ASCEND Climbing

Class Descriptions

Boulder Basics (Beginners)

Brand new to bouldering? Still need some pointers? Go beyond our walkthrough with a guided bouldering session. Spend an hour with a climbing coach and get started on the right track.

  • Classes run for roughly 1 hour. Please arrive early to check in and get settled so we can start on time.

  • Special reservations are available for $50 per booking. Please allow about a week to schedule. There must be at least 2 participants. Submit your request HERE.

Intro to Top Roping - Belay Class

Want to learn how to top-rope belay? This introductory course will teach you how to tie your knots and how to belay, so you, your friends, and your family can enjoy roped climbing together.

  • Classes run for roughly 1 hour. Please arrive early to check in and get settled so we can start on time.

  • Special reservations are available for $50 per booking. Please allow about a week to schedule. There must be at least 2 participants. Submit your request HERE.

Climbing 101 (Beginners)

A 4-week session designed to introduce a brand-new climber to the indoor adaptation of the sport. An instructor will cover climbing technique, lingo, bouldering, top-roping, belaying, training for climbing, and more! While anyone is welcome to join, this broad, introductory course was developed with beginner climbers in mind to give them the confidence needed to have fun, be safe, and make friends in the facility. Participants must be 14 years or older. Interested in Youth Climbing 101? Click HERE.

  • Sessions start on the first Wednesday of each month, 6p-8p (attending all classes is strongly recommended).

  • Included:

    • Four, 2-hour sessions of small group instruction.

    • Membership for the calendar month the sessions are held.

    • Rental gear for entire month.

    • 10% off in ASCEND retail shop.

Sport Climbing 1: Indoor Sport Climbing (Intermediate)

Learn the basics of leading and lead belaying. Students will focus on lead belaying with commonly used assisted-braking belay devices, how to properly clip quickdraws, and how to take lead falls. Note: Leading on ASCEND South Side's rope wall is not allowed outside of this class.

  • Goals: To provide introductory information, hands on practice, and lead climbing confidence.

  • Duration: Offered monthly on select Saturdays or Sundays

  • Prerequisites:

    • ASCEND Green Belay Tag

    • Redpoint 10-

    • Comfortably climb 5.9

    • Participants must be 14 years or older.

Sport Climbing 2: Indoors to Crag (Intermediate)

In addition to reviewing all topics in Sport Climbing 1, students will review lead belaying with commonly used assisted-braking belay devices, cleaning, lowering, and common sport climbing anchors. Note: Leading on ASCEND South Side's rope wall is not allowed outside of this class.

  • Goals: To prepare students for outdoor sport climbing.

  • Duration: Offered monthly on select Saturdays or Sundays

  • Prerequisites:

    • Sport Climbing 1 or equivalent experience