FAQs
What are your hours?
We are open Monday thru Friday from 4 pm - 10 pm and Saturday 10 am - 8 pm. Closed on Sunday.
Where are you located?
We are located in OKC just south of Bricktown. For detailed direction please check our directions page.
When is a liability waiver required?
A liability waiver is required for ALL climbers and belayers participating in activities at Rocktown. Climbers under the age of 18 MUST have their liability waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian. Climbers who climbed at OKC Rocks will need to complete a new waiver for Rocktown. Filling out the waiver is a one-time thing - we keep these on file and note in our computer system who has completed a waiver.
This is my first time climbing, what do I need to know?
Allow approximately 2 hours for your first time climbing. There is a short belay/orientation/safety class on your first visit. In this class we will teach you the safety aspects of climbing and belaying at the gym. Our first time climber package is $23 + tax and includes the necessary rental equipment (shoes and harness), the class, and your day pass. You must have a partner to climb/belay with. On occasion we have singles come to the gym looking for partners but it can be difficult to match people up so do not count on it. If finding someone to climb with is not possible give us a call and we can work with you to arrange a staff member on a belayer-for-hire basis, which is $10 per hour. Please note that you MUST be at least 14 years old to belay. As noted above, all climbers/belayers will be required to complete a liability waiver prior to climbing/belaying.
What should I wear to climb?
Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move. Dress according to the outside temperature as the environment inside the gym is not climate controlled and will vary only a few degrees from outside.
What is belaying?
Belaying is the art of holding the other end of the rope while the climber climbs. The belayer is the person on the ground who controls the rope for the climber, catches them when they fall and lowers them when they are ready to be lowered.
How old do you have to be to climb and/or belay?
For safety and liability reasons climbers must be at least 14 to belay. Kids can be any age but any younger than 4 can be difficult to fit in a kids harness - it will depend on the size of the child.
How tall are your walls?
The silo walls are 90 feet tall. We have routes of all heights and difficulties - from about 35 feet to 90 feet and from very easy to very difficult. There are some routes that meander around and the overall length ends up being about 140 feet!
What if I have passes or a membership from OKC Rocks?
We are honoring any passes or memberships that are on file in the old OKC Rocks computer system until November 1, 2008. At that time we will have been open a year and all OKC Rocks passes will no longer be valid. This includes pass-packs, memberships and gift certificates. However, any previous arrangements/agreements with individuals to climb for free or in trade for projects/work are no longer applicable. Any specific situations should be addressed to the management Aaron and Lisa Gibson (Managers/Co-Owners).
What is the policy on lead climbing?
All climbers wanting to lead climb will be evaluated and approved on a case-by-case basis. In general, if you were certified/approved to lead climb at OKC Rocks you will most likely be approved to lead climb at Rocktown. However, all climbers will be required to pass a lead climbing and lead belay test for lead certification at Rocktown. For previous leaders at OKC Rocks there is no charge for the test.
Lead climbing is open any day we are open and there is no additional charge to lead climb. Quickdraws are fixed on some of the routes but many routes will require the use of your own draws (up to 14 draws for some routes). You are also required to supply your own lead rope. All ropes MUST be 60 meters or greater. Your rope and draws must pass a visual inspection by qualified Rocktown staff to ensure you are not climbing on junk (or a rope that is too short).
For prospective climbers wishing to become lead certified at Rocktown you must first qualify for and take the Learning to Lead class ($20 members, $30 non-members) and pass the lead climbing and belay test. The qualifications for taking the lead class is that you must be a solid intermediate climber able to climb our 3-star routes (5.10) on top-rope with no falls. If we have any concerns about your ability we'll simply encourage you to keep climbing, get stronger, and take the class later. It's for your own safety - trust us.
In certain circumstances if you have not lead at the gym (OKC Rocks>Rocktown) but are a proficient lead climber outdoors and/or in other gyms AND you can demonstrate your ability to our satisfaction then you may be allowed to forego the Learning to Lead class and take (and pass) the lead climbing certification test ($5).
When are the technique classes held?
Our clases alternate and are taught on Wednesdays and Fridays. Current clases include the Introduction to Climbing/Basic Climbing Technique, Intermediate to Advanced Technique, and Learning to Lead climb - if you are interested please give us a call to sign up. Details and cost for these classes are listed here. We also have private lessons/training if you want more specialized and personalized instruction.
When will the group room be ready?
We have begun construction and are shooting for end of Summer 2008.
Is the new bouldering room open?
Yes. Since February '08. And by the way, it rocks.
What is the Touchstone Youth Project?
Touchstone Youth Project is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to serve disadvantaged youth through adventure-based education, mentoring, and life skills cultivation. Touchstone operates after-school programs at Rocktown Climbing Gym. Each week, Touchstone youth and volunteers meet to rock climb. We mentor youth and work on the following “Touchstone Life Skills”: take care of myself, be respectful, think positive, aim for success, manage emotions, do the right thing, never stop learning, be a good friend, help others, and lead by example. Touchstone Youth Project was founded in 2002 and has served more than 60 kids since its inception.
How can I get involved in Touchstone?
Students may apply to participate in after-school program. Participants are selected from interested applicants and enter the program. Priority is given to applicants in need. On a weekly basis, the participants and volunteers climb at Rocktown Climbing Gym. Each session focuses on the Touchstone Life Skills and includes a group discussion. Taking part in Touchstone is a privilege and students are expected to: retain eligibility at school; attend at least 80% of sessions; behave appropriately at school and in the program; adhere to all safety measures; and participate in group activities. Students who maintain expectations will be eligible to continue participating in Touchstone, at no cost, until they graduate from high school. To request an application call 319-1400 or email touchstone[at]cox[dot]net.
Volunteers may apply to mentor and supervise youth during after-school program. To request an application call 319-1400 or email touchstone[at]cox[dot]net.
Donors may provide tax-deductible donations. Make checks payable and mail to: Touchstone Youth Project, P O Box 643, Oklahoma City, OK 73101.
