Rock Climbing Wall FAQ's
What are the different types of climbing? |
What's all that tape on the walls? |
Yes, there's more than one kind of climbing. We
offer two types of climbing in the Center. Top-rope refers
to the rope being already installed through the top of the wall so
a participant can focus on climbing and the rope is kept tight to
protect from falls.
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The tape is labeling different routes to the top.
All the holds, and the wall panels themselves, can be moved around
to change the wall, but routes add that much more variation for climbers.
Use only the holds labeled with a certain color to complete that
route.
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What is Belaying? |
How strong is the rope? |
?Belay? is the French word meaning ?to secure?,
and it refers to the safety system used to protect climbers when
high on the walls. During open climb, participants are expected to
provide proper belaying, not staff, so participants must come with
or find partners to take turns belaying and climbing. Belayers must
learn their skills by taking a beginner climbing course and/or following
our belay card system.
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Our ropes are designed and manufactured specifically
for climbing. You may notice them stretching a little when a climber
falls ? this is normal, and among other things helps cushion the
climber. In terms of just weight, our ropes can hold approximately
7,000 pounds!
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How tall is the wall? |
What if I'm afraid of heights? |
The wall is 36' tall! It also has about 50' of traversing along the bottom and around the corner, as well as bouldering. |
Welcome to the club! Fear of heights is normal ? facing
that fear is very rewarding for most climbers. Don't worry ? you
don't have to climb to the top!
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What's that metal & wood structure on the floor? |
How much is it? |
That weird looking thing is a bouldering cave,
which means you climb up the inside and then drop down onto a matt.
No rope necessary.
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Open climbing, which starts in July, is free to
anyone with access to the facility. Group events do have very reasonable
charges.
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What's the hardest way up? |
Who can use the wall? |
Using any holds you want, the hardest section for
most people is the big overhang in the middle with the recreation
logo on top.
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The Climbing Center is located in the HLS Facility,
and participants not involved in a group event must have access to
the Facility in order to use the Climbing Center. See the Facility
Admittance Policies for further details.
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What equipment do I need? |
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All specialized equipment is included at no charge.
You just need to wear active clothing providing full range of motion.
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