Grades & Ascent Rules

Our Grading System

Grades are a tool to help navigate our collection of climbs by identifying a climb’s approximate difficulty level.
The Cove has its own grading system which consists of 6 levels, as seen in the following graphic.
Difficulty in climbing is highly subjective, so it is common for some grading to feel inaccurate. If something feels easier or harder to you, your experience is as/more valid than the assigned grade!

how are grades assigned?

Difficulty ratings are assigned by our experienced setting staff. Our setters consider the R.I.C. scale (Risk, Intensity, Complexity) when determining difficulty.

How often do you change your climbs?

We change our climbs on Wednesdays. We generally do 2 weeks on then 1 week off setting, flipping ~30% of the gym each setting week (sometimes this will vary). We strip each climb from the wall, pressure wash the rocks/holds, and build brand-new, never-before-seen climbs for our customers. Check out the boulder map to find out what’s been changed recently and what’s changing next.

ascent rules

  • The grade tag for any given climb will be down and right of the start hold (or the right start hold if there are two).

  • Two pieces of tape will identify where a climber must start.
    Both tape pieces will be either on the same hold or on two different holds.

    To secure the start position, climbers must use hands on the taped hold(s) - one hand on each hold if two are taped.

    Climbers are permitted to jump from the ground, kick off the wall, or simply pull into the start position.

    Before moving on, the climber must hold the start position in control*.

    *Control is being stable without any movement/momentum, or by holding the start hold(s) for 3 full seconds.

  • Zones are mid-way points on select climbs, dividing the climb into two sections.

    Zones are flagged by a single piece of grey tape on a hold.

    To secure a zone, you must use* the hold with one hand.

    *USE means to either achieve/change a stable body position.

  • To finish the climb, the climber must maintain control* of the taped hold at the end of the climb with both hands.


    *Control is being stable without any movement/momentum, or by holding the finish hold for 3 full seconds.

  • Volumes are in.

    Bolt holes in the wall and on the volumes are out.

    Bolt holes on holds are in.

    The left most edge of the climbing terrain and the plexiglass sidewall are out.