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At ParaCliffHangers, we believe in the power of creating an accessible and inclusive community where everyone can explore rock climbing. Our meetups are designed to welcome people with disabilities into the sport, help climbers grow as athletes, create supportive environments, and form powerful friendships. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just beginning, ParaCliffHangers offers opportunities for everyone to contribute, learn, and thrive. Join us in this exciting journey, and be a part of a community that celebrates diversity, perserverance, and the joy of climbing together.
1st + 3rd Mondays | 6PM - 8PM
What To Expect
Admission
- Climbers with disabilities, plus their friends and family, receive a discounted day pass rate of $15
- Volunteers, CRG gym members, and other non-climbing friends and family members may join us for free.
- Any cost will be paid directly to CRG upon arrival at the front desk during check-in.
Climbing Gear
- You're welcome to bring and use your own climbing gear.
- CRG provides ParaCliffHangers participants with rental harnesses and shoes at no cost if they do not have their own. The gym will provide you with gear when you check in.
- Street shoes are not allowed when climbing. If you need to borrow rental shoes at the gym, be sure to wear socks.
Facility
- Water bottle refill stations and fountains are available throughout the facility. Participants can also buy bottles of water at the front desk as needed.
- Lockers will also be available for use during the event. You can bring your own lock or rent one from the facility. Lockers are for day use only.
- Light snacks are available for purchase at the gym.
- The majority of the facility is wheelchair accessible, including the restrooms, showers, lockers, and ramps up the climbing mats. A bouldering wall and workout area are only accessible via stairs, but staff members are happy to bring down equipment such as foam rollers or weights as requested.
Waiver & Safety
- Rock climbing is inherently dangerous. During their first visit to the facility, all participants are required to fill out a climbing gym participant agreement.
- If you've had a recent injury, speak to your doctor beforehand to determine if it's safe to return to climbing.
- A Chapter Representative will inform the facility staff if an injury or emergency happens during the meetup. Participants are encouraged to follow the gym's incident protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone climb?
ParaCliffHangers is all about adapting! Our Chapter Representatives will work with each participant to make rock climbing more accessible:
Together, we'll find out what works best for you!
Can kids participate in the event?
Yes! Children can also participate in our meetups. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. All minors are expected to practice good etiquette and adhere to safety procedures while in the facility. At ParaCliffHangers, we also organize climbing sessions specifically for children with disabilities. You can find more information on these event on our website.
What should I wear?
Athletic clothing, such as leggings, gym shorts, t-shirts, etc. are best for rock climbing. If you don't have your own climbing gear, you'll borrow a harness and climbing shoes. Street shoes are not allowed when climbing, so be sure to wear socks if you need to borrow rental shoes at the gym.
If I’m volunteering, am I allowed to climb?
We encourage everyone to climb with each other during the session! With that, if you have registered as a volunteer and we notice a paraclimber is in need of a belay or we need assistance running the Mechanical Advantage System, we may pull you to assist with these tasks. We welcome and encourage our paraclimbers to take on volunteer roles within our chapters. Volunteering is an act of service to expand our climbing community to all participants with disabilities.
What is a Mechanical Advantage System?
At ParaCliffHangers, we train our community members to set up a range of systems that can serve as an accommodation for climbers with limited mobility. One frequent system we utilize is a mechanical advantage system to lessen the amount of weight a climber is pulling as they ascend while climbing with the holds on the wall. We also utilize a handlebar ascender, with or without a seated harness, depending on the climber's need. The Chapter Representative(s) set up these systems as needed.
Policies
Transferring
ParaCliffHangers welcomes all disabilities and attempts to create an empowering environment that makes climbing accessible to all. Participants are required to be accompanied by a personal care attendant if they require assistance such as transferring from a wheelchair. ParaCliffHangers participants are not permitted to assist in carrying a paraclimber.
Photo Release
Photographs or videos may be taken and used by ParaCliffHangers as they see fit including, but not limited to, promotional or instructional use. Although not required, an effort will be made by ParaCliffHangers to communicate with participants before publication. All media will strive to respect participant privacy, not disclosing medical nor personal informatino unless expllicitly permitted. This agreement automatically allows ParaCliffHangers to use images. A participant may revoke consent at any time regarding future publications, but it is up to the participant to make this known to ParaCliffHangers by emailing info@paracliffhangers.org, either forbidding use or requiring consent before publication.
Contacts
Chapter Representative: ny@paracliffhangers.org
info@paracliffhangers.org
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