My rock gym is a pretty no-frills place. It's clean, has a wide variety of wall types (top roping, a small lead roping area, and a lot of different types of bouldering). Classes are required if climbing anything other than bouldering routes, or you must "check-off" with the staff to be sure you know all the safety procedures.
What I look for is a focus on safety, good route setters (my gym is a small one and has 3 setters and routes are sequentially changed about every 3 months - they have a board that lets you know where the new routes are, and what's getting ready to change - that's a great thing.)
I also like that my gym is low-key and friendly. The staff are used to beginners, and there's no pressure on anyone. I started climbing at 55, and I was 40 lbs overweight, and yet I was embraced and welcomed and helped.
It's also great if they have a "partner" sign-up sheet for those who want to top-rope and don't have a partner, and lessons for learning new things.
no subject
What I look for is a focus on safety, good route setters (my gym is a small one and has 3 setters and routes are sequentially changed about every 3 months - they have a board that lets you know where the new routes are, and what's getting ready to change - that's a great thing.)
I also like that my gym is low-key and friendly. The staff are used to beginners, and there's no pressure on anyone. I started climbing at 55, and I was 40 lbs overweight, and yet I was embraced and welcomed and helped.
It's also great if they have a "partner" sign-up sheet for those who want to top-rope and don't have a partner, and lessons for learning new things.