Climb to New Heights
With walls standing 24-40 feet high, our rock wall classes and teams are fun ways to challenge yourself! You must be a Y member to participate.
Programs vary by location.
ROCK WALL CLASSES
Rock Climbing 1 (ages 5 & up)
This introductory rock climbing class teaches climbers basic parameters, vocabulary, and nomenclature in the climbing world. Climbers will learn basic knots and begin a short workout regimen designed to increase climbing strength and endurance to reduce the chance of injury. To move to the next level, climbers must pass a skills test.
Rock Climbing 2 (ages 5 & up)
Climbers will continue developing balance and strength, as well as learn basic sequencing and climbing techniques. Climbers will also start climbing routes (verses "rainbowing" - using any available pieces). As a prerequisite, you must pass Rock Climbing 1 or pass the following skills test:
Rock Climbing 2 Skills Test
- Five rainbow climbs to the top of the wall in six minutes
- Figure eight knot; figure eight follow through
- Climbing commands and basic nomenclature
- 10 push ups
- Demonstrate a successful wall walk
ROCK WALL TEAMS
Junior Climbing Team (ages 5-12)
The Y's Junior Climbing Team is for participants who would like to build climbing skills, strength, and teamwork components to help prepare them for our Advanced Climbing Team. Safety is our primary focus as we work to grow your climbing ability. Team activities include practices twice a week, an open climb session once a week, and climbing competitions at the Y. No prior experience is required to join this team, however participants must be in moderate physical condition to complete the workouts and climbing skills. Monthly team fees apply.
Advanced Climbing Team (ages 7-16)
The Y's Advanced Climbing Team is a group of rock wall climbing enthusiasts and practitioners who enjoy a challenge! Safety is our primary focus as we work to grow our climbing ability. Team activities include practices twice a week, an open climb session once a week, climbing competitions at the Y, and an outdoor climbing trip once a year. For safety, you must have a foundational level of knowledge and ability in order to participate on the Advanced Climbing Team. Monthly team fees apply. You must have permission from the climbing team coach to register for the Advanced Climbing Team.
Advanced Climbing Team Tryouts
Tryout for the Y's Advanced Climbing Team! Tryouts will take place at our indoor rock walls and will test physical strength, endurance, and climbing knowledge and ability. For specific requirements or help preparing for tryouts, please see a rock wall associate at the Y. Contact a Y family center for more information.
OPEN CLIMB
During Open Climb hours, we offer recreational use of our rock walls for ages 5 and up. For your safety, our walls are supervised by a Y associate belayer who is responsible for controlling the safety rope for each climber. Our rock walls cannot be used without a Y associate belayer on duty.
Six Y centers have rock walls that are available to Y members:
- The Dancel Y in Ellicott City
- The Greater Annapolis Y in Arnold
- The Orokawa Y in Towson
- The Ward Y in Abingdon
- The Weinberg Y in Waverly
- The Y in Catonsville
Click below to see open climb schedules.