Beginner Classes

Get ready for rock climbing! The Drexel Recreation Center offers rock climbing beginner classes at the Climbing Wall.

Try-A-Climb Classes (Free)

The Recreation Center offers informational climbing classes where members will learn how to put on a harness and practice climbing. Try-A-Climb classes are every hour on the hour. Please reserve a time at the Climbing Wall.

LEARN to CLIMB: Two-hour class/One day class – Maximum of 6

Learn to climb and belay using a top-rope system. Some skills members will learn including safety practices, basic climbing knots, belay technique, equipment and terminology. At the end of the course members will have the necessary skills to complete the belay certification. No experience is necessary and the equipment is provided.

recreation center - climbing wall

What you will learn:

  • To understand the risks and benefits involved in the sport of rock climbing.
  • To identify and properly use basic climbing equipment including a harness, a locking carabiner, a belay device, a ground anchor, etc.
  • Proficiency with tying a figure eight retrace knot.
  • Climbing safety procedures including "buddy checks" and belay commands.
  • The principles of belaying.
  • How climbing routes are graded (to determine the difficulty of a climb)

Weekly classes are held:

  • Tuesdays: 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 4 – 6 p.m. (Not offered during Summer)

Students: $15
Members: $20
Community: $25

Women Who Rock (Free)

The Climbing Wall sponsors the Women Who Rock program. This program provides free rock climbing instruction for women, the same as you would receive in the "Learn to Climb" class. Women Who Rock encourages women to climb at our facilities and gain awareness of rock climbing. This is offered during the Fall and Spring Terms. Please see climbing wall for specifics dates.

What you will learn:

  • To understand the risks and benefits involved in the sport of rock climbing
  • To identify and properly use basic climbing equipment including a harness, a locking carabiner, a belay device, a ground anchor, etc.
  • Proficiency with tying a figure eight retrace knot
  • Climbing safety procedures including "buddy checks" and belay commands
  • The principles of belaying
  • How climbing routes are graded (to determine the difficulty of a climb)

Cancellation Policy

Classes are non-refundable.

For more information, contact Climbing Wall and Experiential Learning Program at outdooradventure@drexel.edu or 215-571-3778.