Brooklyn Fit Club: Brooklyn Boulders

This review is long overdue. First, I’d like to thank the Brooklyn Boulders team for letting us Unilocal peeps rock climb.
The staff was extremely supportive and help us throughout each course and, to be honest, they made the experience so much better; they gave great advice on how to use the equipment properly, make the climb easier (work smarter, not harder) and cheered us on. It was one of the best workouts I’ve had to date.
The environment here is oozing with positive vibes, which in my opinion, can make or break one’s decision to purchase a membership at a fitness center. Honestly, if I lived in the area, I would break up with my current gym and train here. I’d love to come here again soon.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to let go when you’re climbing with the auto belay. Oh, and your arms and forearms will be pumped after a few climbs.

I am as athletic as a slug. I stick to riding my bike and that’s about it. So in an effort to challenge myself I jumped at the chance to try rock climbing w/​Yelp.
My first thought when I walked in, was «Oh no». The profound realization that I am not cut out for rock climbing hit me like a ton of bricks. But I was there so I figured I should follow through.
After signing a waiver and getting our gear, we were given a tour of the facilities. There’s a free climbing wall, walls for belaying with a partner, and walls with automated belays. Most of us opted for the machine belays to start off including myself. It was definitely a mental challenge. As you get higher and higher it’s hard not to feel a teensy bit scared, but heck you are on a harness.
I tried a couple climbs and had fun and although I think my rock climbing days are over, I would definitely recommend Brooklyn Boulders. Even if you’re just a beginner you’ll feel comfortable learning how to climb here. It’s very welcoming and honestly anyone can do it!
Thanks Peter!

This was such an amazing event!
I’ve always wanted to try rock climbing and I am so happy that I was chosen for this. The staff was extremely friendly and the facility was very first time climber friendly. We signed wavers, picked up some climbing shoes and harnesses, and then we were given a mini ropes course right before we began climbing. Two experienced staffers were available to help us with our climbing questions and top-​roping needs, big thanks to you guys.
They have a few climbing options to choose from: bouldering, top-​roping, and auto belaying. I loved them all. Climbing the boulders wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, the only issue was getting down from the top of the wall. Top-​roping with a helper was fun, the added encouragement from the person holding the line was nice to have. Auto belaying was my absolute favorite, I felt like a natural when I did it. The hardest part about climbing is letting go once you get to the top of the wall, here’s a tip: take a deep breathe and just let go.
This was such an amazing event, I will definitely be back. Thanks to Peter D. for putting this event together. Thanks to the owners and staff of Brooklyn Boulders for letting us come in and climb on everything. See you at the top!

Looking for something to break away from your daily routine. —
—Create endorphins, set yourself a challenge and enjoy a giggle than here you are right: rock climbing in BK. –/​
At entry after filling out a form you are given a harness and climbing shoes.
We gathered in a group and were briefed about techniques and health & safety, which we then transferred into practice.
Yes so much fun –as with many things– it all looks so easy but when you have a go at it yourself it’s a different story…
After the climbing session I felt energized and happy to have tried something new.
This is a great place to enjoy your leisure time ((-with a twist-​)) with friends and family.
Yes I recommend this place to everyone and certainly will be back.

The best part of this: the staff that belayed for us. They were still in college, yet they tied rope knots for me, encouraged me, and helped direct me climb a wall. I am 30. This made me feel young again.
The second best part of this: watching Unilocalers climb rock walls. It turns out that Unilocalers have nice legs and asses. Who knew???

This was a great event. Thank you Peter and the staff of Brooklyn Boulders.
It was so great to meet so many Unilocal Elites excited to get a good work out.
Getting up to the top was crazy hard, and I tried to take it easy but get a good work out through.
I had a lot of fun and by the end of the night my arms were like wet noodles. We hit up Dino BBQ after to refuel and every bite of food was perfect.
I might need to get myself some gear and come back!

A human being is born with two fears in life: fear of falling and fear of loud noises.
So I’ve unlearned my fear of loud noises thanks to living near ambulances and firetrucks for the last 5 years.
Facing my fear of falling is much harder to unlearn.
In order to climb each wall, I had to psych myself up. I would Jump up and down, think of myself reaching the top, gaming out each route prior the climb.
Or Pretend I am 7 years old and lack the prefrontal cortex development to consider the consequences of falling.
Or Pretend that I am spiderman.
What was really reassuring was the support from BB’s knowledgable staff and the supportive climbers ( Unilocal and non Unilocalers alike). The climbing community was patient and kind. They gave us pointers and great feedback.
By the time I reach the top, I am drenched in sweat (from the climb and adrenaline rush).
Its amazing.
Then you get a big adrenaline rush from belaying down (I accidentally let a small Unilocal out each time I came down).
Powder up my hands, then repeat.
BB offers multiple climbing levels, boulders for bouldering and my fav: auto belay. The Auto Belay just lets you hook into the harness, climb up (and picks up the ropes slack) and lowers you down. Amazing piece of technology.
I love the easy climbs for beginners, like me. And crazy levels like The Beast! Gives me something to work towards.
And what was weird is that you feel this amazing sense of accomplishment after each climb. I see why people keep coming back!
Thank you Peter, Unilocal and Brooklyn Boulders crew (especially Felicia!)

It was an awesome day at brooklyn boulders. They were very willing to help all of the Unilocalers. There is plenty of parking for bikes or cars outside. I bummed over initially from Brooklyn heights, but on the return I realized it may have been a mistake when I couldn’t feel my arms because of bouldering and climbing. It was tons of fun though. I recommend visiting this place for anyone who wants a good time in Brooklyn. Climbing here is almost like getting away from the city. It makes you feel all outdoorsy.

What an awesome Fit Club event! I have never been to a rock climbing gym before and we were provided with rental equipment and a great introduction to what it’s all about.
We had the opportunity to try bouldering, as well as auto belay and top rope climbs. I didn’t get a chance to try bouldering since the walls were pretty crowded, but I did try the other two. I found that I was good at climbing the walls but scared of descending them. The auto belay machine is WEIRD and I didn’t quite trust it (I would need to practice the descent a few more times). I much preferred the top rope walls. The instructors who were assisting us with the belay lines were fun and encouraging, and I trusted them right away.
I only wish that the gym hadn’t been quite so crowded so I could have had a few more turns! I also could have used a little more specific instruction about the proper technique for getting down the wall once you reach the top. But I definitely have the climbing bug now!
I am from DC (but visit NYC at least once a month for work). I am definitely incentivized to find a local rock climbing gym and to make a special trip to Brooklyn Boulders the next time I’m in town. Thanks so much to Peter and Brooklyn Boulders for allowing me to attend such a great event!

I had such a great time at Unilocal Fit Club at Brooklyn Boulders! My friends have always convinced me to go rock climbing but never did just because it never sparked my interest. I’m a runner, not a climber so physically, it was a bit different and challenging for me and I loved the entire experience. The instructors were also very helpful and definitely put our minds at ease when it came to falling and belaying. I have the biggest fear of heights and I think that was the main challenge for me mentally was when I had come down.
Even though the actual Unilocal event was scheduled from 7pm-​8pm, we were allowed to stay until closing time and they close at midnight. Thank you again Peter D. for organizing this! Looking forward to more Unilocal Fit Club events!

As usual I had a blast at this event!
Brooklyn Fit Club never disappoints! I have been wanting to come to this place for years so when I saw that it was open I jumped on it immediately. Upon arrival you will sign a waiver, grab some climbing shoes and a harness. From that point the instructor guided us on the art of climbing. After a short introduction of the place we jumped right into it. It is extremely nerve wrecking to start climbing the walls but I caught the hang of it very quickly. The hardest part was trusting the harness to gently release you down from the wall, but trusting myself and the harness I was able to push off the wall down to the bottom. This Fit Club was challenging but it felt amazing to face my fears and succeed at the challenge! With my fellow Unilocalers cheering each other along it was great. I really had a blast and I definitely want to return to this place. The event ended at 9 but the staff welcomed us to stay till closing which was midnight. I can see why people come here on a regular basis and would love to come back and increase my skills! Some other highlights are that they do have lockers if you bring your own lock, yoga classes and a gym area. The gym area was equipped with treadmills, kettle bells, tight rope, weights etc.
Thank you Brooklyn Boulders and Peter D. For another amazing event!!!

This was such a fun event. I keep saying I’ll make it out to BB but never do, this was a perfect reason to go!
The staff is super helpful and showed us the facility and the different types of climbing. The have auto belay, top rope and bouldering.
The auto belay is a nice option if you don’t have anyone to help, the feeling of falling takes a little getting used to.
I’m looking forward to them opening the new queensbridge location, that one is closer to me.
Is a great workout and tons of fun, highly recommend to anyone!
Thanks to Peter for a great event!

Man… I was scared shitless. Half way up the wall, I was panicking. Everyone who went before me, did it. I told myself, I can’t back down now. I’m afraid of heights, damn proud of myself for making to the top (slowly climbed my way down). PHEW! Heart was pounding uncontrollably.
This was my first time climbing, and so I did it with the help and guidance of top-​roping with a professional, it was such an experience. We checked in, signed our lives away on an iPad, and were provided with a pair of shoes and a belt. It was a big group tonight on top of the regulars, yet BB still had enough lockers for all of our baggage. The most memorable part of my night was auto-​belaying, horrific. By the time I realized I’ve climbed ALL the way to the top, and would have to «fall» in order to come down, that 3 second drop before the suspender detects you… crazy… AHHH! I certainly felt like a winner ringing that bell, though. I’m definitely feeling the aches in my arms right now.
Thanks Peter D., for having me on the list, would’ve really wanted to see you in action, hope you have a speedy recovery. Brooklyn Boulders, your staff was simply amazing! Knowledgable and quite supportive, we had a very supportive crowd as well, go Unilocal!I would definitely be back, bringing family and friends along, too!
(Was it just me, or did anyone else feel like they have leveled up’d, or overcoming certain fears? I don’t even know what I’m saying, but I sure felt that way on my way home.)

Obsessed! Thank you so much Pete and Brooklyn Fit Club for putting on this event at Brooklyn Boulders! It was such a great way for most of us to try (or retry) indoor rock climbing. I think most of us came in with butterflies, but after the first climb or two, you realize it’s like getting on a roller coaster! Nervous, but love the adrenaline rush. Everyone was really helpful and supportive — both the staff and the other Unilocalers. I’m definitely looking forward to coming back (when I can feel my arms again).

Amazing! My arms are still shaky and I’m sure i’ll be sore for days — but what an experience! Brooklyn Boulder was so amazing to let us Unilocalers check out their facility. I had no idea it was that huge inside!
With at least 3 or 4 different bouldering walls, a huge area for top climbing and 5 auto walls, Brooklyn Boulder is a great place that can cater to both beginners (like me) and advanced pros. The staff were super friendly and took their time explaining the whole world that is rock climbing, so my first time there was both sensational fun and very educational.
They also offer so many different classes, there’s a weight room/​gym, even a yoga room and more technical areas (like the hanging wall… yikes!) Overall a great facility… I will definitely be back!

Note to self: if you work out for an hour and a half and then go rock climb for an hour and a half, you won’t be able to feel your arms afterwards. Ouch.
No regrets though. Awesome time learning all about Brooklyn Boulder’s different types of climbing spaces, and then hitting the walls ourselves. I went full spider monkey and tried 4 or 5 different walls, each a bit harder then the last. Brooklyn Boulders also has a really cool climbing system based on the colors of their rocks, and so you can climb the same wall over and over again with various levels of complexity.
I think all of us Unilocalers were a little hesitant to begin, but Brooklyn Boulder’s staff quickly put us at ease and encouraged us (in my case, mainly to free fall on the auto belay line, which is a lot scarier than it seems). Shoutout to David especially, who had to help me figure out the childproof clips multiple times and was incredibly nice and helpful.
I only wish I stayed for longer, but alas, my arms are jelly. Luckily, I also learned that Brooklyn Boulders offers a $ 25 all day pass to climb if you check in on Unilocal!So if you missed out this time, you can still get fit for super cheap.
Another wonderful time with Unilocal Brooklyn! Thanks again to Peter D for organizing. I’m definitely coming back for that incredible adrenaline high.

Thanks Peter for always letting me crash the Brooklyn Fit Club and this was event #2 for me and I had a very lovely time. I really like the events that get the heart pumping and the muscles shaking! Yippee!
It was great to see so many Unilocalers turn up for this event and to see some new faces, especially Unilocalers that aren’t elite just yet!
BB staff were on hand and they were knowledgeable, helpful and encouraging. Thanks so much for having us.
I didn’t know that BB had auto belay, so that was fun to be able to climb without assistance. Many of the routes were really challenging and well as Felicia (one of the staff) says, «try something every day that scares you. «Right on.
I got to monkey around a bit, bouldered a bit (I am pretty weak now since I haven’t been showing BB much love in awhile), and got some great help to top-​rope and what a great feeling when you make it to the top…
They got in two new treadmills, so that’s pretty cool. They were spinning some chill music and tons of people around just having fun, climbing, chilling, hanging out.
I can’t wait when the new Queensbridge location opens (staff told me August 2015), I am def going to hit it up, but in the meantime, I am going to nurse my sore forearms back to life.
Great way to spend Friday night, thanks so much Unilocal and BB for having us!

With still shaky hands I write this to you.
Big thanks to Peter and the crew at Brooklyn Boulders for making this such a fun experience! Who knew on Friday nights you could get high with pther Unilocalers?
This place looks so intimidating at first, but when we were guided around, things made more sense. It is truly a place for beginners to experts. There are even little tiny children doing this (which isnt fair because they weigh 30lbs!).
We were equipped with shoes, chalk and harnesses amd set upon our merry (kind of) way. we could climb anywhere we might think we could do well or we could climb having someone belay us, which would mean them holding our rope so we don’t come crashing down.
You can see the level of difficulty with each particular wall and once I realized the east wall I made it to the top and rang the bell! The scariest part is repelling back down to earth, because its just so hard to believe that this non assisted rope is going to hold all of my body weight and I won’t crash to the ground.
I didn’t get as much as I should have gotten in, but I need to work with my hands so I wanted to be safe!

What a blast!
I came in afraid, but the staff was awesome and calmed my nerves. There was plenty of room and plenty of time to do several activities several times.
The top-​roping (belaying) was my favorite because I could stop and figure out my next move with the help of a professional keeping me suspended and giving me guidance. The automatic harnessed climbing was fun too. The boulders were the most difficult and done freestyle.
Great company too. Everyone was supportive and cheering each other on!
Thanks to Brooklyn Boulders and their awesome staff along with the Unilocal staff for a wonderful time!

Was so excited to get to do this through Unilocal!
Have to admit that I haven’t been too routine with my workouts this summer, so i was totally excited to get into this!
We got a chance to climb in all parts of the gym! There were workers able to help belay us, we could free climb and there was automatic belaying. Lockers available, water fountains, changing rooms and restrooms around. They do private classes and classes to teach you how to climb/​belay etc.
David helped explain all the different things/​areas offered and how their systems works (color coded and numbered). Shawn/​Sean was really cool and helped belay me :)
They also had other areas that were harder to do with inverted walls as well as tight rope walking, work out equipment, rings and the arm and finger ladder bars on the walls for people are who actually strong: P
I had a great time! =D Meet some cool peeps, saw some familiar peeps and saw an old HS friend!
Thanks so much to Brooklyn Boulders and staff, Peter D., and Unilocal for another great event! You all rock! :) (you see what I did there? :P)
I heart Unilocal!=)