• Phone: (805) 676-1300

Boulderdash FAQ

I’ve never climbed before so can I just come in?
It depends on what kind of climbing you want to do. If you are 18 or over, you can come in anytime we’re open and “boulder” without having any climbing experience or needing an instructor/belayer. Bouldering is climbing without ropes/harness on short, strenuous terrain. If you are under 18, you will need our youth waiver filled out by your parent.
If you want to use the roped area of the gym where we have very easy to very difficult terrain, then you will need an instructor to “belay”. The belayer is the person who will tie you into the climbing rope and manage the rope for you as you climb up our walls. You may want to sign up for the “Off The Deck” or “Climb Time” classes. These classes run Monday, Wednesday and Friday @ 3:45pm, 5:00pm and 6:00pm. We will have a staff member belay and all of climbing gear is included. Reservations are booked online. Our “Off The Deck” kids class is limited to 5 climbers and “Climb Time” class is limited to 5 climbers age 5 and up! More information can be found on our “Classes” page. On weekends, you can book online “Private Instruction”. This class will provide a belayer and climbing gear. 30 minute lessons are available throughout the day.
I am a climber who has belaying experience. Can I come in any time?
Yes. You will still have to pass a belay test using an ATC style belay device. Our minimum age to belay is 13. If you are under the age of 18, you will only be able to belay other climbers that have passed our belay test. If you think that you may need a “refresher” then you will need to enroll in our “Up Rope” belay class that runs M/W/F, 6:45-8:45. Online reservations required.
I want to start climbing, what do I do?

There are a few options for you. You can “boulder” which requires no belay class to take or belay test to pass. Just the purchase of a day pass. If you want to climb the roped area of the gym, i.e. top-roping, you can sign up online for our “Climb Time” class or “Private Instruction” for a fun first time climbing experience. All gear is included with these classes as well as a belayer. Or if you want to learn how to belay you can take the “Up Rope” class. This is booked online and runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:45pm-8:45pm! This class is for anyone 13 or older.

How do I arrange a Birthday Party/Group Event or Private Lesson?
If you have a group of 5 or more, just make a reservation over the phone or in person. We do not accept reservations by email. We require a $100 non-refundable deposit for a party and reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance. Minimum charge is for 5 climbers.

If you would like to come in and climb, particularly on a weekend, and need a belayer, book a private lesson. These lessons are now booked online. We can provide a 30 minute lessons throughout the weekend. Recommended for maximum of 4 climbers.

What type of belay device may I use?
Belay test given on a tube device only.
Can I drop my kids off?
As long as they are enrolled in a scheduled class such as “Off The Deck”, “Climb Time”, or are on our “Private Instruction”. Otherwise, active supervision is required for all climbers under the age of 16.
Is your facility air conditioned?
The Ventura gym does not have air conditioning. The Thousand Oaks and SFV locations do have air conditioning!
What if I’m not going to climb?
You are welcome to come in and see all the climbing going on. A completed waiver is required.