Wilson Climbing Centre Policies

Belay Tests

To tope rope and lead climb in our facility, patrons will need to complete a specific test for each climbing modality. Our facility will not recognize belay checks from external gyms.

Annual Renewal

Belay tests must be completed on an annual basis. If the patron passes, the top rope or lead check will have a 1 year expiry date. If any patron gets caught high wall climbing without a current (<12 months), facility-specific belay check, they will be asked to leave the facility indefinitely.

Please note: There is a charge for the renewal of a belay certification.

Drop-In Age Requirements

Minimum ages for belaying / belay tests:

  • Top Rope → 16 years and older
  • Lead → 16 years and older
Registered Programs Age Requirements

Age restrictions for belaying in registered climbing programs:

  • Not allowed to belay and/or learn to belay → 10 years and under
  • Only permitted to top rope belay → 11 to 13 years
  • Able to start learning how to lead belay and lead belay  → 14 years and older

All participants in the program who are eligible to belay, will require a back-up belay during program hours. If an instructor can not be a back-up belay, then the participants will require a group of 3 (climber, belayer, and back-up belayer). The group of 3 must be actively supervised by an instructor.

Fees

All test fees are non-refundable and patrons may not receive a refund if they fail the test.

  • Top Rope test fee is $6 / person
  • Lead Test fee is $10 / person
Logistics

Patrons will be required to bring a partner that can belay them on either top rope or lead (depending on which test they are taking). The belay partner can also be taking the test at the same time.

  • All necessary equipment (e.g. belay devices, carabines, shoes, harness, and chalk) can be rented from the Customer Service desk (outside the central changerooms) for an additional, non-refundable fee.
Timelines + Availability

Climbing techs are responsible for proctoring all belay checks. We do not book belay tests ahead of time and a climbing tech may not be available to complete one at all times. We advise patrons to call the Wilson Climbing Centre (780-492-2767) or email climbing@ualberta.ca on the day they wish to challenge the test to see if they are available.

  • Patrons may challenge the test once every 24 hours (i.e. if they fail the test, they are unable to retake the test straight away). 
Practice
  • Patrons are not allowed to practice for the belay tests/teach other patrons how to belay, tie in, or otherwise set-up for/perform high-wall climbing.
  • Patrons caught practicing for a belay test or attempting to teach belay skills to others will be asked to leave the facility for a minimum of 24 hours.
  • The Wilson Climbing Centre offers both lead and top-roping classes to help patrons prepare for the test

Waivers

All participants must sign a waiver. Youth 17 and under* need a parent to sign the informed consent form. Participants who show up to the booking without completed forms will not be allowed to participate.

*17 year old University of Alberta students may complete the Adult Waiver form.

AGES

At the Wilson Climbing Centre, we predominantly serve students and staff but our facility is open to a variety of ages. Caution must be exercised when bringing children and youth into the climbing environment, especially during our busy drop-in times. Below are the drop-in guidelines for our facility use:

Children 8 years old and under

  • Are not permitted in the facility during drop-in times. 

Youth 9 to 15 years old

  • Must be actively supervised and within arms reach of a parent/legal guardian.
  • Adults who have successfully completed and passed the top rope test at the Wilson Climbing Centre in the past year can belay children 9 to 15 years old.
  • During drop-in hours, children under 15 are not permitted to belay.

Patrons 16+

  • Patrons older than 16 are allowed to climb independently in the facility. 
  • Patrons older than 16 are eligible to take the top rope and/or lead belay test.

FACILITY RULES

  • No bags - Drawstring bags & fanny packs only
  • No open-toed shoes, crocs, clogs, bare feet, or outdoor/wet shoes
  • No food or open beverage containers
  • No jeans, jackets, or coats
  • No pictures or videos
  • ONEcard required for entry
  • VVC central changerooms have washrooms, lockers, and showers available
  • All payments available at VVC central Customer Service
  • Entrance & exit through HFLC (this door) only