Rope Climbing grades use a simplified version of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)
Bouldering grades use the V-Scale
Don’t get caught up on grades
Use the grading system as a guide to find routes that challenge you in a fun and rewarding way
Welcome to the vertical world of Velocity Climbing Miami! Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting your ascent, understanding climbing grades is key to unlocking your climbing journey. Climbing grades tell you how difficult or easy you might expect a particular climb to be for you. Here, we’ll break down the rating system used at our gym to help you find routes and boulders that match your skill level.
The rope grading system at Velocity Miami is based on a simplified version of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). All rope climbs start with a “5” which signifies that it is a rope route. This system then assigns an additional number from 1 to 15 to a climbing route based on its overall difficulty, encompassing factors like technical difficulty, strength requirement, endurance and mental challenge. The higher the second number the more challenging the route. So, our easiest climbs are 5.6 and our hardest climbs are 5.14.
At Velocity Climbing Miami, we also incorporate plus (+) and minus (-) designations to provide more nuanced grading within each YDS number. Thus, a 5.9+ would be slightly more challenging than a 5.9 and slightly less challenging than a 5.10-. Try working your way up the scale or just do the climbs you enjoy most, it’s up to you. The most important thing is to have fun.
For our bouldering enthusiasts, we use the V-scale. This system ranks boulder problems based on difficulty, with V0 being the easiest and V-difficulties progressively increasing in challenge. Most of our climbs range from V1 which is for beginners to V10 or higher, which is extremely challenging.
You might encounter some boulder problems at Velocity Climbing Miami with a grade range (e.g., V3-V4). Why do we do this? Well, grades are subjective from individual to individual. Sometimes, we feel it’s better to give a range. After all, the purpose of grades is to give you an idea of how challenging a climb is so you can choose climbs that will challenge you and help you have the most fun.
Don’t get fixated on grades! Climbing is a journey of exploration and personal growth. Use the grading system as a guide and get a general idea of the relative difficulty between climbs but don’t forget to focus on finding routes and boulders that challenge you in a fun and rewarding way. Remember, our friendly staff is always happy to answer your questions and help you select routes that align with your climbing goals.
While the nomenclature is quite similar, gym grades do not fully translate to grades on outdoor rock climbing. In addition, the risks, hazards and skills required for outdoor climbing are different. Do not assume that because you can climb a certain gym grade that you can climb that grade outdoors. Always seek qualified instruction from an AMGA certified climbing guide prior to attempting outdoor climbing.
We want you to feel confident and secure on our climbing walls. That’s why our experienced staff is always happy to answer your questions, provide gear recommendations, and help you get started on your climbing journey. Remember, be sure to follow our guidelines and never hesitate to ask for assistance from our friendly staff.
Come visit Velocity Climbing Miami and experience the thrill of the climb! With our diverse range of routes and boulders graded using the YDS system (modified with +/-) and the V-scale, you’ll find the perfect challenges to push your limits and reach new heights.
2280 NW 41st Street Miami Florida 33142
1 block from Erlington Heights metrorail station.
(786) 542-5005
Monday – Friday: 3 PM – 10 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 10 PM
Sunday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Members Only: Tue & Thu 10 AM – 3 PM
