Climbing Wall

Climbers and belayers of all skill sets and abilities are welcome in the Outdoor Adventure Center. If a climber or belayer requires an adaptation to traditional climbing methods, please see a Campus Rec employee prior to climbing or belaying.

• Jewelry including rings, necklaces, and dangling earrings are not permitted while climbing or belaying. Any participant wearing jewelry will be asked to remove the item before they can participate. If the jewelry is unable to be removed, the individual may participate at their own risk.
• Hair extending beyond the shoulders must be tied back when climbing or belaying.
• All pockets must be empty when climbing.
• The use of headphones, stereos, speakers, or other devices to project personal music is not permitted.
• Loose chalk is not permitted, only chalk balls may be used.
• Personal harnesses and belay equipment must be International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation approved.
• Clinics and workshops have priority over routes. Instructors may ask climbers to move to another route.
• No food products and beverages other than water are permitted on the Climbing Wall floor.
• Climbing above the first quick draw without using a rope is not permitted.
• Climbers must tie directly into the harness using a figure eight follow-though and a finish knot. All knots are to be dressed and set.
• All top rope belayers must possess a Towson University-issued Top Rope Belay Endorsement in order to top rope belay at the Climbing Wall.
• All lead climbers must possess a Towson University-issued Lead Endorsement in order to lead climb or lead belay at the Climbing Wall.
• All belayers must remain standing and keep their brake hand on the rope when belaying.
• Lead climbers should move as vertically as possible and clip in to the quickdraws associated with the attempted route. Lead traverses are not permitted.
• Top rope climbing is not permitted on the ropes directly beside a lead climber.
• Report all emergencies, maintenance issues, vandalism, or misuse of facilities to a Campus Recreation employee or calling 410-704-2367. 

Failure to follow or adhere to the above guidelines and/or the direction of Campus Recreation staff may result in disciplinary action.

Top Rope Belay Clinics cover the foundations of top rope climbing and belaying.  Participants will learn about the different types of equipment that are used while climbing, how the rope system functions when climbing, how to tie a figure 8 follow-through, and how to belay. Successful completion of the clinic will result in a Top Rope Belay Endorsement.  

Register for a Top Rope Belay Clinic.

Lead Climbing Clinics will go over the basis of lead climbing and belaying.  Participants will learn about the differences between top roping and lead climbing, as well as the inherent risks of lead climbing and belaying. Participants will learn about bouldering and spotting, clipping in, taking a lead fall, and body positioning.  Participants must already possess a Towson University Top Rope Belay Endorsement, as well as be able to climb a 5.9 prior to taking this clinic. Successful completion of the clinic will result in a Lead Climbing Endorsement.

Register for a Lead Climbing Clinic.