Garden State Rocks — Local services in Marlboro Township

I’ve never left a negative review, so this is a first. Used to come here all the time, but it seems like the gym has changed hands recently. The big buff guy behind the counter was very rude and condescending. The sign in process took 45 minutes, which can easily be expedited with a sign while you’re waiting on line to get to the counter. Back right corner of the gym doesn’t have enough pads to cover some of the problems, and the cave pad is so worn that you touch the ground when you fall compressing thru a giant pad with ease due to overuse throughout the years. Boulder problems are awkward in the way that they climb and just don’t feel like naturally conducive to good form, lots of desperate throws leaving shorter people handicapped. By far, the worst element of the experience is the music, death metal. I tried going more than on one occasion thinking it might be a fluke, but still…death metal. Not a fun environment to climb in, the music is just as angry as the staff. I’ve been climbing 15 years and all over the country, never experience anything like this place. I bought a membership and only went twice, despite living 5 minutes away. Had such a bad experience that I never went back despite spending plenty of money for a month’s worth.

This gym has changed, pretty disappointing. Think twice before buying a membership, I regret...

I’ve been here only a handful of times but have enjoyed every experience. My son (4) and I paid $55 for the entire hour for an assisted belay. The staff was so friend, shout out to Nick for making my sons first time so memorable and safe and Rich for enlightening my brother on the Auto Belay wall you have after a not so great prior experience (different facility). Personally if you have a ton of experience, yeah this place MIGHT be small, but it’s atmosphere, mix of music that’s played, and overall upbeat patrons make this a spot I want to regularly come back to. They also offer a “climbing program” for kids and teens in an 8 week program, ranging from one to two classes a week.

Fair warning - there are usually dogs 🐶 that stay behind the front desk but are so very friendly with...

Updating this from 3 to 5 stars due to changes. The gym still has room for improvement, but it’s becoming a fantastic gym!

Things they do great: Strong community, friendly & involved staff Interesting, varied setting. This has dramatically improved in the last 6 months Some pretty interesting wall features Bouldering walls are (mostly) not scarily tall Nice fluffy pad on the steep wall

Concerns: Some of the pads are in desperate need of replacement. They’re making progress on this front! TRing walls are short and not a priority. But, if you’re a casual climber they’re fine and you’ll be happy to not be 60’ in the air Some weird rules around TRing & leading. But you’ll probably be...