Orientation Class

The orientation class is designed for beginning climbers with no experience, or for those who need to refresh their skills. Instructors will focus on equipment care and use, belay mechanics, climbing commands, spotting, knots, an introduction to the rules of the wall, and a skills check.

Skills Check

The skills check is designed for experienced indoor climbers with knowledge of the fundamentals of climbing on an indoor wall. Participants must demonstrate the ability to use a harness correctly, tie-in using a figure 8 knot, communicate using proper climbing commands, and belay using safe and correct procedures. Skill checks can be done anytime the wall is open. Orientations must be scheduled.

Lead Climbing Class

The lead climbing class is required by all climbers who would like to participate in spot climbing on the UW-Eau Claire indoor climbing wall. Climbers will become familiar with UW-Eau Claire policy and procedures and safety specifics for spot climbing on an indoor wall. For more information and to schedule a class, please call 836-5601 Sunday - Thursday from 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm.

Group Programs

Group programs are designed for interested parties seeking an opportunity to experience the art of indoor climbing. Groups will be instructed on the fundamentals of indoor climbing to include: climbing commands, knot craft, climbing techniques, and proper use of equipment. The program will include approximately a half hour of instruction and three hours of climbing.

• Where is the climbing wall located?
  Gym 210-A in the McPhee Physical Education Building.
• Who can climb on the climbing wall?
  The climbing wall is open to UW-Eau Claire students, faculty, staff, and the community. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. In some instances, participant size may be a factor - if you have specific questions with regard to children, please call 836-5601.
• Is climbing experience required?
  An orientation class is required for novice climbers. A skills proficiency check is required for experienced climbers.
• When is the climbing wall available?
  Sunday through Thursday, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

1. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's students, faculty/staff and their families must present a valid BluGold card or guest pass prior to each climb.
2. Community members must present a valid photo I.D. prior to each climb.
3. All participants under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
4. All climbers must complete a climbing wall orientation class or skills check, and have a participation waiver on file before engaging in any bouldering or climbing.
5. For bouldering, a minimum of one spotter per climber is required. When bouldering, the climber's feet shall not exceed the height of the spotter's shoulders.
6. Climbers must provide a belayer.
7. Solo climbing is NOT permitted and all climbers must be protected by a top rope belay or sport route belay, unless bouldering.
8. Climbers are required to use back-up belayers, until authorized by the Climbing Wall Manager.
9. Climbers are required to use the ropes, carabiners and belay plates provided by University Recreation.
10. Climbers must use proper safety equipment when engaged in roped climbing. Harnesses and helmets are available to use at the wall, and shoes are available for rent. If a climber uses his/her own harness, shoes or helmet, it must be approved by the Climbing Wall Supervisor prior to use.
11. Helmets are required by all lead climbers.
12. Sandals / bare feet / socks are not permitted.
13. Climber and belayer harnesses must be DOUBLED-BACKED at the waist and at the leg loop buckles.
14. A FIGURE 8 follow-through knot with a double overhand must be tied directly into the climber's harness.
15. A belay device (H.B. Sheriff) must be attached to the belayer's harness by means of a locking carabiner. Climbers are not allowed to use their own belay devices.
16. ALWAYS check and double check the climber's knot, harness and the belay system before each climb.
17. The adjustment or rearrangement of holds is not permitted. The holds will be changed periodically by the Climbing Wall Staff, so your suggestions for change may be directed to them.
18. Proper climbing/belaying commands should be used.
19. The use of chalk is prohibited.
20. For safety reasons, the wearing of jewelry during climbing is discouraged.
21. Only instruction provided by the Climbing Wall Staff is permitted.

UW-Eau Claire Students, F/S (and family)

Daily Fee	FREE
Shoe Rental	FREE
Skills Check	FREE
Orientation	FREE
Lead Climbing Class	FREE

Community Members

Daily Fee	$5.00
Shoe Rental	$1.00
Skills Check	$10.00
Orientation	$20.00
Lead Climbing Class	$10.00

Community Memberships

Note: These prices include shoe rental, skills check, orientation, and lead climbing class. Community family rates are only for up to 4 immediate family members.

Community Members - Semester	$50.00
Community Members - Academic	$85.00
Community Families - Semester	$100.00
Community Families - Academic	$185.00

Group Rates

Minimum group size of 6 and a maximum of 15.

UW-Eau Claire Groups: For rates call Al Wiberg at 836-5601 Monday through Friday from 8 am - 4:30 pm

Community Groups: Fun Day: 1-2 hour climbing program. Participants are belayed by climbing wall staff. $8.00 per person. Learn to Climb: 2-4 hour climbing program. Participants are taught the basics in safe belay and climbing techniques. $15.00 per person.

The indoor climbing wall was created by Adventure Based Experiential Educators, Inc. (ABEE), a Wisconsin company that is at the forefront of construction and training in wall standards and practices.

The climbing wall is designed with a state-of-the-art panel system. The 4x4 plastic molded panels are taken from natural granite impressions providing the ultimate "real look" in rock wall structures. It encompasses approximately 65 linear feet including a corner, and stands approximately 28 feet high. The actual climbing surface area is approximately 2,500 square feet.