Instructional clinics  

We offer instructional clinics to help members of the community and Northern Arizona University faculty, staff, and students improve their skills.

How to register

Preregister by visiting the climbing wall during open hours or contacting Outdoor Adventures at 928-523-3229 or Outdoors@nau.edu.

Clinics

Belay Clinic

Belay literally means “to secure” and is a critical technique in rock climbing. It consists of securing the climber to a rope so he or she doesn't fall very far in the case of slipping off the rock. 

To belay someone in climbing is to control the slack in a life-supporting rope with the aid of a friction device. While participating in this clinic you will learn how to:

  • belay using the PBUS (pull, brake, under, slide) method
  • conduct a basic gear inspection
  • properly fit and use a climbing harness
  • tie a figure eight follow through
  • load and use two different belay devices (tube style and Grigri)

This clinic teaches you the skills necessary to take the belay test and belay independently at the Outdoor Adventures climbing wall. All requisite gear is provided; you can bring your own harness, chalk bag, shoes, and belay devices if you choose.

Details
  • days and time: Mondays 11am-1pm and Saturdays 10am-12pm
  • price:
    • $5 for students, $10 for faculty and staff, $15 for community members
  • course size: two to six participants
  • prerequisites:
    • a signed waiver
    • you must be at least 14 years old
  • Register by visiting the Campus Recreation Front Desk or calling 928-523-1733

Introduction to Climbing and Bouldering Technique Clinic

Improve your climbing ability, efficiency, and technique by participating in this two-hour instructional clinic. Our instructors will demonstrate basic climbing techniques, introduce terminology, and provide coaching as you practice.

Topics and skills covered include:  

  • balance and resting while climbing
  • spotting and falling
  • types of climbing
  • route rating systems
  • gripping holds
  • foot work

All requisite gear is provided; you can bring your own harness, chalk bag, shoes, and belay devices if you choose.

Details
  • days and time: by appointment only
  • price:
    • $10 for students, $15 for faculty and staff, $20 for community members
  • clinic size: four to ten participants
  • prerequisites: a signed waiver

Intermediate Climbing and Bouldering Technique Clinic

This clinic is offered as a continuation to the introduction to climbing and bouldering technique clinic, and is designed for any intermediate climber looking to improve climbing abilities, technique, and efficiency. Our instructors will demonstrate intermediate climbing technique, introduce terminology, and provide coaching as you practice.

Topics and skills covered vary depending on participants’ goals but may include:

  • pressure and force
  • crack climbing
  • stemming
  • lie-back
  • counterbalance (flagging)
  • matching
  • learning how to gaston
  • heel and toe hooks

All requisite gear is provided; you can bring your own harness, chalk bag, shoes, and belay devices if you choose.

Details
  • days and time: by appointment only
  • price:
    • $10 for students, $15 for faculty and staff, $20 for community members
  • clinic size: four to ten participants
  • prerequisites:
    • a signed waiver
    • completion of the Introduction to Climbing and Bouldering Technique clinic or instructor approval

Lead Climbing Clinic

Lead climbing offers a further challenge for the aspiring climber. It can be described as free climbing with the use of fixed (bolted) or climber-placed (traditional) points of protection set as anchors along a route. Lead climbing using fixed bolts is commonly called sport climbing and is the kind of lead climbing we do at the climbing wall. 

The atmosphere of our climbing wall allows for a controlled lead-climbing experience, removed from many of the dangers found outdoors. Our bolt hangers are through-bolted to a metal framework, our bolts are placed close together, and one side of our wall is overhung so falls end in midair instead of into the wall. 

While participating in this clinic you will learn how to:

  • lead belay using an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) and Grigri
  • flake the rope
  • inspect gear
  • clip draws
  • manage common risks of lead climbing such as z and back clipping   

This clinic teaches you the skills necessary to take the Outdoor Adventures climbing wall lead climb/belay test and participate in Lead Nights at the Wall. All requisite gear is provided; you can bring your own harness, chalk bag, shoes, and belay devices if you choose.

Details
  • days and time: by appointment only
  • price:
    • $30 for students, $50 for faculty and staff, $75 for community members
  • clinic size: two to six participants
  • prerequisites: 
    • a signed waiver
    • you must be an intermediate climber
    • ability to on-site flash (climb without falling on first attempt) a 5.8-grade route for certification 

Lead Climbing Test Only 

Details
  • days and time: by appointment only
  • price: $10 for students and Health and Learning Center members
  • prerequisites: 
    • a signed waiver
    • must be an intermediate climber with lead experience

ability to on-site flash (climb without falling on first attempt) a 5.9-grade route for certification