Climbing

climbing

Whether you're an experienced climber who misses the mountains or a newbie getting over your fear of heights, you've come to the right place.

Anyone wishing to climb the UNC climbing walls must have a current UNC One Card with a Campus Recreation membership and must fill out a climbing wall waiver. For eligible non-students, Campus Recreation memberships may be purchased at the UNC One Card office during regular business hours.
Individuals who wish to climb but have little to no experience may drop-in during operating hours for an auto-belay/bouldering orientation. Those ready to climb using regular belay may take the Intro to Climbing course or sign up for the Belay Test Challenge. All courses take place in Rams Head Recreation Center. Individuals can register online or in person at the Campus Rec Main Office.
Visit the Hours of Operation page to see when climbing walls are available for drop-in climbing.

If you’d like to try climbing but you’re not ready to make the commitment – now is your time. Whether it’s just you and a couple of friends or a whole herd, you can come in and try climbing out.
When: The first Friday of every month at 8-11pm.
Cost: FREE!
Location: Rams Head
Groups bigger than 10 people please email Russell Hobart – rhobart@unc.edu

The intro class will provide a thorough orientation to the facility and some of the climbing programs offered at UNC. You will learn all the basic safety skills needed to pass our Belay Test required in order to climb at the UNC walls. Pre-registration is required.
Register: Online or by visiting the Campus Recreation Main Office (SRC 101)
Cost: $30
Location: Rams Head Climbing Wall
Date/Time: Wednesdays 8-10pm

This new membership level allows beginner climbers easy access to the climbing walls. New climbers will receive an orientation to the walls, which will introduce them to the safety procedures for bouldering and the auto-belays. The auto-belay is a device that allows individuals to climb by themselves by taking up the slack as they climb then slowly lowering them back down when they are done. With this certification they will have access to bouldering and auto-belays, along with the option to be top rope belayed by their friends. You can sign up for this membership online or at the SRC Main Office. Rental gear will be provided on the first experience, but afterwards the climber will either bring their own or rent gear from the walls.
Register: Online or by visiting the Campus Recreation Main Office (SRC 101)
Cost: $10
Location: Rams Head Climbing Wall (more auto-belay options) or Fetzer Climbing Wall (more bouldering options)
Date/Time: Just drop in during operating hours!

If you have taken the Belay Test and need to work on your skills, you can continue to re-take the Belay Test.You may take a Belay Test once every 24 hours. To re-test, please return to either Rams Head or Fetzer Climbing Walls and either provide documentation of completing the Introduction to Climbing Class or receipt of payment from a previous Belay Test Challenge. There is no cost for a re-test.

If you’re an experienced climber, and feel that you do not need to take the Introduction to Climbing class, you may challenge the Belay Test. This is for experienced climbers only, who are comfortable with basic climbing techniques, risk management, and proper equipment usage and selection. A brief orientation to the facility, a review of policies and procedures, and types of climbing offered will be explained at the beginning of the clinic. Belay Test challenges may be taken any time during normal operating hours; however, receipt of payment is required at the time of the Belay Test.
Register: Online or by visiting the Campus Recreation Main Office (SRC 101)
Cost: $15. Receipt of payment is required at the time of the Belay Test.
Location: Rams Head OR Fetzer Climbing Walls

For more information on outdoor climbing trips, please visit our Expeditions page.