This page is for adults - for getting youth and families started, head to www.boulderbrighton.com/getting-started-youth
Bouldering is really easy to get into – you don’t need specialist knowledge to get started, you don't need previous climbing experience, and the only essential kit you'll need is a pair of climbing shoes (these are available to hire at the centre).
Here are three easy steps to get you going:
However you want to get going, you’ll need to complete our registration process before you start. It highlights some of the risks that any climbing activity entails, and gives you some important safety tips. There’s also a short intro video to watch which brings the information to life and gives you a better idea of how the centre works. Online registration is free and saves you time when you arrive at the centre. Each registration lasts for 2 years. Register online here.
Anyone new to the sport, or looking for a quick refresher, should book one of our First Time Climb sessions. It gives you everything you need to know to start out at the centre, and allows you to boulder independently in the future. You get a short induction in a small group with a member of staff to talk you through the essentials, then time to climb independently for the rest of the session. Climbing shoe hire is included. It's the same price as a standard entry with shoes, or sometimes even cheaper. Check out the link below for more details and online booking.
If you have a friend who's an experienced climber at Boulder Brighton, you can get them to bring you along to show you how it all works. You'll still need to register before you come, and you'll get a safety briefing from staff at the front desk. Currently all sessions need to be booked in advance, so whether you're getting a friend to bring you or you're booking a First Time Climb session, you'll need to head to our booking page to get that booked ahead of time.
Experienced climbers at Boulder Brighton can bring up to 2 novice climbers with them on a given day. All sessions must currently be pre-booked.
No, there are no ropes and harnesses involved in bouldering, so this isn’t necessary. Your climb is protected by safety matting instead, and staying safe involves common sense rather than any technical knowledge. See our 4 minute induction video for a quick overview of how it all works:
Currently all climbing needs to be pre-booked at the centre. Head to our booking page to get booked in.
You don’t need to wear anything special – just comfortable, non-restrictive clothing that allows you to move your arms and legs about freely. Think gym kit, or shorts/leggings/comfy jeans and a t-shirt.
You'll need to wear climbing shoes to climb at the centre. These are snug-fitting, rubber coated, and allow you to get purchase on small footholds, making climbing much easier. They should be snug, but not painful - if your feet have lots of space to move around inside them, they won't work particularly well. However, if you're in pain, you won't have any fun - so try a size up! Climbing shoes can be hired at reception if needed, and are included in our First Time Climb sessions.
No, please wear shoes when you climb, for hygiene and safety reasons.
Yes! You don’t need a climbing partner for bouldering – though it’s a very social sport so you’re bound to end up talking to other climbers.