VITAL Climbing Gym - Oceanside

Matthew Thaxton

I am injured and cannot climb for 6 weeks. I called to ask if I could freeze my account and they said they do not offer injury freezes. They also informed me that the monthly rate has gone up. That leaves me with two options. 1) Pay for a month that I cannot use, possibly two months based on my recovery or, 2) cancel my membership and re-signup, forcing me to pay a higher monthly rate. I have climbed at multiple climbing gyms, Hangar 18 in Riverside, Flowstone in Redlands, and Sender One in Santa Ana. All of them have injury freezes that do not penalize the member for being injured! Why do I have to pay more for getting hurt climbing outside? Edit: A manager reached out and corrected the issue. Vital does have injury freezes on memberships. Seems like the employee I spoke with didn't understand that I wanted to put a hold on my membership due to an injury or just heard the word "freeze" and thought "we don't do that". Thank you Vital for addressing the issue.

wachsmjr

Was visiting the area for about a month and decided to join this gym and the sport. I stopped at several popular gyms omw back home because I was hooked--VITAL has the most welcoming staff, and was the only place with a top out boulder. Thank you for a great experience, including Bouldering 101, and a new hobby+community to enjoy.

banjaxed W.

Could not give a more glowing review. I have been going for almost 2 years. This was my first time climbing and I still remember that day, I remember the staff member I met first and we take bi weekly. I remember a member who I will always remember as an inspiration. I joined the team which taught me the basics and brought me a community. The staff is very friendly and it doesn’t take much to make friends. The community there is wonderful. I have only met ~4 people who have been unpleasant in all of my interactions. The area is wonderful with amazing restaurants across, and to the right of (bagby brew co.) with the occasional motor cycle. (AND I HAVEN’T EVEN GOT TO THE WALLS) with a simple workout area, Ariel silk, slack line, and yoga, the instructors are great and nice. The walls are very challenging (I’m small) and will always interest you. The climb holds are changed out and fun. Very fun cave, simple top out bolder, ‘iceberg’ wall, and a slab+30^o wall, plenty to work on. Honestly vital will always be special to me even with little cons to it. But I will always be happy about what it has done! Don’t bother watching all the videos, I cut many off.

Andrew Perez

This is a great bouldering gym. There is no top rope here. But there are classes for yoga and good amount of weights and other gym equipment. This is a great place to really learn the techniques of climbing. The staff is always friendly and helpful. The overall vibe of this place is really peaceful and friendly. I've personally gotten to know some of the regulars/staff myself. I'd highly suggest in checking it out. There is a lot of great people focused on getting in better shape and helping others.