Climbing Wall Rules

  • Climbers may only climb during posted climbing wall hours and when qualified attendants are on duty.
  • All climbers must have a signed waiver on file to climb.
  • All climbers must be at least 14 years of age to belay.
  • Only harnesses designed for rock climbing can be used on the wall.
  • Personal equipment must be checked and cleared by the staff to used on the climbing wall.
  • Climbing wall staff has the right to refuse the use of personal equipment if quality is in question.
  • Gri-Gri belay devices, Figure 8, and Micro Plates will not be allowed for any use within the climbing facility.
  • The Figure-Eight Follow-Through knot is the only knot allowed to secure the rope to the climbers harness.
  • Locking carabineers are not to be used to secure the climber to the rope.
  • Only a locking carabineer may be used to secure the belay device to the harness.
  • There will be no climbing above the preset mark without a rope (no high ball bouldering).
  • Bouldering is allowed in the bouldering area and throughout the gym so long as not to boulder beneath a roped climber and not exceeding the height of the bouldering wall with hands.
  • It is recommended that belayers use the floor anchors to prevent being pulled up into the air or into the wall.
  • Climbers must not climb past the top rope anchors.
  • Climbers and belayers should use commonly accepted communication signals such as:
    "On belay" - "Belay on" - "Climbing" - "Climb on" - "Tension/Take" - "Got you" - "Ready to lower" - "Lowering"
  • Only climbing shoes are allowed for climbing. No sandals, sneakers, or bare feet.
  • Climbers must climb under the designated top rope station.
  • Loose chalk is permitted in a chalk bag so long as it has some kind of stopper if spilled, such as a rolled up sock or chalk ball.
  • No horseplay or misconduct will be tolerated, such as swinging on the ropes or taking big falls on the crash pads.
  • Climbers are encouraged to remove all jewelry and tie long hair back.
  • Climbers are also encouraged to assist less experienced climbers.
 
Recreation Center | Sonoma State University
1801 E. Cotati Avenue - Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 664-4FUN