Climbing Wall

Climbing Hours Monday—Friday:       11 am—1 pm 4 pm—10 pm ( 4 pm - 8 pm on Fridays) Saturday:   10 am—2 pm Sunday: 2 pm - 6 pm Climbing Wall hours are subject to change. Please check the website for current information. Belay Certification Lead Climbing Clinics

The climbing wall  is 34 feet tall to the pinnacle and has a natural appearance resembling the geology of North Dakota. Features include variable width cracks, arêtes, roofs, slabs and overhangs. The free-standing wall is approximately 26 feet in length and can be used by climbers of all abilities from beginner to expert. The wall offers a variety of terrain from moderate to steep, expert routes. The separate bouldering wall is 12 feet high and 25 feet long and offers very steep (bouldering cave) terrain, but low enough to be climbed without ropes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?
Come to the wall during Open Climbing times. Show up anytime during the open sessions and bring a friend with you. Trained climbing instructors will greet you, and show you how to use the equipment. You don’t need any previous experience.

What should I wear?
Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement.  For example, what you’re wearing should allow you to step up to the second rung of a ladder and/or do jumping jacks. Shoes should fit snuggly and lace up. Avoid shoes with open heels or toes.

Do I need a partner?
No. Anyone can boulder without a partner. Or, staff will help you pair up with other climbers who are looking to climb and belay.

What is bouldering?
Bouldering is rock climbing close enough to the ground that ropes are not needed. To help make landings safer, boulderers often use dense-foam ‘crash pads’ and spotters. 

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Belay Certification

Belaying is the technique that allows a climber to safely climb and be lowered from a rock face while attached to a rope. A second person (the 'belayer') protects their climbing partner from falling by controlling the rope using anchors and braking devices.

Belay Certification is available at the Climbing Wall during regular climbing hours. Check the Rec. Desk for more information or to schedule a certification.

Certification will cover the following topics:

• Putting on a harness
• How to tie-in to a harness: figure 8 follow-through, double fisherman's knot
• Belay device set-up
• How to belay
• Safety checks
• Safety commands with climber
• Locking off a fall
• Efficiently lowering a climber
• Rules and regulations for the Rock Wall

All equipment is provided. No partner is required. IF YOU ARE AN EXPERIENCED CLIMBER, a belay safety check-off is available at your first clinic.

Please call 231-7390 for registration or sign up at the Wellness Center Equipment Room.

Lead Climbing Certification

Take your climbing skills to the next level. Push your inner limits while learning the necessary skills it takes to become a confident lead climber! Check at the Rec. Desk for more information.

Lead Climbing Safety Check (no fee)

All climbers who want to lead on the wall must complete a safety check to demonstrate adequate skill and fitness. During the safety check climbers must:

• Climb a 5.10 route without falling and deomonstrate good climbing technique and efficiency.
• Lead up to the second bolt on one or two climbs (instructor's prerogative) demonstrating skill in clipping and rope management.
• Show the ability to safely belay a lead climber, including:
  - how to properly attach to an anchor;
  - how to correctly position oneself in relation to the anchor and lead climber;
  - how to manage rope properly - feeding the lead rope, hand motions and braking action;
  - using acceptable climbing commands.
• Demonstrate a safe lead fall.

NOTE: Lead check-outs are conducted at specific times during the week. Check in at the rock wall for the current schedule.