Hidden away in an industrial corner just a stone’s throw from Ghent and Church Street, Latitude Climbing + Fitness is deceptive at first. The building dates back to the 1920s, but once you’re inside, you find a bright, open space filled with towering walls, bold color-coded climbing routes and lots of activity.
“This is our Norfolk location built 2018,” says Colin Foley, Latitude’s social media and event manager. “This came from essentially wanting to make a modern space for climbers in the area to have more amenities than just climbing, such as fitness, family stuff … and then we have yoga.”
Norfolk itself may not be a climbing mecca, but Latitude, which also features locations in Virginia Beach and Hampton, looks to fill the gap for climbers who can’t access the state’s big walls several hours to the west. It’s also a fantastic place to socialize and meet new folks with shared interests.
First-timers are greeted at the front desk and shown the ropes — literally and figuratively. “We show them the lay of the land,” Foley says. “The grading is essentially, how difficult is it to get it from the start of a route to the top of the route. Our color coordination starts at red being the easiest, black being the hardest… It’s more inclusive to get the people on the climbs.”
New climbers learn how to start a route, move upward, and (this one’s important) how to land safely.
First-timers can opt for a simple day pass, or book a first-time package with a climbing instructor for more hands-on guidance. “You can get more into that technical (stuff), where an instructor would say, “hey, maybe just shift your hips this way or keep your elbows straight,” Foley says.
Latitude’s programming attracts a wide range of people, from those with climbing experience to those just curious about the sport.
As for the target audience? “I’d say any adventurous person looking to just move around, and honestly, people that want to think,” Foley says. “This is an awesome problem-solving sport and community.”
Latitude’s Norfolk facility is ADA-compliant and offers student discounts, scholarships and outreach programs to make climbing accessible to all.
Memberships are designed with variety in mind. “One membership gets you unlimited climbing, unlimited yoga, unlimited fitness classes. All inclusive holistic fitness, hence the name Latitude Climbing + Fitness.” And if you decide to join after your first visit, there’s a perk: “That day pass gets reimbursed and then we just roll kick it off into your membership.”
With its mix of serious training and casual community, Latitude is as much about connection as it is about climbing. “At the end of the day, this is indoor rock climbing… it’s just the mode for practice so that when the real deal happens, you’re good to go.”
If You Visit
Where: 1830 Lindsay Ave., Norfolk, VA
Day pass cost: adult $26; student (with ID): $23; youth (17 and under): $17
Details: Walk-ins welcome for day passes. Instruction packages can be booked online in advance
Gear: Rental shoes, chalk, and other equipment available on site. Option to buy gear after your trial period
First-Timer Tips: Arrive early to check in at the front desk. Staff will explain the color-coded grading system (red = easiest, black = hardest) and how to climb and land safely. You can upgrade to a first-time package with an instructor for extra guidance. Wear athletic clothing you can move in.
