Central Rock Gym — Local services in Waltham

THIS place is NOT for beginners. Look at all the reviews ... most of the positive reviewers are experienced climbers. Based on how they treat you, their policies, and other factors, I would have to say it is terrible for beginners. First, the "trial" is promoted as a 3-hour experience, but the lesson is only a bit longer than an hour and then you are "on your own." You could have a staffer manage your ropes, but you would have to "be a member for that" (how could you be a member if you are taking the trial class?) Second, you MUST sign up with a friend if you are going to get any value for your 3 hour experience (but there is nothing to point this out). I see another reviewer booked late at night, so only got the hour, but if I were this gym I would not take reservations for that class any later than two hours before close (so the customer can get value). Third, I asked if I could climb with my daughter, to avoid leaving her alone after the hour, and though there was space in the class they refused me because they were "too busy". Fourth, the electronic reservation made online did not populate to the gym, so they had to add them manually. Finally, I asked for a refund, for a class she NEVER attended. After three requests, first in person (at the desk before the class) and twice by email (to the manager), the only response I have was "no" (again too busy). I get that Covid has made things more challenging for all, but this isn't a supply chain problem or staffing issue. It would not take much to accommodate the customer and/or be kind and understanding. Do NOT go here if you want to start learning...

For what it is (a relatively small bouldering gym), it's pretty good. They have slab, vertical, and overhanging walls and a good diversity of climbing styles (i.e. setting).

As others have commented, their grading is soft (on average, I suspect it's ~2 grades over-rated: V5 @CRG Waltham - V3 +/- 1 outdoors, at least when I went). If you regularly climb V7, this will have some fun stuff yet, but it may not suffice as your regular gym. (Also, it's small enough and busy enough that it's probably not suitable to training, e.g. 4x4s). However, below this level, climbers seem to be having a lot of fun. The softer grading also means that beginners can meet success and not be stonewalled by a V0.

For me, the highlight (5th star WRT review) was the welcome that I received (on my first visit there) by the staff (Steve). He was friendly and engaging (not just about climbing at that location, but other CRG locations and more broadly).

COVID-19 protocols were as good as I can envision for a gym (happy to see these precautions taken).

The glass window shared with Mighty Squirrel is also very...

Most expensive gym I've ever gone to and definitely the worst quality. You're better off going to Metro Rock in Littleton it's amazing, large top roping and bouldering sections, clean, well lit, and cheaper. Central rock's pictures need to be updated because the holds are now all old and walls are worn and gross. The lighting is also so dark. There is also barely any room in this place and it's only bouldering. They also do not have a good range of route levels. This place is not for kids and not really even for beginners or intermediate level. I don't know how this place justifies their pricing compared...