Florida Rock Climbing Gyms

TLDR: what are your favorite rock gyms in Florida?

I found a 10-yr old thread on this but started a new one. Thinking there have been some updates/new gyms that have opened and others maybe closed or falling out of favor. I live in Florida for about 75% of the year (I know… not exactly a rock climbing mecca, but my first love is beach vb and for that it’s amazing :)) and in between road trips to real rocks, I’m looking for some of your favorite gyms in Florida. I’m in the Tampa/St Pete area so vertical ventures is my go-to and currently the only gym in a 90 mile radius. It’s good enough, but not like the great gyms I’m used in the northeast. The next closest is near Orlando (2 hrs away).

There are two new gyms opening soon in the Tampa area - Central Rock gym in downtown Tampa (bouldering only, potential April 2023 opening) and one in Sarasota (also bouldering only to start, October 2023).

I’ve heard some good things about ProjectRock in Fort Lauderdale and have heard of the Edge (Miami?).

Are any of these gyms standouts and worth a road trip to, knowing Id build in some other activities, visits with friends etc? Any others you love and would recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Kelly

Kelly O wrote:

I’ve heard some good things about ProjectRock in Fort Lauderdale and have heard of the Edge (Miami?).

Are any of these gyms standouts and worth a road trip to, knowing Id build in some other activities, visits with friends etc? Any others you love and would recommend?

I used to climb at both of those Gyms and Coral Cliffs.  I enjoyed each of them for different reasons as a route climber  But if I had time for a trip I would get on a plane and get on some real rock first.  

PR has tall walls, and some "real rock" but lacks steep terrain.  

Edge has a nice arch feature.

CC is smaller but I always enjoyed the psych and climbing on their tension board.

There is also a new gym coming to Miami that I think will be awesome and worth a road trip for you.

Mike K wrote:

  But if I had time for a trip I would get on a plane and get on some real rock first.  

PR has tall walls, and some "real rock" but lacks steep terrain.  

Edge has a nice arch feature.

CC is smaller but I always enjoyed the psych and climbing on their tension board.

There is also a new gym coming to Miami that I think will be awesome and worth a road trip for you.

Awesome, thank you! I’m getting on a plane tomorrow to RRG :) I try to do a few trips a year to get my mountain fix!

Thanks for the tip RE Miami rock gym! 

America's phallic state is a big one. I'm sure every major city has a gym by now. 

Now there is also velocity, climbing and central rock. They’re making a second central rock as well.

RIP Aiguille

if you know, you know…

I started many years ago at Coral Cliffs, stopped after the second owner sold it (not that that was the reason, life got in the way). It was, and I believe still is, a very friendly and welcoming place, certainly for us as beginners. I think it has developed into a pretty serious training gym.

Project Rock is a really nice gym, 60’ walls, lots of ‘natural’ rock-like routes, lots of bouldering, and again, a very friendly place.

If you’re a boulderer, Boulder Bloc Gym in Pompano looks pretty nice.

Welcome to the center of the Flat Earth Society

David Eisenstadt wrote:

RIP Aiguille

if you know, you know…

this is the first place i went to start rock climbing. did they close? are they under new management?

Kelly O wrote:

TLDR: what are your favorite rock gyms in Florida?

blue swan, aiguille, the edge

the first gym i went to was aiguille in longwood, and i don't think blue swan is too far from there. blue swan offers only bouldering, i enjoy their boulders but i have recently gotten into top rope and it's about the only thing i do nowadays. i haven't gone to aiguille since i went climbing for my first time, but i remember really enjoying their boulders and belay section. all adults i've talked to about climbing have been to the edge in melbourne, i think it is more known for the top rope and not boulders, but i haven't gone in there in a while so i might not be the best person to talk about it. blue swan should also be noted for their kind staff, and support for lgbtqia+ members of our community.

Howdy! 

I just moved back to Portland, OR after being in South Florida for the Summer (strange schedule, I know). Here are my experiences after climbing down there on a 3-on 1-off schedule. I was training for a Cuba trip and a few little comps, so was not there for date night...

Boulder Bloc is a great bouldering gym, the owner is an avid outdoor climber who got tired of the non-sense larger gyms create for employees. There are a few clique groups that hang around the gym and are always happy to help break down beta or chat about upcoming changes to the walls. If you ask real nice you might get a whiff of a Chatt bouldering trip or other little travels to join in on. Be aware this is where the boulder bros hang out, don't always expect the cleanest beta might just be the strongest beta.

Project Rock is a completely different animal. I only went in the evenings and never when a birthday party could be in full swing. The walls are clean and holds are good. The setting could sometimes be a bit dry but that's Florida climbing in general. There is a solid community of people who go there, highly suggest jumping on the group belay chat and find a buddy. I personally liked the "real rock" portion of the gym but I was jonesing to touch real rock a month or so into my summer stay. The lead test can be a bit lax at times so I highly suggest only leading if you know your partner's abilities. 

I had a membership to BB and PR at the same time- different training

Coral Cliffs is closed.

Miami gyms- There are a few down there, all on the newer side. Close your eyes and think of what gym climbing in Miami would look/feel like and you've got it. I always felt "stylish" in the gyms and that I was there to peacock. Thus I only went a handful of times when asked by others.

In short- S. Florida has a small scene and you will see the same people over and over. Watch your mouth and don't burn bridges.