I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed CRG yet! This gym has brought my climbing to a whole new level. I had gone with my partner to gyms occasionally for a couple of years but we only went maybe once every other month so while I knew I enjoyed climbing, I wasn’t working on improving.
I was given a gift certificate for a one month membership last January and I’ve been hooked ever since! I climb here 2-3 times a week and have started also bouldering at their new gym in Cambridge. One membership gives me access to all of the gyms? I’ll take it!
Things I love:
Great routes with a huge variation of features, holds, grade levels and types of walls ( from really overhanging to slab) . Plus, the routes change often so regulars always have a new challenge, though we have to finish up our projects fast. ; )
Routes are well labeled and uncluttered.
A TON of bouldering, also very varied. My knees particularly enjoy the top-out problems.
Great variation in lead climbs from 5.7s on up. Plus an insane lead wall.
The space is HUGE. I mean, massive. I sometimes come on days when even the overflow parking lot is packed and when I get in the gym I have no trouble finding routes or problems to work on. Definitely the biggest gym I’ve ever been to ( and in 2013 it was on the top 10 list of largest climbing gyms in the world) .
An excellent, supportive crowd. I often come here to boulder alone and end up working out problems with other friendly climbers.
Actual early morning hours, so I can get in at 6am and still make it to work by 8.
An amazing staff. Seriously, they’re all so awesome and seem to really enjoy what they do.
Great classes! I recently took the Intro to Lead Climbing class and felt like it really helped prepare me for climbing lead in the gym. The instructor gave us a ton of info in 3 hours and was strict about our safety and technique. I have several more of their classes on my bucket list.
Amazing events! I’m not generally a competitive person and certainly have never been when it comes to anything athletic, but I participated in two comps last year and had an awesome time ( even as a beginner) . I felt the atmosphere was supportive. It was also incredible to stay for the pro finals and see real stars show me how it’s done.
Decent weight room. I need to remember it’s there. The one in Cambridge is much more in-your-face so I rotate between bouldering and strength training all in one session.
Things to improve:
I do wish they’d bring back the morning hours on Monday. Now I can head to Cambridge for that but it’s farther from my home and office.
More showers would be nice.
I’d love some roof climbing ( aside from the cave) , crack climbing and a chimney.
A traverse wall would really help improve technique. With how spread out routes are, it’s hard to find a place to really traverse without having to keep jumping off and on the wall.
Hmm, normally my things to improve list is longer and less like a wish-list. Really, this gym does it right so it’s hard to find things to fault. I’m proud to be a member and have loved seeing my skills skyrocket. I can’t wait to learn more this year!