Climbing Wall
ARC Climbing Wall
The climbing wall is a 35.5-foot tall, state-of-the-art manufactured structure designed to challenge first-timers or seasoned climbers. Routes are changed regularly to maintain a high level of fun and challenge. You don’t need experience, equipment, or a belayer. The staff will outfit you with the necessary gear for a small fee and provide you with a belay.
Bouldering
- No ropes or harness
- Climb to 10-12 ft.
- Jump down to thick mat
- Great for beginners!
- Bouldering example video
Top Rope
- Climber and belayer
- Uses an anchor system
- Must be Top Rope Belay Endorsed to belay
- Top rope climbing and belaying example video
Lead Climbing
- Climber clips rope to quick draws
- Belayer stays on ground to prevent climber falls
- Must be Lead Climbing Endorsed to lead belay and lead climb
- Lead climbing and belaying example video
Orientation Video
You will be required to watch the following orientation video and pass the climbing quiz before using the climbing facilities.
Hours and Location
The rental center and entrance to the climbing wall are located on the concourse level of the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) at 201 East Peabody Drive. Hours for all Campus Rec facilities can be found on the Hours of Operation page.
Rentals
| One Time Rental | |
|---|---|
| Climbing Shoes | $1 |
| Climbing Harness | $1 |
| Shoes and Harness | $2 |
Belay Tests
If you are already a confident belayer, you can take a drop-in belay test ($5) at the start of your reservation. A qualified belayer will be able to:
- Tie in a partner using a figure 8 follow-through knot and a double-fisherman’s stopper knot.
- Correctly set up an ATC or Grigri belay device.
- Verbalize and identify all safety checks for climber and belayer (harness double-backed, carabineers locked, ropes not crossed, etc.)
- Catch an announced and an unannounced fall.
- Demonstrate correct PBUS belay technique (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) and lowering technique.
- Brake hand must be kept on the rope at all times
- Know the climbing commands used at the ARC, and when to use them.
- “On belay?” “Belay on”
- “Climbing!” “Climb on!”
- “Take!” “Take on”
- “Lower!” “Lowering!”
- “Slack!”
- “Rock”
Patrons who want to learn to belay, who are unsure of any of the above requirements, or who want a refresher should register for our Top-Rope Belay Clinic.
Climbing wall staff will administer the test and ensure that all certified individuals are safe, confident belayers. To take the test, ask a climbing wall staff member at the beginning of your reservation! You should bring a friend to act as your climber. Belay certified patrons will receive a belay tag to wear on their harness, which will expire at the end of the summer.
Waivers
We require all participants to sign a waiver when coming to the climbing wall for the first time and recommended that you download it, print it out, and complete it beforehand. This ensures you have as much time to climb as possible.
First-time participants should print and complete the following waivers to speed up your orientation. All endorsements must be renewed annually.