New Jersey Rock Gym — Attraction in Fairfield

"An Hour of Fun - What a Great Experience!"

In our never-ending hunt to find exciting, indoor activities for our children during the cold months, we uncovered the New Jersey Rock Gym via NJ Family. Let the record show, one of my friends goes rock climbing. One. But, he loves it. I figured it was worth a shot!

I emailed NJ Rock Gym with a small list of questions:

"Our eleven year-old daughter is interested in learning to climb, and we're thinking about going to your Fairfield, New Jersey location [...] for the novice, what does she need to come in for an hour of instruction? We don't have any of our own gear, but we see from your website that rentals are available. Please provide a list of costs for everything she needs as well as an hour of instruction with a trained professional. Also, let us know the times per instructor availability."

Within about an hour and a half, we received a reply:

"We can offer an hour of instruction tomorrow [...] and would provide all necessary gear for this hour with the instructor, Connor. Please call us tonight before 8pm or tomorrow morning (we open at 10 am) so we can take a deposit. The total cost for the one hour with the instructor and all rentals included would be $42. If this time does not work for you, give us a call so we can find a time that is better and ensure that we have an instructor available for you. Thank you so much and we look forward to hearing from you."

What a fantastic response! Of course, we called-in and booked the appointment. The gentleman over the phone was very pleased that we called; he said that many times clients ask for appointment slots but don't respond for days or even weeks to confirm appointments.

If you're going to ask for available times, please confirm and book right away - you will not be disappointed!

Our hour with Connor was very productive. As an instructor, Connor was patient and kind, consistent with what a parent expects of a teacher for his or her child. The gear was easy to put on, and every challenge was met with anticipation and excitement from our eleven year-old. We wholeheartedly recommend one on one instruction for the novice climber. Our child began at a (entry-level) 5.5 climb and got to 5.7. She finished with what's called "bouldering", where the climber proceeds, unassisted and un-tethered, up an 8-foot wall climb. An hour of fun indeed!

Positives? • Email and telephone communication • Instruction and classes • $ low-cost fun • Ample parking • Cubbys to stow personal items • Gear available to the novice • Observation deck for photo and video opportunities

Negatives? • Location easy to miss with GPS • Construction activity during active hours • Waiver: don't climb unless you have good...

New Jersey Rock Gym in Fairfield New Jersey is a fantastic place for rock climbers of all levels.

When I first started there a couple years ago I had zero experience but since I had purchased a starter set from REI I wanted to put it to use.

The staff will take you through an instruction round explaining the different types of climbs whether it's bouldering using the auto belay etc. speaking of the staff what a great group of young kids work there! extremely supportive and knowledgeable, do not hesitate to ask for assistance or even some " beta " to help you get up the wall.

Another great aspect of this place, Is the frequency of which routes get changed out. They're always up there long enough for you to work a route solve a problem and make it to the top but they get changed out often enough that it's always fresh and it really keeps the place interesting.

Since they expanded, they're offering more day camp and party opportunities for kids and additionally, they have yoga classes climbing classes and other special nights available. They opened up a small cafe which is a great little spot for the parents to hang while their kids are climbing. It's also where the chess boards are. They are another great little extra feature that you certainly don't find in most gyms.

There is a small sized workout area in case you are interested in adding some conventional weight lifting to your climbing workout along with some cardio equipment.

Obviously the focus is on climbing.

The hours are great if you like late night climbing. Do not expect them to open very early but early enough...

Staff is EXTREMELY kind and friendly, not to mention the owner who's a G that's been running this gym for a long time. I've only recently started going (three months give or take) but after talking to some long time climbers, I've learned enough to know that this place is, and has been run by a fantastic and caring group of people. Other climbers are quick to accept and help you, everyone here wants to see you improve and enjoy yourself. I don't have enough kind words honestly, you climb here a few weeks and you'll feel comfortable and at-home. Bathrooms, locker areas and the workout area are all clean and well-maintained. Boulders and rope routes (auto-belay, top rope, and leads that I have yet to be taught to climb) are changed constantly by skilled and knowledgeable climbers; this allows for a fresh experience every few weeks. They offer great courses to learn how to belay and lead climb. I see climbers of every age, from literal children to the elderly all enjoying themselves, being cheered on by the other members, and overall enjoying themselves. It feels like here it's you and the rest of the gym-goers versus these god dang composite rocks, I've never had a negative experience with anyone. I saw an older man today try a route that was freshly minted mere hours before he climbed it. In response to a staff member asking him what he thought of it, he simply replied:

"Pure joy" -and he smiled.

I couldn't have summarized my experience here any better.

P.S. ~the music is...