Climbing Wall 101

Everything You Need to Know to Reach New Heights

by Daniel Nguyen, Program Assistant/Climbing Wall Supervisor/Adventure Trip Guide

Have you thought about rock or indoor climbing but you aren’t sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered! The UT RecSports Outdoor Recreation program includes the Climbing Wall. Whether you are new to climbing or looking to continue the adventure, we’ve got all the details you need to know help you reach new heights with RecSports!

What is rock and indoor climbing?

• Rock climbing is a rapidly growing sport that exercises your body as well as your mind. If you like puzzles as much as you like adventure, climbing is the sport for you.
• Indoor climbing is quickly becoming a favorite past time of many, with good reason. You can climb regardless of the weather and take a break from the sweltering Texas heat. It’s also a surprisingly social sport and a great way to spend time with friends or make new ones!

Does UT have its own climbing wall?

• Yes! UT RecSports has its very own Climbing Wall conveniently located in Gregory Gym. Its convenient location means you can get there without a car and many members frequently swing by for a quick climb in between classes!
• We have 2,600 square feet of climbing space with constantly changing routes and varied terrain, including a large roof, slab and even a crack system!
• Being a smaller gym with student staff allows us to have a unique and close-knit community. This results in great interaction between climbers and staff with climbers often directly influencing what our setters put on the walls.
• The wall also offers free rental shoes and chalk for climbing pass holders. There are options to purchase a pass for a day, month and semester.

Why should I climb?

• Stress relief: Students often come to the wall to destress before and after tests. It also doesn’t hurt that the wall is a place you can come to hang out with friends and escape the rigors of school.
• Exercise: Climbing can help you develop significant strength! This sport works out many muscles including some that you probably didn’t know existed. Thus, climbing is a good way to develop an evenly-built, healthy physique.
• Community: The wall develops its own community as you begin to recognize the people and staff that climb when you do. Many lifelong friendships have been formed at the wall and many more are waiting to be made!
• Adventure: If you love the outdoors and exploring, climbing is a great gateway into that! Climbing indoors builds the strength and skills you’ll need to climb your next mountain outside.
• Fun: Obviously! It’s unbelievably addicting and we have met few people that wouldn’t try it again after their first time.

Can I rope climb?

• The wall offers mainly bouldering with top-rope and lead only offered during classes. Don’t worry though, it’s still just as fun! And if you’re one of those endurance climbers, have no fear, the setters have been known to set “sport” style routes in the gym as well.

When can I climb?

• Climbing Wall pass holders can climb any time during our regular hours.

What if I am a beginner?

• No problem! Our friendly and experienced staff are more than welcome to give you tips on anything climbing.
• We also offer instructional classes ranging from technique to skills.
• Our setters are also very deliberate about having a good range of difficulties within their routes. This means there will be a fun route for everyone!

Ready to reach new heights?

• Visit our website for pricing information!

Interested in climbing outside?

• We’ve got you covered! The Adventure Trip program at UT RecSports offers various guided trips each semester which can include climbing. No experience is required to participate and gear, food and transportation are included in trip fees. It’s one of the easiest ways to dip your feet in outdoor climbing and it’s also a lot of fun! Rock climbing is definitely one of the more popular trips we offer so sign up quick if you’re interested.
• The Outdoor Center also rents climbing equipment such as shoes and bouldering crash pads if you need gear to get outside.
• The Texas Rock Climbing Club is also known to take its members on outdoor outings so check them out as another option!

Photo by Kate Gayler, Climbing Wall Supervisor

Interested in competition climbing?

• Climbing has a strong presence here on the Forty Acres. Our climbing team, Texas Rock Climbing, holds three first place and two second place finishes at nationals and has won nine regional championship titles in the last 10 years.

What if I don’t like competing? Is there another organization for me?

• Yes! If competing isn’t your speed, UT also has its own recreational climbing club. The Texas Rock Climbing Club which partakes in indoor as well as outdoor climbing meetings.
• This is a great organization to meet new climbers whether you’re an expert climber or have just dipped your feet in the waters.

Photo by Daniel Nguyen

Special Events and Programs

• Instructional Classes: Class dates and topics may vary from semester to semester so be sure to visit the this Indoor Rock Climbing Classes page for the most current information.
• Ladies Climbing Hour: It’s no secret that climbing is a male dominated sport, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. At UT RecSports, we work to foster an environment where women are able to help each another explore and progress in climbing. The Ladies Climbing Hour helps to do just that! During these events, the Climbing Wall is reserved and climbing is free!