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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.

Erie Adaptive Schedule Point Breeze Adaptive Schedule South Side Adaptive Schedule

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

There are three primary ways to engage with ASCEND's Adaptive Climbing Program. Please note that most of these events and services occur at our Point Breeze and Erie locations, with more limited options at South Side.

HOST AN 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.

Local Organizations We've Partnered With: Friendship Circle, School for Visually Impaired, Envision Blind Sports, Ryan Shazier, Team Friends, Circle Of Friends, PA Connecting Communities

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!

  • ASCEND Adaptive Climbing Meetups: Regularly hosted at ASCEND Point Breeze with volunteer support. See more below!

  • UpEnding Parkinson's: Now at ASCEND Point Breeze. See more below!

  • United Rocks: Coming soon to ASCEND! Learn more about United Rocks.

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.

If you would like to visit ASCEND on your own and require volunteer support and/or adaptive equipment, please email [email protected] to inquire. We'll coordinated with our volunteers and schedule your visit!

CONTACT US

BECOME AN

ADAPTIVE CLIMBING VOLUNTEER

Most Adaptive Events, Meetups, and 1-on-1s require assistance from ASCEND Staff + Volunteers. Our goal is to create a robust and sustainable team in order to make this program flourish.

Volunteers Must

  • Complete required background checks

  • Complete required trainings

  • Work at least one event per month.

Volunteer Thank Yous

  • Adaptive Volunteer T-Shirt (once fully onboarded)

  • $10 Store Credit Per Event Worked (issued once per month)

If you would like to become an Adaptive Climbing Volunteer, please start by completing the form below (coming soon!).

ASCEND's Adaptive

Equipment List

Here is a list of some of the adaptive equipment we have at ASCEND Point Breeze and Erie. Inquire for more information!

  • 8mm haul Line (6x wall height)

  • Double Pulley (Petzl Gemini)

  • Progress Capture Double Pulley (Petzl Jag Traxion)

  • 180cm Slings

  • Handlebar-style Ascender

  • Standard Ascenders

  • D-Shaped Locking Carabiners

  • Oval Shaped Locking Carabiners

ASCEND

Adaptive Climbing Meetups

THESE MEETUPS ARE TEMPORARILY ON HOLD! WE ARE TRAINING MORE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS, AND WORKING ON IMPROVING THIS PROGRAM. WE ANTICIPATE BEING BACK ONLINE LATER THIS SPRING.

ASCEND hosts regular adaptive climbing sessions for our community members. These sessions are participant driven with certified ASCEND staff and volunteers available for support. We 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!

COST: Free for members. $18 day passes for non-members. Financial assistance available. Rental gear included!

REGISTER MORE THAN 6 HOURS IN ADVANCE. We will cancel event if there are no registered climbers.

Register Here

UpENDing Parkinson's Meetup

Wednesdays at 1:30PM

UpENDing Parkinson's Meetup
ASCEND Point Breeze
Wednesdays at 1:30PM

Up ENDing Parkinson’s will meets at ASCEND Point Breeze every Wednesday at 1:30pm. No experience is necessary to join these meetups!

HOW TO JOIN

  1. Use THIS LINK to join Gym Desk, UEP's booking platform. Spots are limited, so don't delay!

  2. Once you join Gym Desk, sign up for the dates you are interested in climbing.

  3. If you cannot make a day you are registered, please email [email protected] so we can open up the space for another climber!

COST

UEP is covering the cost for the first 30 non-member check-ins to help kickstart this program!

  • ASCEND Members may join these meetups free of charge!

  • Non-members will be charged a discounted rate of $18 (all rentals included!).

  • For those seeking financial assistance:

    • Become a Supported Member! Learn more HERE.

    • When checking-in for your meetup at ASCEND, simply request a "Supported Pass" to bring the cost down to $10.

ABOUT UEP

ASCEND Point Breeze partnering with Up ENDing Parkinsons, a nonprofit that provides guided rock climbing for people living with Parkinson’s Disease. Anyone living with PD is welcome to climb, and family members are encouraged to climb as well!

People living with Parkinson’s Disease have challenges that span the physical, social and emotional spheres. Rock climbing addresses all of these challenges from balance and strength to depression, cognitive impairment and social isolation.

Admission, instruction and rental gear is provided for free during the meetup.

Are you top-rope belay certified and interested in volunteering to help expand the group? Please email [email protected].