Triangle Rock Club - Durham — Local services in Durham

I have been climbing indoors and outdoors for a while, and been to a lot of bouldering gyms. I don't usually leave reviews, but since I have been a member here for a few months I felt I could give a fair review since I would hope to see some stuff improve.(TL;DR at bottom)

I'll start off with the things I like about this gym. The staff is great, and friendly. The person they have who resoles shoes does a great job for a very fair price. The space is very clean, spacious, has a good layout, comfortable thick mats, seating area, fun events, and offers walls for a wide variety of different styles of climbing. The training area is decent, it has standard campus rungs, sloper rungs, and a few hangboards which in all fairness is pretty much all you need. The membership gives you a lot of value because it is good at their other gyms(huge plus). I don't have a kid, and also I haven't taken any classes here so I can not speak on how good the coach/instructors are but I'm sure they are great from the few times I've seen the kids in the gym.

The things I think could be better: The setting at this gym is not the worst I have ever seen, but it certainly isn't the best. Lots of awkward/not very flowy positioning on climbs under v6 which may in part be due to the setters trying to prevent beta breaks for people good at smearing on the grippy walls(so small pass there). There are weird setting choices on v1 to v3- problems like 1-2 finger pockets on v1's which is just an accident for a beginner climber waiting to happen, and often positioning holds in angles outside the range of motion for someone shorter to grab without worrying about a wrist injury(I'm not talking about gastons). All in all I would say I personally see a lot that could be improved in the setting from the v1 to v3 grades to make them safer for newer climbers. For the v4's to v7 I have climbed, I would say they are mostly great with occasionally some weird hold orientations but you can expect someone at that level to safely handle it or decide not to try it. Also I would say there is a distinct lack of small box size climbing(more cramped positions for someone taller, but this is just a style I like), other than that this gym has about every style of climbing you would want minus crack climbing. They also don't have a moon board or kilter board, which sucks but isn't in anyway a deal breaker, it is just a nice/fun training tool.

TL;DR Overall, great and friendly gym with the only downside being some questionable setting in my opinion. Perfect membership pricing for what they offer with it. Handling the covid situation really well and you should feel safe...

2025 Edit: I was a member at TRC Durham for around 2½ years but recently cancelled in favor of The Boulder Garden, which in my opinion offers a far better bouldering experience than TRC. To preface this review, I started here as barely a V1 climber but worked my way up to regularly climbing V7s, and I only boulder. My experience at this gym in terms of the actual climbing experience was largely negative and unsatisfying, mostly due to the atrocious route setting. I wish I could have enjoyed this gym more, but the head setter seemingly won't tell his staff to set fun routes.

Pros (Facilities, Member Perks): The facilities at TRC are really nice. Besides the climbing area there's also a more traditional exercise room, cardio and yoga rooms, a sizeable lounge, and a couple shower rooms. Members get access to a variety of different classes as well as access to the other 4+ TRCs out there.

Cons (Climbing Experience, Pricing): First, the pricing here is insane. $95/month for a climbing gym is normal and expected but the $75 "initiation fee" is a scam. Yes, from a business perspective I understand why they do it, but at the very least there should always be the option to bypass this fee by paying for a year or at least three months upfront like other gyms do.

By far my biggest complaint about this gym though is the absolutely horrible route setting, which is usually at least frustrating and often even dangerous with the height and roughness of the walls here. VBs were frequently borderline impossible for new climbers that I'd bring here- most of them leaving frustrated because of it.

More often than not half the difficulty of a route will just be from the setters deciding the very last hold and only that hold has to be a crimp, sloper, or any other awkward position for some reason, and you have to decide if it's worth the injury if you fall when you go for it. I wish the different gyms each had different setters because then these complaints might be localized to only one gym, but you can't really avoid it cause it's the same setters at all of them (except Richmond and Fayetteville) with Morrisville being the least annoying since the wall is shorter and smoother.

Overall, my experience at TRC was negative and frustrating. It was incredibly satisfying to cancel my membership and finally have a option for bouldering outside of TRC at The Boulder Garden. Maybe one day TRC will find a new head setter and finally get some decent routes put up, but I'm not counting on it happening...

Triangle Rock Club Durham: A Climber's Paradise As an avid climber and fitness enthusiast, I've found my haven at Triangle Rock Club (TRC) Durham. This place isn't just a climbing gym; it's a vibrant community and comprehensive fitness center that caters to all levels and interests. Climbing: The climbing terrain is vast and diverse, featuring challenging routes for experienced climbers and beginner-friendly sections for those new to the sport. The setting is constantly refreshed, ensuring there's always something new to conquer. Whether you prefer bouldering, top-rope, or lead climbing, TRC Durham has you covered. Weight Room: The fully equipped weight room is a dream come true for those looking to complement their climbing with strength training. It houses a wide array of free weights, machines, and functional training equipment, allowing for a well-rounded workout. Yoga Studio: The dedicated yoga studio offers a serene space to unwind and enhance flexibility. The diverse class schedule includes everything from gentle flows to power yoga, catering to both beginners and experienced yogis. Cardio Area: The cardio area, equipped with treadmills and other machines, is perfect for warming up before a climb or getting in a quick cardio session. Community: Beyond the physical facilities, what sets TRC Durham apart is its welcoming and supportive community. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to help. The gym fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among climbers, making it easy to connect with fellow enthusiasts and find climbing partners. Overall: Triangle Rock Club Durham is more than just a gym; it's a place to challenge yourself, connect with others, and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting, this place has something to offer everyone. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a top-notch climbing and...