VOC climbing wall
Believe it or not, the VOC has it's own climbing wall. Built in 1992, the wall is located in the SUB, in the backstage area behind the movie theatre screen. Routes are usually maintained by the Climbing Wall coordinator, although anyone is really free to set new routes if they want. A competition is usually held annually, and if you want to organize your own event we'll probably think it's a great idea so please talk to us about it.
Issues with the climbing wall
- We share the auditorium with other users. We must not use it when it is booked by others.
- We are responsible for safety. The AMS does not claim to understand ropes and such, so we must test people and certify that they are safe.
How to get Climbing Wall Access
- You need a Climbing Wall Membership Card. To get this card, you must be a member of VOC, and demonstrate that you know how to belay safely (see below), possibly during gear hours.
- You need a Climbing Partner, someone else with a Card, because it is a top-rope wall, not a bouldering wall, and you can't use it solo.
- You need to know the Wall hours. The wall is available at certain times and not others, and this varies from week to week, because the wall is behind the theater in SUB, and they can’t have us falling and making scratchy noises during events in the theater.
- If you need to use Club Gear (harness and shoes are available), you will need to get them during gear hours. You will need to supply your own belay device + caribiners. Only ropes and the wall are provided.
- Having the wall schedule, you then go and find the Proctor (aka SUB building supervisor)(if the proctor isn't around, ask AMS Security), identify yourself with your Wall Card, and go climb.
Belay Test
Belay tests can be done in the club room or at the climbing wall or anywhere with climbing facilities. Please bring your own belay device and a harness.
Any member wishing to use the climbing wall must competently demonstrate the following to an Exec:
1) proper use of harness
2) proper set-up of belay device
3) belaying a "climber" using ACMG method (sliding hand method). Acceptible if climber can demonstrate safe and efficient use of other methods (hand over hand)
4) catching a mock fall
5) lowering a "climber"
6) tying in using a double figure 8 knot