Induction
- [Age 14+, to confirm]
- 25 min
- £16.50
- Complete beginner
Twenty five minutes with a coach and you can climb here whenever you like, on your own terms.
What we run
Beginners Coaching with Frank
A friendly small group session with Frank, who has taught more nervous first timers than anyone in Southampton.
- [Adults, to confirm]
- [Duration TBC]
- £8, free for members [AC2 to confirm]
- Beginner
A small group session with Frank, who has taught more nervous first timers than anybody else in Southampton. The pace is gentle and the point is to leave feeling like a climber rather than like somebody who survived an hour.
Free if you are on a Climbing and Classes membership. [Session length and times to confirm.]
Worth knowing
- You still need an induction, or a coach signing you in, before climbing on your own.
What it costs
| What | Price |
|---|---|
| Beginners Coaching with Frank, Climbing + Classes membersTuesdays 18:45. Weekly technique session for newer climbers. | Freeper session |
| Beginners Coaching with Frank, Non-membersPlus day entry if not a member.To confirmFrom the poster and enquiry history. Not on the website coaching page. Confirm on portal. | £8per session |
FAQs
Questions people ask.
Anything else, ring us on 02380 171 808.
Do I need to book?
Not usually. You can walk in and climb, though weekday evenings get busy. If you have never climbed before, book an induction so somebody can show you round properly. It takes 25 minutes and costs £16.50.
What should I wear?
Anything you can move in. Leggings, shorts, a t-shirt, whatever is comfortable. Climbing shoes are £3.50 to hire, free with any membership, and we have them in every size, so you do not need your own.
Am I too old or unfit for this?
No. Bouldering is problem solving as much as it is strength, and you climb at whatever height you are happy at. We have regulars in their seventies and people who came in having done no exercise for a decade. Older and Boulder on Tuesday and Thursday mornings is a gentle way in.
What is bouldering?
Climbing without ropes, on walls low enough that you can jump off, over deep padded matting. No harness, no belaying, no partner needed. That is why it is the easiest form of climbing to start on your own.
What happens in an induction?
Twenty five minutes with a coach. They show you how to fall and land safely, how the colour grades work, where to start and what not to do. The session you climb afterwards is included, so you can stay as long as you like.
Can I come on my own?
Most people do. You do not need a partner for bouldering, and it is normal to end up chatting to whoever is working the same problem. If you would rather arrive with a plan, come to a social.
Do I need to be strong?
No. The easiest problems are big holds and big footholds, and they are there to be walked up. Strength comes from climbing, not before it. Technique and reading the wall get you further than pull-ups.
What if I am scared of heights?
Plenty of our regulars are. The walls are low, the matting is deep, and you never have to go higher than you want to. Tell the coach on your induction and they will keep you low until you are ready.
What happens at a social?
You turn up on your own and leave with people to climb with. A coach is on the floor, there is no pressure and nobody is watching you. We run beginner socials, a women, trans and non-binary night, and an LGBTQ+ night.
You might also want
Other things in the same corner of the Shack.
Older and Boulder
- 50 and over
- [Session length TBC]
- £9.50 [SC1 to confirm]
- Beginner welcome
Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:00, a relaxed session for over 50s with a coach on hand and tea afterwards.
Pre-register
- All ages
- Two minutes
- Free
- Any
Fill in the waiver at home and walk straight in. If you are new, an experienced friend can sign you in and supervise you.
Ready when you are.
Book it now, or ring us first if you would rather ask a person. Either is fine.