ROMPER ROOM CLIMBING GYM

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Since 1996, the Romper Room has been serving the mid Vancouver Island climbing community with 7,500ft² of indoor rock climbing surface. Our specialty in top rope and lead is complemented by a unique bouldering cave, auto-belays, and a training area with two MoonBoards.

We focus on providing an experience that is equally accessible and fun for beginners as it is challenging and inspiring for the most experienced of climbers. The Romper Room welcomes everyone, encourages a positive attitude across all skill levels, and holds a high standard in regards to good risk management practices and climber etiquette.

  • Drop in by yourself, with friends, or book an INTRO TO CLIMBING for a guided experience that includes trying out the ropes! Not sure what is best for you? We’ll help you decide. Give us a call or DM us on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp.

  • Everything you need can be rented or bought from us! Just wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement.

    Climbing shoes are essential (street shoes are not allowed in the climbing areas).

    A harness facilitates use of the ropes and auto-belays.

    A chalk bag lets you dry your hands and maintain a good grip on the holds.

    A belay device is used to belay another climber (you must be Romper Room certified to belay).

  • You are not alone. Fear of heights is often ranked as high as the 3rd most common fear, and for obvious reasons. There is no need to force yourself past your comfort zone. With time, and an understanding of how rope and auto-belay systems work, you’ll likely find that you can overcome your fear. Just take it slow and don’t worry about feeling scared or silly… everyone goes through this when they start climbing!

  • Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s a common misconception that physical strength and ability need to be developed before starting to climb, but it’s quite the opposite! Climbing is an excellent way to build strength, mobility, and confidence at any age.

  • Climbing is for everyone because there are many ways to approach it, and different disciplines within the sport.

    It’s simple to start, and a personal process to discover what aspect of climbing resonates with you.

    These days, most people start their climbing journey in a gym just like ours. Some bouldering gets your feet off the ground and builds familiarity with movement. Next up, the auto-belay brings you much higher than bouldering, tests your comfort with heights, and requires more endurance than raw strength. Handling the ropes requires the knowledge and skill to “belay” a climbing partner, and the best way to learn this is through a TOP ROPE BELAY COURSE. Top rope is one of our specialties and the ability to climb it opens a wide range of styles, terrain, and challenges to take on. After developing a strong foundation, the next step is to learn how to “lead” climb, which is arguably the “true” form of sport-climbing… this is where you bring the rope up the wall with you and clip into carabiners as you go. We have one of the few lead facilities on the island, and definitely the coolest overhung terrain!

    Some folks will find very quickly that short and intense bouldering is their calling, others will discover that moderate top-rope and socializing is their jam, while some will feel the drive to train for months so that they can feel the thrill of executing a long, precise, and demanding lead route.

    Beyond the gym there are even more options to explore, such as trad, alpine, and ice climbing in addition to the outdoor versions of bouldering, top-rope, and lead. And the best way to meet like-minded and adventurous people is to mingle at a fun and inclusive climbing gym!