Boston University Fitness & Recreation Center

Rock Climbing

Indoor Rock Climbing, an exciting sport that is quickly gaining popularity in the United States, emphasizes strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. But rock climbing is more than just a work-out: it challenges your mind and your body.

The Barreca Climbing Wall

Located within the Fitness and Recreation Center, The Barreca Climbing Wall provides a safe and fun atmosphere for climbers of all ages and abilities. With routes ranging in difficulty from 5.4 to 5.12 (YDS), both beginners and experienced climbers alike will find something to challenge themselves. The Wall is available for use by all members of the Boston University and greater Boston communities.

The Wall boasts eight, 30' high top-rope belay stations as well as a 12' high bouldering structure, where climbers can practice climbing techniques at a lower height with the use of crash pads and spotters to protect falls. The bouldering structure has a cave and walls with varying steepness that will challenge even the most seasoned climbers. Additionally, the Wall is equipped with an overhanging Lead climbing area and Rappel ledge for instructional use by students in our climbing classes.

Birthday Parties on the Wall

Did you know you can host your child's birthday party or a team-building event on the Barreca Climbing Wall? Click here for more information. To reserve the Climbing Wall for a birthday party or another event, please click here to complete an online reservation request form.

In addition, we can customize a private class or program to meet your needs. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have concerning the Climbing Wall or our program offerings.

How Can I Climb Here?

If you have never tried climbing before, we recommend taking a class or stopping by the wall to try bouldering (climbing at a lower height). No experience is necessary and everyone is welcome! Bouldering is a very pure form of climbing in that the only equipment necessary are the climber and her shoes. With routes only 12' off the ground, bouldering affords the opportunity to focus heavily on technique and movement.

How Can I Climb On the Ropes & What is on the Belay Test?

If you want to top-rope (the type of roped climbing where the anchor is always above the climber) one must pass a belay test. Demonstrating confidence in (1) properly fitting a harness (2) tying in as a climber with a figure eight follow-through finished with a single fisherman's hitch, (3) proper set up and use of a tubular belay device, and (4) knowledge and use of belay commands.

We recommend learning these skills from an experienced instructor; if you would like to see our noncredit offerings, please click here.

Open Recreation Hours

Access:

Members of the Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center may use the Barreca Climbing Wall for FREE during Open Recreation hours (listed above).

Boston University faculty, staff, and alumni as well as Fitness and Recreation Members are eligible to sponsor guests to the facility (must be 18 and over to sponsor a guest) for $10. CASH ONLY. For more information on Guest Passes, click here.

Unfortunately, we are no longer offering the Recreational Climbing class to non-members and non-affiliates. However, we do have several other class offerings open to the public through the Noncredit Program. All students registered for a climbing class have access to the Climbing Wall during regularly scheduled Open Recreation Hours, throughout the duration of their course, by appointment.

Equipment:

Don't have your own gear? Not a problem: our fully stocked Pro Shop can provide you with everything you need to get up and climbing. Climbing equipment may be rented during Open Recreation hours. All equipment is provided free of charge for climbing students during classes. Check out our Pro Shop for other equipment too!

Climbing Shoes: $1.50
Climbing Harness: $1.25
ATC and Belay Carabiner: $1.25
Climbing Chalk and Bag: $1.25
Complete Gear Package: $4.00 (Includes shoes, harness, ATC/carabiner, and chalk bag.

Questions or Comments:

If you have any questions concerning the Climbing Wall or our programs, please feel free to contact:

Sean Kurnas, Manager of Rock Climbing

For Fitness and Recreation Center contacts, click here.

Quick Links:

BU Rock Climbing Home