Clinics + Tech Tips

If you like to climb and want to take the next step towards climbing independence, this clinic is for you.  The Top Rope Belay Clinic will cover everything you need to know to climb as safely as possible in a top-rope gym setting including harnesses, equipment, knots, climbing commands, and belay technique.  You will work with a knowledgeable instructor who will explain and demonstrate the key skills you need to know and will provide ample time for hands-on practice and individual coaching.  All climbing equipment is provided.  Please note that in order to obtain a belay qualification at the U of M Climbing Gym, all climbers must pass a practical belay test at a later date.  Attending this clinic does not automatically qualify you to belay, but will prepare you to be successful in the practical test.  

Climbing is a lifelong sport full of improvement, adventure, and trying new things! “How to Progress in Climbing” will supply you with the tools you need to become stronger both physically and mentally in the sport, allowing you to further your climbing adventure. From this clinic, you will have a good knowledge base to help you better navigate improving your climbing skill, technique, and strength. During the clinic, participants will learn how to set attainable goals in climbing as well as find training methods that work best to achieve these goals. Finally, participants will be able to get advice and ask questions of our clinic instructors as well as reflect on what “progress” means in climbing. 

Are you ready to take on the challenge and responsibility of sport lead climbing?  This clinic will introduce you to the technical and mental tools necessary to climb on the sharp end of the rope. You will work with a knowledgeable instructor who will explain and demonstrate the key skills you need to know and will provide ample time for hands-on practice and individual coaching.  All climbing equipment is provided.  Please note that in order to obtain a lead belay qualification at the U of M Climbing Gym, all climbers must pass a practical lead belay test at a later date.  Attending this clinic does not automatically qualify you to lead belay, but will prepare you to be successful in the practical test.  Prerequisites:  Competence in top rope belay technique (i.e. Belay certified at a Climbing gym) and the ability to top-rope routes graded 5.8 or higher is required. 

Learn the skills to climb more than one pitch of a climb with a partner. We will spend our time together working through the systems, techniques and considerations that enable you to climb past the first anchor to the summit and get back down.  There will be ample time for practice and feedback.  This clinic is designed for individuals with previous lead climbing experience who are looking to learn the skills and risk management practices that allow you to scale taller routes. Prerequisite: UMN Outdoor Program Lead Certification 

Join our knowledgeable instructors for a tailored climbing skill lesson.  Learn which 3 knots are going to serve you best 99% of the time as well as why some carabiners look different then others.

Join our knowledgeable instructors  for a tailored climbing skill lesson. Have you ever wondered what happens when you can't belay from the bottom? Come and learn how to bring your partner up the cliff once you are on top.

Join our knowledgeable instructors  for a tailored climbing skill lesson. Learn the basics of anchors built on pre-placed bolts for top roping, multi-pitch climbing or securing yourself to the cliff edge.

Join our knowledgeable instructors  for a tailored climbing skill lesson. Come and learn how to descend safely and efficiently by rappelling on two strands of rope.

Join our knowledgeable instructors  for a tailored climbing skill lesson. Come and learn how to retrieve your gear at the end of a day of sport climbing. 

In the market for climbing shoes? Don’t know where to start? Come to our All About Shoes Tech Tip, where we will teach you the differences between different shoe brands, shapes, levels of stiffness, and much more! Come with any and all questions shoe-related!