Vertical World Seattle

My girlfriend and I payed for the beginner class here and had a negative experience. We felt that the instructor was rude and condescending to both of us and seemed to be power tripping. The instructor made a point calling me out for talking quietly with my girlfriend (during a conversation gap). The instructor was also critical of my girlfriend making beginner errors and made a point of separating us and making me stand in a different place. The instructor also made a point of finding us after class and reminding my girlfriend that “she’s not allowed to belay me” even though my girlfriend wasn’t trying to belay me. I ended up leaving the class halfway through because I felt so disrespected. Considering that the goal of the class is to sell you a membership I am shocked at how terrible the service is. I have no plans of becoming a paying member here. I have been to A LOT of climbing gyms and this was maybe the one I want to return to the least.

shout out to Aya who was a great belay tester! i failed the test the first time, but her coaching was super clear and helpful and really set me up well to pass on the next go-round. thank you so much, Aya and team!

Vertical World is our daughter’s favorite place for after-school programs, summer camps, and even birthday party celebrations.

I never leave reviews. But had one of the most infuriating experiences of my 15+ years climbing yesterday. Climbers: avoid any interactions with an employee named Beth. Management: fire her. This woman Beth wasn't even checking me in, but during check-in I expressed mild surprise that I had to re-do a belay test given that I'd done it there less a year ago. But didn't complain and didn't "have an attitude" about it at all. The minute I arrive to do the belay test she is being extremely hostile. Every step of the test she's nitpicking everything I say, talking down to me, and going out of her way to be extraordinarily rude. I just want to climb with my friends so I do my absolute best to just get through it. I do, but with my blood boiling. Finally she grudgingly passes me. Afterwards I ask her "did I say or do something wrong?" to which she replied "you were very smug." I wasn't. Not even close. I was going out of my way to mildly comply with her power trip. But even if I had expressed some resentment about the over-the-top belay test requirements (which again I expressed surprise, no complaints, I know the gym was sued, it is what it is). Or even if I had been "smug" about my ability to belay given I've been doing it so long (which I didn't mention at all, nor did I try and argue with her or claim experience, this woman knew nothing about me). Neither would have justified her behavior. Maybe she was having a bad day. Still doesn't nearly excuse this. Again, climbers: avoid any interactions with an employee named Beth. Management: fire her.