Youth Belay Skills

Vertical Endeavors Rules Agreement

General Rules + Warnings
Auto Belay Rules
Bouldering Rules
Belaying Rules
Lead Climbing Rules

General Rules

The following rules, warnings, and policies are important and must be followed in order to make Vertical Endeavors as safe and welcoming as possible. Please carefully read and be aware that by entering the facility and signing the Waiver you agree to follow these rules and policies.

Vertical Endeavors Inc and all of its affiliates will be referred to collectively as “VE”. In addition, a “climber” referred to in this document will include a boulderer, participant, or any person moving on or along a climbing surface regardless of the type of climbing activity. Also, a “climb” refers to both roped climbs as well as bouldering problems or routes and the term “climb” refers to the act of moving on a climbing surface whether the climber is climbing a roped climb or a boulder problem or route.

Climbing is inherently dangerous.
There are risks of serious potential physical injury, including disability, paralysis, or death. When you or the child(ren) for whom you are responsible enter this facility, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with climbing.

Prior to entering the facility, you must have a signed/completed “Vertical Endeavors (VE) Release of all Claims, Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, Indemnification, and Rules Agreement” (Form) on file.

By entering the facility, you, on your behalf or your child(ren)’s behalf, agree to follow all written, posted, published, and spoken rules, requirements, policies, procedures, guidelines, instructions, and directions applicable to all activities in the facility, such as climbing, bouldering, training, working out, participation in all programs and competitions, parties, etc. (“Climbing Rules & Warnings”). All members and guests must comply with the judgment, direction, and decisions of the VE staff members on duty. Infractions may result in restrictions or revocation of your privileges or access to the facility.

Everyone must review and be familiar with the most current Climbing Rules & Warnings that are posted at www.verticalendeavors.com and in VE facilities. These may change from time-to-time, so please check for updates.

Members and guests under the age of 18 must have all agreements and forms signed by their parent or court-appointed legal guardian.

Everyone must check in at the front counter before entering the climbing area or passing the front counter. Members must show a counter employee their membership card and/or picture ID when entering. If you have not checked in, then you do not have permission to climb or use the VE facility. You cannot enter the main area or begin any activity until after check in.

Before using the facility and its equipment, Auto Belays, Bouldering, Belaying, Lead Climbing or Lead Belaying, you must be “checked out” and qualified by a VE staff member. Upon passing the qualification (demonstrating the proper skills and knowledge), the staff will enter your name in our VE database as qualified for that activity. If you have not been checked out and qualified or your qualification has expired for any activity, then you do not have permission to participate in that activity.

VE reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to change, modify, or otherwise alter these Rules & Warnings at any time. Modifications will become effective immediately upon being posted on the VE website and in the facility.

Warning: VE reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to change, modify, remove, or otherwise alter anyone’s qualifications and privileges. The customer will be informed and has the right to discuss and cure the restriction if possible. Some infractions will not be curable. Failure to abide by VE rules and policies may result in loss of membership, facility access, and/or climbing privileges.

- VE is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment free from discrimination, harassment and other behavior deemed offensive. Discrimination, harassment, and offensive behavior in the facility is prohibited. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate remarks or conduct related to a person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, etc. Any such behavior that has the purpose or effect of interfering with the use of VE’s facilities is strictly prohibited. Likewise, verbal, or physical conduct or communications of a sexual nature are strictly prohibited. Conduct of a sexual nature includes but is not limited to use of sexual words, sexual jokes, sexual innuendo, sexual advances, request for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical contact, or making or displaying images of a sexual nature. Photographing staff, climbers, or spectators without permission from the person being photographed is also prohibited and may be construed as harassment and sexual harassment.
- Members and guests 18 (or older) must present a valid photo ID upon submitting their “VE Waiver” form.
- All members and guests are required to participate in a Facility Orientation during their initial visit. All participants will be required to demonstrate appropriate skills and knowledge in order to use the facility/climbing walls. If it has been more than 120 days since you have visited a VE facility, then you may be asked to demonstrate the appropriate skills to use the facility, climbing walls, or equipment.
- Only professionally manufactured rock climbing equipment approved by VE staff can be used in VE facilities.
- Rock climbing instruction is not allowed in the facility by anyone other than an employee of VE. Tips and encouragement are appreciated but customers who are not specifically skilled and trained to teach climbing are not allowed to teach other customers/climbers.
- No rock climbing or other activities are allowed while under the influence of an intoxicating or mood altering substance.
- Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or adult chaperone. They must maintain direct supervision over the youth during their time in the facility.
- Absolutely no horseplay of any kind is allowed in the facility. This includes but is not limited to running, swinging or spinning on the ropes, throwing rubber or other objects, no hitting, pushing, wrestling, slapping, tickling, poking, pulling, punching (even in jest), grabbing, groping, tripping, etc. is allowed.
- No sitting, standing, or climbing on railings is allowed. No pushing or horseplay on or around railings. No jumping from railings, from upper levels, or from mezzanines. No throwing any items over railings or upper levels.
- One climber only per rope, route, auto-belay, or bouldering problem. No children are allowed to be carried in any way while climbing.
- Do not place a child carrier in the fall zone on the landing surface, where a climber could fall and land on the child or the carrier.
- Children must remain out of the way of climbers who could potentially fall, and they must be under their parent’s direct supervision or the supervision of another responsible individual while the parent is climbing.
- The use of cellular phones, audio players, headphones, or similar devices is prohibited while belaying and climbing. These items should never be left on the landing surface at the base of the climb.
- Never climb above, below, or near another climber or in any location or way that could result in another climber or spectator’s injury.
- Never stand, sit, or walk in an area at the base of the wall where another climber could fall onto you and cause injury.
- Only appropriate climbing footwear will be permitted on climbing surfaces (rock climbing shoes or athletic shoes are recommended).
- No bare feet are allowed in any VE facility (except in the locker rooms). Climbing shoes (or the shoes you are climbing in) must not be worn in the bathrooms or locker areas prior to or during climbing.
- Members and guests must wear appropriate clothing at all times when in the facility – shirts and shoes must be worn at all times (except in the locker rooms).
- Helmets are available for free for those that desire to use one. VE recommends the use of helmets when climbing.
- No snacks, food, or beverages (except water bottles) are allowed in the climbing areas.
- Do not place water bottles or other objects on the landing surface below the climb. Keep climbing area landing surfaces clear of all items and hazards such as chairs, backpacks, water bottles, clothing, equipment, etc.
- No loose chalk (powdered) is allowed. Only chalk balls are allowed.
- VE is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken personal items.
- Do not leave items in shared spaces (e.g., workout areas, climbing areas, social gathering areas, hallways, stairs, landing mats, etc.). No items of any kind can be left on any stair steps.
- Use the appropriate rope for the intended route. (Lead ropes are available at the front counter)
- Do not remove a rope from its intended route

Packs, shoes, coats, and other loose items must be stored in a locker or cubbies (locks are available for purchase at the front counter).

VE is not responsible for any item left by any participant that is placed in “Lost & Found.” We will attempt to keep “Lost & Found” items for at least one month.
Groups, Lessons, and Climb Teams in progress have priority on certain routes or climbing areas – if an instructor/coach needs a particular area/route, participants may be asked to move to another area/route.
If you are unfamiliar with the proper use of the weight and/or exercise equipment, please ask a VE staff member for an orientation prior to use.
Participants must be 14 years of age in order to use exercise equipment.
Be aware that parking restrictions exist at all VE Facilities. Please note parking lot signage for restrictions.
Overnight parking at any VE facility is prohibited. Your car may be towed by building management at your expense.
No parties, camping, or campfires allowed in any outdoor areas at VE Facilities.

General Warnings:

Climbing on any artificial climbing wall may result in falls and/or injuries. By entering or participating in any activities in any VE facility the climber agrees and understands that they assume all risks for their actions. Your voluntary presence and/or participation in activities sponsored by VE has INHERENT RISKS that can result in serious injury or death. Injuries may also include twists, strains, sprains, dislocations, broken bones, head trauma, bruises, concussions, cuts, rope burns, etc.

Before beginning any fitness program or changing one’s physical activity patterns, individuals should consult with their primary health care provider to determine whether the fitness program or change in activity pattern is appropriate for them. In particular, in the event you suspect or have any pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant, overweight, or have been inactive, it is strongly recommended that you speak with your primary health care provider prior to partaking in climbing at VE.

Inherent risks may include, but are not limited to the following:

Padded landing surfaces may help but are not guaranteed to prevent injuries. Serious injuries can occur on any landing surface.
VE Kids Play Areas are not supervised by Vertical Endeavors staff and play in these areas are at the parents’ or supervising adult’s discretion and risk. Children playing in these areas should not be left unattended.
Failure to properly “clip into” or attach yourself to an auto belay system. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! Always Double Check your connection!
Failure to properly tie into a roped belay system. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! Always Double Check!
Your belayer may not properly arrest your fall. Belayers must pay attention to their climber.
Arresting your fall may cause injury.
You may be injured if your hair, clothing, or jewelry comes into contact with climbing structures or your belay device. Restrain hair and loose clothing, remove jewelry, etc.
Landing on items left in landing surface area. Check your landing zone. Serious injuries can occur on any landing surface.
Swinging or falls in which you may come into contact with other persons.
Swinging or falls of other persons who may come into contact with you.
Swinging or falls in which you could come into contact with climbing wall features or structures.
Failure of equipment supplied by you or by VE.
Misuse of the facility, the equipment in the facility, or any equipment participants bring into the facility.
Physical demands associated with participation and the use of the facility.
Participants may slip, trip, and fall on landing surfaces and the curbs in and around the facility.
Falling objects.
Falling from any height.
Horseplay.
Lack of adequate training.
Negligence of other climbers or spectators.
Using a spotter may not prevent injuries to yourself or others.
Acting as a spotter may cause injuries to yourself or others.
Cuts, abrasions, bruises, rope burns, etc. may result from contact with ropes, walls, corners, edges, wall features and hardware.

NOTE: Any infractions of the above rules will result in loss of privileges for that event. Repeated infractions will result in loss of membership privileges.

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Auto Belay Rules

All customers using the Auto Belays must be oriented to the proper use of this system. Orientation will allow you to use only the Auto Belays until you have passed the regular top rope belay check-out. It is the climber’s responsibility to properly clip into the Auto Belay and to perform the proper double checks on themselves.

All customers using the Auto Belays must be oriented to the proper use of this system by a VE staff member prior to use.
It is the climber’s responsibility to properly clip into the Auto Belay and to perform the proper double checks on themselves.
Always “DOUBLE CLIP”! Always “DOUBLE CHECK”!
Stay/climb in line with top anchor.
NEVER CLIMB INTO SLACK!
Using Auto Belays to climb cracks is not allowed due to safety concerns.
Children under the age of 12 must be supervised and connected to the Auto Belays by an adult.
Always acknowledge and correctly use any Auto Belay warning and/or safety system. Do not ignore or bypass any safety system including, but not limited to, Nicros’ Auto Belay Safety System (ABSS), Auto Belay Gates/Flags, posted signs, staff instruction, etc. If Nicros’ ABSS audio/visual warning system is available and an alarm occurs YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY STOP CLIMBING and attempt to down climb to safety!

Bouldering Rules

Bouldering is only allowed over padded areas.
Do not boulder under roped climbers.
Bouldering is not allowed next to, above, or across any door or emergency door area.
It is recommended to have a minimum of one spotter per climber when bouldering.
It is recommended that the Boulderer’s feet not pass above a height on the wall that is equivalent to the height of the shoulders of the Boulderer (when standing on the floor).
A climber’s voluntary participation in Bouldering indicates their acknowledgment that Bouldering is dangerous and that a spotter may not prevent injuries.
Spotters understand that they may be injured by the Boulderer if they should fall.
Padded landing surfaces may help but are not guaranteed to prevent injuries.
Only authorized participants may climb or boulder on the walls. Authorization must be obtained by demonstrating the appropriate skills to an appointed member of the staff on duty in the facility.

NOTE: Any infractions of the above rules will result in loss of privileges for that event. Repeated infractions will result in loss of membership privileges.

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Belaying Rules

All belayers and climbers agree to utilize proper belaying technique and agree to DOUBLE CHECK their set-up before beginning the climb.
The belayer will check the climber’s gear and knots, and the climber will check the belayer’s system and exchange confirmation that the set-up is correct. This is most important and must be performed at the start of each and every climb!
VE requires a stopper knot on the brake or belayer side of the rope, so the rope does not actually pass all the way through the belay device.
Climbers and Belayers agree to exchange the proper commands traditional to the activity.
The belayer must pay attention to the climber at all times. The belayer must keep the climber in their view and watch attentively.
All belayers must have a VE Belay qualified tag on their harness.

**Children must be 14 or older in order to belay**
(Exceptions by arrangement only.)

NOTE: Any infractions of the above rules will result in loss of privileges for that event. Repeated infractions will result in loss of membership privileges.

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Lead Climbing Rules

Lead climbing at Vertical Endeavors is a privilege.
Lead climbers that do not abide by the Lead climbing rules will be warned and Leading privileges may be taken away.
VE requires a stopper knot on the brake or belayer side of the rope, so the rope does not accidentally pass all the way through the belay device.
Following on lead routes is NOT allowed.
Practice lead falls are not allowed in the facility except in lessons supervised by Vertical Endeavors staff.
All Lead climbers must have a VE Lead qualified tag on their harness.

Children must be 16 or older to Lead Belay or Lead Climb (Exceptions by arrangement only.)

NOTE: Any infractions of the above rules will result in loss of privileges for that event. Repeated infractions will result in loss of membership privileges.
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This document is the property of Vertical Endeavors and should not be used or copied without permission.

Jeff Acasio

Climbing Since: 2000

At VE Since: 2013

About Me: I trained on the VE Competitive Climb Team through high school, competed at the USAC SCS National Championships twice, and am now the Head Team Coach at VE St. Paul. I went to school for massage therapy at CenterPoint Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School and Clinic in St. Louis Park, MN. I am hoping to own a massage business in the future.

Hometown: Lakeland, MN

Favorite Type of Climbing: Sport & Bouldering

Favorite Climbing Area: Red Wing, MN (Great views!)

What I Love About Climbing: I quite enjoy that climbing is both mentally stimulating (problem solving) and physically challenging (a great workout). Life is so fast paced and climbing is a constant in my life; it keeps me grounded and focused.

Other interests: Fitness, traveling, hair and skincare, hiking/backpacking, camping, and recently I have sparked an interest in Triathlons!

Interesting Facts: I can unicycle and I love to cook!

Krista Mathes

Climbing Since: 2000

At VE Since: 2013

About Me: I trained on the VE Competitive Climb Team through high school, competed at the USAC SCS National Championships twice, and am now the Head Team Coach at VE St. Paul. I went to school for massage therapy at CenterPoint Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School and Clinic in St. Louis Park, MN. I am hoping to own a massage business in the future.

Hometown: Lakeland, MN

Favorite Type of Climbing: Sport & Bouldering

Favorite Climbing Area: Red Wing, MN (Great views!)

What I Love About Climbing: I quite enjoy that climbing is both mentally stimulating (problem solving) and physically challenging (a great workout). Life is so fast paced and climbing is a constant in my life; it keeps me grounded and focused.

Other interests: Fitness, traveling, hair and skincare, hiking/backpacking, camping, and recently I have sparked an interest in Triathlons!

Interesting Facts: I can unicycle and I love to cook!

Tony Mansourian

Climbing Since: 2013

At VE Since: 2017

About Me: I like teaching and I like climbing, so working with Climb Team is a natural fit for me. I love working with our team kids and watching them grow and get more engaged with the sport. Plus, I like having people do what I say.

Hometown: Golden Valley, MN

Favorite Type of Climbing: Indoor Trad Solo

What I Love About Climbing: It is a chance to yell and show off my muscles in a socially-acceptable way.

Other Interests: Photography, snowboarding, travel, and reading

Interesting Facts: I learned to rock climb in Japan and I learned to use chopsticks in America.

Sadie Waite

Climbing Since: 2011

At VE Since: 2015

About Me: I like animals and rocks.

Hometown: West Fargo, ND

Favorite Type of Climbing: Techy face climbing

Favorite Climbing Area: Wild Iris in Lander, WY

What I Love About Climbing: It takes you to a lot of really neat places. Climbing challenges you both physically and mentally.

Other Interests: Downhill skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and water skiing

Interesting Facts: I’m color blind, which sometimes makes it difficult for me to follow routes in the gym!

Mariah Hanson

Climbing Since: 2000

At VE Since: 2013

About Me: I trained on the VE Competitive Climb Team through high school, competed at the USAC SCS National Championships twice, and am now the Head Team Coach at VE St. Paul. I went to school for massage therapy at CenterPoint Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School and Clinic in St. Louis Park, MN. I am hoping to own a massage business in the future.

Hometown: Lakeland, MN

Favorite Type of Climbing: Sport & Bouldering

Favorite Climbing Area: Red Wing, MN (Great views!)

What I Love About Climbing: I quite enjoy that climbing is both mentally stimulating (problem solving) and physically challenging (a great workout). Life is so fast paced and climbing is a constant in my life; it keeps me grounded and focused.

Other interests: Fitness, traveling, hair and skincare, hiking/backpacking, camping, and recently I have sparked an interest in Triathlons!

Interesting Facts: I can unicycle and I love to cook!

Sarah Wiehe

Climbing Since: I was 8 years old.

At VE Since: 2014

About Me: I am a caregiver meaning I do in home care for seniors. I enjoy photography and making homemade cards. I spend lots of time with my boyfriend, family, and friends.

Hometown: Roseville, MN

Favorite Type of Climbing: Top Rope

Favorite Climbing Area: Rummy Rocks, New Hampshire

What I Love About Climbing: It is a full body sport it. I love that I always have things I can improve. I also like the social part of climbing and how it brings people together, whether that be climbing indoor or outside. Climbing is a stress reliever for me.

Other Interests: Hiking, camping, fitness, photography, card making, and water skiing

Interesting Facts: I have traveled to South Korea, Jamaica, and many places in the US. I also have a lot of food allergies!

Gabe Olson

Climbing Since: 2008

At VE Since: 2014

About Me: I’m a movement nerd when it comes to climbing. I want to know why and how I or other climbers can move as efficiency as possible. I’ve often say there are many more strong climbers then good climbers. I want to learn to be both!

Hometown: Grand Forks, ND

Favorite Type of Climbing: Hard Top rope. It’s too good. I’m able to just focus everything on the movement and rock, instead of having to stop and clip or worry about my fall.

Favorite Climbing Area: I have a soft spot for our local choss pile, Red Wing. But outside of MN, I would probably say Moab, Utah.

What I Love About Climbing: The complexity rock or holds on a wall can provide and how every climber interacts with the climbs slightly different.

Other Interests: Mountain biking

Interesting Facts: Owls have eye tubes instead of eye balls.

Duluth, MN