Climbing Wall Policies

  • All UNC climbers must have a Campus Recreation membership to gain access to the climbing walls.
  • All participants and visitors must complete and sign a liability waiver before participating in climbing activities.
  • All personal belongings must be placed in the cubbies provided.
  • Climbers must pass a Belay Proficiency Test and possess a Belay Certification Card to belay other climbers.
  • Free climbing or Bouldering is not allowed above the bouldering line.
  • All Bouldering activities must have appropriate spotters and crash pad placement.
  • All climbing above the bouldering line must be belayed.
  • Every climber must belay with an ATC.
  • The belayer must remain standing while the climber is on belay.
  • Every climber must use a Figure-8 follow through knot with an appropriate fisherman’s stopper when tying in.
  • Climbers using personal PPE must follow the posted PPE Policy.
  • Staff has the right to check personal climbing equipment for safety.
  • Roped climbers and belayers must wear harnesses.
  • Roped climbers must climb directly below their anchor point.
  • Never place fingers, hands or feet on the metal bolt hangers.
  • Never climb past or unclip the top climbing anchors.
  • Climbing commands must be used at all times.
  • Helmets are required for all roped climbers unless the helmet waiver is signed.
  • Climbing, walking, or standing directly above or below a climber is prohibited.
  • No food or drinks allowed in the climbing wall area except for water bottles.
  • No chewing gum allowed in the climbing wall area.
  • Inform other climbers of any unsafe situation or anything not in accordance with the Climbing Walls’ stated policies and procedures.
  • Only staff members are authorized to set routes and perform maintenance on the walls.
  • Climbing Wall Staff reserves the right to limit the number of climbing wall participants out of concern for participants’ safety.
  • Do not stand/hang/climb on the ropes or floor anchors.
  • All accidents or equipment damage must be reported immediately. Climbers will not be charged for damage of rental equipment.
  • Eyeglasses should be removed or secured.
  • Participants will be required to remove all watches, rings, earrings, necklaces, items in their pockets, and any other sharp objects before they are allowed to participate in climbing activities.
  • Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.
  • Rock climbing shoes, running or tennis shoes are appropriate footwear for climbing. No cleats, street shoes, Vibram five-finger shoes (or similar), sandals, or leather-soled boots or shoes are allowed on the wall.

Contact: Russell Hobart rhobart@email.unc.edu (919) 843-4795