BEGINNERS
Do I require a reservation?
All lessons and classes require reservations.
How long is the lesson?
The lesson is 1-1.5 hours, and then you’re welcome to climb to your heart’s content. Your instructor will remain on site for an hour or two after the class to answer any questions and keep you on the right track.
How old do I need to be?
Lessons are available to those 14 and older.
Youth aged 14 to 17 require a parent or guardian to sign a waiver in person at Rockhead's. Young climbers must also arrange a partner to attend the lesson with them. Please phone for details.
Do I need a partner?
In most cases, you do not need to bring a partner. You will pair up with others in the lesson. If you and a friend both take the lesson, you are welcome to partner when required. However, for those between the ages of 14-17, you must bring your own partner.
What do I wear? What shoes do I need? What do I bring?
Wear unrestrictive clothing. Athletic, exercise or yoga wear is recommended.
Climbing shoes and a harness are provided with the beginner lesson.
You may wish to bring a combination lock for our change room lockers, and a water bottle.
Can I pre-sign Waivers?
Yes. The WAIVER can be filled out online.
Will I be scared? How far do I fall? Will I hurt myself?
Perhaps you'll be scared. That's OK; many climbers were scared at first. We take the time to ensure safety always comes first. Your lesson will properly train you. With a proper belay, you can't fall far at all. Rockhead's is a safe, controlled environment, but you should be aware that risks are inherently involved in the sport of climbing.
Where can I park?
There is a Green P lot on Fraser Ave north of Liberty St. Metered street parking is also available on Fraser.
Do the sour keys taste different depending on their colour?
Yes. Rigorous blind tests conducted by Joe Rockhead’s staff confirm that green tastes like apples, yellow tastes like lemons, orange tastes like oranges, and red tastes like….”red”.
Climbers
How old do I need to be?
Anyone can boulder. Youth 13 and under can climb on the rope when accompanied by a qualified adult. Youth aged 14 to 17 may climb, but we require a parent or guardian to sign a waiver in person.
Do I need any experience?
Yes, you must pass a belay test to climb on rope. There is no charge, however this test is not a lesson. If you cannot belay, we recommend our Beginners Lesson. No experience is required to use our bouldering caves.
Do you close on holidays?
Joe Rockhead's is closed December 25. We are open all other days of the year. We may have reduced hours on some holidays. Please call in advance.
I don't have a partner.
Join us for our Top Rope Meetup, or add your name to our partner signup list in the lobby. We also have 3 auto belays and lots of bouldering.
Do other facility's tests count?
No, sorry. All climbers new to Rockhead's will be tested for belay skills, regardless of experience. There is no charge, however this test is not a lesson. Lead Tests are required to be done here too. We recommend a Top Rope 101 lesson for those that cannot belay. Please call for details about Lead Tests, Lead Lessons and Beginner Lessons.
Does Rockhead's specialize in Bouldering, Top Rope or Lead climbing?
All three types of climbing are available and will challenge climbers of all levels!
Where can I park?
There is a Green P lot on Fraser Ave north of Liberty St. Metered street parking is also available on Fraser.
Parents & Kids
Do you do birthday parties?
No - Joe Rockhead’s doesn’t allow for outside food, and we have no space to sit kids down for cake or presents. We are very happy to entertain a group of kids in a Kid’s Climb, but all food and other party activities will have to take place somewhere else.
Do I require a reservation?
Yes. Reservations are required. Please book well in advance. Attendance numbers must be confirmed 48 hours in advance. Please call for details.
How many can attend a Kid's Climb?
Kids Climbs require a minimum of 3 youth. There is no maximum number of participants.
What about Waivers?
Each parent must sign a waiver for their participating youth. Waivers can be complete online at the link in the top right corner of our website, titled “Waiver”.
Are adults required to help? How many instructors are present?
No, adults are not required to help. The ratio of instructors to youth is usually 1:5.
What do I wear? What shoes do I need? What do I bring?
Wear unrestrictive clothing. Athletic, exercise or yoga wear is recommended. Bring a clean, dry pair of running shoes to wear. You may also wish to bring a combination lock for our change room lockers, and a waterbottle.
Where can I park?
There is a Green P lot on Fraser Ave north of Liberty St. Metered street parking is also available on Fraser.