The Rock Gym Indoor Climbing Center

 

1

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John D.

Redondo Beach, CA

...Poised, for the time being, stuck to the wall like Velcro; 25 feet up, my calf starts to bounce and my hands aren't as strong as I remember.  Looking up there is a small hole in which to stick my finger and... hang, rest...climb?  Then a second later I stop abruptly dangling form my nylon umbilical cord, the only thing that is now stuck is the smile across my mouth.  Thanks buddy on belay I can climb another day...

Who would have thought you had muscles in your fingers that are affected by the fantastic burn of lactic acid?

Never been rock climbing before, this place was great for beginners.  The instructional class went over the basics with patience and reassuring friendliness.  Even after the intro lesson they were more than willing to drop what they were doing to answer questions or scurry up the wall to take a picture.  

There didn't seem to be a whole lot of people there while I was there; not too sure how busty it gets.

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Elite '08

275

294

christine l.

Cerritos, CA

"Climb, Christine! You're a monkey! A monkey scrambling up! You're Spiderman, using your web as a safety harness!"

Gotta tell ya folks - come with a friend if you're going to use the climbing harness. It's almost required, as one is needed to help get yourself down. I'm sure if it's not peak-time here, one of the staff here could help you out, but it's just better with a pal. They can encourage you on as well, but don't laugh - you'll lose your concentration. ):

To climb up is to use 10% of your arms and 90% of your legs. Please don't do it the opposite way, like me. ): Being short (5'3") really does nothing to help me as there was often a point where I couldn't reach for a rock because I was just too short and had to shout to my friend that I was "ready" to come down.

You do sign a waiver for just-in-case, which I do believe that fast foods should encourage their eaters. "Just in case that you suffer the following, you cannot hold us liable." (I recently watched Supersize Me, okay.) I got a cut on my right thumb. My left hand looks like it's trying to call out to an alien hand, with it's bright callous forming spots and one blister.

Their prices also changed. Their website does not list the current prices.

$16 for use of the gym for as long as you want to, daily.
$3 for climbing shoes (but tennis shoes/walking shoes work just fine)
$3 for use of the harness and gri-gri

So overall, $19 instead of the calculated $30-something I got from the website. Nice, very nice.

I couldn't do more than an hour, but I might come back another day this summer. The bouldering looks like fun and I do want to master getting to the top, what with my short legs.

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Elite '08

229

399

Lilani E.

Los Angeles, CA

Considering I can barely type this review due to my forearms being sore and my hands covered in blisters, I must say bouldering is QUITE the workout.

Bouldering is climbing without the harness and it also includes climbing from under coves (overhands).  *See pictures, for I have failed to describe in writing.

This isn't the closest of places for us to have gone, but we met up with a couple of K's friends from college.  I really like this place because the employees aren't all up in your face while you are trying to do things and there is a lot of room to rest up between climbs, etc.

I have totally found a new hobby regardless, and I am stoked!

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3

20

Laurie Liz R.

Long Beach, CA

They offer beginner classes where you learn about proper belaying and climbing techniques.  I thought you can just show up at one of the scheduled times for these classes (Mon - Thurs: 7pm to 9pm; Friday: 6pm to 8pm; Weekends: 10am to 12pm), but you're really supposed to call in advance to let them know you're coming to ensure someone is around to teach.  Fortunately when I walked in with a friend earlier tonight, Jessica said she could give us the class.

Jessica was the only one working, so we had to have a couple breaks in our lesson while she helped other rock climbers, but this was a good thing because 1. she was nice enough to give us a class at all and 2. our arms needed the break!

The lesson was fun and informative!  And while my arms were getting really tired, the newly learned techniques did make climbing easier and that much more enjoyable.

I now have a full week to climb the bouldering area (this is basically climbing free of rope or belay device and you can do this alone) and all the other climbing routes (I think you'd need to have someone else with you for these).  This is part of the Intro to Sports Climbing package for $37, which included the lesson.

They have all sorts of membership packages depending on how often you'd like to go and you can rent any equipment you need.

Go Climb!

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2

130

Ada L.

Cypress, CA

the people that works here are very helpful & nice. i had a fun time being here. it's only $16/person and $6 for equipment rental.. you can stay here as long as you like and come in & out (with your receipt).. bring food in.. etc. great place for workout. and if you like to rest somewhere nice.. you can go to hilltop park which is only 3 minutes away from the rock gym.

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9

9

Jason L.

San Gabriel, CA

This is one of the biggest indoor rock gyms, but don't let it mislead you. It is one of the biggest gyms but the amount of climbing area is pretty much the same as any other gyms.  Its just more open space.

The bouldering sections are pretty challenging. If you are a beginner, you are going to be stuck at the front of the center bouldering section.  The other boulder sections may be too difficult. There's an overhang on the side and one that goes on the roof.  Its pretty crazy.

Its not a bad place if you also looking to belay. They have plenty of areas and different types of walls to belay.

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229

136

Cassio P.

San Francisco, CA

This gym actually turned me on to rock climbing.  Just bring a partner and get going, there is very little regulation or danger involved.  The floors are well padded and there's lots of people all ages gettin their climb on.  It costs like $14 and you can stay as long as your arms will allow you.  I had a great time!

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