Climbing Programs

Open Climb
Come to Open Climb to practice your climbing skills, or try climbing for the very first time! Test your skills on our 22’ wall, or practice on our traverse wall. For serious climbers, we offer a training center, complete with hang board and campus board. All ages are welcome, but children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Climbers over the age of 11 are eligible to receive belay certification (see below) and may then climb with a partner.

In order to keep Open Climb free, we request that members take a belay certification class after two visits. Climbing shoes ($3) and chalkbags ($1) are available for rental, but harnesses and belay devices are free.

Belay Certification Class (Ages 11+)
This class offers belay certification to climbers who will receive instruction on securing the harness, knot tying, and belaying. Climbers must master skills to receive certification.

Belay Certification
For experienced climbers who wish to “test out” of the Belay Certification Class. Climber must demonstrate mastery of knots and belaying technique.

Outdoor Climbing Trips (Ages 11+)
Experience Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin! Join the YMCA as we venture to the Midwest’s finest outdoor climbing area. We will leave the Y at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and return Sunday evening. these are great trips for families, groups, or individuals of all ages (11+), regardless of past climbing experience.

Billy Goat Climbers (Ages 3–6 with adults)
This program is for climbers ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. The adult will receive belay certification, learning to secure harnesses, tie knots, and belay. The child will learn climbing safety and basic skills.

Mountain Goat Climbers (Ages 7–10)
This program is designed to teach climbing safety and skills. Climbers will learn to secure harnesses, tie knots, and use belay commands. The emphasis of this class will be on learning to climb safely and developing an interest in climbing for fun.

Mountain Goats Advanced (Ages 7–10)
This class is for climbers who are into having serious fun on the wall. While in this class we will focus entirely on climbing. Safety will still be stressed in this class while allowing kids to advance their skills. Team belaying with an instructor will be introduced in this great class!

Climbing 1 (Ages 11+)
This program is designed for climbers who wish to learn climbing skills and technique. Climbers will learn footwork and hand holds, while challenging themselves with more difficult climbs. We will also practice stretching and training techniques that will improve your climbing. Adults are welcome!

Climbing 2 (Ages 11+)
Climbing II is a must for all serious climbers. In this class climbers will learn more advanced knots and also the technique for sport-lead climbing. This class will challenge climbers with more difficult climbing routes.

Team Climb (Ages 7+)
Come and be a part of our award winning B.R. Ryall YMCA Team Climb. Climbers will learn techniques for increasing speed and agility which will allow them to compete in various climbing meets.

Adult Climbing
This program is for adults who wish to learn about climbing, improve their skills, and use climbing as a fun way to exercise. Climbers will learn proper stretching techniques, footwork, handholds, and training methods. The focus for this class will be on improving the climbers technique and fitness.

Visit our online catalog to register for programs today!