Rock Wall

Meet new people, try a new sport and get in great shape!

The rock wall will bring you almost 30 feet off the ground, but you'll have to work for it. The open area and natural light, along with the natural look of the rock will keep you climbing to the peak. Talk to our staff for the best climbing techniques, information on how to incorporate climbing into your workout routine, or just for an interesting conversation!

The rock wall is available to all UND students and Wellness Center members at NO extra charge to their current membership.

 

Summer 2019 Rock Wall Hours

May 20-August 8, 2019

Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Adjusted Holiday Hours

Closed July 4

Special Events

The Rock Wall staff may stop open climb time during some special events. Climbers who wish to stay are encouraged to re-check in and participate during these events.

Rock Wall (Belay) Training

If you want to top rope climb without relying on the rock wall attendant for a belay, consider learning how to do it yourself. If you already know how to belay, just show us your skills and we will certify you free of charge!

You will learn to:

• Properly fit a harness
• Properly communicate
• Belay (what it means and how to do it)
• Tie into your harness

No sign-up is required. Just stop by the rock wall during the days/times listed below. We reserve the right to give you a rain check if the rock wall is so busy that we can't teach you safely.

Fall and Spring Semester Training Hours

• Thursday: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Cost: Free with Wellness Center Membership

Reserving the Rock Wall

The Rock Wall is available to reserve for team-building events, camps, birthday parties, and any other excuses you can think of to have fun for a few hours.

Rock WalL Reservation Information 

Rock Wall Clinics & Events

Cosmic Climbing

Ever heard of Cosmic Bowling? Same idea. We black out the entire wall area, hang black lights, and put up glow-in-the-dark holds and tape. Needless to say, you've never climbed like this before.

Dirty 30 Climbing Competition

Are you the best climber in Grand Forks? Prove it by competing in the Dirty 30 Climbing Competition! There will be prizes, fun, and routes so hard that your head will explode! Everybody is encouraged to come by and show us your stuff! How does the competition work? Read about the Competition Format and Rules to find out more.

Save the Date: April 18, 2020

Family Days

The UND Rock Wall will be open to the campus community and Greater Grand Forks Area for climbing with no membership required. Children of all ages* will be able to visit and climb. Stop by the wall to give it a try! $10/family (limit of 4 children under age 18). 

*We have climbing harnesses for toddlers/smaller children, but we do not guarantee they will fit all children.

Intro to Climbing

Become an Adventurer and join us at the Rock Wall for Intro to Climbing class. Learn basic climbing techniques, top roping & bouldering, and problem-solving skills. Meet new people and find a new workout staple. 

New to climbing? No problem, let us show you the ropes at the Rock Wall.

Ladies Night

Calling all ladies!! For one night a semester, we close the Rock Wall to all other climbers for the ladies to take over. Stop in for a judgement-free event to learn about climbing in a fun and exciting environment. This event is FREE for those with a Wellness Center Membership. All skill levels welcome. Learn: basic climbing techniques, top roping & bouldering, and problem-solving skills. Build: connections and relationships. 

Lead Training 

If you're ready to move on to a new style of climbing, give lead a try! Lead climbing is how most outdoor climbs are set up. With our intro course each spring, you'll be prepared for outdoor fun over the summer. Belay training and checks must be completed to take this class. You are required to retest once a year to keep the certification. If you already know how to lead, just show us your skills and we'll certify you free of charge! Lead training will teach you to:

• properly flake a rope.
• properly clip in.
• clean a route.
• communicate!
• belay (the difference between top rope belaying and lead belaying). 

We also lead certify and teach during most open Rock Wall hours. However, not all staff are trained to lead climb and we reserve the right to give you a rain check if the wall is too busy to teach or test safely.

League Climbing

Be crowned King (or Queen) of the Rock Wall during this month-long climbing competition. There will be new routes set up each week for climbers to show off their skills. Everybody is encouraged to participate in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. 

Route Setting

Ever wanted to create climb-able art? Interested in learning the process behind route setting? Now's your chance! Learn different types of holds (and how to use them), how to set routes, communication skills, constructive criticism skills, and problem-solving skills. 

Slacklining

Think you have good balance? You're wrong. Slackling is essentially tightrope walking, and you can try it out at the wall! We set up the slackline during scheduled times during the week, or upon request if the Rock Wall is quiet. Visit us any time to test out our mini slackline!