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Climbing Wall Policies

Violation of any policies or procedures can result in suspension of climbing privileges.  They exist for your safety!

  1. Students must check in with a student ID prior to climbing.  Community users and members must present a valid photo ID.
  2. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  You must be 13 years old to belay.  Children under the age of 13 climb free with parent’s membership.
  3. Only climbing wall members may belay.  Non-members are only allowed to belay if they have successfully passed the Guest Belay Test without prior instruction. 
  4. Climbers must go through the Orientation Class in order to obtain a membership at the climbing wall, which is included in the price. 
  5. Previous members may renew with a skills check within a year of membership expiration.
  6. Equipment: Proper safety equipment must be appropriately used when engaged in roped climbing at the wall.  Climbing shoes, harnesses, belay devices and helmets are available. Personal equipment must be approved by a climbing wall staff prior to use. 
  7. Helmets: Helmets must be worn unless the helmet waiver has been signed.  Helmets must always be worn by lead climbers. 
  8. Chalk:  NO LOOSE CHALK! Chalk must be in a chalk ball and stay in a chalk bag.
  9. Tying In:  A figure eight follow through knot tied directly into the harness is the only approved method of tying in.
  10. Belaying: The belay device must be attached to the harness with a locking carabineer through the belay loop or directly to the harness.  The only belay style allowed is the Pull-Lock-Slide method taught in the Orientation class.  Figure Eights and Grigris are not permitted. 
  11. Lead Climbing:  Lead climbers and their belayers must meet the pre-requisites and go through the Lead Climbing class.
  12. Bouldering:  Climber hands must not exceed a height of 12 feet above the floor.  The use of crash mats and spotters is strongly encouraged.  Do not boulder under other climbers. 
  13. Hands may not go above the rope anchors.
  14. White walls are “out of bounds” and may not be used to help climb.
  15. It is recommended that all jewelry should be removed.  Rings must be removed during climbing.
  16. Shoes must be worn while climbing.
  17. A shirt or tank-top covering the stomach and back must be worn by all climbers.
  18. No open drinking containers.
  19. No bags or backpacks in the climbing wall room.  Please us the cubbies. 
  20. Instruction may only be provided by a Climbing Wall Staff.
  21. Group reservations are available during and outside of wall operating hours.
  22. All programming depends on staff availability.
  23. No horseplay!  
  24. The adjustment, removal or rearrangement of climbing holds is not permitted.  Routes are changed periodically by the climbing wall staff.  Suggestions may be directed to the Climbing Wall Manager. 
  25. The use of drugs or alcohol prior to or during climbing is strictly prohibited.
 

University of Wisconsin - Stout