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Adaptive Climbing

As a space built on community, everyone belongs at ASCEND. We are dedicated to making climbing accessible to people of all abilities. Feel free to visit the facility anytime (service dogs are always welcome!), and if you need specific support, please see the special accommodation options listed below.

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What Is

Adaptive Climbing?

The term Adaptive Climbing, or sometimes referred to as Paraclimbing, could mean a whole lot of different things, but in a nutshell, it makes the sport of climbing accessible to people with physical or mental disabilities. Sometimes special equipment and personnel support is needed, whereas for some in the adaptive community, creative and thoughtful considerations can make a world of difference. It's all about meeting people where they are, and working to make them successful in what they want to accomplish.

Here is a helpful article with some more detailed information.

Options For

Adaptive Climbing At ASCEND

Here at ASCEND, there are three primary ways to engage with our adaptive climbing program.

ATTEND A BIG ADAPTIVE EVENT

Many people are first exposed to climbing through an event, which are a lot of fun! Throughout the year, we work with organizations to host big events to showcase adaptive climbing with the goal of getting new people involved and raising awareness.

Be sure to join our newsletter so you can be kept in the loop about upcoming events! We will also post information about our adaptive events here on this page.

Local Organizations We've Partnered With

If your organization would like to host an event at any ASCEND location, email [email protected] to inquire.

JOIN AN ADAPTIVE GROUP MEETUP

ASCEND partners with a number of different organizations who use our space to host their own adaptive group meetups. See below for more information on those groups. If you'd like to start your own, or start a chapter of an existing national organization at ASCEND, please reach out to us!

VISIT ON YOUR OWN

At the end of the day, we all just want to climb on our own terms. No matter the level of support you need when climbing, we aim to provide the tools for you to visit when best suits you.

More information coming soon!

ParaCliffHangers

Adaptive Climbing Sessions

ASCEND is happy to partner with ParaCliffHangers to host regular adaptive climbing sessions for our community members. These sessions are participant driven with volunteers often available for support. Our adaptive climbing representatives can offer numerous accommodations such as a Mechanical Advantage System, side climbing, auditory support and more. We'll work together to make climbing as accessible and enjoyable as possible.

  • WHO: Open to all adaptive climbers, support persons, and volunteers

  • WHAT: Twice monthly climbing sessions with discounted admission and adaptive community support.

  • WHEN: The first and third Sundays of each month from 2-4p

  • WHERE: ASCEND Point Breeze

  • WHY: We love climbing and believe that it is a sport that should be available to all. We are lucky enough to have a caring and dedicated community to support the climbing journey for everyone who is interested.

  • HOW:

    • Free for members. $15 day passes for non-members.

    • Have a current waiver on file with ASCEND.

    • Rental gear not included (shoes, chalk, harness available for additional fees).

    • Stop by the front desk to check in.

    • Connect with the group and get climbing!

    • Adaptive climbing gear (ropes, MAS system, chair harness, etc...) included at no additional cost.

Register Here