The Wall and Basement Cinema in Rotorua

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comments 5

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  Aidan Connaughton

  :: 17 April 2018 20:09:13

  This review is about the climbing gym, excluding the cinema entirely. To preface, myself and my partner are experienced climbers, who work in similar gyms overseas. Upon entry, our party of 6 was ignored for about 5-10 minutes while the manager made coffee, and other staff idly walked around. When served, the manager struggled to process a transaction after we repeatedly made it very clear. My partner and I mentioned we already had "basic experience" and were not offered a safety induction. One of our party is 11yo- minimum belay age in the gym is 13 unless a responsible adult is watching (which was the case). However, the instructor did not rotate belayers and climbers in the induction, meaning the 11yo (and another in our party) were not at all taught what to do, leaving us to instruct her through our methods from our own work. Floor staff did not pay attention to our technique. The equipment being used (Petzl Gri Gri 1) is not operated under manufacturers guidelines, and are generally operated under unsafe instruction. Petzl gri gris are set to be operated under ropes with 9-10mm ropes, although the ropes were within this restriction, some had been puffed up due to wear, meaning ropes moved in a sluggish way - potentially reaching customers unsafe habits in use of equipment. Floor staff seemed generally clueless about climbing and did not rectify customers unsafe belay techniques, even after we had pointed out hazardous faults to staff and customers. We asked about lead climbing to multiple staff, who all gave different responses. In the end we used equipment left by a staff member who was off shift, and out of the facility - under the excuse that gym owned ropes and equipment would be too hard to keep track of with damages - which is generally untrue. We were not offered a lead induction; although we are fluent with equipment, someone less so could still access this equipment and create a hazardous situation easily. Gym rules were vaguely explained by floor staff, and the only signage indicating liability and gym rules was not in a reasonably noticeable position. There is no liability waiver form for this gym - which is fine - but the operations within the gym couldn't be covered by insurance due to such an unsafe nature. Floor mats designed to be soft enough to arrest a fall were not large enough to soften a substantial fall, and did not cover a large enough floor space to function as so. There are gaps under hangboards that allow a user to fall between a gap and damage ankles. As well as large ring bolts protruding from the ground, posing as massive tripping hazards- we were told to just watch our step. Watching other customers receive safety inductions demonstrated the gyms disregard for the required use of equipment. Petzl recommends a "five step" belay method- pulling slack and engaging brakes constantly through a climb Although staff instructed customers to continuously pull slack straight up and over the shoulder, without mentioning how to properly engage brakes, catch a fall, or lower in a correct way. This was observed multiple times from different staff. All in all, the actual climbing is enjoyable, setting is pretty average, nothing particularly special. But the utter disregard for inherent safety was very concerning to witness.

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  Andrew Wealthmen

  :: 10 April 2018 21:07:44

  We had a great night here tonight the staff were amazing i had a group of 15 teenagers and everything went perfectly I highly recommend this place and ill be definitely coming again

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  Caleb Stewart

  :: 27 March 2018 14:20:12

  Great walls to climb. They change the climb often. 18m high walls. Really friendly staff that really want to see people learn and get into climbing.

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  Maureen O'Reilly

  :: 08 January 2018 20:29:06

  I love our local boutique cinema. High quality films, delicious hot drinks and biscuits. Snacks... and wine if desired. Comfy seats and films throughout the afternoon and evening. The adjacent climbing wall adds to the energy of the place. The stuff are courteous and helpful.

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  Peter McKellar

  :: 02 January 2018 15:09:57

  We always love going to the Basement. Nice intimate viewing in small theatres. But it is a good idea to book in advance to avoid disappointment.