What’s that Squiggly Red Line? The Red-Relief® Line Explained

One of the first things people notice about our Traverse Walls® is the horizontal red line and they wonder why it’s there. The Red-Relief® Line not only gives our climbing walls their signature look, it serves a valuable purpose. This line was created to enhance the safety on our Traverse Walls by defining the climbing zone, or where climbers’ feet should remain while they are climbing. "No feet above the red line" is what we advise. The Red-Relief line is 2.5 to 3.5 feet from the safety mats depending on how high the traverse wall is.

The goal of a Traverse Wall is for climbers to make it across the wall climbing horizontally, rather than vertically to the top. Since no safety ropes or belayers are involved with this kind of climbing, it’s important for climbers to remain close to the safety mats. The Red-Relief Line provides a visual and tactile reminder of the climbing zone. Its bright red color is easy to see, and it can be felt by climbers’ feet since it’s three-dimensional and made from the same material as our hand holds. The Red-Relief Line also helps supervisors monitor how high climbers are climbing because they can see at a quick glance if anyone climbs too high.

If you’ve ever wondered why this line is also included on our Top Rope Climbing Walls, it’s to allow instructors the versatility of using their vertical climbing wall as a Traverse Wall. They just need to pull the safety ropes out of the way and secure them and the Top Rope Wall can be used as a Traverse Wall.

The Red-Relief Line is one of many safety features that Everlast Climbing is proud to have created.

Note: The Red-Relief Line is not included in our Mural Walls™ (to not obstruct the artwork) or Superior Rock Walls™ (due to the uneven/rock-like surface).