed access to any training equipment

Climbers Under 14

• Waiver must be signed by parent or legal guardian
• Orientation process must be completed with adult chaperone
• Climbers restricted to auto-belay climbing areas. Unless accompanied by GVC certified belayer
• Climbers must be attached and checked by adult chaperone EVERY TIME before climbing
• Certification for top rope belay and lead climb/belay will not be available unless the minor is enrolled in our Youth Climbing Team Program
• If renting harness, must wear non-belay certified harness