Rock Spot Climbing: Boston-Dedham — Local services in Boston

BOULDERING: Every week, one (of six) section of the wall is reset, providing enough time to project and frequent fresh problems. There seems to be a good mix of difficulties for all levels. TOP ROPE: About 40% of the tope rope walls have auto-belays, which is great if you're climbing alone. They're not the tallest walls but I've never really had to sit around and wait for someone to finish as most people come to boulder. STAFF: This is definitely what separates this gym. They've been amazingly warm, helpful and welcoming — which really makes me, as a beginner, feel like I belong. It seems like the staff makes an effort to remember members' names and there's always someone around in case you need anything. Sometimes, I'll be on a wall struggling and, out of nowhere, I can hear one of the staff members shout encouragement at me. Cannot say enough nice things about them and how receptive they've been, especially towards my frequent suggestions. OTHER: M/W from 5pm-7pm or so is usually when the team kids are there, so it can be crowded during those times but they've been respectful to share the space and I regularly hear the coaches remind them that it is shared space. The lifting area has 430ish pounds of plates, one barbell and a bench, with limited dumbbells — the area overall is quite small but aside from the team kids, I've never seen anyone else use it. There are one or two cardio machines upstairs. T/Th are more of the adult crowd; other members I've spoken to at those times have been very nice. Weekends have been practically empty aside from the occasional birthday party. The store area has all the essentials but not a huge variety to choose from. There are M/W bathrooms and a changing room, but no showers. No lockers but enough cubbies...

I'm biased since this was the first gym I started climbing at but I love it. Lots of bouldering (think shorter climbing walls without rope with a mat flooring to absorb your fall) and with that, lots of topping out.

Topping out: depends on who you are, but lots of rock gyms just have some tape at the top marking the last hold or place to put your hands, but this gym lets you climb over the wall (and then take a staircase down one side). Might be scary at first but feels great to finish a climb and get over the wall.

I find the environment really chill and lots of friendly climbers. And it never seemed to be too crowded for me. You see all levels of climbers there.

I give it a 5, but there are some things you might not like:

On the weekends in the morning there can be a lot of little kids running around. The staff and parents do a good job of giving you space but there is the occasional overly excited kid who will run close by you :). Once you get used to it it's kinda nice seeing all the kids having a good time.

Top-rope is pretty short. You probably don't want to go there if you don't like bouldering and want to climb some bigger walls. Nice for people scared of going too high though. There are still challenging routes, just closer to the ground.

The gym's been around for a bit so holds can feel a bit more used/greasier than those newer gyms. I feel like it just adds to the challenge and keeps your hands from tearing apart, but you might like the idea of having stickier holds. Idk.

All in all, I really like this place: relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, interesting terrain...

Well, I did not get a chance to experience the facility with my kids. I was looking for a new activity for my girls. So, I did a google searched of the rock climbing place near my home and this rock climbing place popped up. I decided to go see if I could get a tour of the place before my girls gymnastics class. Overall, the woman I spoke to was very friendly, knowledgeable and nice. She gave us a great tour. I asked her a few questions but she wasn’t sure. She said that her manager was coming in later and was going to email me with the answers. A day past and no answer. Despite her not responding to me, i decided to give her another chance. I called and wanted to set up a trial class for my kids. She said she has to find out from the two instructors and see if they can do it this Saturday. I said sure. I asked her are you going to call me later tonight to let me know so I can setup the time. Again, I did not get a call back that night nor the day after. Honestly, after these two mishaps. I will not sign my kids up for this place. The lack of professional courtesy phone call or email left me a bad taste in my mouth. So, I would not recommend this place only because of...