Reach for New Heights
Spanning two floors of the Student Recreation Center, the Climbing Center provides SOU students, faculty, and staff a place to learn to climb, tackle new challenges, and build a community of climbers. At 44 feet tall, the climbing wall is the tallest from Eugene, OR to Sacramento, CA. Climbers can participate in bouldering, top-roping, and lead climbing during open climbing hours, and attend special climbing events. Academic instructional climbing courses are offered in the Climbing Center through the Outdoor Adventure Leadership program.
Climbing Center Hours
See current Climbing Center hours on the Student Recreation Center page.
Climbing Skill Building
There are multiple options to take your climbing skills to the next level at the SOU Climbing Center. Learn to safely belay and become certified at one of our belay clinics, or learn to lead climb during a 3-part lead clinic. Plus, attend a climbing workshop or event to improve your technique.
Does it cost anything to climb?
Access to the Climbing Center is included with a membership to the Student Recreation Center, which means no additional cost for most students. Belay Clinics cost $5 and can be charged to your student account. Visit the Memberships page to learn more about accessing the SRC.
I’ve never climbed before. Will someone show me how?
The Climbing Center accommodates all abilities, even if you’ve never climbed before. Friendly Climbing Center staff will help show you how to put your harness on correctly, and how to use the equipment. Don’t have a climbing partner? Staff can help belay if they aren’t too busy.
Do I need my own gear?
Nope – harnesses, shoes, chalk, and everything else you need to start climbing is free to borrow from the Climbing Center.
How can I learn to belay?
The Climbing Center offers belay clinics throughout each term. These clinics teach all the necessary skills for belaying and end with an assessment and certification. Clinics cost $5. If you are an experienced belayer, you can take the assessment at any time, but taking a clinic to refresh your skills is strongly encouraged.
What should I wear to climb?
Climbers should wear comfortable clothing that isn’t loose enough to get caught in ropes or harnesses (and follows the SRC dress guidelines). Climbers can wear their own shoes to climb as long as they are close-toed (no five-finger style shoes). It’s up to you if you want to wear socks with your rental shoes – they’re disinfected after each use.