Our mission is to provide a professional, high quality climbing centre that exceeds standards set by the industry, thus providing an enjoyable environment for the community to experience indoor climbing. We emphasise customer service and promote the growth of the sport through friendly helpful staff and a variety of courses and other services.

Come and experience the fun and exhilaration of a sport that has exploded in popularity. If you have never climbed before, please continue reading. If you do have climbing experience and know the basics of climbing, jump to the information section here.

Men, women and kids of all ages enjoy rock climbing and are motivated by new challenges every day. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be in great physical condition or have a lot of upper body strength to climb. Rock climbing is a natural activity that builds the body's power over time and is ideal for enhancing muscle tone and flexibility. Although it is a great full body workout, climbing is also a fun and exciting recreational activity. There are two types of climbing that can be done in an indoor environment. Unroped climbing, or bouldering, is climbing that is done close to the ground. The climber's hands never reach too high so ropes are not required. Climbers can traverse (climbing sideways along the walls) or boulder (essentially short mini routes) without a partner. Bouldering is a good way to build strength, power and technique for climbing.

The most basic form of roped climbing is top roping. The top rope system consists of a climber tied into one end of the rope (the belayer), the rope runs up through a set of anchors at the top of the climb then down to the belayer. The belayer's job is to take the slack out of the system as the climber goes up a route. Using a special device attached to the harness, the belayer can take in slack, 'hold' a climber's fall, and safely lower the climber back to the ground when they are finished with the route. In order to belay you must have prior experience or take a class with us. We offer classes for adults as well as youth.

Climbers who do have experience belaying can take a belay test instead of a class to become belay certified at Craggy Island. The test requires belayers to show that they can properly put on a climbing harness and tie into the harness with a rethreaded figure-eight or other suitable knot. Belayers must also show proficiency in setting up an ATC style belay device and use proper belay technique to take in rope, stop the fall of a climber, and lower the climber back to the ground. Proper safety checks and voice commands might also also be asked to be demonstrated.

All participants must sign a Craggy Island liability waiver and rules agreement and pass the above test.

For novice climbers we have designed a great 8 hour instructed beginners course to get them started. This includes professional instruction and hire equipment and needs to be pre-booked. One completed you should be in a position to climb at any indoor climbing wall well and safely with the basics of good technique under your belt (or harness!).

We find a high proportion of those completing our course carry on to enjoy climbing on their own at Craggy.