getting Started at 9 DegRees

everything you need to know before your first visit

How does it work?

At 9 Degrees, every climb, or ‘problem’, has been designed with it’s own solution in mind - the challenge is figuring it out! Bouldering is much more than hauling yourself up the wall, each climb has been carefully planned out by our in house team in order to challenge the various aspects of climbing.

What levels do you have?

We have 9 levels of difficulty (well, of course!), with each level represented by a different colour. The colours are set up as gym wide circuits with varying styles - some climbs will focus on balance, others on strength or even coordination. There are climbs to suit every level of fitness and experience.

Wait, no ropes?

Bouldering walls are 4.5m at their highest, constructed over specialised cushioned flooring. Rather than falling into a rope and harness you’ll be landing on large crash mats at the bottom of each climbing wall allowing you total freedom of movement and the ability to climb without a partner.

Bouldering makes failing fun!

SORRY, WHAT?

Failing is surprisingly addictive when you’re having fun! Bouldering is all about enjoying the process and failure is an integral part of that process. The most satisfying climbs are never the ones you finish on your first go - the harder a climb feels when you first try it the sweeter the success is once you finish it!

like A VIDEO GAME FOR YOUR BODY

CLIMB, RUN, JUMP AND SOLVE THE PUZZLE

There is so much more to bouldering than getting to the top of the wall. Everyone has different methods of climbing, whether you’re tall, short, strong or flexible there is a method to suit your style. Working with your friends or other climbers is a great way to improve and meet new characte- uh… people.

Arrival

Before you start climbing you’ll need to sign our waiver. You can either do this online (see below) or at the gym on arrival. The waiver will be secured stored in our system so you won’t need to re-sign when returning or visiting a different gym.

After processing your waiver, the staff will set up your entry and provide you with rental shoes. They will also talk you through the basics of bouldering and explain how to climb safely and with proper etiquette.

Facilities

9 Degrees climbing gyms are world class facilities. With at least 100 boulders in every gym and 20 of them changed every week there is always something new to try. In addition to the climbing walls there is space for you to cross train, stretch and warm up with a selection of weights, climbing training tools and calisthenics equipment for you to use.

Every 9 Degrees gym has bathrooms, showers, change rooms and lockers. Chalk, tape and other skin care items you may need are free of charge.

Waiver

Every climber needs to sign a waiver on their first visit.
No waiver, no climbing.

A signed waiver is valid across all 9 Degrees gyms so you will not need to re-sign when visiting a different 9 Degrees.

For any climbers under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the form. You can read more about our under 18 guidelines here .

If you sign the waiver online please let our staff know so they can get you started quicker!

Sign A Waiver Online

entry

how much is it?

It’s just $25 to climb for as long as you like, and if it’s your first time visiting a 9 Degrees shoe hire is free! If you’ve been before, shoe hire is $7. You can see a full explanation of our first time visitor offers here.

what does entry cover if it’s my first visit?

Paying for your first ever entry grants you access to all 9 Degrees gyms for a full week! That’s right: every newbie over the age of 16 gets a full week of climbing for free. The week starts from your first visit and you can climb as many times as you like at any 9 Degrees gym.

What does entry cover if i’ve visited before?

A full day of climbing! This means you can climb for as long as your arms will let you, and you can even pop out and come back if you’ve got the energy.

Safety In Bouldering

Bouldering is a fun and challenging sport, but not entirely without risks.

We offer you the facilities to climb, however, you remain responsible for your own actions when climbing, falling or jumping off.
Don't do anything that feels unsafe. To ensure that everyone can enjoy 9 Degrees in a safe and responsible manner, we provide house rules and safety rules that need to be adhered to.

House Rules

Customers are required to have read the house rules and general conditions to boulder at 9 Degrees. By using our facilities you are under this obligation and have agreed to abide by these rules and conditions.

Here we'll scan your membership or day pass and hire out climbing shoes if you need them.
A gym full of safe, responsible climbers is a happy one!
Climbing down is safer and much easier on your body. We provide "down climb" holds at the top of every climb to aid your descent or to grab if you're feeling unsteady. You can see them in our safety video below.
The mats are where climbers land - standing on them unecessarily can lead to injury for both yourself and the person climbing.
Please make sure that you are ALWAYS on the concrete floor when walking around, watching other climbers or looking at the wall. Standing on the mats can also unfairly or unintentionally block others from having their turn.
Spotting is not encouraged. Statistics show that spotting indoor climbing generally causes more injuries than they prevent.
Jewellery can catch on climbing holds and lead to severe skin injuries - if you've got a strong stomach you can google the term 'degloving' to learn more.
Similarly, nobody wants to land on your keys or phone that have slipped out of your pocket! Valuable items can be stored in the secure lockers available at every gym free of charge.
Almost all climbs overlap. By practicing good etiquette and having a look at where your climb starts AND finishes you can make sure you won’t ever collide with another user or accidentally cut off somebody else trying a different climb.
Take care of yourself - we want you to be here for a good time AND a long time!
Shoes must be worn at all times, in the interest of both hygeine and safety.

9 Degrees Safety Video

the risks of Falling

Falling is an integral part of bouldering, especially when attempting challenging climbs - That does not mean that one simply lets go and hopes for the best!

At all times a climber must be mentally prepared for a fall and have a good sense of the risks involved. Every time you land on the mats there is risk involved. This risk must always be reduced as much as possible by the participant. Never attempt anything that feels unsafe or uncontrolled.

The best ways to minimise risk when falling:

Always climb down. You can use our down climb holds (extra holds placed along the tops of the walls that are easy to grip) to help you get down
Avoid rotation and land and on both feet to distribute your impact:
Allow the mat to absorb your impact, bend your knees and avoid hinging forward at the hips
Avoid lunging for a hold if your’re feeling insecure or tired
Practice soft falling and rolling from low heights
Before you begin a climb check that the mat is clear and you are not climbing close to anybody else

faq

If we’ve missed your question please reach out and ask us about ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW

No need to book! Come by any time during our opening hours.
Any clothes you're comfortable working out and getting sweaty in are great.
We require the use of climbing shoes for safety, cleanliness and extra stability on the wall. You can either hire a pair for $7 (or, if it's your first visit they're free!) or bring your own if you have them.
We strictly do not allow climbing in bare feet, socks or any shoes other than purpose made climbing shoes, in the interest of both safety and hygiene.
First and foremost we are an adult sporting facility most suitable for those roughly 5ft tall and above.
Climbers under the age of 16 are best suited to more child friendly facilities - if you’d like a local recommendation we’d be more than happy to provide one if you give us a call.
For more details please refer to our kids guidelines.
As long as you like! Entry works as a full day pass, so once you've paid you're welcome to stick around, grab a coffee and climb until your arms feel like jelly.
Groups are very welcome. Any groups of 9 or larger are eligible for a 9% disount on the cost of entry if the group pays in a single transaction.
Although we do not require bookings we would appreciate it if you contact us ahead of your visit so we can prepare for your arrival.
Organised group events with an instructor can be organised by contacting your local gym.
Your fury friend is very welcome to visit all 9 Degrees gyms, as long as the following guidelines are adhered to.

getting Started at 9 DegRees

everything you need to know before your first visit

How does it work?

What levels do you have?

Wait, no ropes?