Housed within the RWC, the Climbing Tower offers premier indoor climbing for students at UCF. Standing at 41 feet, the Climbing Tower is comprised of over 20 top-rope routes in a wide range of difficulty levels. We are open to beginners with no previous experience. No registration or gear is necessary, though we only welcome walk-ins during normal operating hours. Bouldering routes are also available for those interested in climbing low to the ground.
You do not need to be belay-certified to climb at the Climbing Tower. To complete a belay certification, patrons must first complete a belay class. After demonstrating competency in safety and skills, patrons can complete a belay test. You must be belay certified to belay others at the Climbing Tower.
Belaying is a technique where a rope is secured to a person as they climb up the tower. Learning the proper belay techniques allow a student to help a friend safely climb the tower.
One of the best ways to enjoy the UCF Climbing Tower is to become belay certified! This Climbing Tower-specific certification will allow you to belay your friends at the Climbing Tower and continue to grow your climbing skills.
The Process:
You will start with a belay class. This class will teach you the basics of belaying and climbing safety. You will learn the belay method that we accept at the Climbing Tower and have the chance to practice one-on-one with our Climbing Tower Staff. Please wear comfortable athletic clothing, long athletic pants are recommended but not required; you will be required to climb during the class. If you have your own climbing equipment, we encourage you to bring your equipment with you.
After demonstrating competency in safety and skills in the class, you will complete a belay test. The belay test will include questions about the information you learned in the belay class and a skills test. You must be able to properly demonstrate all technical aspects of the UCF Climbing Tower belay procedure to a Climbing Tower staff. It is possible to fail the belay test; you will be required to retake the belay test before you can be certified.
After completing the belay class and passing the belay test, you will have to complete 5 belay check-offs before you receive your full belay certification. These check-offs are done at the Climbing Tower during normal operating hours and are intended to confirm that you can consistently perform the UCF Climbing Tower belay procedure. To complete these check-offs, let a Climbing Tower staff know that you need to complete your check-offs and they will help you.
Once you've completed all of the above, you will receive your belay certification card. Please bring that with you to the Climbing Tower!
To Register for a Belay Class
Sign up for your belay class at the RWC Climbing Tower front desk during normal business hours. Students can take the stairs or elevators to the first floor and go left. The desk is behind the stairs in the northeast corner of the main building.
Class registration opens two weeks before the day of the class, but participants must be registered at least 48 hours in advance. Space is limited to 8 people per class.
Belay classes are free for current UCF Students and RWC Members (with an active membership). If you need to cancel your registration, you must do so no later than 48 hours before the class. Failure to show up for the belay or climbing technique class, or cancel within the allotted time will result in a forfeit fee of $30.00.
How to Cancel
You can cancel your belay class by going to the Climbing Tower or the Outdoor Adventure Center during open hours, or by emailing outdoor@ucf.edu.
You can register for these classes at the Climbing Tower desk during open hours. All classes are free but have limited spots, so there is a fee if you are a no-call, no-show on the day of the class.
Sundays are for events at the Climbing Tower! Check back for more info later this semester.
The Adaptive Climbing Program has been created to assist students with different abilities to experience the joys and benefits of climbing. Our goal is to empower every participant that visits the climbing tower to reach their potential. Whether you are a complete beginner or experienced climber we gladly welcome your participation.