Welcome to Island Rock - Your First Climb!


Step 1: Fill out a Waiver-

All participants must have a valid waiver on file.

  • Waivers can be filled out in advance to help expedite your check-in process.
  • Fill out a waiver for each participant
  • Step 2: Options to Climb-

    Choose Your Climbing Style:

    Roped Climbing (Top-Roping): Climb with a rope and harness.

    Option 1: Hire a Staff Belayer-

    Staff Belays: Sit back and relax while our staff handles the rope work. Available by the hour or half hour. For climbers that do not have a belayer or for parents that just want to kick back and watch, Island Rock has staff belayers. With this option you will be hiring an instructor to do all the rope work and guide you around the facility while curating a list of climber appropriate for each individual's abilities.
  • Staff Belays are available by the hour and half hour session.
  • Age requirements: ages 4+
  • Option 2: Take a Belay Lesson-

    Belaying is easy to learn! We recommend that everyone (15 years old and older) learn to belay by taking a belay lesson. The Quickstart Package includes the lesson, day pass, harness, and shoe rental. Belay Lessons are held at 11 AM , 1 PM, and 3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, and on a reservation basis during weekdays. Walk-ins are also accepted but may be subject to a wait.
  • Reservations are required for all staff-led programing, including Staff Belays or Belay Lessons.
  • Age requirements: ages 15+
  • Continue below to make a reservation!
  • Bouldering: (Unroped Climbing)

    Option 3: Bouldering-

    Bouldering is a form of unroped climbing, usually shorter distances (normally around 12 feet), but what it lacks in height it tends to make up for in difficulty! Bouldering can be done solo, unlike rope climbing which must be done with a partner.
  • No reservations required! Come on down and buy a Day Pass to go Bouldering at any time without needing a reservation.
  • Age requirements: ages 8+ with parent/gaurdian spotter; ages 14+ solo
  • Step 3: Make a reservation-

    Reservations: Staff-led Activities, such as Staff-Belays or Belay Lessons, should be booked in advanced in order to guarantee availability.

  • Staff Belays can be reserved by calling us at (516) 822-7625
  • Belay Lessons on Saturdays and Sundays can be booked below, or reservations can be made for Weekday Belay Lessons by calling us at (516) 822-7625
  • FAQs:

    What is Belaying?

    Belaying is the process of managing and holding the rope for the climber.

    What age is this appropriate for?

  • Climbing with a belayer: Mandatory ages 4+; Recommended ages 6+
  • Belaying: Mandatory ages 15+
  • Bouldering: Mandatory ages 8+; ages 8-14 Spotter Required; ages 15+ Spotter Recommended
  • What should climbers wear?

    Classic gym-class attire and close-toes pair of shoes, such as sneakers, are perfect!

    Do I have to be strong in order to climb?

    Absolutely not. Island Rock has walls for every ability. If you can climb up a ladder then you can climb here. Climbing is a sport that you get progressively better at the more you do it. Perseverance is the most important factor when you climb. If you are not in good shape, you will see improvements rapidly when you start climbing. The word “can’t” will soon leave your vocabulary, and you will see that you can soar past any limits you previously thought you had.

    What are the benefits of rock climbing?

    Rock climbing is FUN, plain and simple. Beyond that, climbing is a total body workout. If you’re not in shape and want to get in shape, rock climbing is perfect for you. You’ll get your heart rate pumping for a cardio workout while you work your upper body, abdominals and lower body for strength. If you already exercise, this is an amazing workout that beats the boring workouts you can suffer at other gyms. Climbing has been featured in health and fitness magazines along with cable and prime time television specials. And it’s easy to stay motivated because it’s so much fun! This is the ultimate fitness experience!

    What happens if I’m afraid of heights?

    This is for you! There is no better way to get over your fear than to face it. Climbing at Island Rock is a very safe and controlled environment in which you can get over your fear. Our staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful with people who are afraid of heights. And it turns out that the people afraid of heights, once over their fears, are often the best climbers in the gym!

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