Almost every climbing gym asks new visitors to do an induction before they climb on their own, even if they have climbed somewhere else. It is short, practical and nothing to worry about. A typical induction covers these things.
- The waiver: you read and sign it at the front desk. A parent or guardian signs for under-18s.
- Warming up: a few easy moves to get your shoulders, fingers and legs ready.
- Falling and landing: how to climb down instead of jumping, and how to land on the mats with bent knees.
- Reading the wall: how the tape and grades work, and where the climbs start and finish.
- Sharing the wall: look before you start, and never climb under or over someone else.
Wear clothes you can stretch in, take off rings and watches, and bring a water bottle. The gym lends you shoes. After the induction you can usually stay and climb for the rest of the day, so leave some energy for it.