FAQs

Alexandria: Monday - Friday | 6AM-11PM Saturday & Sunday | 9AM-9PM Sterling: Monday - Friday | 6AM-10PM Saturday & Sunday | 9AM-9PM Rio: Monday - Friday | 6AM-11PM Saturday & Sunday | 8AM-9PM SRPI: Monday - Wednesday | Closed Thursday | 6AM-10AM Friday | 4PM - 10PM Saturday | 3PM - 9PM Sunday | 9AM-9PM

Sportrock stays open 363 days out of the year to better serve you! The two days we close? ​ Thanksgiving Day | Christmas Day Thanksgiving 11.24 | Normal Hours 11.25 | All Facilities Closed 11.26 | Opening at 9AM - Normal Hours for the SRPI Christmas and New Year's 12.24 | Closing at 6PM - SRPI Closed 12.25 | All Facilities Closed 12.26.21 | 9am Open - 9am Close 12.31 | Closing at 6PM - SRPI Open from 12-6PM 01.01 | Opening at 10AM Holiday Party 01.08 | Closing at 5pm

While our memberships come with lots of awesome benefits, you do not need to be a member to climb at Sportrock. We offer Day Passes and Multi-Visit Passes. You can also climb with a member and use one of their Guest Passes!

Check here for site specific information about our facilities. You can find our parking map for Sportrock Alexandria here. Our Alexandria facility is also only 200 yards east of the Van Dorn Street station (Blue Line) if you’re coming by Metro.

Yes! We have beginner classes and programs for everyone! For more inormation click here.

Yes! We are running belay certification tests at our gyms. Learn more about becoming belay certified here.

Yes! Our Rio, Sterling, and Alexandria all have several auto belay options. You must first go through an orientation with staff before using the auto belays. Please check in at the front desk and a staff member will walk you through the process. Active adult supervision is required for any child under the age of 14. Supervising adult must complete and pass Sportrock’s Auto Belay orientation and test prior to usage. The minimum age to use the Auto Belays is 5. The minimum weight to use the Auto Belays is 25 lbs. The maximum weight to use the Auto Belays is 310 lbs.

They can climb our walls instead of yours! We have a variety of youth programs for ages 4 and up. Check our classes page to see what we currently have available! We also offer private instruction for kids and adults of any age.

That’s bouldering, a form of climbing on shorter walls with no ropes. While we recommend down climbing, the bouldering area is padded to ensure a safe landing in the event of a fall. While accessible to beginners, we recommend that you seek guidance from our staff before you hop on the wall for the first time.

Apparel: Like any athletic activity, freedom of movement is most important followed by dressing for the temperature. Although our facility is climate controlled, it can be a little warm on summer days and sometimes cool in winter. Longer shorts or pants tend to be more comfortable under a harness, rather than the ultra-short running variety. Shoes: For your first time on the wall, rental shoes are highly recommended. Our fee for rental shoes is listed on our Rates and Rentals page. You can also wear a closed-toe athletic shoe. We do not allow climbers to climb barefoot at our facilities.

For your first time on the wall, a closed-toe athletic shoe will be a good bet. To avoid injury we strongly recommend against using “toe shoes,” as these do not offer the support or protection needed to climb. If you want to try an actual climbing shoe, we have those available for rent as well – try them, you just might be hooked. While rental shoes are not required, they are highly recommended. Our fee for rental shoes is listen on our Rates and Rentals page. If you would like to climb in your street or approach shoes, Sportrock can sanitize the bottom of your shoes, just ask our staff.

Yes! Between spring and fall, we’re climbing outdoors almost every weekend. If you want to learn more about our Outdoor Programming take a look here. We also offer private guiding options with AMGA certified guides.

Yes, spectators are allowed in Sportrock facilities and do not require purchase of a Day Pass.

Yes! We have all necessary equipment available to rent should you need it.

Yes! You can purchase physical gift cards in store or over the phone and we can ship them anywhere you want them to go. We also sell gift cards online here! Gift cards can only be used in-store or over the phone.

In order to cancel or reschedule your event, you must contact Sportrock at least 14 days prior to the event. There is no refund if you reserve a group event or party less than 14 days in advance.

Please note that ALL Private Lesson Packages must be used within 4 months of purchase. In order to cancel your class you must contact us at least 72 hours prior to the class date to receive a refund. You must contact us 48 hours before your class to reschedule. There is no refund if you register for a class within 72 hours of its date.

In order to cancel any camp program, you must contact us at least 14 days prior to the camp start date to receive a refund. You must contact us 14 days before the camp start date to reschedule. There is no refund if you register for a camp within 14 days of its date. Regarding weather on outdoor days, our professional guides will determine if conditions are suitable for outdoor climbing. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor days will not be made up. We will spend the day in our Sportrock facility with our outdoor guides, who will surely set up big rope swings, obstacle courses, and much more for the kids!

In the event of inclement weather on the day of an Outdoor Class you will be contacted by our Staff within 24 hours of the Class for rescheduling. For questions concerning weather and outdoor classes you can email info@sportrock.com.

The age ranges for Recreational, Advanced and Competitive teams are “suggested age ranges” based on the American Development Model (ADM). Sportrock has established criteria to determine team placement, with age being heavily weighted, but not solely determining. Age exceptions will be made on a case by case basis.

There are no official tryout dates for the Sportrock Youth Teams. If your child would like to join one of our teams, please fill out this form. This will help us place them appropriately. We allow rolling admission based on availability. The teams are structured to encourage movement between teams so that athletes are practicing with the group that matches their own personal level of development. After the season gets started, If an athlete wants to try out for another team, please reach out to Ed@sportrock.com. If an athlete meets the criteria to move to another team, they will be paired with a team member already participating with that team and invited to attend practices for a two week trial period. After the two weeks, if it is decided that the placement is a good fit you will be sent a link to sign up and start paying the dues of the new team. If you have further questions please feel free to reach out to Ed@sportrock.com.

“The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, in partnership with the National Governing Bodies, created the American Development Model in 2014 to help Americans realize their full athletic potential and utilize sport as a path toward an active and healthy lifestyle. The model utilizes long-term athlete development and quality coaching concepts to promote sustained physical activity, athlete safety and age-appropriate development with the aim of creating a positive experience for American athletes across all levels of sport. Key Principles: The (ADM) suggests that quality sport experiences should incorporate five key principles to help keep more Americans engaged in sport: Universal access to create opportunity for all athletes Developmentally appropriate activities that emphasize motor and foundational skills Multi-sport participation Fun, engaging and progressively challenging atmosphere Quality coaching at all age levels Key Outcomes: By creating early positive experiences for all athletes, the ADM will help keep more children engaged in sport longer with four clear outcomes: Grow both the general athlete population and the pool of elite athletes from which future U.S. Olympians and Paralympians are selected Develop fundamental skills that transfer between sports Provide an appropriate avenue to fulfill an individual’s athletic potential Create a generation that loves sport and physical activity, and transfers that passion to the next generation” (https://www.teamusa.org/ADM)

Youth climbing competitions are organized by USA Climbing. In order to qualify for Regionals, Divisionals and Nationals your child must be a registered member with USA Climbing at a cost of $95 for the full year. There are two seasons of competitions – Bouldering Season, which runs from September to March and Sport & Speed Season, which runs from April to June. A list of upcoming competitions in our region can be found at USA Climbing. Note that the American Development Model (ADM) encourages athletes under the age of 13 to focus on skill development, and to wait until after an athlete reaches the age of 13 to start competing.

You can request to freeze a membership by submitting a change request. Change requests must be made via email (membership@sportrock.com) or online before the 1st of the month. Team dues for the Recreational, Advanced, and Competitive Teams will be tied to Sportrock membership contracts. If you freeze your membership during the season, your team due will also be frozen. Freezing a membership will reduce your monthly payments to $5 a month. While your membership is frozen you will not have membership access to the gym. To unfreeze you can submit another change request, or just unfreeze at the front desk. When you unfreeze you will be prorated the remainder of the month and your automated billing will reactive the following month. Further information regarding memberships and membership freezes can be found here.

Take a few moments to complete our Participant Agreement. All minors must have an agreement signed by a parent or guardian on file with Sportrock in order to participate. Parents, if you plan to stick around for practices, spectators are required to sign an agreement too. For more information on our Youth Team programs, please email Ed@sportrock.com .

Everyone! Both climbers and spectators will need to have a Participant Agreement on file with Sportrock. This does not include parents simply dropping off children, just those that plan to stay during the party. If you have been to Sportrock since July of 2013 you will most likely have a Participant Agreement on file – feel free to call to confirm.

Our Participant Agreement is available online here. After it is completed, you will receive a confirmation email that needs to be accepted in order for the Agreement to be sent to Sportrock. We recommend including this link in your party invitations. We do not accept phone calls, faxes or verbal permission in lieu of the Agreement. If party participants are under 18 years of age they will need a parent or legal guardian to complete the form. Agreements can also be completed at our iPad station in the gym, but we strongly encourage getting all Agreements signed prior to your party date – it will make your check in process go much smoother!

Registration for our Alexandria and Rio locations is limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Our Sterling location is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. However, we can handle larger groups if required. Due to the additional staffing requirements you will need to contact us to schedule a climbing party with more than the maximum number of participants.

In order for us to accurately staff your party we need to know a headcount of people climbing at least 2 weeks prior to your event. You will receive an email from one of our staff members requesting an updated headcount during the week before your party. If we do not hear from you, we will base our staff on the number of people you listed on your initial registration. Additional staff cannot be provided without proper notice of at least 2 weeks notice.

Anyone planning to climb should wear comfortable, athletic clothing that will not restrict movement. The gym is climate controlled (69 degrees) but it can be chilly until we get everyone moving so layers are suggested. Closed toe shoes that tie are best. Anyone wearing slip on shoes; flip flops, snow boots, uggs etc. will be required to rent a pair of our climbing shoes Helmets are required and provided by Sportrock, but you are welcome to bring your own.

We recommend arriving 10 minutes prior to your party start time. This will give our staff the opportunity to confirm Participant Agreements and get everyone suited up in the proper gear. Parties are scheduled back to back so you cannot access your party area until 10 minutes prior to your start time.

Both Sportrock locations offer free parking every day! Sportrock Alexandria also has access to additional parking lots during certain hours, as well as being Metro accessible. Check out their parking map for more details!

Your group will climb for the first 1.5 hours during your time slot, so for example if you book a 11am party you will climb from 11am-12:30pm. You will then have use of our party area for an additional 45 minutes.

The cost of your party is based on the climbing experience only, the party room is simply an added benefit. You can extend your climb time for $25 for 30 minutes per 5 people. If you would like to extend your climbing time, please email info@sportrock.com at least 2 weeks ahead of time with your request. As a reminder, extending your climb time does not mean you're extending your party room time.

We provide trained instructors at a 1:5 ratio, harness and helmet for each participant, a designated party area and awesome climbing walls. We do not provide table cloths, utensils, plates/cups/napkins, decorations or food (though we can help you place a pizza order!).

Yes! You are welcome to bring your own food and drink (no alcohol) or make arrangements for food delivery. Alexandria Only: We are happy to place a pizza order on your behalf. Simply tell the staff at the front counter when you arrive for your event and they will put an order in for you. Staff will bring it back when the climbing is finishing up and you can pay at the end when you settle up your balance.

Though we think it’s awesome you have your certification at Sportrock, we cannot allow anyone other than staff to belay during any Sportrock program. This is an insurance requirement.

The climbing on the shorter walls without ropes is referred to as “bouldering”. The participants in your event will be climbing on the taller walls with ropes only. For everyone’s safety, please keep them off the Bouldering areas at all times.

Gratuity for our programs is never expected, but always appreciated. If you feel your instructors went above and beyond and wish to thank them, we appreciate anything you wish to give. As a reminder we can only accept cash tips for our instructors.

Participants must be at leas 5 years of age to participate in a Climbing Party at Sportrock.

In order to cancel any camp program, you must contact us at least 14 days prior to the camp start date to receive a refund. You must contact us 14 days before the camp start date to reschedule. There is no refund if you register for a camp within 14 days of its date. Regarding weather on outdoor days, our professional guides will determine if conditions are suitable for outdoor climbing. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor days will not be made up. We will spend the day in our Sportrock facility with our outdoor guides, who will surely set up big rope swings, obstacle courses, and much more for the kids!

The children arrive for camp at 9am and check-in with our staff. They begin the day with a warm-up exercise, followed by stretching and a team building activity. They then spend the morning working on technique (e.g., knot craft, foot work). This varies depending on which camp they are enrolled in. We break for lunch around 12pm. The afternoon is spent climbing – either Top Roping or Bouldering. Additional games and activities are incorporated throughout the day.

Our rock climbing camps are divided by both age and experience level so that everyone can find the right fit! If you are not sure if they will like camp, Day Camp is a great way to introduce them to the Sportrock camp experience. If your child is new to climbing, try our Indoor Base Camp where they can learn basic rock climbing skills. If your child is belay certified at Sportrock or has attended Indoor Base Camp, definitely check out our Outdoor Adventure Camp to take it to the next level! Lastly, if your child has never climbed before, or has climbed some but is not belay certified, and would still like to attend our Outdoor Adventure Camp, please email rey@sportrock.com to set up a 1-time personal lesson to make sure they are geared up for camp. If you still can’t decide, email ed@sportrock.com – we are happy to help you find the perfect camp for your child!

The belayer is your climbing partner who stands on the ground and takes out the slack in the rope as you climb – they keep you from falling to the ground when you let go of the wall. Outdoor Adventure Campers must know how to belay before the start of camp. We will make an exception for campers able to pass the belay test or for campers who attend a private lesson before the start of camp (if you would like to set up a private lesson, please email rey@sportrock.com). This is a good option for children who have attended camp in past years, but may need a brief refresher on belay technique as well.

Yes, and maybe a healthy snack too! Sportrock does not provide lunch for campers and with a full day of climbing, they really work up an appetite! There is a small selection of granola bars, chips, candy and drinks available at the front desk for purchase. We recommend buying a Sportrock Gift Card the first day of camp that your child can use to purchase snacks. Please refrain from sending any items that require heating.

Absolutely! During the summer, we offer Before-care from 8-9am for $15 per day and After-care from 3-6pm for $15 per hour. There is no Before-care on outdoor days. Check-in for camp begins at 8:45am each day – anyone that arrives prior to this time will be charged for Before-care. Check-out for camp ends at 3:15pm each day – anyone that is picked up past this time will be charged for After-care.

We will provide shoes, helmets, harnesses and any other equipment for your child for the entire camp week. You are welcome to bring your own gear if you have it, but please label it with your child’s name. Sportrock is not responsible for any lost equipment. Bicycle helmets are not acceptable for summer camp.

The most important thing is that your child is comfortable, but if you are looking for some guidelines we can help. We recommend longer shorts or pants, which tend to be more comfortable under a harness, no skirts for the girls and although our facility is climate controlled, we suggest wearing layers.

We do not provide transportation on outdoor days. You must drop-off and pick-up your child from the park. Specific instructions regarding meeting times and place will be sent in your confirmation email!

Water, water, and more water! It can get hot out there, we recommend packing at least 2 liters of water. You will also want to send a rain jacket, just in case, along with sunscreen, a healthy lunch and snack, and any necessary medications (e.g., inhaler, epinephrine). Children should dress appropriately for the day’s weather and wear closed toe shoes. We will hike in and out of our climbing site so a sturdy backpack is a great way to transport everything.

Yes, we do! We generally offer an Early-Bird special beginning around January as well as other offers throughout the summer. Also, we offer discounts for any of our active Junior Climbing Team members. Only one discount can be applied during each camp session. Applies to Indoor Base Camp and Outdoor Adventure Camp – Day Camp is not eligible for this discount.

Unfortunately Daily Deal vouchers, except Certifikid, cannot be used for Summer Camps, but you do get the discounts detailed above!

Regarding weather on outdoor days, our professional guides will determine if conditions are suitable for outdoor climbing. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor days will not be made up. We will spend the day in our Sportrock facility with our outdoor guides, who will surely set up big rope swings, obstacle courses, and much more for the kids!