OUTDOOR CLASSES
OUTDOOR CLASSES
WHO WE ARE
Our guiding pillars, ROCK:
Routesetting
Sportrock has some of the best routesetters in the country and one of only a handful of level 5 USA Climbing Certified Routestters. They work hard to set the most creative, challenging, diverse, and fun boulder problems and routes. With all of our expansions over the years, we offer state of the art climbing terrain with the tallest walls in the Metro DC area.
Original
We are one of the first indoor rock climbing gyms in the country. Sportrock was founded in 1994 by a group of climbers who outgrew a home wall in Zich’s Garage, an unused auto garage shop. Even after 5 expansions over 26 years, we have stayed true to being a climbing gym rooted in top-notch climbing and building a strong community of climbers.
Community
Whether it’s within the walls of Sportrock or on a larger scale reaching out to various audiences. We use rock climbing as a platform to expand our community. We host a weekly Parkinsons Group, adaptive climbing, at-risk youths, fundraisers for various causes are just some examples.
Knowledge
We are committed to being a teaching/learning gym. With the addition of the Sportrock Performance Institute, Sportrock is committed to developing youth and adult athletes of every skill level, from beginner to high-performance athletes. Whether they only climb indoors or want to venture outside, we are committed to educating and preparing climbers to reach their goals.
Routesetting
Sportrock has some of the best routesetters in the country and one of only a handful of level 5 USA Climbing Certified Routestters. They work hard to set the most creative, challenging, diverse, and fun boulder problems and routes. With all of our expansions over the years, we offer state of the art climbing terrain with the tallest walls in the Metro DC area.
WHO WE ARE
Our guiding pillars, ROCK:
Original
We are one of the first indoor rock climbing gyms in the country. Sportrock was founded in 1994 by a group of climbers who outgrew a home wall in Zich’s Garage, an unused auto garage shop. Even after 5 expansions over 26 years, we have stayed true to being a climbing gym rooted in top-notch climbing and building a strong community of climbers.
Community
Whether it’s within the walls of Sportrock or on a larger scale reaching out to various audiences. We use rock climbing as a platform to expand our community. We host a weekly Parkinsons Group, adaptive climbing, at-risk youths, fundraisers for various causes are just some examples.
Knowledge
We are committed to being a teaching/learning gym. With the addition of the Sportrock Performance Institute, Sportrock is committed to developing youth and adult athletes of every skill level, from beginner to high-performance athletes. Whether they only climb indoors or want to venture outside, we are committed to educating and preparing climbers to reach their goals.
Is this your first time?
Be sure to fill out our Participant Agreement prior to your first visit.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
For your first visit, we think it’s best to start with one of our classes or programs. It will help you get acquainted with the facility, share the experience with other new climbers and learn more about the sport.
Must-Do If You're New
Open Belay
(Alexandria only)
Open Climb
(Sterling only)
The perfect starter program for kids and adults! Our trained staff will handle the ropes for you as you experience all the thrills that rock climbing has to offer! The minimum age for this program is 5 years old. Pre-registration is required. Larger groups may be better served by booking a private party.
Basic Skills
Our Basic Skills class will teach you the essential skills needed to climb at a Sportrock facility, and meets the American Alpine Club’s Universal Belay Standard. You’ll learn to properly put on a harness, tie into the rope and belay for a partner. You will have an opportunity to practice these skills during your class, but you will not be able to belay on your own until you pass our Top Rope Belay Test. The minimum age for this class is 14 and requires pre-registration.
Bringing the whole family along?
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We require adult supervision for any child under the age of 14, even when participating in a Sportrock program. Our instructors are here to ensure your child has a fun climbing experience, but we need your help to achieve that. All children under 5 must boulder within arms reach of an adult supervisor.
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When in the bouldering areas (the shorter walls without ropes), please do not allow your child to walk, run, or play under other climbers.
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The minimum age for most Youth Programs is 5 years old. If your child is under 5 years old, they are allowed to boulder in designated areas while under your supervision.
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Wondering what clothes to wear or which type of shoes are best? Check out our FAQ for answers to these and many more common questions. If there's anything else we forgot, just drop us a line.
PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES!
If you are visiting Sportrock with your family, we have a variety of programming options
that are suitable for everyone!
