FAQ
What is Macon Rocks Climbing & Fitness?
Macon Rocks is an indoor rock climbing facility, located in downtown Macon, GA. We offer classes, group events, memberships, other services, and of course, lots of indoor rock climbing.
Where are you located?
We are in downtown Macon, GA. At the corner of D T Walton Sr Way and Poplar St. Right across the street from City Hall.
Do I need any experience to climb?
No. After you sign our waiver, we will provide you a brief orientation that allows you to climb on our auto-belays and bouldering wall. If you take and pass our belay class, you can climb throughout the gym.
I am not a member. Do I need to make an appointment to climb or are you open to the public?
Yes, we are open to the public and you do not need an appointment. Come on in anytime during business hours.
Do you give tours or can I come look around on my own?
We offer both staff or self-guided tours. An appointment is not necessary, you may come in anytime during business hours. Before you arrive please fill out a waiver to expedite your check-in process. See you soon!
Can groups climb?
Absolutely. Our facility has dedicated rooms to host both parties and groups. We also offer programs for large groups.
Do you have free trial passes?
We do not have free trial passes but we do offer Day Passes as well as a Ten Punch Pass that will waive your initiation fee if you decide to become a member.
What are Top-roping, Bouldering, and Lead Climbing?
Top-roping, bouldering, and lead climbing are the three primary types of climbing:
Top-roping – Top rope climbing is where the climber is connected to a rope that passes through an anchor system at the top of the climb and back down to a belayer at the bottom of the climb. As the climber ascends, the belayer is responsible for both taking slack out of the rope to shorten the distance of the fall as well as “braking” the rope to catch the climber if they fall.
Bouldering – a type of climbing without the use of ropes or harnesses but at limited heights above the ground. Since all bouldering falls are “ground falls”, bouldering employs ground padding to reduce the likelihood of injury.
Lead Climbing – an advanced form of belayed rope climbing where the climber pulls the rope up with them as they climb and clip the rope to anchors as they go. The belayer gives slack to the rope to allow the climber to ascend to the next anchor, take slack out of the rope after the climber clips each anchor point, and brake to catch the climber if they fall.
What is belaying?
Belaying is a method of rope management used to prevent a climber from falling to the ground.
Do you have an age minimum?
Any unaccompanied child must be at least 14 years of age. They must also be 14 years of age in order to belay or boulder without a parent or legal guardian.
Do you have Auto-Belays?
We do have auto belays, however, if you do not have a partner we are always happy to try and find you one. Just ask the desk staff to make an announcement for you over the PA and you’ll be climbing with a new friend in no time!
What are Auto-Belays?
Auto-belays are mechanical devices that slowly lower a climber to the ground in the event of a fall. Auto-belays allow climbers to climb rope wall sections without a belay partner. Weight limits on the auto-belays are between 40 and 400 pounds.
My kids want to climb. What are my options?
Here are a few of the best ways to bring kids to the gym:
Arrange a private lesson for your child. Private lessons are one hour long, instructional, and fun!
We also offer a variety of kid events, from birthday parties to camps.
Get involved and become belay certified. Take our Intro to Climbing Class to learn how to secure a harness, tie a figure 8 follow through knot, and complete your safety checks. You’ll be able to belay your own kids and have the knowledge to come back in the future!
Are there age restrictions to climb?
Children of all ages may climb with adult supervision, however very young children may only climb on the high walls if they are large enough to fit into one of our safety harnesses. For the auto-belays, they must be at least 40 pounds. Otherwise they will be limited to a small area of the bouldering wall.
Children under 18 must have waivers signed by a parent or court-appointed guardian.
Age requirements include:
Children must be at least 14 to belay, top rope, or lead climb without adult supervision.
Children must be at least 14 to use auto belays without adult supervision.
Children must be at least 12 to boulder without direct adult supervision.
I don’t have any equipment - Can I still climb?
Yes. We rent shoes, harnesses, and chalk bags for a nominal price.
What should I wear?
We recommend comfortable, loose fitting or stretch clothing. Yoga tights, sweat pants, and long shorts are good options but people do climb in blue jeans as well.
Do I need a partner to climb?
No. If you do not have a climbing partner you may still climb using our auto belays or on the bouldering wall.
You can also sign up on our “Need a Climbing Partner” sheet to get in touch with a kindred spirit.
How much does it cost?
An adult day pass is $17 ($15 children/student/personnel) and allows you access to the facility for the entire day. The fitness area is for monthly members only. Visit our Membership for more details.
I’m already a climber - What do I need to do?
Buy a Day Pass, Punch Pass, or Membership!
On your first visit, experienced climbers will need to sign a waiver (or complete our Online Waiver), go through our gym orientation, and demonstrate your belay skills to one of our staff.
I’m a member. How do I use my guest passes?
To use your guest pass, check in with the front desk staff and let them know that you’d like to bring a guest. To expedite the process, have your guest fill out a waiver online ahead of time.
Guest Pass Rules
All members (except for children under a parent’s account) receive one guest pass a month.
Guests are limited to using 1 free guest pass every 30 days.
Example: If a friend uses your guest pass on the 15th, they can’t use another guest pass (from either you or another member) until the 16th of the following month.
Gear is not included with a guest pass.
Guest passes do not roll over—be sure to use yours before the month is up.
How do I cancel or freeze my membership?
You can either do that online by going to My Account or by letting us know in person. Remember, all changes MUST be made before the first of the month. If you send in your request on or after the first, it will be processed for the next month.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! We have gift cards available for purchase at the front desk or online in any amount.