Paid full price and was kicked off in less than an hour because I didn't know the course like the back of my hand. They mention in "ground school" that there is a 0 tolerance policy and they aren't kidding. You're expected to know every in and out of the course safety layouts as if you've worked there all summer like the employees. There is a large central platform on the course that can get pretty crowded and sometimes it can be hard to find a line to clip into. The platform is large enough to feel relatively safe being unclipped, so I thought it would be okay to walk up to the next level unclipped. With sunglasses on and it being my first time, I missed the line you are supposed to clip into to walk up the stairs and was "caught", if that's what you want to call it.
There are many small platforms built around the trees that have 3 person limits that I don't think the average person would even toy with the idea of unclipping from their harness out of fear of falling, but the central platform feels much more like a safe zone. They don't really differentiate the platforms in "ground school", but will hold you to expert safety levels after the 20 minute instructional that is helpful, but it doesn't effectively simulate how it actually is on the course.
After making this honest mistake, I apologized to the guides and tried to explain I didn't see the line, but it was too late. Thats all it took to be considered a hazard on the course to everyone and I was asked to leave.
I don't make scenes wherever I go, I follow the rules, I keep in line and just try to go with the flow of life. I wasn't being rowdy or terrorizing other customers or endangering anyone, I was just guilty of being human and making one mistake that only affected myself. It felt like they wanted to make an example out of me and/or power trip for some reason amongst of crowd of people who all were trying to do the same thing, just have fun and be safe.
On a final note, "ground school" doesn't mention going up and down between the levels of the course, only between obstacles, maybe add that in so people are more aware. You should also reiterate that the large central platform is still required to be clipped in at all times despite being significantly larger than any other platform. Lastly, maybe don't say things like "bonus points to whoever can figure out how to unclip without the key" if you're going to be this unforgiving or strict with your rules. Humor can be useful in long winded demonstrations, but this was not the right way to do it.
My request for refund or partial refund was denied. Will not...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreTook myself on a solo day-date and gave this a try. I had done ropes courses before but not in a long while - it was a great experience. I got there 30min early, checked in and wandered around the Nature Preserve while I waited. Check in was fast, friendly, and informative. Promptly at my scheduled time an instructor walked us through gearing up then took us through a safety briefing. Once we passed we were free to go. Seems like about 20 people could join at each climb time - I specifically looked for a time when there were LOTS of openings available so that I would have fewer people on the course. There were only about 5 of us in total - thankfully I went when I did because as I was leaving a group of 20 were about to join the fray. The elements were a good blend of skill - easier at the bottom, harder at the top.
Should have taken gloves - I stopped before my blister popped. Also started with lots of easy ones down low and by the time I got to the hard ones on the 3rd and 4th level my arms were fatigued. Next time, I'll warm up on some "easy" elements then go right to the hardest and work my way down.
Great time for solo or a group! Will...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreI recently had a disappointing experience at a local climbing, which I feel compelled to share to help others avoid similar situations. After driving an hour and a half with my kids in tow, eager for a fun climbing session, we were met with frustration right at the outset. Despite having called ahead to inquire about the dayās schedule, at no point were we informed that the last call for climbing was at 1 PM. We arrived shortly after, only to find that we had missed the cutoff, leaving my kids disheartened and our day ruined.
The lack of clear communication from the staff about their scheduling was not only inconvenient but also a major oversight. Itās essential for businesses, especially those catering to families, to provide all pertinent information upfront to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for their patrons. Unfortunately, this was not the case for us, and it turned what should have been an enjoyable family outing into a disappointing drive back home. I hope this review prompts the gym to improve its communication practices so that future visitors do not face the same...
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