Bouldering involves climbing on shorter walls without a rope over what are called crash pads. When you fall, you land on the pads. Anyone can show up and boulder after a short safety orientation with our staff. You do not need a certification to boulder, but you do need to complete the safety orientation when you first arrive.

Top rope climbing involves the climber tying into a rope that is secured to a fixed anchor at the top of the climbing route. The other side of the rope comes down and connects to the belayer. This allows you to climb taller walls safely. There are two ways to become belay certified for top rope climbing: (1) by attending one of our Learn to Belay classes, which are intended for climbers who are completely new to belaying or top rope climbing; and (2) by taking the belay test, which can be done during open recreation hours (5 – 9 pm at the climbing wall). The belay test is intended for climbers who have belayed before but have not yet completed the certification at BU. Belay certification through either of these methods is required to top rope climb at the BU climbing wall.

Finally, lead climbing is a form of climbing in which the climber clips their rope into fixed anchors as they ascend their route while their partner at the base of the wall lead belays for them. Like with top rope climbing, there are two ways to be lead belay certified: (1) for new lead climbers, we offer a Lead Climbing Class; (2) for those with experience, you may take the lead belay test during open recreation lead climbing times (which may differ from the open recreation climbing times). You can find the schedule here. Lead belay certification through either of these methods is required to lead climb at the BU climbing wall.

If you would like to top rope then it is best to bring a partner. If you and/or your partner do not know how to belay, ask our staff if they could belay for you. If it is not too busy, they can help you try it out!

We have everything you need available to rent at the FitRec Pro Shop, adjacent to the Climbing Wall. If you are bouldering, all you need are climbing shoes and a chalk bag is optional. If you are top roping, you will need climbing shoes, a harness, and a belay device (unless a staff member is belaying for you). If you are unsure, you can always ask our staff.

Climbing Set (incl. shoes, harness, and chalk bag. Helmet and belay device available on request): $6

• Shoes: $3
• Harness: $3
• Chalk Bag: $1
• Belay Device: $2

Come climb with other members of the LGBTQIA+ community in a comfortable and encouraging environment! This event is for climbers of all skill levels, whether you are new to the sport or are a seasoned pro. Everyone is welcome!

Register here for LGBTQIA+ Climb Night.

Come climb with other women and nonbinary folx! For climbers of all abilities. Tackle new routes and have fun! Walk-ins welcome. Climbing rental equipment is free for these events.

Register here for Women and Nonbinary Climb Nights

This course will prepare you to pass the standard top rope belay test given at every climbing gym. Perfect for those who need a refresher or want to learn the basics for the first time. Classes are offered Thursdays, 7 – 8:30 pm.

Sign up here.

In this course you will learn how to lead climb and learn advanced belay techniques for giving slack to a lead climber. To enroll in this course, you must be toprope belay certified and be able to climb 5.9 with ease.

Fill out the Lead Climbing Class Interest Form.

Click here to pay the $40 Fall Climbing rental fee for PDP OE 140 and PDP OE 340. Please register for these classes on the MyBU Portal prior to paying the fee.

Participants are responsible for understanding the refund policy for the Outdoor Programs climbing program(s) they are registering for: 

• More than 10 days before the date of first class: A FULL refund will be given
• Less than 10 days but more than 7 days before the date of first class: A 50% refund will be given
• Less than 7 days before first class begins: NO REFUNDS will be given to those regardless of the circumstance.

Outdoor Programs does not issue refunds for climbing programs that are not attended. Outdoor Programs reserves the right not to issue a refund at the discretion of the program administrators.