Climbing etiquette is very important. It is ideal to have it not only inside rock climbing gyms but also outside.
Now you maybe asking what is climbing etiquette, that definition can be a range of things. I’m going to go over what are some things I’ve noticed in my time not only as a climber but as a climbing gym staff member.
First is respectful of routes, what I mean by that is that if someone is waiting to climb a certain route and someone just jumps in front of you that is not proper climbing etiquette. For the most part you can notice if someone is waiting or getting ready to tie in to climb a certain route. You should always just double check and ask “hey, are you going to climb this?” Or something like that as a common courtesy.
Second I think is not just use someone for a belay and you aren’t certified yet or just don’t want to belay that day. When people go climbing they also want to climb, not just belay you the whole time unless they are there that day for the social aspect or injured and all they can do is belay. Most gym etiquette is that mutual taking turns on each belay and climb.
Third is not yelling out beta while climbers are climbing. Unless someone asks for help that is the fun part of rock climbing is the puzzle solving part. Try not to yell beta because you may not of ruined it for the climber but someone else there waiting to do that route that doesn’t want to hear how to do it. Plus it makes a lot of climbers mad when climbers that can’t even climb those certain grades or routes yelling beta at people on those routes what to do. So just try to sit back and still encourage and just wait till they ask.
I hope this helped you a little bit on the next time you go climbing indoor or outdoor on the proper gym etiquette. Gym etiquette may not be a set amount of rules set in stone but there are some unspoken things you should always consider.
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