Where are you located & Where do you guide?
We are currently located in Dayton, Ohio. However, we will guide anywhere you would like to climb.
Do I need my own gear?
You are welcome to bring your own gear however, it is not necessary. We can provide all the climbing gear you would need for a day or two outside. Harnesses, helmets, shoes, belay devices, and ropes are all included in the cost of your program and can be provided if needed at no extra cost.
What do I need to bring?
Food - Protein, Sugars, Fats, and Salts are all vital to sustain energy and blood sugar levels while engaging in strenous activity.
Water (and extra water) - The American Exercise Association recommends consuming 7-10 oz of water for every 20 minutes of vigorous exercise. Two 32 oz Nalgeen water bottles per adult is a good amount. More is recommended on a hot day. I personally always like to bring at least 3 L of water.
Personal Climbing Gear - *While not necessary as we provide all the gear* If you have your own climbing gear, it is probably what you're most comfortable and familiar with. Bring it.
Bug Spray / Sunscreen - Chiggers, Ticks, Biting flies, Mosquitos are all part of the outdoors. Keep your bites to a minimum. Keep yourself protected from UV rays even on cloudy days.
Lip Balm - Lips will get sunburned and chapped before you know it.
Backpack - Just a standard backpack will do as long as it keeps your hands free. It doesn't have to be fancy. No tote bags please.
Hiking Boots or Athletic sneakers - No flip flops or sandals. The most common injury from climbing is a sprained ankle or stubbed toe. It almost always happens during the approach, before any climbing even happens. This almost always happens due to improper footwear. Anyone without proper footwear will not be leaving the parking lot.
Outdoor appropriate clothing. Moisture wicking athletic fabrics such as polyester, wool, spandex or lycra. Cotton is not your friend outside. It will get wet and stay wet leading to loss of body warmth and chaffing. We want you to be comfortable!
Sunglasses, a raincoat, and hats are always a bonus as well.
Inclement Weather.
We do our best to have back-up plans available if the weather doesn't cooperate. However, as the saying goes, "The best laid plans of mice and men."
If inclement weather prevents us from fulfilling your trip, we will offer a trip to a different crag, alternative dates, or a full refund on your reservation.
Group size and minimum ages
As per our insurance requirements, we currently have a client to guide ratio of 10:1. This means we can only have 10 climbers per instructor. Since we currently only have one instructor, this will limit group sizes to 10. We hope to be able to offer trips to larger groups in the near future.
We also have a minimum participation age of 8 years old, as per our current insurance requirements as well.
Why do you need personal info such as allergies, medical conditions, medication, and medical histories ?
It is important for us to know each client's individual medical history, medications they may be on, allergies, and any medical conditions they may have in order to be prepared for any emergency that may arise.
Each instructor or guide is required to have at minimum a CPR certification, and A Wilderness First Responder Certification.
Should an emergency with a client arise, it is critical we have pertinent medical information on hand.
When is payment due?
Deposits are 50% of the total cost of the desired booking and are required to be paid 30 days from your booked date. Deposits are to hold your reservations and are non-refundable in the event of your cancellation of a trip.
Payment in full is due 7 calendar days before your trip and is also non-refundable in the event of your cancellation. However, if you have to cancel, we would be more than willing to offer make-up bookings at no additional charge.
If the cancellation is made by us due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, make up dates will be offered, or if rescheduling is not an option a full refund will be given.
What are your cancellation policies?
We understand. Sometimes things come up and you must cancel. If this is the case ,we will gladly reschedule your trip and apply all monies paid to the future date.
If you paid in full at the time of booking, cannot reschedule, and cancel within 7 days of your planned trip, you will be given a full refund, minus the deposit.
If it is a cancellation we, at Vertical Territory, have to make due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will gladly reschedule your trip and apply all monies paid to the future trip or offer a full refund.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes. Every adult will need to fill out paperwork. This includes a liability waiver, an acknowledgement of risk, a medical history, medication questionnaire, and medical condition questionnaire.
We will also ask about personal climbing history, outdoor experience, and a physical self assessment. We want everyone to feel like they can be included! Please make us aware of any special accommodations that may need to be made.
For minors, a release must be signed by the actual parent or legal guardian of that child. It cannot be a friend's parent or another parent in the group.
Are multi-pitch trips available?
No. We don't currently offer multi-pitch trips at this time. This is out of our scope of practice currently. Michael is working towards his MPI certification and hopes to be able to offer this course in the near future.
Do I tip my guide?
Tipping is never required or expected but always appreciated.