Indoor Climbing Wall at SUNY Plattsburgh

Indoor Climbing Wall

State of the Art Venue

The SUNY Plattsburgh Fitness Center has expanded its activity offerings to include the vertical world of rock climbing. Members can now enjoy the benefits, challenges, and excitement of our new state of the art climbing venue.

Varied Climbing Terrain

Formerly the home of a racquetball court on the lower level of Memorial Hall, the climbing gym offers opportunities to boulder, top-rope and lead climb. Eighteen hundred square feet of varied climbing terrain will reward the first time climber to the most experienced.

Expert Instruction for All Levels

The facility is supervised by experienced climbers who are available to provide instruction to fitness center members at convenient times. Climbing equipment including harnesses and shoes will be provided. Climbing is an all around fitness activity helping to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.

If you are looking for a new dimension to your workouts, try rock climbing today!

FAQs About the Climbing Wall

What is Bouldering and Belaying?

Bouldering is climbing horizontally and vertically underneath a twelve foot line without being attached to a rope. Bouldering allows the individual to climb without a partner or the confinement of a rope so they are free to move easily in all directions. Bouldering problems (taped climbing paths) are set on a regular basis and holds are moved around to offer variations in the climbing terrain for individuals just learning to boulder as well as seasoned veterans. Bouldering can occur any time the wall is open for open climbing.

Rope Climbing involves at least two people. One person is the belayer and one the climber. The climber ties them self into the rope and climbs vertically up the wall. The belayer holds the rope and catches the climber in case of a fall as well as lowers them to the ground. Vertical taped routes are set on a regular basis.

Do You Need Any Equipment?

The Fitness Center provides all the necessary equipment. Experienced climbers may bring their own shoes, harnesses and belay devices provided they pass inspection.

Does It Cost Money to Participate?

If you are a fitness center member, there are no additional costs to participate.

Who Provides Instruction?

The Fitness Center provides complete management of the climbing program and receives technical assistance from the Expeditionary Studies Program. The climbing wall is always supervised when open by trained and experienced student climbers. They have the skills and knowledge necessary to instruct you on how to climb safely.

What Do You Have to Do? How Does It Work?

You have to check in first at the front desk of the fitness center where you will need to provide proof of fitness center membership and sign an acknowledgment of risk form. Next, you will be issued a climbing wall access card and climbing shoes if needed. If bouldering on the wall, you do not need to be belay certified. To become belay certified, you will need to attend a training session. Once you pass your belay test, you will be issued a belay card. You will need to present your belay card each time you check into the fitness center and you will be issued the appropriate access card in order to rope climb.

When Is It Open?

During the academic year, Monday through Friday: 4:00pm to 9:00pm; Sunday: 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Belay training and certification classes are offered Monday through Thursday from 4:00-5:00pm. You must pre-register for a class at the front desk of the fitness center. Space in belay classes will be limited.

During break periods, every effort will be made to offer open climbing hours. Check the front desk of the fitness center for updated information.

Climbing Wall Rules and Regulations

Fitness Center members must follow these guidelines. Infractions of these policies, or other behavior deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or threatening to the well being of self or others, may lead to loss of climbing privileges.

• All climbers must have a signed waiver, check-in at the fitness center desk and with the climbing wall supervisor each time they climb.
• All belayers and roped climbers must be certified for the appropriate type of climbing they are engaging in (top-roping or lead).
• All climbers must tie in with a figure eight follow-through knot with a backup finish.
• All climbers must use an approved belay device and harness.
• All climbers must double check each other and use the proper belay commands each time they climb.
• Only climbing shoes or clean athletic shoes may be used on the wall or in the gym.
• No cell phones in the gym.
• No lounging on the bouldering mats
• No smoking inside the gym
• No alcohol or drugs allowed or climbers under influence of these substances
• No loose chalk allowed. Only chalk balls
• Backpacks, book bags, and other personal items, including food, are not allowed at the climbing wall. Climbers are permitted to have a water bottle and towel
• Any and all jewelry, objects in one's pockets or affixed to their body, that may a pose a threat to climber or belayer, must be removed prior to climbing. Eg. Scarves, rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, keys, etc.
• No sitting or lying down when belaying

Contact Information

Mr. Matt Salvatore, Fitness Director Fitness Center
Office: 120 Memorial Hall, Department of Sports and Wellness
Phone: (518) 564-3142
Front Desk Phone: (518) 564-3143
Fax: (518) 564-4155
Email: salvatm@plattsburgh.edu

Ms. Tracy Corey, Group Exercise Director Fitness Center
Office: 120 Memorial Hall, Department of Sports and Wellness
Phone: (518) 564-3132
Email: coreyta@plattsburgh.edu