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Climbing & Bouldering Wall

Phone: (574) 631-3068 • View on Campus Map - Access in the Duncan Student Center, 2nd floor (north end)

Fall 2019 Hours: August 26 – December 15

Fall 2019 Upcoming Closures & Modified Hours

Fall 2019 Exam Week Hours: December 16 – 20

Winter Break Hours: December 21 – January 12

Who can climb

Notre Dame faculty, staff, and students may utilize the Climbing & Bouldering Wall. Guests are able to visit the Climbing & Bouldering Wall, but must be accompanied by Notre Dame faculty, staff, or students. A Notre Dame faculty, staff, or student can bring one guest per day. You may visit the Smith Center for Recreational Sports Front Desk on the 3rd floor of the Duncan Student Center in order to sign a waiver and purchase a guest pass for $3. A complete list of facility eligibility can be found here.

Location

The climbing & bouldering walls are located in Duncan Student Center. The entrance is on the north end of the 2nd floor. After coming up the grand staircase, walk directly to the end of the building where the check in desk will be on your right.

About the Walls

Built in 2017 by Eldorado, the Climbing & Bouldering Wall are made up of both high performance paneling and real rock textures for the maximum variety of terrain. With over 2,000 sq. ft. of climbable surface, the walls feature a diverse mix of routes accommodating all climbers from beginner to advanced.

Steps to climb

The Climbing & Bouldering Wall are open free of charge to all Notre Dame students, faculty, and staff. Children under 18 are not permitted to use the climbing & bouldering wall. There are 3 paths toward climbing.

1. After signing the climbing wall waiver and taking a short orientation of the facility, you will have access to climbing at the bouldering wall.
2. If you would like to try climbing the vertical surface of the climbing wall you can wait for the next available staff member to belay you.
3. If you decide climbing is something you want to do on a regular basis, you can sign up for a FREE Belay Clinic and learn how to use the equipment yourself. Upon passing the belay clinic, individuals will be able to come during open hours to belay each other instead of waiting in line.  

About the Belay Clinics

The two hour belay clinic will teach you the basic skills needed to start climbing safely and proficiently. You can expect to learn about the necessary equipment, knots, top rope climbing, belaying, communication, lowering, basic movement techniques, and our facility policies. All necessary equipment is provided. These clinics are limited to the first 8 individuals to sign up.

Upcoming Belay Clinics as of 11/22/19 at 4:00 p.m.

Registration for the following Belay Clinics opens on RecRegister at Noon two weeks before clinic date and closes one hour prior to the clinic or when it is full.

Fall 2019 Belay Test Outs – Walk-Ins

If you already know how to belay with a GriGri using the PBUS (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) technique, you can attempt to get your belay certification by testing out with one of our Bouldering & Climbing Wall Staff during normal operating hours. Each step of the test out must be performed with 100% accuracy. If you do not pass with 100% accuracy, you will be required to take a Belay Clinic in order to receive your belay certification. Each test out session should last approximately 15 minutes. No pre-registration is required; test outs are on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak times of Climbing & Bouldering Wall usage, test outs may not be available.

Climbing & Bouldering Wall Policies

Shoes must be worn at all times inside the climbing area. Climbing shoes are available to check out free of charge on a first come first served basis. Closed toe shoes with backs are allowed on the wall as well as climbing shoes. No sandals, Crocs, winter boots, etc. Please consult with staff for shoe approval. You are required to clean off shoes of any dirt, snow, or mud before entering.

Click here to learn about our policies.