Lead Climbing and Belaying Standards

All climbing is dangerous.  Lead climbing is particularly dangerous. The dangers involved with lead climbing affect you, your belayer, and other customers at Latitude. Our goal is to set and maintain the highest standards safety for all gym guests and staff.  Latitude Climbing requires and enforces strict adherence to our lead climbing and lead belaying standards. These standards and practices may differ from other gyms or outside but are required to conduct lead climbing at Latitude Climbing. Climbing at Latitude requires adherence to the policies outlined below.  Disregard for our policies and procedures will result in the loss of access to Latitude facilities. Lead belaying is restricted to those 14 years of age or older.

Equipment

Lead climber/belayers are required to use a UIAA/CE certified sit type harness with a belay loop that is less than 5 years old and does not show excessive wear.

  • UIAA/CE approved assisted braking belay devices must be used. These devices must be in good working order and not show signs of excessive wear. Assisted Braking Belay Devices are required.  

  • The following devices are permitted at Latitude Climbing: Petzl GriGri, Mega Jul/GigaJul, Wild Country Revo, Trango Vergo, Mammut Smart 2.0, Black Diamond Pilot. 

  • Belay carabiners must be UIAA/CE approved locking carabiners, which are free from excessive wear and in good working order.

  • Only UIAA certified dynamic single ropes are allowed. Ropes must be less than 5 years old, regularly inspected and have a known history. Any rope less than 164 ft. (50m) in length is not permitted. A stopper knot is required on the non-climber end of all ropes.  Ropes must be checked and labeled by a Latitude staff member before they are approved for use at any Latitude facility.

  • Latitude Climbing staff may disallow any rope, harness, belay device, carabiner or other piece of equipment at any time at their sole discretion.