THE REC!
URock Climbing Wall
UO REC HOME
Rock Wall Manager - Daniel Crowe, 172 Esslinger Hall, 346-1932, dcrowe@uoregon.edu

Go to the Outdoor Pursuits Program's Climbing Page for information on credit courses that offer in-depth instruction, and a host of rock climbing topics including movement principles, stretches, climbing techniques, training principles, anchor construction concepts, and an overview of climbing equipment.

CLIMBING WALL MISSION

Our mission is to create an environment which enriches the climbing experience for all participants. The cornerstones of our mission are:

Education: Formal and informal instructional sessions are structured to help climbers reach their personal climbing goals.

Enjoyment: We're committed to doing everything we can to help make your climbing experience fun and rewarding. With your help, we can create an environment that promotes respect for climbers of all abilities.
Safety: We strive to make the safest possible climbing experience available by incorporating comprehensive safety-checks, supervising all climbing sessions and continually reinforcing safety practices and climbing wall protocols.
HOURS OF OPERATION

Recreational Climbing

  • Monday-Thursday 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Friday, Saturday and Sunday 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • The climbing wall is closed on Thanksgiving day.
  • Winter and Spring Term break hours are 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
  • Summer session 06 climbing hours are as follows:
    • 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
    • 4 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays

During summer term, the climbing wall closes on the Thursday of week 8 and re-opens on the first day of fall term classes.

Reserved Sessions
Our facility is also available for reservation by organized groups during non-recreational hours. E-mail Daniel Crowe or call 346-1932 for rental rates and information.

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CLIMBING PROTOCOLS AND POLICIES

Climbers are required to comply with the following protocols and policies:

  • Climbing is permitted ONLY when the wall is open for scheduled recreational climbing or instructional sessions.
  • Climbers are expected to observe posted safety protocols and to be respectful and aware of the actions of other climbers.
  • Climbing shoes must be worn while climbing on the wall. Climbers wearing rental shoes must wear socks.
  • Climbers are expected to dress respectfully. Shirts must be worn. No muscle shirts.
  • Climbers must stay below the designated height when climbing without a rope.
  • No gri gris, Muenter hitch, or figure-of-eight belays. Slot devices only.
  • Loose chalk is not permitted. Chalk balls only please.
  • Personal possessions must be stored outside of the climbing wall area. Day lockers are available. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Food and beverages are not permitted in the climbing wall area.
  • Do not pass between the wall and a belayer when moving about within the area without a belayer's knowledge and consent.
  • Climbers must read and sign a statement and assumption of risk/release document before being permitted to climb on the wall.

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SAFETY CHECKS

All climbers are required to pass the appropriate safety check before climbing. Climbers are expected to be able to perform the skills required in each of the following safety checks without the intervention or assistance of a rock wall staff member. Climbers failing a safety check cannot be checked out again on the same day.

Basic Safety Check (no fee)
Climbers must be able to confidently and skillfully perform the following skills WITHOUT INTERVENTION by a supervisor:

  • Put on a climbing harness and buckle it properly.
  • Tie a figure-of-eight follow through onto the climbing harness.
  • Feed the rope correctly through a belay device (slot device only) and attach the rope and belay device to the harness in the proper place.
  • Belay properly. You must demonstrate the correct hand actions while taking in and feeding out rope as well as the proper braking action while using a slot device.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic climbing signals. There are many versions of the basic set of climbing signals, and we do not require you to know "our" version. However, the basic starting signals (on belay, climbing, climb... or a version thereof), the on-the-wall signals (up rope, slack) and a lowering signal (take, tension....then a command to lower) must be known.

If you cannot perform the above skills correctly, you will not be cleared. You must come back no sooner than the next day for a retest. If you do not pass the safety check, you are encouraged to take a class, or get some instruction before returning.

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The Lead Climbing Safety Check (no fee)

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

  • Climb a 5.9 route without falling and demonstrate 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 the ability to hold a fall by a lead climber.

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

Lead Climbing Protocols
The following protocols have been implemented to provide the best opportunity for a safe and enjoyable lead climbing experience:

  • Climbers must use Student Recreation Center lead ropes. No personal ropes are allowed.
  • Helmets are required for leading on the wall. No exceptions.
  • Mock leading is allowed, but will not supersede actual lead climbing.

While we understand that falling is part of the climbing experience, repeated falling on lead in order to work out a move or get through a hard section is not acceptable. There are two options for managing difficult sections:

  • Climb the route on a top rope first. Climb it more than once if necessary.
  • Back off and lead a route that is easier.

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INSTRUCTION

Non-Credit Instruction for Beginners
The goal of our non-credit instructional program is to get people climbing on the wall as soon as possible. The focus is on learning the skills necessary to pass the skills test required of all climbers (how to care for and use climbing equipment and the facility, belay and face climb). Equipment is provided for all lessons.

  • One-On-One Instruction ($10/person/hr.)
    The only option available for 1 or 2 people interested in learning to climb. A one or two hour lesson will likely be all that you’ll need to start climbing. Drop by the wall to schedule a lesson! We will be offering drop in lessons on Wednesdays from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. during Spring term. Lessons start on the hour.
  • Group Instruction ($15 per person)
    Designed specifically for groups of 3 or more and consisting of two 1.5 hour sessions. Reservations/payment must be made in advance. Call 6-1190 for more information or to schedule lessons.

Instruction for Academic Credit
The Outdoor Pursuits Program (OPP) offers courses for climbers of all abilities:

  • PEOL 251 - Rock Climbing 1 ($84)
    This 1-credit course (offered through the Outdoor Pursuits in Physical Education ) covers the basics of safe and responsible rock climbing. Ten 2-hr. sessions provide individuals with the opportunity to work on skills over the course of the term. All equipment is provided. Cost of course cannot be applied to a rock wall pass.
  • PEOL 252 - Rock Climbing 2 ($84)
    The focus of this course is on refining the basic climbing skills learned in Rock Climbing 1, with an emphasis on improving flexibility, preventing injuries and refining face and crack climbing techniques.

  • PEOL 297- Rock Climbing 3 Preparation ($45)
    This course supplements the basic skills learned in Rock Climbing I and prepares the student for participation in the Rock Climbing 3 outing to Smith Rock State Park. The focus is on technical systems and includes a review of basic skills (knots, rope handling and belaying), protection placement, anchor construction and management, lead climbing theory and basic rescue systems. Students will practice protection placement at Skinner's Butte columns, and gain hands on experience in anchor building, belaying the leader and fixed rope ascension in our indoor practice facility.

  • PEOL 298- Rock Climbing 3 Outing ($99)
    This course introduces the student to outdoor climbing in the context of a three-day outing to Smith Rock State Park. The emphasis is on protection placement and anchor building. Students build anchors utilizing various forms of rock climbing protection and then climb on their anchors! There's plenty of opportunity to transfer the climbing skills learned at the rock climbing wall to the volcanic rock of the park. Basic rescue techniques (e.g. belay escapes) are also introduced.

  • PEOL 341 - Introduction to Lead Climbing ($109)
    This course covers the basics of lead climbing, indoors and out, using sport and traditional rock climbing techniques. Topics include an equipment and knots review, belaying (with emphasis on belaying the leader), gear placement, anchor construction, anchor management, and lead climbing techniques (with a focus on crack climbing). This course is taught in spring term only.

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