Route Setting

At ROF59, we aim for elements of the indoor climbing experience to be similar to the outdoor climbing experience. This is especially important in regards to our setting philosophy. We aim for our setting to have a natural feel and flow.

What holds are ‘In’?

At ROF59, all wall features and same coloured holds are ‘in’. If you can reach a hold of the same colour that is nearby, then you can use it – that is by design. Just like climbing outside, sometimes a really good handhold is a foothold for another distinct and individual line. We like to encourage the same feel in our climbing at ROF59

How does grading work?

Grading in climbing is a subjective process – there are no clearly defined traits that would denote one grade over another. This is very clear when you travel and climb at different areas. The grades between the Malham Cove, Almscliff and Bowden all very different. They are different because each place climbs differently because the geology has produced a certain style.

This is also true about different gyms. Not all gyms grade the same – and this is ok. What is important, is that there is consistency throughout the gym. Many gyms orient their grades to be relative to the outdoor climbing in the region, so as to make the transition outside as smooth as possible.

The style of climbing means a lot to grading. Often people find some styles inherently more difficult than others. Just because someone can climb a specific grade in one style (ie. overhung), it doesn’t mean they should automatically be able to climb the same grade in a different style (ie. slab). What it does mean is that we should work at all styles to become the most well-rounded climbers we can be!

If you ever have any questions about a route, please feel free to ask. Also, if you come across any holds that have spun, definitely let us know. We always want feedback 

Route Setting Evenings

In the future we will be running route settings nights for people to come along and try their hand at boulder setting!