Bouldering | Open Access
Bouldering is climbing horizontally and vertically underneath the yellow twelve foot line without being attached to a rope. Bouldering allows the individual to climb without a partner or the confinement of a rope so they are free to move easily in all directions. Bouldering problems (taped climbing paths) are set on a weekly basis and holds are moved around to offer variations in the climbing terrain for an individual just learning to boulder as well as seasoned veterans. In order to boulder at the WVU wall, patrons need to read and understand the rules of the wall. Bouldering can occur any time the SRC is open.
Rope Climbing | Try-climb or become a belayer
Rope Climbing involves at least two people. One person is the belayer and one the climber. The climber ties themselves into the rope and climbs vertically up the wall. The belayer holds the rope and catches the climber in case of a fall as well as lowers them to the ground. Vertical taped routes are set on a monthly to bimonthly basis.
Climbing Options:
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Try-Climb
- A member of the climbing wall staff can give you a try-climb if you have never climbed at the climbing wall before. A try-climb is a one time try of climbing on a rope to see if you are interested in the sport and want to take the next step. There is no fee involved in try-climbing but try-climbing is limited if there is not enough staff present or the climbing wall is too busy.
- Additional staff are available on Tuesdays and Fridays for Try-Climbing.
- Recruit a Belayer
- Find a person who is a WVU Climbing Wall Belayer (
has passed the belay safety test) to belay you. The belayer and yourself
could come in to climb any day that the climbing wall is open to top roping.
Individuals who have experience belaying can take a belay test to become
a WVU belayer and would then be able to belay at the Climbing wall. The belay
test is free.
- Become a Belayer
- For a novice climber who wants to gain the basic skills, there is a belay class
offered at the climbing wall. This class teaches people to belay so that
they can belay other individuals up the climbing wall. Upon completion of
the belay class a person must complete 5 probationary belays which are practice
sessions to refine the class learned belay skills. Upon completion of the
practice sessions a test is administered to the individual. Commonly, belayers
pair up so that one can climb while the other belays and then they trade
so they both can climb. The belay class involves a fee of $10.00
Children Climbing at the Wall
Children can climb at the climbing wall. First and foremost children at the climbing wall must be constantly monitored. The climbing wall is not an appropriate place for a parent or guardian to drop a child and go to another part of the building (building policy states that all children age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Parents must stay and closely supervise their children while they are at the climbing wall. Children can boulder on the bottom part of the wall or the bouldering cave while a parent spots them. It is important that children do not walk underneath other people who are bouldering. If a parent is a WVU Climbing Wall belayer, they can belay their children when the ropes are down.
Try-Climbing
If you or your kids are interested in utilizing the wall, but have not had the time to take our belay class, this program is for you. Belayers will be present to work with you to climb the wall.
Fridays | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Fall and Spring- SRC member | Free
- Non-member | $10 SRC Guest Pass
Climbing Equipment
Participants can only use their own harness and shoes at the climbing wall. Participants must use the climbing wall’s belay devices and ropes for climbing.
Climbing harnesses, helmets and shoes are available to climbers free of charge. They may be picked up at the climbing wall desk when you sign in. For those people who want shoes for bouldering hours when the climbing wall desk is not staffed, you can also check out shoes at the SRC front desk.