Philadelphia Rock Gyms - Fishtown — Local services in Philadelphia

Casual hang with a friend who usually goes to the east falls location, we ended up at the Fishtown location together to try it out, it ended up being unnecessarily complicated and expensive.

My friend is a member at PRG and I’ve been rock climbing before at TUFAS (down the street in fishtown) a handful of times this past year, I’m an active person with ample outdoor extreme sports experience with a good baring on strength, balance and emergency situations. Despite this I was told I couldn’t use my friend’s buddy pass until I passed my own safety test. Ok… simple… makes sense.

The “test” has no true start or stop, it’s really being asked specific terminology and what if situations, to which I answered most appropriately and physically exhibited the two falls you’re tested on. During the “test”, which felt like a conversational walk through… in order to be informed and engaged I made sure to ask any outstanding questions I had. Then I was told I failed?

The kicker is despite “failing” I did climb today… ONLY after paying a $30 fee for introductory lesson which they then claimed was the test. Confused, annoyed and simply wanting to continue my evening I paid it. Out of principal I’ll refrain from going here.

I’m not a review person but was actually irritated at this concept the more I realized what happened. Safety is important but charging people additional fees and creating barriers to entry is lame. Would recommend TUFAS over this place as both...

The best kept secret in Philadelphia is the Fishtown branch of PRG. I started climbing here almost 2 years ago and it has completely changed my life. I have learned a new skill, been surrounded by the kindest souls, and made the most incredible friends. This isn't a gym, it's a community. A safe space without ego and malice, such a rare gift these days.

And what is more - the staff is unwaveringly kind, supportive, highly skilled, and all around wonderful. There is no question too small to ask. They are highly educated in the art of climbing and are always willing to share what they know. I feel as if I've won the lottery being a member here. I know so many other members feel the...

Tried to hard sell me a learning package deal to learn how to fall even though I've been bouldering before. Service rep was very adamant that I needed to fall their way, and I even had to wait til the top of the hour (I arrived at 3:10) til the next lesson/test. Not sure if it's company policy to hard sell the lessons but it's definitely extremely disappointing that I would even have to wait 50 minutes to be tested if I can fall correctly, then be able to climb. It's also 45 dollars.

There's other places in Philly that charge 20-23 dollars for the day, with rentals. They also teach you how to fall (if you're new) for free, and right after you've gotten ready. Takes...