In the Basic Belay Class you will work with our instructor and learn the technique of belaying. After taking the class and before your first time climbing, you will be required to take a belay test showing the staff that you have retained all the information and skills necessary. Taking this class and successfully passing the belay test will enable you to belay climbers in the gym.
This course takes approximately an hour and a half. Rental gear and day pass are not included in class fee.
Course Prerequisite: participants must be at least 14 years old

Only 4 participants per class. Sign up for it HERE!

Course topics:
Knot craft and harness tie-in
BUS Belay method
Rope management
Use of a Petzl ATC and Grigri
Climber/Belayer communication
Arresting a fall
Lowering a climber
Basic climbing technique
Climbing rating system

Pricing:
FREE – River Rock Members
$20 non-members

Scheduling:
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30pm

Be aware: It is really hard to teach someone how to belay without a person at the other end of the rope. The River Rock can’t provide you a climber to take the belay class. The instructor will be on the ground working with the belay class. If there is more than one person in the class, no problem. The class participants can climb for each other.
If you are the only person registered you will need to provide a climber. We will not charge for your climber during the class time and will provide them with all of the equipment necessary. Contact the gym if you have any questions (540) 685-2360.

Sign up for it HERE!

In the Basic Belay Class you will work with our instructor and learn the technique of belaying. After taking the class and before your first time climbing, you will be required to take a belay test showing the staff that you have retained all the information and skills necessary. Taking this class and successfully passing the belay test will enable you to belay climbers in the gym.
This course takes approximately an hour and a half. Rental gear and day pass are not included in class fee.
Course Prerequisite: participants must be at least 14 years old

Only 4 participants per class. Sign up for it HERE!

Course topics:
Knot craft and harness tie-in
BUS Belay method
Rope management
Use of a Petzl ATC and Grigri
Climber/Belayer communication
Arresting a fall
Lowering a climber
Basic climbing technique
Climbing rating system

Pricing:
FREE – River Rock Members
$20 non-members

Scheduling:
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30pm

Be aware: It is really hard to teach someone how to belay without a person at the other end of the rope. The River Rock can’t provide you a climber to take the belay class. The instructor will be on the ground working with the belay class. If there is more than one person in the class, no problem. The class participants can climb for each other.
If you are the only person registered you will need to provide a climber. We will not charge for your climber during the class time and will provide them with all of the equipment necessary. Contact the gym if you have any questions (540) 685-2360.

Sign up for it HERE!

RIVER ROCK COMPETITIVE YOUTH CLIMBING TEAM

OPEN TRYOUTS – Tuesday, September 1st 5:30-7:00 PM

Youth 10-18 years old
2026-27 Season

Youth are invited to the open tryout on Tuesday, September 1st from 5:30-7:00 pm. YOU MUST PREREGISTER TO ATTEND BY 8/31 – WE WILL NOT ALLOW DAY-OF REGISTRATIONS FOR TRYOUTS.

The coaching staff will evaluate the climber and their interest in competitive climbing. Participation for the team is by coaches invitation. The competitive climbing team will represent the River Rock in USA Climbing regional events. The fall season will run from September-March.

Tryouts are free and are welcome to youth of all ability levels to participate. However, competitive climbing requires a lot of commitment – for youth and their families. Events will usually require overnight accommodation and travel expenses over and above fees for coaching and competition registration. If your youth is not currently climbing MULTIPLE times a month this may not be the best fit.

The Youth Qualifying Series is an opportunity for young climbers to compete with other climbers their age and, if desired, earn qualification to championship events (Regional, Divisional, and National) in the USA Climbing competition season. Our division includes Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and western New York.

Youth climbing team members will be responsible for membership to USAC, attending two practices a week, and attending competitive climbing events. The tuition for the season is the total projected expenses of the coaching staff and training divided by the total number of youth members. The youth competitors are also responsible for their own transportation and expenses for attending competitions.

Online registration for this event will close on Monday, August 31 at midnight. There will be NO WALK-IN’s ACCEPTED day of event. Call the gym if you have further questions (540) 685-2360.

In the Basic Belay Class you will work with our instructor and learn the technique of belaying. After taking the class and before your first time climbing, you will be required to take a belay test showing the staff that you have retained all the information and skills necessary. Taking this class and successfully passing the belay test will enable you to belay climbers in the gym.
This course takes approximately an hour and a half. Rental gear and day pass are not included in class fee.
Course Prerequisite: participants must be at least 14 years old

Only 4 participants per class. Sign up for it HERE!

Course topics:
Knot craft and harness tie-in
BUS Belay method
Rope management
Use of a Petzl ATC and Grigri
Climber/Belayer communication
Arresting a fall
Lowering a climber
Basic climbing technique
Climbing rating system

Pricing:
FREE – River Rock Members
$20 non-members

Scheduling:
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30pm

Be aware: It is really hard to teach someone how to belay without a person at the other end of the rope. The River Rock can’t provide you a climber to take the belay class. The instructor will be on the ground working with the belay class. If there is more than one person in the class, no problem. The class participants can climb for each other.
If you are the only person registered you will need to provide a climber. We will not charge for your climber during the class time and will provide them with all of the equipment necessary. Contact the gym if you have any questions (540) 685-2360.

Sign up for it HERE!

In the Basic Belay Class you will work with our instructor and learn the technique of belaying. After taking the class and before your first time climbing, you will be required to take a belay test showing the staff that you have retained all the information and skills necessary. Taking this class and successfully passing the belay test will enable you to belay climbers in the gym.
This course takes approximately an hour and a half. Rental gear and day pass are not included in class fee.
Course Prerequisite: participants must be at least 14 years old

Only 4 participants per class. Sign up for it HERE!

Course topics:
Knot craft and harness tie-in
BUS Belay method
Rope management
Use of a Petzl ATC and Grigri
Climber/Belayer communication
Arresting a fall
Lowering a climber
Basic climbing technique
Climbing rating system

Pricing:
FREE – River Rock Members
$20 non-members

Scheduling:
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30pm

Be aware: It is really hard to teach someone how to belay without a person at the other end of the rope. The River Rock can’t provide you a climber to take the belay class. The instructor will be on the ground working with the belay class. If there is more than one person in the class, no problem. The class participants can climb for each other.
If you are the only person registered you will need to provide a climber. We will not charge for your climber during the class time and will provide them with all of the equipment necessary. Contact the gym if you have any questions (540) 685-2360.

Sign up for it HERE!

In the Basic Belay Class you will work with our instructor and learn the technique of belaying. After taking the class and before your first time climbing, you will be required to take a belay test showing the staff that you have retained all the information and skills necessary. Taking this class and successfully passing the belay test will enable you to belay climbers in the gym.
This course takes approximately an hour and a half. Rental gear and day pass are not included in class fee.
Course Prerequisite: participants must be at least 14 years old

Only 4 participants per class. Sign up for it HERE!

Course topics:
Knot craft and harness tie-in
BUS Belay method
Rope management
Use of a Petzl ATC and Grigri
Climber/Belayer communication
Arresting a fall
Lowering a climber
Basic climbing technique
Climbing rating system

Pricing:
FREE – River Rock Members
$20 non-members

Scheduling:
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30pm

Be aware: It is really hard to teach someone how to belay without a person at the other end of the rope. The River Rock can’t provide you a climber to take the belay class. The instructor will be on the ground working with the belay class. If there is more than one person in the class, no problem. The class participants can climb for each other.
If you are the only person registered you will need to provide a climber. We will not charge for your climber during the class time and will provide them with all of the equipment necessary. Contact the gym if you have any questions (540) 685-2360.

Sign up for it HERE!

In the Basic Belay Class you will work with our instructor and learn the technique of belaying. After taking the class and before your first time climbing, you will be required to take a belay test showing the staff that you have retained all the information and skills necessary. Taking this class and successfully passing the belay test will enable you to belay climbers in the gym.
This course takes approximately an hour and a half. Rental gear and day pass are not included in class fee.
Course Prerequisite: participants must be at least 14 years old

Only 4 participants per class. Sign up for it HERE!

Course topics:
Knot craft and harness tie-in
BUS Belay method
Rope management
Use of a Petzl ATC and Grigri
Climber/Belayer communication
Arresting a fall
Lowering a climber
Basic climbing technique
Climbing rating system

Pricing:
FREE – River Rock Members
$20 non-members

Scheduling:
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30pm

Be aware: It is really hard to teach someone how to belay without a person at the other end of the rope. The River Rock can’t provide you a climber to take the belay class. The instructor will be on the ground working with the belay class. If there is more than one person in the class, no problem. The class participants can climb for each other.
If you are the only person registered you will need to provide a climber. We will not charge for your climber during the class time and will provide them with all of the equipment necessary. Contact the gym if you have any questions (540) 685-2360.

Sign up for it HERE!

In the Basic Belay Class you will work with our instructor and learn the technique of belaying. After taking the class and before your first time climbing, you will be required to take a belay test showing the staff that you have retained all the information and skills necessary. Taking this class and successfully passing the belay test will enable you to belay climbers in the gym.
This course takes approximately an hour and a half. Rental gear and day pass are not included in class fee.
Course Prerequisite: participants must be at least 14 years old

Only 4 participants per class. Sign up for it HERE!

Course topics:
Knot craft and harness tie-in
BUS Belay method
Rope management
Use of a Petzl ATC and Grigri
Climber/Belayer communication
Arresting a fall
Lowering a climber
Basic climbing technique
Climbing rating system

Pricing:
FREE – River Rock Members
$20 non-members

Scheduling:
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30pm

Be aware: It is really hard to teach someone how to belay without a person at the other end of the rope. The River Rock can’t provide you a climber to take the belay class. The instructor will be on the ground working with the belay class. If there is more than one person in the class, no problem. The class participants can climb for each other.
If you are the only person registered you will need to provide a climber. We will not charge for your climber during the class time and will provide them with all of the equipment necessary. Contact the gym if you have any questions (540) 685-2360.

Sign up for it HERE!

In the Basic Belay Class you will work with our instructor and learn the technique of belaying. After taking the class and before your first time climbing, you will be required to take a belay test showing the staff that you have retained all the information and skills necessary. Taking this class and successfully passing the belay test will enable you to belay climbers in the gym.
This course takes approximately an hour and a half. Rental gear and day pass are not included in class fee.
Course Prerequisite: participants must be at least 14 years old

Only 4 participants per class. Sign up for it HERE!

Course topics:
Knot craft and harness tie-in
BUS Belay method
Rope management
Use of a Petzl ATC and Grigri
Climber/Belayer communication
Arresting a fall
Lowering a climber
Basic climbing technique
Climbing rating system

Pricing:
FREE – River Rock Members
$20 non-members

Scheduling:
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30pm

Be aware: It is really hard to teach someone how to belay without a person at the other end of the rope. The River Rock can’t provide you a climber to take the belay class. The instructor will be on the ground working with the belay class. If there is more than one person in the class, no problem. The class participants can climb for each other.
If you are the only person registered you will need to provide a climber. We will not charge for your climber during the class time and will provide them with all of the equipment necessary. Contact the gym if you have any questions (540) 685-2360.

Sign up for it HERE!

In the Basic Belay Class you will work with our instructor and learn the technique of belaying. After taking the class and before your first time climbing, you will be required to take a belay test showing the staff that you have retained all the information and skills necessary. Taking this class and successfully passing the belay test will enable you to belay climbers in the gym.
This course takes approximately an hour and a half. Rental gear and day pass are not included in class fee.
Course Prerequisite: participants must be at least 14 years old

Only 4 participants per class. Sign up for it HERE!

Course topics:
Knot craft and harness tie-in
BUS Belay method
Rope management
Use of a Petzl ATC and Grigri
Climber/Belayer communication
Arresting a fall
Lowering a climber
Basic climbing technique
Climbing rating system

Pricing:
FREE – River Rock Members
$20 non-members

Scheduling:
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30pm

Be aware: It is really hard to teach someone how to belay without a person at the other end of the rope. The River Rock can’t provide you a climber to take the belay class. The instructor will be on the ground working with the belay class. If there is more than one person in the class, no problem. The class participants can climb for each other.
If you are the only person registered you will need to provide a climber. We will not charge for your climber during the class time and will provide them with all of the equipment necessary. Contact the gym if you have any questions (540) 685-2360.

Sign up for it HERE!