Learn to belay and climb on your own
Top Rope Class
A 60–90 minute hands-on belay class at our indoor climbing gym in Ripon. Learn to tie in, belay with a GriGri and catch a fall, then climb the rope walls with a partner.
Find your fit
Which class is right for me?
Both are $60 for non-members and include 2 weeks of climbing. Here’s the difference.
Never climbed?
Beginner Climber Basics
$60 · ages 13+
- A 90-minute guided intro to bouldering, auto belays and the rope room
- Our staff handle the ropes for you
- 2 weeks of unlimited climbing, gear included
Ready to belay?
Top Rope Class
Free for members · $60 non-members · ages 13+
- Learn to belay a partner with a Petzl GriGri
- Leave belay-certified and climb the rope walls on your own
- Non-members get 2 weeks of climbing with gear
- Took BCB? The class is free during your 2 weeks
Belay class basics
What you’ll learn
- Equipment basics: harness, rope and GriGri
- Tying in with a figure-8 follow-through
- Belaying with a Petzl GriGri using PBUS (pull, brake, under, slide)
- Voice commands between climber and belayer
- Catching a fall safely
- Lowering a climber to the ground
Simple pricing
What it costs
Non-members
$60
Per person
Includes 2 weeks of unlimited climbing with rental gear. Join a membership before your 2 weeks end and we waive the $100 start-up fee.
Book your classMembers
Included with every membership
Free
BCB grads
Free during your 2 weeks (doesn’t extend them)
Free
Need a refresher? If you took the class in the past 6 months, a refresher is free with a day pass. The included 2-week membership is one per person.
Good to know
Before you come
- First visit? Arrive 30 minutes early. Returning? 15 minutes is enough.
- Class starts on time. If you’re late, we’ll need to reschedule your booking.
- Ages 13 and up. Every participant needs a signed waiver.
- Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Harness, shoes and GriGri are included for non-members.
- Need to cancel? Give 24 hours’ notice for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, we’re happy to reschedule.
Pick a date
Book your Top Rope Class
Real reviews
What climbers are saying
Belay class questions
No experience is required. If you’ve never climbed before, we recommend starting with Beginner Climber Basics, then taking the Top Rope Class free during your 2 weeks.
Beginner Climber Basics is a guided introduction where our staff handle the ropes. The Top Rope Class teaches you to belay a partner yourself, so you can climb the rope walls on your own.
About 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the group.
Yes. The Top Rope Class is free for members, and free for Beginner Climber Basics grads during their 2 weeks.
If you took it within the past 6 months, a refresher is free with a day pass. If it’s been longer, retake the class. Experienced climbers can also ask for a belay test at the desk.
The Top Rope Class is for ages 13 and up. For younger climbers, try the Adventure Center or book a Staff Guided Belay.
Yes, and it’s a great way to start. Book a spot for each person who wants to learn to belay.
Comfortable clothes you can move in. Non-members get a harness, climbing shoes and a GriGri included.
Give at least 24 hours’ notice for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, we’re happy to reschedule, but cancellations aren’t refundable.
Alpine Climbing Adventure Fitness is at 1450 Garrison Way in Ripon, CA, a short drive from Manteca, Modesto, Salida, Escalon and Riverbank.
See you on the wall
Ready to rope up?
Free for members. $60 for non-members, including 2 weeks of climbing.