Climbing Wall

The Climbing Wall offers 3,500 square feet of climbing to students, faculty and staff of any skill or experience level.

campus recreation climbing wall

The Climbing Wall is found in the heart of the Outdoor Adventure Center, which can be accessed by entering Burdick Hall through the main entrance.

Campus Recreation members of all skill levels are welcome to use the Climbing Wall. The OAC staff possess the knowledge and skills to help first-time and seasoned climbers alike.  The Climbing Wall is able to accommodate individuals with hearing, sight, or mobility impairments – please let the OAC staff know what they can do to help make your experience great!

Know Before You Go

Climbers and belayers of all skill sets and abilities are welcome in the Outdoor Adventure Center. If a climber or belayer requires an adaptation to traditional climbing methods, please see a Campus Rec employee prior to climbing or belaying. 

  • Jewelry and hair extending beyond the chin should be removed/tied back. If it is unable to be removed/tied back, the individual may participate at their own risk.
  • All pockets must be empty when climbing.
  • The use of headphones, stereos, speakers, or other devices to project personal music is not permitted.
  • Loose chalk is not permitted. Only chalk balls may be used.
  • Personal harnesses and belay equipment must be International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation approved.
  • Clinics and workshops have priority over routes. Instructors may ask climbers to move to another route.
  • No food products or beverages other than water are permitted on the Climbing Wall floor.
  • Climbing above the first quick draw without using a rope is not permitted.
  • Climbers must tie directly into the harness using a figure eight follow-through and a finish knot. All knots are to be dressed and set.
  • All top rope belayers must possess a Towson University-issued Top Rope Belay Endorsement in order to top rope belay at the Climbing Wall.
  • All lead climbers must possess a Towson University-issued Lead Endorsement in order to lead climb or lead belay at the Climbing Wall.
  • All belayers must remain standing and keep their brake hand on the rope when belaying.
  • Lead climbers should move as vertically as possible and clip in to the quickdraws associated with the attempted route. Lead traverses are not permitted.
  • Top rope climbing is not permitted on the ropes directly beside a lead climber.
  • Report all emergencies, maintenance issues, vandalism, or misuse of facilities to a Campus Recreation employee or by calling 410-704-2367.

Failure to follow or adhere to the above guidelines and/or the direction of Campus Recreation staff may result in disciplinary action.

Clinics

This clinic is great for intermediate climbers seeking a new challenge with their climbing! Participants will learn the basics of lead climbing, including: how to clip in, how to lead belay, and how to take a lead fall. At the end of the clinic, participants will be able to mock lead (lead climb with a top rope backup) in the OAC. Lead climbing is a skill which takes time to practice. For this reason, participants must possess a Top Rope Belay Endorsement at the OAC and be able to clean a 5.9.

Dates: TBD

Registration Details: Register at recreation.towson.edu. or on the TU Campus Rec App. Registration closes one hour before the clinic begins.

This clinic is great for beginner climbers. No experience is necessary! Participants will learn the basics for climbing, including:

  • What climbing equipment is and how to use it
  • The usage guidelines for climbing at the Outdoor Adventure Center
  • How to tie a figure 8 knot
  • How to belay

Dates and Times: Tuesdays from 3-5 P.M. and Thursdays from 5-7 P.M.

Location: Outdoor Adventure Center (Burdick Hall)

Cost: $18 for students | $22.50 for Faculty/Staff

Registration Details: Register at recreation.towson.edu. or on the TU Campus Rec App. Registration closes one hour before the clinic begins.

Climbing Wall FAQ

View our Climbing Wall hours.

Yes, guests are permitted in our facility. 

Top rope belaying is permitted in our facility.  All belayers must possess a TU-issued Top Rope Belay Endorsement in order to top rope belay at the Climbing Wall. To obtain a TU-issued Top Rope Belay Endorsement, belayers must successfully complete a Skills Check with a staff member. Participants who are new to belaying or do not know how to belay may participate in the free “Top Rope Belay” clinic.

No, we do not allow bouldering at our facility.

Yes, lead climbing is permitted.

The Outdoor Adventure Center welcomes climbers of all abilities and skill levels. We have equipment that can suit every climber of every body type.

Groups may request to reserve a time to climb by completing the Teambuilding Program Request Form.