FIRST TIME
HEY?
The first thing you’ll need to do is sign your waiver using the button below.
We’ve also put together a list of common questions we get from first timers, as well as proper bouldering etiquette.
If you've got questions,
We’ve got answers.
WHAT IS BOULDERING?
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing on 4.5 meter high climbing walls. “Problems” are climbed without ropes or harnesses with one person climbing at a time. There is no need for belayers so all participants are free to climb at their own pace.
Portside Boulders has over 100 problems available within the one bouldering area at any one time. Problems stay on the wall for 4 weeks before being changed. So there will always be something new to climb at Portside!
what do i need?
All you need to bring is light, comfortable clothing/activewear.
A water bottle is also a good idea to keep you hydrated.
Rental shoes are $5 and rental chalk bags are $3. Feel free to bring your own or purchase shoes and chalk bags from our store.
Climbing shoes must be worn when bouldering at Portside, this is so the climbing wall and holds remain nice and clean for everyone.
what about kids?
Here at Portside, we are an adult-focused facility, however we do aim to be inclusive towards those who are 16 and below.
Youth Policies
Youth Climbing Policy (Under 16yrs)
For the safety and enjoyment of all climbers, please ensure you adhere to our policies. You may be refused entry if these requirements are not met.
- Climbers must be at least 4 years of age. A child is considered anyone under the age of 16.
- All children and supervising adults must complete our waiver and safety induction.
- For every 2 children, there must be at least 1 adult supervising at all times.
- All climbers must wear climbing shoes.
- Bookings are required for groups of more than 4 children, and must be approved by the gym ahead of time.
Youth Booking Policy (11-15yrs ONLY)
- 4 - 10 years old - NO group bookings allowed - we suggest that you check out our Pebbles or Youth program.
- 11 - 15 years old - group bookings are possible, but MUST be booked with a coach, plus the below:
- Bookings will not be accepted for groups that include participants under 11 years old.
- We have a STRICT policy of one (1) adult supervisor/ participant for every four (4) children.
- Important: Strictly NO kids birthday parties. Unfortunately our facility is not suitable for kids birthday parties, and we therefore do not allow them at Portside.
For more information, please see our Portside Policies below.
DO YOU ACCOMODATE GROUPS?
If there are 4 or less of you coming for your first climb, we are happy to have you drop in at any time (you can speed up the sign in process by filling out the waiver)
If there are 5 or more new climbers in your group, please put in a group booking request here and we will be in contact with you to confirm a booking.
*Please note: Staff reserve the right to refuse groups of 4 or more who arrive without prior booking confirmation
WHAT IS PROPER CLIMBING ETiquette?
See below for our list of house rules/proper climbing etiquette you should follow when visiting our gyms.
HOW DOES YOUR GRADING SYSTEM WORK?
The grade of each climb is indicated by one of seven different coloured tags, with two additional tag designs for Mystery and Kids’ climbs.
Note that the hold colours do not indicate grade! The colour system allows our routesetters to have the freedom to use all of the holds throughout the whole range of grades, so climbers won't be stuck on the same hold sets.
The coloured tags will also have the name of the colour on them, and the posters in the gym will have the names of the colours on the bands, so that our colourblind climbers will be able to identify climbs.
BE A BETTER CLIMBER
SAFETY
A safety induction is required to anyone new to Portside. Climbing safety refers to the practices and procedures that minimise the inherent risks involved in climbing.
BE AWARE
Always be aware of your surroundings.
BEHIND THE LINE
When not climbing, please stand or sit behind the taped lines.
GIVE WAY
The first person on the wall has the right of way.
STEER CLEAR
Don’t climb above or below another climber.
STAY OFF THE MATS
Stay off the mats when not climbing: they are only for falling and landing on. Please no running, wrestling, stretching, flips etc. on the mats.
CLEAR FALL ZONES
Keep fall zones clear of people and objects.
CLIMB DOWN
Try to climb down whenever possible.
ETIQUETTE
Climbing safety refers to the practices and procedures that minimise the inherent risks involved in climbing.
PEACE OUT
Keep it chill, good vibes only.
DON’T BETA SPRAY
Let others climb their way, unless they ask for help. As well intentioned as it may be, not everyone would like advice on how to do things, let people ask should they want some help!
RESPECT
Be respectful of other people, their space and belongings.
TRYING IS A SUCCESS
We’re all at different levels.
YOU BRUSH IT, YOU CRUSH IT
If someone brushes a hold, let them climb it first.
TAKE TURNS
Take turns climbing, let others have a go. Have 1 - 2 attemps before rotating with other climbers, and keep a safe distance while waiting.
NOT SO “EASY PEASY”
Don’t downplay anyone’s climbing.
BRUSHING
SLIPPERY WHEN CHALKY
Excess chalk makes the holds smooth and slippery.
BRUSH THE HOLDS
Brushing holds removes the excess chalk. If someone has brushed a climb, they are entitled to the next attempt on it.
GET A GRIP
Clean holds offer better grip.
LONG LASTING
Taking care of the holds by brushing them regularly increases their lifetime.
MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK
If you see someone climbing dirty holds, help by brushing it for them.
PROTECT THE HOLDS
Do not use a brush if the bristles have worn down.
REPLACE BRUSHES
Please let staff know if a brush is worn and needs replacing.
RULES
SAFETY FIRST
Climbers must complete the safety induction and sign the waiver (including supervising adults).
SUPERVISION
Climbers under the age of 16 must be actively supervised by an adult: one adult per two children.
DON’T DRINK & CLIMB
No entry to the climbing area while under the influence.
CLIMBING SHOES ONLY
Only climbing shoes are to be used on the walls and mats.
CLIMBING SHOE FREE ZONES
No climbing shoes in the bathrooms or weights gym.
DON’T BLEED & BOULDER
Climbing while bleeding is highly unsanitary. Please treat injuries and seek help from our staff to remove blood.
KEEP THE MATS CLEAR
Don’t leave your water bottle and non-climbing belongings on the mats.
FOOD FREE ZONE
No food in the climbing area
SLOW DOWN
No running anywhere in the facility.
SICK GYMS, NO ONE WINS
Please refrain from using the facility if you feel unwell.
NO TOPPING OUT
No grabbing the top of the wall and no topping out, it is unsafe to do so.
REMOVE JEWELS
Remove all jewellery before climbing - especially rings.
EXPERIENCED SPOTTERS ONLY
Only spot or power spot if it is absolutely necessary and with the consent of the climber.
DON’T TRY CATCH A FALL
Spotting is helping someone control their fall, not trying to catch them.
NO COMMERCIAL SOLICITAION
Strictly no commercial solicitation is allowed.
INCLUSION
- Never comment on someone's lack of ability/climbing skill and/or discourage anyone from climbing.
- Unsolicited sexual language and/or behaviour towards anyone is strictly prohibited.
- We do not tolerate homophobia, biphobia, inter-phobia and any other form of sexist, racist, discriminating and bullying comments and/or actions.
- We do not tolerate cyberbullying of any kind. This includes mediums such as emails, comments or messages via our social media platforms.
- Do not instruct people on how to climb unless they give explicit permission first - this includes showing beta (the solution to climbing a problem), or physical assistance.