Redpoint Worcester — Attraction in Worcester

A well presented and maintained facility, in a clinical and soulless way. The bouldering routes are interesting and challenging and the space is comfortable and well lit. Unfortunately, I left Redpoint feeling deflated, vaguely humiliated, and like I had been accused of lying. I am a novice climber and had hoped to use my time at Redpoint to increase my experience and confidence in top rope climbing. At registration I answered the test questions satisfactorily (albeit without the technical jargon of climbing) and borrowed a harness. When preparing to climb I realised that the harness was different from the ones I've previously used. Being new to the sport I wanted a harness that was more similar to what I was used to, but it was my approaching the staff to ask for a switch which led to me leaving Redpoint feeling like I was an awful human being. Obviously, the staff have a duty of care and of course I don't want to be responsible for endangering my climbing partner. However, I have completed a belay course, been signed off by a competent instructor, and belayed for a handful of partners, so to be told that I would need to complete Redpoint's belay course to be signed off for top rope climbing at their facility felt like a kick in the teeth. I was, without warning, put on the spot to "perform" my belay technique. I felt flustered and uncoordinated and it took a few seconds for me to settle into it. In my humble opinion, I was harshly judged and rather than being given some time and space to gather myself and offered a couple of pointers for what to work on I was written off as incompetent. If, like me, you are fairly new to climbing it would be best to contact Redpoint prior to your visit and explain your experience level so that they can advise you how to get the most out of your time there. Be that increasing your experience elsewhere first, or booking a belay course with them, for example. Perhaps also avoid going on a Sunday afternoon. I imagine it was the end of a busy weekend of children's birthday parties and the staff were less inclined to be kind to a novice and this made it easier for them to justify having a catty and demeaning attitude to well-meaning patrons. It would take a lot for me to return to Redpoint and I wouldn't recommend it to people like me who are novices and visiting to increase their climbing experience. My initial impression of a friendly and welcoming team was well and truly shattered by the end of my visit. I went with a climbing partner and they too were left feeling humiliated by the...

Been climbing here on and off for a good 6/7 years now. I'm going to try and keep this as short and sweet as possible.

The staff are always super friendly and helpful, the two stars are in no way a reflection of them.

The prices are pretty ridiculous, even in this economy. There is absolutely zero incentive to come during "off peak" hours, when I am usually 1 of only 2/3 using the climbing facilities during the day in the week.

The sheer amount of people that pay to just sit on the bouldering mats and have a social is incredibly infuriating and perplexing. There is literally a cafe up a flight of stairs. I brought my partner who has never climbed before in an evening and she felt extremely uncomfortable with a whole audience sitting, watching her climb. Don't get me started on people not wearing footwear on the mats. Absolutely vile behaviour. Also put your tshirts back on, it's not that serious guys.

The route setting. It's pretty dull and uninspiring. I'd like to think I'm average at climbing and would think most who visit are at a similar grade (somewhere in the middle). I counted 10 V3's compared to 16 V8's and even more V7's. I'm not sure if it's just my climbing ability (or lack of) but the jump from some of the V4 climbs to other V4s is astronomical, there is no smooth incriment with the grading.

Put a separate entrance and counter/reception for The Buzz. Please. A self sign in would also be a good idea.

I miss the days staff would be on the mats to either show you how they would do the routes or at least give you guidance. Seems like 90% of the staff are there for the Buzz and have never climbed. (I never see staff on mats or climbing).

Two stars feels harsh, as I come at least once a week, but with each visit I go away...

I'm a monthly member and climb regularly. Red point is my local gym. The staff are brilliant, helpful and friendly. RPW has 3 'activities' ropes, bouldering and kids inflatables.

So why 2 stars? Value for money. This is both the most expensive, and least featured gym I've climbed at. Management's current priority seems to be monetising kids, getting as many inside and running around as possible.

Firstly, the 'warm up area' is barely big enough for a mat (not provided).

The training area is small, one pull up bar, couple beast makers, a moonboard and some campus rungs. No free weights or gym equipment. No yoga/flexibility classes as part of membership (at odds with every other gym membership I've seen).

Parking is often an issue.

Bouldering is quite small, and can be quite lacking in diversity depend on the sets.

Rope area is pretty large and good, best feature.

Cafe is great, good selection (of cakes).

In all, I mostly enjoy my climbing at red point, I tend to enjoy the sets, although I think the holds/volumes available seem to be lacking, there's far more variety at other centres. Don't expect bouldering comp style problems like we've seen in recent years.

It's not a bad centre, but it just leaves me feeling slightly ripped off. If there was an alternative close by I'd try it, but I would rather red point invested in and improved it's facilities, for climbers, instead trying to diversify while ignoring it's core demographic.

If they asked what I wanted in an ideal world, it would be a weights area, yoga sessions included in membership, larger training area and warm up, some more...