USC: Department of Campus Recreation

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STUDENT AFFAIRS & ACADEMIC SUPPORT HOMEPAGE

STROM THURMOND WELLNESS & FITNESS CENTER

SOLOMON BLATT PHYSICAL EDUCATION CENTER

Climbing Wall

Molded from real rock, the 52 foot climbing wall looks and feels like real rock. Established routes are available for beginner, intermediate, and avid climbers using fixed hand holds and the actual texture of the wall.

Climbing Wall Hours

The rock wall will be closed May 9th - June 1st

Summer Term 1 & 2

Monday - Thursday	5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday	4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday	Closed
No one may climb outside of thses times.

Outdoor Equipment Rental Hours

The Outdoor Recreation Office will be closed May 9th - June 1st.

Summer Term 1 & 2

Monday - Thursday	5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday	4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday	Closed

Rules

Only USC students, faculty, staff and guests can use the climbing wall during scheduled climbing wall hours of operation. You must display a picture ID in order to climb.
Every climber must read and sign a waiver. Climbing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious or fatal injury.
Climbers interested in belaying or lead climbing, MUST pass the appropriate belay or lead climbing clinic & test before they can belay or lead climb. Any one that passes the clinic will be issued a belay card and they must display this card every time they want to belay or lead climb when at the wall.
All non-roped climbers (bouldering) may climb up to but not past the 12 foot line. No climbing or bouldering above or below another person. The backside of the wall is not a weight bearing surface and climbing or bouldering on this area is prohibited.
Prior to climbing or belaying, check and recheck yourself and your partner's equipment before you begin climbing. You are responsible for your own safety as wall as others around you. All belayers brake hand must be on the rope at all times.
Only USC climbing ropes, carabineers, harnesses & belay devices may be used on the climbing wall. Take care of equipment (no throwing/dropping carabineers & ATC's, don't step on the ropes).
Use a figure-eight follow-thru know followed with a stopper knot on the climber's harness only. Tie-in to a carabineer or belay loop is prohibited.
Avoid climbing routes that interfere with others already on the wall. The right-of-way in descending order is: Lead Climbers, Top-Rope Climbers, Boulderers, Observers.
No observers, non-climbers, or gear is allowed on the climbing wall area (lockers are available). No eating or drinking in the climbing wall area.
Floor anchors should NOT be used directly for lead climbing.
Climb down. Do not jump off the climbing wall. Climbing over the wall structure (this means above the top anchors) is prohibited.
Sandals, socks, bare feet, hard soled shoes, and black waffle soled shoes are prohibited. As well as any shoe, that will leave a mark on the wall. Climbing shoes can be rented at Equipment Issue.
Running or use of profanity is prohibited in the climbing wall area.
Only Metolius Eco Ball Chalk balls are allowed for use on the wall. All other chalk is prohibited.
All rings and jewelry must be removed prior to climbing. Tie hair back when necessary.
All climbing participants must abide by all of these procedures. Violation of these procedures may result in revoking all climbing wall or Wellness Center privileges. This also goes for disregarding any climbing wall staff's requests or instructions.
Only locking carabineers can be used for tie-in belayer.

Waiver Forms

Waiver for 18 + [pdf]

Waiver for Minors [pdf]

You can purchase Metolius Eco Ball chalk balls for $4.00 in room 120 of the Strom Thurmond Wellness & Fitness Center during office hours.

Columbia, SC 29208 • 803-576-9375 •