Central Rock Gym — Attraction in Buffalo

Central Rock Gym in Buffalo, NY, offers a comprehensive indoor rock climbing experience. Located at 55 Chicago St, Buffalo, NY 14204, it caters to the westernmost part of upstate New York. This facility spans over 22,000 square feet and features an array of climbing terrains suitable for various disciplines. Notably, it boasts impressive top rope and lead routes at over 100 stations, along with 100 boulder problems. The lead wall is an impressive 45 feet tall, offering a challenging and exciting experience for climbers​​​​​​.

The gym's operating hours vary, opening as early as 6 am on certain weekdays and closing at 10 pm, while weekend hours are from 9 am to 7 pm. However, it's closed on specific holidays like Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day​​​​.

Central Rock Gym is well-equipped for climbers of all skill levels and ages. It offers day passes for those looking to climb for a day, regardless of their experience level. For beginners or those who prefer assistance, the gym provides a staff belay service, where trained staff handle the belaying duties, allowing climbers to focus solely on their climbing experience​​​​.

Moreover, the gym offers a variety of classes and programs. This includes an Intro Belay Class for those aged 13 and above, teaching the basics of belaying, a method of securing a climber on a rope, and the use of knots and devices for top rope climbing. For young climbers, programs are available for ages ranging from 3.5 to 18 years. Additionally, for adult climbers, there's a specific team that meets every Sunday from 8-10 am, offering training and tips for climbers of all levels​​​​​​​​.

Lastly, Central Rock Gym also features amenities such as yoga and...

Pros:

The staff here are excellent. I've been going there almost as long as the gym has been open. Every time I've had an issue, Justin has always seen that it's been taken care of. Just a small example, a couple of the lights were out on the Tension Board I mentioned it to the staff and the next day it was fixed.

The gym has good equipment that allow you to work targeted muscle groups and become a stronger climber.

They have a lot of rope climbs which is new to the area. It's really nice to see new climbers working routes.

Getting a membership lets you go to all of the gyms in the Chain. I highly recommend checking out Rochester's CRG. The climbing style is much different, so you can find climbing style diversity by checking out the others in the chain.

Cons:

The setting is really inconsistent. There have been several climbs that were graded higher than they actually are, and some that are graded lower than they actually are. Having been to several gyms across the east coast it's disheartening going from climbing CRG Buffalo's v7s to barley being able to climb v5s at the others. The gym is still very young so I definitely think that it will improve. Especially when they start adding new talent and new climbing styles.

Young children are often left unsupervised by their parents especially on the weekends. Bring a friend so you can have someone spot kids and keep them away from the wall while your climbing. No one wants to blow off a boulder and land on a 4 year old.

Conclusion:

Want something to do, go climbing! The cons are really very small issues. It's an excellent gym and the staff are always super friendly. Especially Thomas, the guy is one of the nicest...

As a beginner climber, I LOVE Central Rock Buffalo and here’s why!

CLIMBING PROGRESSION CLASSES: very well taught, organized into concise modules, and they make climbing EXPONENTIALLY more fun and gratifying!! FREE with membership. Cannot recommend them enough - they are why I have maintained a regular schedule of coming to the gym.

CLIMBING ROUTES: a good variety for different “styles” and skill levels of climbing.** They have a lot of space to work with, and they use every inch.

FITNESS CLASSES: I love the circuit training and yoga classes. The circuit training classes in particular have noticeably improved BOTH my rock climbing and general quality of life. I can literally feel my brain focusing better, and have noticed the difference in ability and recovery after doing strenuous field work. The instructors are great and there is a group of regular attendees who are all super nice. Classes involves weights (choose the ones that meet your needs) and you are encouraged to move at your own pace while focusing on good form. A surprisingly chill and supportive atmosphere for sweating your butt off!

**SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT to whoever arranged the V1 yellow overhang that’s there right now!! It has really helped me build up my strength, endurance — and overcome my fear of being in that super lean out position. Please keep setting easier routes in those severe...