INDOOR CLIMBING WALL

History

In response to student request, Idaho State University started construction of a 125-by-35 ft. indoor climbing wall in the Reed Gym complex in the latter part of 1996.  The wall is one of the largest of its kind in the nation.  More than 20,000 ft. of metal tubing makes up the interior frame, and the wall's "skin"  is made of 3/4 inch Baltic birch plywood.  The wall utilizes more than 3000 holds from nine different manufacturers.  ISU's climbing wall opened in March 1998.

Climbing Wall Facts

Who Can Climb?

All students, faculty, staff and their spouses with a valid Bengal Card may climb for free upon signing a waiver.  To belay climbers using the top ropes you must have a current certification on file.  This certification is granted upon passing a belay test and is kept on a database. Minors (under 18) will not be allowed to top rope belay, but will be able to climb.

Climbing equipment may be checked out at the equipment room.  Helmets, harnesses (with a carabiner and an ATC device), shoes, and chalk bags are available for use on a first come, first served basis.  Climbers may use their own climbing equipment dependent on approval by a wall attendant who is on duty.

What is Involved?

All climbers MUST sign a waiver form.  Those under 18 must also have a parent or legal guardian co-sign.

Climbers must pass a belay test to be certified to top rope bealy or lead climb.  These tests are administered by the wall attendants between 5pm-6pm Monday through Friday.

If someone fails the belay test, they may still boulder.  It will then be recommended that the person attend a workshop to improve their belay knowledge and skills and then retake the test.

Hours of Operation

The wall is supervised by ISU students employees, so the hours of operation  may vary each semester depending on staff availability, Physical Education classes, Intramurals, and special events.

Workshops

Workshops to learn how to utilize the equipment and learn to top rope belay are offered Monday through Friday around 5:00pm.  It is best to come in with a group of people and a minimum of two is necessary for you to learn the techniques and safety issues.

Group Reservations

The wall is available for rental to non-university affiliated groups.  Up to 25 climbers can be catered to at a time.  Call 282-3825 to make reservations. If the group wishes to climb outdoors, please contact ISU Outdoor Programs at 282-3912.

Groups have their choice of two programs:  a workshop or a "team" climb.  The two hour group workshop will teach ISU's belaying techniques.  Instruction takes an hour, then the group climbs for an hour.  The "team" climb involves brief instruction in harnessing, know tying, team belaying and is geared for groups that want to climb immediately and not learn the specifics of belaying. Before participating, all minors (under 18) must have a waiver form signed by their parent or legal guardian, on file.

Group Rates

Team climb:
$7.00/climber, minimum 10 climbers.  Participants must be 12 years or older.