Yes, we are! If it is raining the big rolla doors will be down - there is an entrance sign above our wet weather entry. Hours are 10-7pm on weekends and 12-9.30pm on Monday-Friday (10-9.30 during school and public holidays).
How does it work?
Indoor rock climbing is a fun sport which has many safety measures in place. When you know how to use the equipment we have, rock climbing is a great activity for families and friends. When you come in, you will receive a lesson on how to use the equipment. It is vital that you listen to the instructors at Extreme Edge to keep the activity safe.
The ropes set up at Extreme Edge require that the person climbing has a person at the bottom of the wall belaying them (holding the ropes). How to safely do this will be covered in the introductory lesson. The belayer (person at the bottom) must be 12yrs old or older. For safety reasons young people who are learning to belay should have an adult supervising their belaying until they are 14. For a group of say, 6 children, 2-3 adults/older teenagers would be sufficient, but the more people you bring who are capable of belaying, the more people you can have climbing at any one time. Belaying is not strenuous but may not be suitable if you are pregnant or have trouble with neck pain.
There are areas at Extreme Edge where you can climb without ropes, which is great if kids are taking turns. This is known as 'bouldering' - a sub-sport of rock climbing. There are thick mats underneath these areas.
We have installed automatic belay systems in the ClimbZone (kids climbing area), so in there they do not have to be belayed. Adult supervision is still required - please ensure that you get a brief lesson from an Extreme Edge instructor on how to use these, even if you have been to Extreme Edge before.
Do I need to book?
Bookings are preferred if you are bringing more than four (5) climbers in. Groups of ten (10) people or more are likely to require an extra instructor to be rostered on, so make sure you give us a call a week or so before you want to come in! For birthday parties and school groups, bookings are essential.
How old do you have to be to go climbing?
We have people as young as 3 years old climbing, right through to Mums, Dads and beyond.
If you are just going in the ClimbZone you will not need to bring so many adults, as belayers are not required - adult supervision is still required.
In the Extreme Edge climbers must be belayed. To do belaying (holding the ropes at the bottom to keep the climber safe), you must be 12 or older. This means that children will need to be accompanied by alduts, and for groups you will need a similar number of adults to children under 12yrs old.
Do I need a belayer in the ClimbZone?
No! Finally we have installed automatic belays so kids can climb without a belayer. People under 14 years still need to be supervised by an adult while they are at Extreme Edge or the ClimbZone.
What does the entry fee cover?
Paying the entry fee entitles you to an entire day climbing. You can leave for lunch or a rest and come back later, but you don't have to leave until we close (see 'hours').
Do I get to go in the ClimbZone as well?
Yes! Entry to the ClimbZone and Extreme Edge are both included in the entry fee. Make sure you have had a lesson from an Extreme Edge instructor on how to use the automatic belays even if you have been to Extreme Edge before.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept Cash, Eftpos, Visa, Mastercard, and Cheques.
Is there a voucher for Extreme Edge in the Entertainment book?
Yes, in fact there are two! the 'Extreme Edge' and 'ClimbZone' vouchers on page D36 can both be used at Extreme Edge and they will entitle you to either a free child entry when you pay for one child entry, or one free adult entry when you pay for one free adult entry.
What will happen when we arrive?
When you arrive the instructors may be helping another group of people. We will be with you as soon as we can. There are a list of safety guidelines that we will get you to read, as well as a release form to be filled out by all people climbing (you may read this, and ask us to clarify anything you don't understand).
What clothes should I wear?
- Shoes (covered in shoes like runners)
- Short/Pants (rather than a skirt - these don't work well with harnesses)
- Long hair should be tied up
- Jewelery should be left at home (you can't wear it climbing)
- Not a hoody. If you wear a hoody we will have to tuck the hood into your clothing so it doesn't choke you if it gets caught on the wall.
- In the winter it can get pretty cold here so belayers and spectators should bring something warm to wear.
Can we eat at Extreme Edge?
Yes! We have tables inside and outside, and beanbags to relax on. We sell snack food here as well.
Do you do coffee??
Yes! We have a great coffee machine and the staff can make fantastic coffee and tea. Please understand that we may be flat out with belay lessons and might not be able to make coffee all the time.
Are there any physical limitations?
We have people of all shapes and sizes climbing. If you have any heart problems we advise that you discuss your climbing involvement with your doctor/specialist, as climbing is a physical activity. To discuss this further, call the Extreme Edge Team on 8475858.
Is there a competitive side to climbing?
There are in-house, regional, and national competitions in both climbing and bouldering (a sub-sport involving free climbing). Entry to these may require a higher level of experience than can be gained by just climbing once a month, as advanced styles of climbing can be included in competitions. Training in these areas can be provided at Extreme Edge (see next question or call 8475858 to talk to the staff about it).
Are there weekly lessons or clubs?
At Extreme Edge we run a kids group on Wednesday evenings during the school term, which is focussed on fun, learning, and building trust between children and parents and between the climbers themselves. For more information click on the 'kids club' link at the top of the page or call 8475858 to find out more.
