Triangle Rock Club - Richmond — Local services in Lakeside

I’ve been here thrice now (and once at another Triangle in KY) and definitely want to go back for more! I’ve been climbing just under a year now and usually boulder since that’s the only option in my town, so it’s nice having harnessed climbing options.

I do feel like they sandbag the bouldering area pretty heavily, because there are no true beginner routes. Even the VB routes are harder than what I’d have been able to do when I first started, and it’s made it difficult to take newbie climbers there. I’d suggest making the beginner problema more like ladders with a few small twists for those who are very new, unconfident, and a bit weaker to enjoy, and do whatever you want with the upper grades.

I am also unsure about how the auto-belays change over time. In the past there have been several auto options in the tall room (useful when I climb alone or when I’m with a friend who can’t belay), but today when I went there were none. I was kind of disappointed as this took away my chance to climb the tall walls, which I very much enjoy when I’m in town and get the chance to visit. Are they coming back? I saw another reviewer say they’d been permanently removed, but I hope not!

When I’ve been there at the same time as kids, the kids also run around kind of unattended, which is kind of annoying. I don’t mind sharing the space with kids and I love that they have fun climbing, but some of them kind of take over certain areas and make it hard to climb, especially if I’m doing auto-belay and only have a handful of options to begin with. I went to the bouldering area once when there was a group of kids and nobody was stopping them from running around or standing directly under me while I climbed! I don’t want to squish them falling off those sandbagged climbs! Parents and teachers need to attend their kids and teach them safety rules.

Overall a great facility with lots of options and fun climbs with fun names, though. Love those route names! I just wish there were better options for total beginners and better safety and gym etiquette training for the...

I recently had the unfortunate experience of visiting Triangle Rock Club and let me tell you, it was a complete disaster from start to finish. I'd rather crawl up a gravel driveway than subject myself to such a dreadful place again.

First and foremost, the boulder route setting was like a cruel joke played by someone with a twisted sense of humor. The routes were not only uninspiring but downright terrible. Trying to find a flow was like attempting to waltz through a minefield blindfolded. Whoever is responsible for setting these routes must have been aiming for frustration, not fun.

As if the terrible climbing experience wasn't enough, the staff managed to make the situation even worse. I've been to my fair share of gyms, but never have I encountered such a bizarre and unhelpful bunch. Asking about equipment felt like entering the twilight zone. Apparently, providing Grigris is a luxury that this gym can't afford, and inquiring about an ATC was met with a nonchalant shrug. It's almost as if they're actively trying to discourage people from climbing.

Now, let's talk about cleanliness – or rather, the lack thereof. The boulder area had the distinct aroma of stale chicken nuggets, a smell I never thought I'd associate with a place meant for physical activity. And if that wasn't repulsive enough, there was a patch of vomit in the main area that seemed to have been left there as some sort of sick decoration. It sat untouched for what felt like an eternity, turning the gym into a breeding ground for all things unpleasant.

Overall, my visit to TRC was an exercise in disappointment and frustration. I would strongly advise against subjecting yourself to this nightmare of a facility unless you have a strange affinity for terrible routes, rude staff, and the distinct scent of old fast food. Save your time and money – go...

The setting here is great- movement is thoughtful and appropriately challenging for the grades. The locker rooms are very spacious with big lockers, showers, and a separate changing room. Could use a small shelf and hook in each shower please.

One star is lost because of the steel carabineer on all of the top ropes. I understand that the gym's suits need to worry about liability, however not having climbers tie their own knot (or form a habit of checking it) until they're learning to lead climb is simply poor risk management. If someone wanted to learn from beginner to lead climber at this gym their learning would be severely stunted by this policy, which leads to more accidents on lead. It's simply not a logical instruction progression to start tying your knot while just starting to lead. Old school? Yes. Safer? No. Additionally, these carabineer also post a constant risk to belayers and passersby. Every single time I top a lead climb and take, my body is forced into the top rope which sends 10lbs if solid steel swinging in an unknown direction. My belayer got hit in the ankle today. Didn't feel good. We often feel like we should wear helmets, especially since the ropes get tied up to put the carabineer at head/face level almost all the time.

Another star removed for the quick draws all being the same direction. This gym has been open for years now and the draws genuinely look like they were put up by someone who doesn't climb. With all draws facing left, a climber will NEVER outside clip on the right or inside clip on the left. Another huge diminishment to anyone learning to lead on these walls, and also just shows negligence that this hasn't been fixed since first opening. Imagine going to a bowling alley and they only have left shoes. Can you still bowl? Yes. Is this how people normally do it?...