Climbing gym chain · Canada
The Hive grades, explained
The Hive opened its first gym, Hive Vancouver, in 2012 at 520 Industrial Avenue in Vancouver. It now runs six gyms: five in British Columbia (two in Vancouver, plus North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam and Surrey) and one in Winnipeg, Manitoba. All its bouldering gyms grade problems with its own 1-7 Hex scale, and Hive Heights in Vancouver is its only rope gym.
Bouldering grades
All Hive bouldering gyms use the chain's own Hex grades: each problem has a start tag showing 1 to 7 hexagons, where 1 hex is easiest and 7 hex is hardest. The Hive publishes a V-grade range for each level and says neighbouring levels can overlap.
| Level | V-scale | ≈ Font |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hex | VB–V0 | 3–4B+ |
| 2 hex | V0–V2 | 4B–5C |
| 3 hex | V2–V4 | 5B–6B+ |
| 4 hex | V4–V6 | 6A+–7A |
| 5 hex | V6–V8 | 6C+–7B+ |
| 6 hex | V8–V10 | 7B–7C+ |
| 7 hex | ≥ V10 | ≥ 7C+ |
Rope climbing grades
At Hive Heights, routes run 5.5 to 5.13 on a modified YDS. From 5.10 up, letter grades are replaced by - and +: a '-' grade means roughly a/b and a '+' grade roughly c/d. Grades below 5.10 are plain YDS numbers.
| Level | YDS | ≈ French |
|---|---|---|
| 5.10- | 5.10a–5.10b | 5c–6a+ |
| 5.10+ | 5.10c–5.10d | 6b–6b+ |
| 5.11- | 5.11a–5.11b | 6b+–6c+ |
| 5.11+ | 5.11c–5.11d | 6c+–7a+ |
| 5.12- | 5.12a–5.12b | 7a+–7b |
| 5.12+ | 5.12c–5.12d | 7b+–7c |
| 5.13- | 5.13a–5.13b | 7c+–8a |
| 5.13+ | 5.13c–5.13d | 8a+–8b |
The Hive uses this grading at all its gyms. From the gym's own grading guide. Gyms reset and regrade often, and grades vary between setters, so treat this as a guide and check the boards when you visit.
6 The Hive gyms
Each gym's page has its address, how to book, and links to prices and opening hours.
North Vancouver
Vancouver
Is this page accurate and helpful?
Questions
- What V-scale grade is 1 hex at The Hive?
- 1 hex at The Hive is VB–V0, about 3–4B+ in Font.
- What V-scale grade is 2 hex at The Hive?
- 2 hex at The Hive is V0–V2, about 4B–5C in Font.
- What V-scale grade is 3 hex at The Hive?
- 3 hex at The Hive is V2–V4, about 5B–6B+ in Font.
- What V-scale grade is 4 hex at The Hive?
- 4 hex at The Hive is V4–V6, about 6A+–7A in Font.
- What V-scale grade is 5 hex at The Hive?
- 5 hex at The Hive is V6–V8, about 6C+–7B+ in Font.
- What V-scale grade is 6 hex at The Hive?
- 6 hex at The Hive is V8–V10, about 7B–7C+ in Font.
Sources
- The Hive: Locations & Hours (addresses, hours, phones, emails, booking)
- The Hive: About (opened 2012)
- The Hive: Climb Overview (Hex grades, Heights YDS)
- The Hive: First Visit (booking, which gym for ropes)
- The Hive: Pricing
Checked 3 October 2026. Gear Loop isn't affiliated with The Hive.