Mount Royal University's climbing wall towers over the recreation centre, and features a wide range of difficulty in it's routes. (Phil Tremblay, CMRU.ca)
Mount Royal’s climbing centre is one of the most unique parts of our university’s recreation area. The three-story rock wall features a wide array of difficulty in its boulder problems, top-rope and lead-climb routes, which is paired with a selection of friendly staff who are exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about climbing.
Getting started
Access to the MRU climbing wall is included with any recreation centre membership, so every student can try it out! Four of the sections of the wall are equipped with auto-belay systems, which make it easier than ever to start your climbing journey! An auto-belay allows climbers to get on the wall with out a partner, by automatically catching a climber when they fall. Most of the climbing centre’s easiest routes are accessed with these simple systems, allowing beginners to find the top of the wall quickly.
Equipment wise, the gym has everything you need! Harnesses & climbing shoes are available for everyone to use, free of charge.
When choosing your first route, the names and numbers that are displayed on the wall may be confusing. The Mount Royal climbing gym uses the YDS system to grade their climbs, where each difficulty of route will start with a five. The number that denotes the difficulty follows the five, with a lower number referencing an easier route. For example a route marked 5.11 is quite difficult, while a 5.6 is much more approachable. Mount Royal’s wall ranges from a 5.5 to a 5.12+.
Getting stronger
Once you’ve gotten a chance to get comfortable on simpler routes using the auto-belay systems the climbing centre has many options for progression. Learning and becoming certified in top-rope belaying is a natural progression from the auto-belay systems that unlocks the rest of the wall. The recreation staff provides instruction and will conduct a certification for just $5, all you need is a friend to climb with! Your certification will never expire at MRU’s climbing wall.
The best way to get better at climbing is to climb more often! The wall is open from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and noon to 5:00 p.m. on weekends allowing plenty of time and opportunity to achieve your goals. There is something super satisfying about finding the top of a route that is graded harder than the last!
Getting excited!
Like many hobbies and sports in this day and age many rock climbing content creators have emerged on social media. Finding and engaging with a creator can be a fun way to be a part of the climbing community. Creators range from Olympic Gold Medalists to beginners just starting their climbing journey.
Climbing has also had its share of stars. In 2017, Alex Honnold launched to stardom after being the first climber to conquer El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California, without anchors or ropes. The 2018 documentary that followed this feat, Free Solo, won the 2019 Oscar for Best Documentary and injected rock climbing into the mainstream. Featuring an inside look at Honnold’s psyche and preparation for his daring and record-breaking climb, the film also shocks viewers with harrowing visuals of Alex thousands of feet above the ground. Alone, and with nothing to break a fall.
Luckily, climbing without ropes is not something you have to worry about at Mount Royal’s climbing gym. The space is a safe and exciting way to get active and have a lot of fun trying something new!
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