Climbing Wall
The Foy Fitness and Recreation Center features a 26-foot wall with 8 top rope anchors and 2 auto-belays. At any given time there are 14-20 routes geared toward the first time climber or the seasoned veteran. We also have a 12-foot free-standing boulder to give that extra challenge without roping up.
No experience, no problem. Our staff is available during open hours to assist those new to climbing. New climbers are briefed on rules, safety measures, and equipment during an orientation from one of our well-trained staff.
All participants must complete the required forms at the Climbing Wall desk.
We offer everything participants need to climb on a regular basis. Harnesses and climbing shoes free of charge.
Instructional Opportunities
Once you've developed a love for climbing and want to take your knowledge to the next level, our climbing instructors offer top rope belay clinics and lead climbing clinics on a regular basis. You can even take an academic class to get a solid foundation in climbing knowledge.
Required Forms
Each participant must have this form on file with University Recreation before being permitted to climb. Participants can now sign this form electronically at the Climbing Wall.
Outdoor Climbing Opportunities
Want to try climbing outdoors? Clarksville is home to a local outdoor climbing area known as King's Bluff. Join us for Fridays at the Bluffs trips offered when the weather permits each semester.
Belay Clinics:
How to Become Belay Certified:
Option 1- Test Out
If you already know how to belay using the PBUS (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) technique, you can get your Belay Card by testing out with one of our Climbing Wall Staff during open climbing hours.
You will need to bring a climbing partner for your test out (they don't need to be belay qualified). If you pass, you will receive a Belay Card on the spot and can begin roped climbing immediately. You need this card whenever you want to top rope climb. If you've been away for more than six months or a staff member notices you using a technique other than PBUS, you may be asked to re-test. In order to pass you must successfully demonstrate all of the following skills:
- Ability to competently put on climbing harness
- Ability to tie in using a figure 8 follow through
- Ability to perform a buddy check and identify an incorrect knot, harness setup, or belay system
- Ability to use climbing commands
- Ability to competently set up an assisted braking belay device
- Ability to competently catch a fall
- Ability to competently lower a climber
In the event, you do not pass you have one more attempt. A re-test can be performed, at the earliest, one calendar day from the first attempt. In the event that you do not pass a second time, you will be required to take a belay clinic and then attempt the test out again.
Option 2- Take a Class
If learning to belay is new to you, or you are just rusty, then you can sign up for one of our belay clinics offered twice a week. In this course, you will learn all the necessary skills to top rope climb at the Foy Fitness & Recreation Center's climbing wall. You can then test for your Belay Card one calendar day after the completion of the belay clinic.
Class dates/times- TBD
For more information about clinics please see our staff at the Climbing Wall desk or contact Lauren Wilkinson wilkinsonl@apsu.edu.