Safety In Bouldering

Bouldering is a fun and challenging sport, but not entirely without risks.

We offer you the facilities to climb, however, you remain responsible for your own actions when climbing, falling or jumping off. 
Don't do anything that feels unsafe. To ensure that everyone can enjoy 9 Degrees in a safe and responsible manner, we provide house rules and safety rules that need to be adhered to. 

House Rules

Customers are required to have read the house rules and general conditions to boulder at 9 Degrees. By using our facilities you are under this obligation and have agreed to abide by these rules and conditions.

  • Here we'll scan your membership or day pass and hire out climbing shoes if you need them.

  • A gym full of safe, responsible climbers is a happy one!

  • Climbing down is safer and much easier on your body. We provide "down climb" holds at the top of every climb to aid your descent or to grab if you're feeling unsteady. You can see them in our safety video below.

  • The mats are where climbers land - standing on them unecessarily can lead to injury for both yourself and the person climbing.

    Please make sure that you are ALWAYS on the concrete floor when walking around, watching other climbers or looking at the wall. Standing on the mats can also unfairly or unintentionally block others from having their turn.

    Spotting is not encouraged. Statistics show that spotting indoor climbing generally causes more injuries than they prevent.

  • Jewellery can catch on climbing holds and lead to severe skin injuries - if you've got a strong stomach you can google the term 'degloving' to learn more.

    Similarly, nobody wants to land on your keys or phone that have slipped out of your pocket! Valuable items can be stored in the secure lockers available at every gym free of charge.

  • Almost all climbs overlap. By practicing good etiquette and having a look at where your climb starts AND finishes you can make sure you won’t ever collide with another user or accidentally cut off somebody else trying a different climb.

  • Take care of yourself - we want you to be here for a good time AND a long time!

  • Shoes must be worn at all times, in the interest of both hygeine and safety.

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9 Degrees Safety Video

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the risks of Falling

Falling is an integral part of bouldering, especially when attempting challenging climbs - That does not mean that one simply lets go and hopes for the best! 

At all times a climber must be mentally prepared for a fall and have a good sense of the risks involved. Every time you land on the mats there is risk involved. This risk must always be reduced as much as possible by the participant. Never attempt anything that feels unsafe or uncontrolled.

The best ways to minimise risk when falling:

  • Always climb down. You can use our down climb holds (extra holds placed along the tops of the walls that are easy to grip) to help you get down

  • Avoid rotation and land and on both feet to distribute your impact:

  • Allow the mat to absorb your impact, bend your knees and avoid hinging forward at the hips

  • Avoid lunging for a hold if your’re feeling insecure or tired

  • Practice soft falling and rolling from low heights

  • Before you begin a climb check that the mat is clear and you are not climbing close to anybody else