Fraser Valley Metro Recreation District

Climbing Wall

We feature a 33-foot climbing wall located right in our comfortable lobby/living area.

You must be belay certified at this facility, 13+ years of age, and sign a release waiver in order to use the auto belays and/or top ropes. To obtain belay certification, come to the climbing area during Belay Hours (below.) You may also schedule an appointment to obtain certification by emailing Jules@Fraservalleyrec.org.

Bouldering is allowed anytime except during scheduled programs. Please do not boulder above your own height without a spotter and properly placed mat.

two children climbing up a rockwall

Climbing Area Rules and Information

Belay Hours FAQ

What Are Belay Hours?

Belay Hours are designated times when a climbing instructor will be in attendance at the climbing wall. Climbing instructors can answer questions, provide belay certification, and belay guests on our climbing wall.

 

When Are Belay Hours?

After gaining entrance to the facility via membership or day pass, simply show up during the designated belay hours:

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 5PM – 7PM, and Sunday 2PM – 4PM

During the last two weeks of December, we will have additional Belay Hours 5-7PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

 

How Much Does This Service Cost?

Attending Belay Hours to obtain a Belay Certification requires a one-time certification fee. See “Autobelay and Toprope Certification Options” below for details.

Attending Belay Hours to be belayed by a certified instructor costs $10. This buys 30 minutes of combined supervised time on autobelay and instructor belayed top-rope.

Enjoy the wall and discover the fun of climbing while being belayed by a certified instructor. This service is available during scheduled belay hours only. For more information, see Belay Hours FAQ or the Climbing Wall Schedule (above.) Age: 4+ (Must be at least 25lbs) Ability Level: All

 

 

Climbing Area Rules

An informational poster detailing the Auto Belay Rules at Fraser Valley Recreation Division. At the top, there's the Fraser Valley Rec logo with a mountain and water motif. The poster outlines the Manufacturer's Weight Regulations for climbers, with a minimum weight of 22lbs and a maximum weight of 330lbs, and mentions scales available in the fitness area restroom. It lists Required Safety Precautions for using the Auto Belay, including training by a qualified employee, proper attachment of the carabiner, ensuring all loose items are secured, and checking the Auto Belay operation before use. Additional points include proper harness fitting, carabiner latch orientation, not climbing alongside or above the Auto Belay, starting descent properly, ensuring the descent path is clear, and descending feet first. The bottom of the poster has the slogan 'Fraser Valley Rec - Where the Fun Begins' with a small icon of a climber

A companion poster to the Auto Belay Rules, detailing the Climbing Area Rules at Fraser Valley Recreation Division. It features the same design elements as the previous poster, with the logo at the bottom. This poster is divided into sections for 'Get Certified', 'Be Respectful', 'Always Perform Safety Checks', and 'Safe Bouldering'. It stipulates that certification by FVMRD staff is required for using Auto Belays or to belay on top-rope, with certification inquiries directed to the front desk. The respectful use of the area includes sanitized hands and shoes, taking turns, communication, and not climbing under others, with a prohibition on running or horseplay and a reminder to clean up. Safety checks include inspecting personal harnesses for wear and ensuring buckles are double-backed, as well as establishing communication with a belay partner. For bouldering, the rules advise moving mats under the climbing area, climbing to a maximum of twice your height unless with a spotter, clearing mats of objects, not walking or climbing under others, and avoiding climbing on top of the bouldering wall. The slogan 'Fraser Valley Rec - Where the Fun Begins' completes the poster

Climbing Wall Schedule

Autobelay and Toprope Certification Options (Required For Use)

For the Experienced Climber

Climbing Skills Assessment and Certification:

Climbing wall Skills Check and Belay Certification at the Grand Park Community Recreation Center. Certifications are a pass/fail test.

A pass requires the following:

  • Ability to tie a proper figure-8 knot and follow-through from memory
  • Properly putting on a climbing-specific harness (bring your own or use one of ours)
  • Verbal communication between climber and belayer
  • Proper underhand belay technique using an approved belay device (grigri or ATC: bring your own or use one of ours)

If the certifying instructor determines insufficient knowledge and technique is demonstrated, the climber will be charged the extra $10 for a belay skills clinic. After passing the test climbers will receive their belay certification. Once certified, climbers may use the autobelays and topropes when the recreation center is open and no climbing programs are scheduled. If you need to brush up on your skills, please refer to the Climbing Skills Clinic and Certification. If you are unsure which certification option is right for you, ask an instructor during belay hours, or email Jules@Fraservalleyrec.org.

Must be 13 years of age to get certified.

Location: Fraser Valley Rec – Climbing Wall
Age: 13-113 Fee: $25

For the New Climber

Climbing Skills Clinic and Certification:

This class teaches how to safely use the climbing wall’s top ropes with proper belay technique, in addition to safe auto belay use. Use of a belay device for rope feed and stop techniques are taught for a controlled belay. Climbers will learn how to correctly fit a harness, tie a proper figure 8 follow through knot, and basic climbing commands. After course completion, climbers will be certified to use the top rope and auto belays on our climbing wall. The climbing wall can be accessed whenever the Recreation Center is open, and no climbing programs are scheduled. Must be 13 years of age to get certified.

Location: Fraser Valley Rec – Climbing Wall
Age: 13-113   Fee: $35

Can’t make it during Belay Hours? A Climbing Skills Clinic and Certification can be scheduled just for you!
Email Jules to make an appointment: Jules@fraservalleyrec.org

Auto Belay Only

Auto Belay Certification:

Get auto belay certified by a climbing instructor in order to use our auto belays any time the Recreation Center is open, and no scheduled climbing wall programming is happening. Must be 13 years of age to be certified.

Location: Fraser Valley Rec – Climbing Wall
Age: 13-113 Fee: $15

Can’t make it during Belay Hours? An Auto Belay Certification can be scheduled just for you!
Email Jules to make an appointment: Jules@fraservalleyrec.org

Kid's Climbing Opportunities

See Youth Programs for information on Afterschool Climbing Club, Never Summer Senders Team Practice, and our advanced youth program Climbing Club: New Heights