Beginners' Nights

We run Beginners' Nights on the first Monday of the month, every other month. If you are interested in coming along send us an email or DM via Instagram to let us know, and don't forget to fill in the membership form below! 

What can I expect at a Beginners' Night?

Introductions:
First, we'll meet you and introduce ourselves! We're a friendly bunch and usually spend some time chatting, having a coffee or getting a snack before we start to climb. If you're not much of a chatter, don't worry! We don't do ice breakers and we won't make you stand up in front of the group and tell us your name and your three greatest fears. If you prefer to hang back and just watch/ listen, that's perfectly ok!  

Waivers and kit:
At about 1830 the more experienced climbers will head off for their own climbs. You will stay with our instructors and go through the Quay Climbing Centre waiver and sign in process. We'll also help you get any kit you might need to borrow (don't worry it's free). Then you'll head downstairs to the climbing area. 

Tying in and keeping you safe:
We always go at your pace and never rush you to do anything you're not comfortable and happy with. We will show you how to tie your harness to the rope in a safe and appropriate manner, and show you what happens at the other end of the rope: belaying! (Belaying is how your climbing partner catches you if you fall). 

Starting to climb!
Once you're happy with being in a harness, tying yourself in, and understanding the safety basics, it's time to start climbing! You will do as many or as few climbs as you want. We will also start to teach you to belay another climber. 

Continuing after Beginners' Night

After Beginners' Night, it typically takes a few practice sessions before you can climb and belay independently. The climbing centre will need you to be supervised by an experienced climber until then (we're very happy to do this!) If you enjoyed climbing and would like to come back, please let us know when you'd next like to come in so we can make sure somebody from the club is available - just drop us an email.

Where & when?

Beginners' Nights run on the first Monday of the month every other month at The Quay Climbing Centre. For 2026 that will be January, March, May, July, September, November. After attending a Beginners' Night you are welcome to come to our regular club-run sessions which happen every Monday. We meet in the Quay café at 1800 and start climbing at 1830. The Quay is open until 2200 and some of our members choose to stay until closing time, but you can arrive and leave whenever works best for you.

What do I need to bring?

If you have them, bring your harness, belay plate and climbing shoes. If you don't have these, you can borrow them from the Quay at no extra cost. It's a good idea to bring a water bottle and maybe a snack, but snacks and drinks are also available from the Quay Café. 

What should I wear?

You should wear clothes you feel comfortable exercising in and can move freely in. Gym wear works well, or a comfy t-shirt and jogging bottoms or shorts. Please make sure you remove rings and any other jewellery that could get caught or snagged. Changing facilities are available but many people come already wearing their climbing clothes.

What does it cost?

We don't charge anything for our sessions, and your first 3 months of club membership are free! You'll still need to pay to enter the Quay. You can check out their most up-to-date prices here, but as of January 2026 they charge us a discounted rate of £10 a session so let them know you're with us! Once you've been with us for 3 months you'll be asked to pay our club fees. A discounted rate is available for anyone who is unemployed, has benefits, or is a student - please contact us for details.

Why join the Club?

Being a BMC-affiliated club provides us and all our members with support and benefits. It also allows us to help improve the inclusion and diversity of all people within the climbing and outdoor communities.

Club membership also includes these benefits:

• Free kit hire at the Quay Climbing Centre and discounted entry to Plymouth Life Centre

• A voucher for 20% off at Taunton Leisure’s Exeter store

• Discounted leggings from Funky Fitness (ask us for the code)

• BMC member discounts on outdoor kit, travel, and accommodation at hundreds of shops and businesses nationwide

• £15m personal liability insurance for all your climbing, hillwalking and mountaineering anywhere in the world

• Access to BMC training courses and specialist travel insurance 

• Supports the excellent work the BMC does for all climbers, including access and conservation

• Helps raise the profile of LGBTQ+ participation in climbing

• Some of these benefits – particularly those provided by the BMC – are only available once you’ve paid for membership.

Who is the club for?

We are an LGBTQ+ club, and providing support in a safe space for our community is our priority. Allies are also welcome to join the club but must be willing to support and work with the club and support our community. The club is open to anyone of any ability, from beginner to Olympian. The club is run by volunteers, and we do our best to meet the needs of all our members. If you need any support to join us, please email us or message us on Instagram. 

Membership Form

Before coming to your first session, please fill in the membership form below. You can do this before or after contacting us to say that you'd like to come along.