Climbing Classes
At Planet Rock
we know rock climbing
With 30+ years of experience managing indoor climbing gyms, Planet Rock prides itself in having extremely knowledgeable and experienced climbing instructors. Whether your goal is to become a more confident and skilled gym climber or take your passion for climbing into the great outdoors – our broad range of climbing classes can help you take your climbing to the next level!
Class availability and frequency vary based on gym location and time of year. To learn more about the classes we offer, please scroll down.
Starter Package
Starter Packages consist of an introductory climbing + belay + safety lesson, plus all the gear and equipment needed; harness, shoes, chalk bag, belay device. After your lesson, stay for a climbing session with full access to all climbing areas + fitness equipment. You can choose to boulder, top rope or both! Each Starter Package also includes a complimentary day pass to return to the gym and climb on a future date. These complimentary day passes must be redeemed within 30 days of the initial lesson.
We ask that you please be respectful of your lesson time and show up approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of your class to allow time to check in and get settled.
Cost: $45
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Age Requirements: Must be 16 years of age or older
Class Includes:
Bouldering Orientation
Auto-Belay Orientation
Belay Lesson for Top Rope Climbing
Belay Check (test of belay skills)
Climbing after the lesson is complete
Rental gear (shoes, harness, belay device, chalk bag)
Free day pass to return within 30 days of lesson
Climbing 101
Climbing 101 is an introductory level class on climbing technique and terminology. At least one prior visit to Planet Rock is required before taking this class. It is recommended that new climbers complete our Starter Package or a Bouldering/Auto-Belay Orientation prior to taking this class. This class is open to both top rope climbers and boulderers, as both types will have something to learn!
Curriculum Includes:
intro to climbing hold types and shapes, and how to best hold them
intro to flagging, footwork and hip positioning on the wall
intro to finding rest and increasing endurance on the wall
intro to route-reading (how to see the moves before you make them)
basic training tips and tricks
This class is perfect for new climbers and anyone looking to advance beyond the 5.8/V3 grades!
Cost: FREE with a day pass or membership
Duration: 1 hour
Age Requirements: Must be 16 years of age or older
Equipment Needed:
climbing shoes (rentals available)
harness (optional; rentals available)
belay device (optional; rentals available)
Lead Climbing Fundamentals
Learn the fundamentals of both lead climbing and lead belaying; use of climbing equipment, safety commands, correct methods for lead belaying, proper clipping, rope management and how to catch lead falls.
There are no refunds for this class – please read the prerequisites! If you are unsure about your climbing ability in regards to this class, please talk to staff prior to registering. We are happy to help you!
This class consists of two parts:
Part 1: 3 hour class + optional climbing session after lesson
Part 2: 30-min lead check; available on a walk-in basis
Cost: $85
Duration: 3 hours
Age Requirements: Must be 16 years of age or older
Class Prerequisites:
Comfortable climbing at the 5.10 grade level or above
Sending multiple routes 5.10+ in succession (no takes or falls)
Regularly top rope climbing 8+ months
Comfortable using a tube belay device (ATC)
Top-rope check completed and documented
Equipment Needed:
harness
climbing shoes
tube-style belay device
Intro To Outdoor Sport
The Intro to Outdoor Sport Climbing Class provides students with a comprehensive hands-on overview of the basic skills needed to climb safely on outdoor pre-bolted, single-pitch sport routes! Learn techniques to help manage gear, set up a climb and clean a route. We also discuss the ever-important topics of outdoor climbing etiquette and environmental stewardship practices.
Cost: $75
Duration: 4 hours
Age Requirements: Must be 16 years of age or older
Class Prerequisites:
Comfortable leading indoors at the 5.10 grade level or above
Comfortable using a tube belay device (ATC)
Top-rope and Lead check completed and documented
Equipment Needed:
harness + belay device
3-locking carabiners
personal anchor system
quickdraws (optional)’
Find an Intro to Outdoor Sport Climbing class using the buttons below. Cannot locate a class? Please call your Planet Rock gym.
Anchor Building Theory
A climbing anchor is a system made up of individual anchor points that are linked together to create a master point that the rope and/or climbers clip into to be securely attached to the rock. Whether you’re top-rope climbing or lead climbing, knowing how to build a solid anchor is absolutely critical to staying safe outdoors.
In this class, students will learn anchor building concepts and basic skills to construct top rope and multi-pitch anchors using installed bolt hangers or trees. Hands-on instruction tying knots, identifying carabiners and setting several types of anchors. Small group instruction, class size limited to 6 persons.
Anchors built with traditional (trad) gear placements will not be covered.
Cost: $95
Duration: 4 hours
Age Requirements: Must be 16 years of age or older
Class Prerequisites:
Comfortable using a tube belay device (ATC)
Top-rope check completed and documented
Equipment Needed:
harness + tube-style belay device
3-4 locking carabiners
personal anchor system
Find an Anchor Building Theory class using the buttons below. Cannot locate a class? Please call your Planet Rock gym.
Yoga
All Planet Rock members have access to unlimited free yoga classes. Yoga is also included with the purchase of a day pass or punch pass. Just looking to do yoga? Anyone can purchase a one-time yoga class for $23.
Because our yoga classes are popular and spots can fill up quickly it is recommended that you sign-up in advance. Follow the link below or call your Planet Rock gym to reserve a spot!
Intro To Crack Climbing
In this class, students will learn the basics of hand and foot jamming, and how to climb hand cracks efficiently using our man-made wooden crack routes at each gym. Hand cracks are step one to becoming a proficient crack climber. Perfecting this technique will build a strong foundation for your new crack climbing obsession!
We’ll also show you the secrets to making quality tape gloves. Tape gloves are a game changer, btw.
Cost: $35
Duration: 2 hours
Age Requirements: Must be 16 years of age or older
Class Prerequisites:
Top-rope check completed and documented
Equipment Needed:
harness + climbing shoes
belay device
roll of athletic tape included in class fee
Intro to Crack Climbing is offered on Tuesday evenings in Madison Heights from 6pm-8pm. The cost is $35 per student and includes a complimentary roll of athletic tape.
Intro to Ice Climbing
In this class, students will learn techniques for smooth and natural ice climbing movements, how to best use tools and crampons, and the methods for climbing + belaying on ice. Students will get the opportunity to try out their new-found skills while climbing our 50′ wooden poles and special dry-tooling routes! Bring your harness – all other gear and equipment provided.
This class is offered at the Madison Heights location only.
Intro to Ice Climbing classes are available December-February, but we have the willingness and ability to teach this class all year-round. Want to schedule an off-season class? Call Madison Heights.
Cost: $35
Duration: 2 hours
Age Requirements: Must be 16 years of age or older
Class Prerequisites:
Top-rope check completed and documented
Equipment Needed:
harness
belay device
ice tools and boots will be provided by Planet Rock