RockVentures

Reviews 7

A

A Private User

Ive been climbing for about 10 years and have actually stopped going to Rock Ventures due to safety concerns. Several of their ropes had been stretched due to over use, and I alerted management who did nothing about it. A few weeks later, a staff member dropped a climber and management tried to cover up the incident. The manager told the climber that he was alright and told him he should leave. The climber had fallen almost 30 feet and could have had any number of life threatening injuries. I tried to intervene but the manager told me to leave. Another climber was calling 9-1-1, so I felt that there wasnt anything else I could do. I waited several more minutes to ensure that the idiot manager didnt try and move the climber, and left. I havent been back since but have heard that the manager is still there, the staff member quit shortly after for other reason though. Rock Ventures was good when I started climbing but management is incompetent (as obvious from the above) and unwilling to change. Some employees are climbers and willing to help, but others are just cheap hands to work the front desk. They pay their workers minim wage, so are unable to attract many true rock climbers that could improve the gym. The owner (Ken) isnt even a climber, he just wants to make money which is why he also opened up a travel agency at Rock Venture. If I recall correctly, he has been the subject of one or two employment investigations over the years for employing minors. I would stay far away from Rock Venture. If youre looking to go climbing check out the Red Barn on RITs campus instead!

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MI

Michael Shields

I am pretty disappointed that this gym isnt really for climbers. Its a nice recreation space for kids and has some vertical toproping and a couple of poorly set caves. Basically it is an entry level climbing gym with no lead climbing, no serious route setting and no serious bouldering. Think of it as a beginners gym - or a poor substitute for a serious climbers gym. The owner is not a climber - more of a recreation specialist who developed the citys only public rock gym and turned that into a novelty for families and kids. It works for that. I was there in the earliest days of RV, when the small population of serious climbers in Rochester used to go there regularly. We set good routes and had good lead climbing routes for certified leaders. The caves were pretty good as well, with lots of harder bouldering problems mixed in. You could traverse the entire gym from end to end through both caves and get a serious endurance workout. It was fun. They eventually ran off all of the climbing punks and the serious trad guys like myself and my climbing partner... we just gave up on it. Today I go back there with a couple of local friends who are new to climbing. Its sort of sad to see whats left of RV - but its provides some variety beyond climbing in my home cave. The staff are very nice and accommodating. It would be great to see this become a real climbing gym again.

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BR

Brian Murphy

If you are looking for a place to have your kids birthday party then youll probably have a lot of fun, but if you are a rock climber expect a gym that needs a serious overhaul. The services have gone down hill the past few years. In January 2015 all prices were significantly increased to "stay competitive". The problem is the offerings are not competitive at all. For the same price or cheaper you could go to a facility that has lead climbing, a significant bouldering area, climbing classes (more than belay training and basic skills), fitness classes & equipment (included), showers, regular community events, and more. Many climbers have asked why they are making these changes and the management has continued beat around the bush to avoid providing any real answers. In some cases they have even tried to justify why they are unwilling to change to meet current standards. Most rock climbing gyms are known for their owners that love and support the climbing community. Unfortunately, that is not what you will see at Rock Ventures. The employees are great and many really do love climbing. However, when it comes to the people who call the shots it is readily, ironically, and disappointingly apparent that that they dont live and breathe rock climbing.

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SA

Sara Stabley

Employees are friendly but the facility is outdated, dirty and overpriced for what it offers. There are routes still set from 2009. The holds are from the 90s which isnt a problem if they are cleaned and maintained regularly, which theyre not. Routes are often missing tape and weve encountered 3 spinners so far. For being the only top roping place in Rochester, its a shame that its poorly managed and maintained. When asked if I had a chalk ball in my bag, I said yes and the employee working said, "okay, good, because otherwise I have to vacuum." They should be vacuuming every night, anyway. Also, I love the fact that kids can come here and climb but there were several toddlers running around and it seemed quite dangerous. I actually wound up tripping over one, narrowly missing falling on the kid. There should be an age limit, like 5 and up. Also, the ropes are not well maintained as theyre dirty and leave black gunk on your hands while belaying. The facility provides gloves of needed, however. There are some overhang climbs that really should have safety clip ins, otherwise you swing pretty far, in the routes of other climbers. Overall, an entertaining place to bring kids but not a place for rock climbers.

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A

A Private User

Rock Ventures gym has fallen into disrepair. The wall climbs are poorly marked and the route tape has fallen off and has not been replaced. The color codings are not accurate and a rated 5.8 climb is quite difficult even for an experienced climber. The climbs clearly havent been changed for some time and the pieces and walls (plywood) have become slippery. The bouldering climbs are also poorly marked. The color rating system used for the climbing walls doesnt translate to the bouldering area. It is frustrating to try to find a bouldering route that is ability appropriate. When I went, the staff was mostly teenagers with no apparent climbing ability. They served to take in money and babysit elementary school children on summer vacation. Rock ventures could be a great place to learn to climb, but due to the equipment deterioration and staff disinterest it gets a poor rating from me.

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A

A Private User

Having been a member for the past 14 years RV has been in business, I have seen many changes. With a new route setter setting routes there are 2-4 new routes each week. From easy, for the new climbers, to more difficult for those with more experience. There are camp programs during school breaks and summer for kids and birthday adventures for all ages. Over fifty ropes, two climbing caves, the indoor ropes course and many stand alone elements give members a variety to chose from. With the added Shared Adventures travel agency you can schedule your trips and get free climbing memberships. A little something for everyone, visit and find out for yourself

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JE

Jeff Clegg

Really strange routes...the movement felt funny and the overall experience was not very enjoyable. This was our experience for both the routes and the tiny, not-worth-visting bouldering area. Also, you have to pay $11/person to take a belay certification class, even if you know what youre doing. If youve been climbing for a while this is probably not the place for you. Given how expensive and prohibitive this gym is I would choose somewhere else. Try the Red Barn at RIT

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