Peak Experiences - Richmond

Key Highlights

• ✓Exceptional beginner sessions with dedicated, patient, and encouraging guides (e.g., 'Josh was absolutely fantastic!', 'took the time to teach my son the basics and help him feel comfortable').
• ✓Supportive community where other climbers cheer on new participants, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
• ✓Top-notch facility with staff who are welcoming and accommodating to families new to climbing.
• ✓Rigorous belay classes with a proper class structure and a separate-day test, emphasizing safety and retention.
• ✓Offers inventive routes on both top rope and boulders, catering to varied climbing preferences.
• ✓Has around 6 auto belays, suitable for independent climbing.
• ✓Generous selection of snacks available for purchase at the front.

Standout Features

• ⭐Guided beginner sessions with gear rental for a comprehensive introductory experience.
• ⭐Detailed belay certification classes with separate testing day for enhanced safety.
• ⭐On-site climbing shop with a small selection of gear, books, and branded apparel.
• ⭐Auto belays available for individual climbing without a partner.
• ⭐Close proximity to Hardywood (mentioned as an adult after-climb option).

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • No food or drinks in the climbing areas (keep in cubby).
• • No food or open drinks in the fitness areas.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • All climbers and observers must have a signed Assumption of Risks form on file.
• • Wear closed-toe shoes while climbing, using fitness area, or participating in fitness classes; no bare feet.
• • Only walk in the gym, no running.
• • Do not swing on ropes.
• • No free soloing.
• • No climbing shoes in restrooms.
• • Only harnesses designed for climbing are allowed; tree-climbing harnesses are forbidden. Staff can disapprove harnesses and provide rentals if necessary.
• • Consumption of alcohol or other controlled substances is not permitted at Peak Experiences or before climbing.
• • Challenge course platform at Peak Midlothian may only be used during challenge course activities supervised by staff.
• • Rappelling only when supervised by staff.
• • No instruction by members or customers; only staff are allowed to give instruction regarding auto belays, roped climbing, and belay devices.
• • Violation of rules may result in removal from the gym.
• • Certifications from other climbing centers do not carry over.
• • Bouldering and traversing are not allowed over gravel flooring at Midlothian Facility.
• • Do not climb on top of or “top out” on climbing walls; down-climb carefully.
• • Do not lay or sit below climbers in bouldering areas.
• • Keep boulder mats free of water bottles and cell phones.
• • No bouldering above the first bolt in route areas.
• • All climbers using auto belays must pass Peak Experiences Auto Belay Certification Test.
• • Climbers under 16 using auto belays must be clipped in by a 16+ Auto-Belay Certified person and supervised.
• • Minimum weight for auto-belay: 25lbs; maximum weight: 300lbs.
• • Double and triple-check auto-belay clip-in to harness belay loop.
• • Do not grab quickdraws, ropes, or bolts while climbing.
• • Personal items (cellphones, MP3 players, headphones) taken on auto-belay are at climber’s own risk.
• • Anyone wanting to top rope belay must pass the Peak Experiences Top Rope Belay Test for each device used.
• • Belay tags must be displayed at all times while belaying.
• • Never take brake hand off the rope; only approved belay methods maintaining a solid brake hand are allowed (exceptions for controlled hand switches when lowering).
• • Figure 8 knot with a finishing knot is strongly recommended for tying in.
• • UIAA approved belay device and locking carabiner allowed; no belaying with hitches or figure 8 devices.
• • Must tie directly into harness per manufacturer’s directions.
• • Double wrap or friction hitch on the belay bar allows a weight difference of 130lbs between climber and belayer.
• • Always stand while belaying and lower climbers slowly and in a controlled manner.
• • Lead climbers must be 13+ and pass Lead Climbing Test.
• • Lead belayers must be 16+ and pass Lead Belay Test (re-test for each device).
• • Manage risks appropriately before first quickdraw; spot your climber for lead climbing.
• • Belay cards must be worn at all times while lead belaying.
• • Lead climbers must use their own rope and thoroughly inspect it before each climb; refrain from putting rope in mouth.
• • No skipping clips during lead climbing.
• • Climbers can 'follow' or 'second' routes if both are lead climbing certified.
• • No specific rule for lead climbing weight difference, but Ohm device is recommended for large differences.
• • Never allow lead climbing slack to drop below knees; use less slack for smaller belayer if climber is below third quickdraw.
• • Be alert of clipping line intersecting other climbers' lines; do not climb under or directly next to another climber.
• • No cell phones or other devices allowed while lead climbing or lead belaying.
• • Everyone must watch the Orientation Video to boulder.
• • Fitness area users must be 16 years or older to operate/utilize equipment.
• • Do not drop weights in fitness area.
• • Use a spotter and weight collars when needed in fitness area.
• • Return all equipment and weights to designated areas after each use (no equipment may leave fitness/studio areas).
• • Sanitize equipment after each use in fitness area.

📅Booking Policy

• • All visitors must fill out an Assumption of Risks form (online in advance or at iPad stations upon arrival).
• • Group events and parties can be booked by emailing events@peakexperiences.com.