Weatherford’s Snow Ski Apparel

I am so disappointed with this place. I recently moved from Arizona and was excited that there was a place to rock climb. This is the only rock climbing wall near me and it’s pretty far away (I’m in Niceville so about an hour and a half away).
The first time I went the staff was somewhat rude and while going through the belaying training the guy training us kept pulling on the rope in my hands while I was belaying (this is really unsafe for several reasons). I finally had to tell him to stop. The routes are not numbered and the place is really small which was a little frustrating but otherwise the climbing was good.
I tried to go back today with a friend and we drove the hour and a half to get there and the place was really crowded, we make it to the front desk and the girl working there rudely says «we’re full» no «I’m sorry» no pleasantness of any kind just «we’re full». After some prodding she says she doesn’t know when we would be able to climb because it all depends on when someone leaves (this is understandable).
However what is not understandable is that I ask whether I can call ahead next time because I live so far away and again in a very rude tone she says «it’s first come first served so unless you live close it’s probably not worth calling».
What I don’t get is that this is basically the ONLY place to climb within like 100 miles (unless you are a student at UWF) so it seems a little ridiculous that they don’t have any sort of reservation system. Also, their policies are really not that bad but the attitude of their employees made the whole experience very unpleasant. I doubt I’ll be back which is a shame because I really enjoy rock climbing. Very disappointed.

Can’t speak much to the store, but the rock climbing wall in the back is a lot of fun. It’s never very crowded, and it offers a lot of varying degrees of difficulty. Only $ 10 for equipment rental, and you can climb for two hours (or until they close if it’s not crowded). I had never been rock climbing before when I came here, and the staff was very helpful showing me «the ropes.» Will definitely be going back!

Weatherford’s is a store in Pensacola that caters to the hiker, backpacker, kayak, mountaineering, rock climbing crowd. That is to say not a huge group in Pensacola as you would find somewhere like Boulder. The store is at least stocked with basic essentials from good companies. You could put together a very nice kit if you wanted to. Of course they’re happy to order anything you need also. Service is top notch. Employees are friendly and knowledgable. The store is kind of small and cramped to the point of feeling a bit cluttered. I think they really need a bigger place. The outside needs a sprucing up as it is growing a little dingy. The side of the building display window looks like it hasn’t been changed or cleaned in years. Quibbles aside this is still the only store of it’s type in the area so we’re lucky it’s here. One very nice feature is the store has a decent indoor climbing gym and an outdoor multi-​pitch wall.
So if you’re in need of outdoor gear stop by Weatherfird’s first. Expect to pay full retail in general too. This is a small locally owned and operated business and as such they don’t have the deep pockets of the big box retailers or the distribution and storage of the online facilities. Support your local businesses and help keep your neighbors working. You won’t regret it.
Four stars just because it’s cramped and needs a field day cleanup. All else is top rate.