KIDS & YOUTH FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MANY CHILDREN CAN COME CLIMB PER ADULT AT THE HANGAR?
In order to reduce risk and prevent injury we have a specific adult to child ratio based on the child’s age. Parent to child ratios are as follows:
Parent to Child Ratios:
Ages 6 or less: 1:1
Parents provide constant supervision. Parents keep children within arms reach at all times. Children at this age are still developing awareness of risk and the potential for harm.
Ages 7-9: 1:2
Parent/Guardian in within arms reach at all times. Children at this age are still developing the ability to be aware of their surroundings and being mindful of those around them. Parents must stay close to ensure a child or their children do not wander into another climbers fall zone.
Ages 9-11: 1:4
Parents must stay near on the mats and supervise their children. But not be within arms reach or on the mats unless they have a timid or unsure climber who requires spotting.
Ages 12-15: 1:4
Parents must be present and available in the facility, though are not required to be on the mats while the kids are climbing unless the children prove to be at increased risk of harm to themselves or others.
If it's your children's first time at the gym, the parent or guardian of children 12-15 should be present with the children, at least for the start of the session until the kids become familiar with the climbing gym environment.
HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE TO CLIMB UNATTENDED?
People under the age of sixteen needs to be accompanied by someone who is over the age of 19. Anyone ages 16-19 can climb unattended at the gym with a parents permission and a signed waiver on file.
CAN ANYONE OTHER THAN A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN SIGN A WAIVER?
No. To avoid inconvenience go online to our website and fill out the waiver.
WHAT IF I AM A STUDENT TRAVELING AS AN EXCHANGE STUDENT AND UNDER THE AGE OF 19 AND MY PARENTS ARE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY, PROVINCE OR CITY?
Your must plan ahead and have them fill out a waiver before you come to the gym to climb. Our waiver is available online so they can fill it out from just about anywhere they have internet access and then we will have it in our system.
WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BRING?
Appropriate active clothing is recommended; no skirts or dresses please. Climbing shoes are available to rent for drop-in climbing, and are included with most youth programs. On occasion, size availability may be limited. All children may bring a pair of clean indoor shoes, ideally snug-fitting runners, as a backup.
IS IT SAFE TO CLIMB WITHOUT ROPES?
Bouldering is a form of climbing that doesn’t use rope or harnesses. It’s well suited to children. Similar to a playground or a gymnastic mat, The Hangar has over a foot of thick foam flooring that allows a climber to climb and fall with a reduced risk to the climber. All children are taught how to fall safely and are supervised while climbing (by a parent or in the case of a class, an instructor) Effective spotting techniques may be used with timid or unsure climbers. The Hangar does our best to reduce risk to climbers and instructors, however bouldering does entail inherent risks.
HOW OLD SHOULD MY KIDS BE TO COME CLIMB?
It really depends on your child, climbing requires focus, agility and co-ordination as well as a fair amount of determination to try and try it again! We have kids as young as four and five years that enjoy climbing. Please ensure your child is well rested and well fed before they come in. This will ensure they have the energy and stamina to succeed!
DO WE HAVE TO RENT CLIMBING SHOES?
Yes. Climbing shoes will allow you to have better footing on the wall and have a better sense of where your feet are on a hold. This will make you feel more confident to make your next move and safe knowing your feet have a good grip on the wall. Socks are a good idea to prevent blisters. You can wear rental shoes with or without socks, it’s your preference.
WHY IS IT SO EXPENSIVE?
What!? Have you ever climbed at a gym in Vancouver? We want the sport to be accessible to everyone so our prices are very competitive with other gyms. The Hangar’s prices are almost half the price of many climbing gyms in the city. And there’s no ferry cost!
HOW LONG CAN WE CLIMB FOR?
You can stay as long you want within regular public hours. Bouldering is a physical sport and we encourage climbers to rest when they’re tired and enjoy watching others have a try, make yourself a coffee, chat with other climbers and enjoy the space. That’s why we are a called climbing lounge! CLIMB – MEET – RELAX – 24/7