Climb to New Heights
Standing anywhere from 24-40 feet high, our rock walls are a fun and unique way to challenge yourself and reach new heights in your health and wellness!
One of the many benefits of Y membership is having access to a variety of recreational activities and skill-building classes such as rock wall climbing.
You must be a Y member to participate in rock wall activities. Click below to learn more about membership and to join.
OPEN CLIMB
During Open Climb hours, we offer recreational use of our rock walls for ages 5 and up. For your safety, our walls are supervised by a Y associate belayer who is responsible for controlling the safety rope for each climber. Our rock walls cannot be used without a Y associate belayer on duty.
Six Y centers have rock walls that are available to Y members:
- The Dancel Y in Ellicott City
- The Greater Annapolis Y in Arnold
- The Orokawa Y in Towson
- The Ward Y in Abingdon
- The Weinberg Y in Waverly
- The Y in Catonsville
To see Y center open climb hours, SEE OUR ONLINE ACTIVITY SCHEDULES.
ROCK WALL CLIMBING CLASSES
Rock Climbing 1 (ages 5 & up)
This introductory rock climbing class teaches climbers basic parameters, vocabulary, and nomenclature in the climbing world. Climbers will learn basic knots and begin a short workout regimen designed to increase climbing strength and endurance to reduce the chance of injury. To move to the next level, climbers must pass a skills test.
Rock Climbing 2 (ages 5 & up)
Climbers must pass Rock Climbing 1 or pass the skills test for Rock Climbing 2.
In Rock Climbing 2, climbers will learn the basics of sequencing, basic climbing techniques, continue to develop balance, and start climbing routes (versus "rainbowing" - using any available pieces).
Skills Test for Rock Climbing 2: Five rainbow climbs to the top of the wall in six minutes; figure eight knot; figure eight follow through; climbing commands; basic nomenclature. Climbers must be able to execute 10 legitimate push ups, and demonstrate a successful wall walk.
ROCK WALL CLIMBING TEAM
Advanced Climbing Team (ages 5 & up)
The Y's advanced climbing team is a group of rock wall climbing enthusiasts and practitioners who enjoy a challenge! Safety is our primary focus as we work to grow our climbing ability. Team activities include practices twice a week, an open climb session once a week, climbing competitions at the Y, and an outdoor climbing trip once a year. For safety, you must be able to demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and ability in order to participate on the advanced climbing team. There is an additional fee to participate.
Advanced Climbing Team Tryouts (ages 5 & up)
Tryout for the Y's advanced rock climbing team! Tryouts will take place at our indoor rock walls and will test physical strength, endurance, and climbing knowledge and ability. For specific requirements or help preparing for tryouts, please see a rock wall associate at the Y. Contact a Y family center for more information.