Climbing Wall Classes

Upcoming Classes

Climbing Wall classes are taught by Professional Climbing Instructor's Association (PCIA) Climbing Wall Instructors.

Basics of Belay Class

This 2 hour class is designed to teach fundamental top rope belay technique to beginners. It includes all skills and knowledge required for the Top Rope Skills Check. Participants must wait 24 hours after completion of the Basics Class to take the Top Rope Skills Check.

  • Class limit is 6; minimum 2
  • Climbers must be age 14 or above
  • Pre-registration 24 hours prior to the class date is REQUIRED. 
  • Content includes bouldering and bouldering safety,climbing risks/safety, equipment identification and proper use, retrace figure 8 knot, PBUS belay technique, and proper climbing communication.
  • See Fees | Cancellation Policy

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Top Rope Belay Skills Check and Lead Climbing Skills Chek

The Top Rope Skills Check is a non-instructional and non-coaching verification of the required skills and knowledge to belay climbers on top rope and safely participate at the SMU Climbing Wall.  Successful completion is required to obtain a belay climbers at the wall.  Instructors will prompt for properly demonstrated technical skills and climbing knowledge.  Skill checks will be on demand and dictated by staff availability. Individuals are only allowed one skills check in a 24 hour period. 

  • Individuals age 14 and older to attempt a Top Rope Skills Check.
  • The Top Rope Skills Check requires individuals to demonstrate competency and knowledge in proper belaying technique using an aperture device, use of climbing commands, proper fit and use of a standard seat harness, and ability to tie-in with a retrace figure 8 knot.  In addition, climbers must verify they understand bouldering, bouldering safety, proper pad placement and spotting.
  • Successful completion of the Top Rope Skills Check provides free access to the Climbing Wall for 1 year and use of SMU Climbing Wall belay devices. 
  • Skills Checks expires 1 year to date of issue and must be renewed by successfully completing another Skills Check.
  • See Fees | Cancellation Policy 

NOTE: The SMU Climbing Wall Top Rope Skills Check is only valid at the SMU Climbing Wall.  Likewise, the SMU Climbing Wall does not recognize non-SMU Climbing Wall skills verifications.

Lead Climbing Skills Check follows the same design as the Top Rope Skills Check. 

  • Individuals must have a valid SMU Climbing Wall Top Rope Skills Check
  • Individuals must be age 18 or older.
  • See Fees | Cancellation Policy

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Movement Class

Better climbing means more climbing. We combined our Basic and Intermediate Movement into one class.  From crack climbing to overhangs, this course is designed to introduce climbers to the fundamental techniques and movement to build and enhance climbing technique and develop the climber for greater challenges.  Concentration is on balance, weight shift, handholds, footwork and movements such as laybacks, heel and toe hooks, flagging, and more. 

Requirements:

  • Belay Certification not required. 
  • Deadline for registration is 24 hours in advance of the class. 
  • See Fees | Cancellation Policy

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Intro To Lead Climbing

Introduction to indoor lead climbing. For experienced  top rope climbers at a consistent 5.8+ level, this 2+  hour class covers the basics of indoor lead climbing.  Upon completion of the class, participants will:

  • Understand the risk and added safety considerations associated with lead climbing such as fall factors, back-clipping and z-clipping.
  • Identify lead-specific equipment and demonstrate proper use.
  • Ability to comfortably climb at a 5.8 rating on top rope.
  • Demonstrate proper lead climbing and belaying  techniques
  • Demonstrate proper communication as it relates to lead climbing.

Requirements:

  • Valid SMU Top Rope Skills Check and advance registration are REQUIRED
  • Deadline for registrations is 24 hours prior to the class. 
  • See Fees | Cancellation Policy

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Class Cancellation Policy

  • A 24 hour cancellation is required for a class refund or opportunity to reschedule the class at no charge and to a date chosen by the participant.

  • Cancellations < 24 hours and prior to the class time will have the opportunity to reschedule to the next available class.

  • No shows or arriving late as deemed by the class instructor will not receive a refund or opportunity to reschedule without additional registration fee.

For any questions please contact the Climbing Wall at 214-768-9917.

 

 
Recreational Sports is a department in the Division of Student Affairs.