Rock climbing is the sport of simply climbing rocks. There are several types of climbing like sport climbing which is a form of rock climbing that relies on permanent anchors fixed to the rock, and possibly bolts, for protection, (in contrast with traditional climbing, where the rock is typically devoid of fixed anchors and bolts, and where climbers must place removable protection as they climb). To contrast sport climbing and traditional climbing, there is free solo climbing. Free solo climbing, also known as free soloing, is a form of free climbing where the climber (the free soloist) forgoes ropes, harnesses and other protective gear while ascending and relies only on his or her physical strength, climbing ability, and psychological fortitude to avoid a fatal fall. Though the two types of climbing that will be further talked about are tamer, indoor versions of these: top rope climbing and bouldering.
Top‐rope climbing (or Top‐roping) is a style in climbing in which a rope, used for the climber’s safety,
runs from a belayer at the foot of a route through one or more carabiners connected to an anchor system at the top of the route and back down to the climber,
[1] usually attaching to the climber by means of a harness. Assuming that the route is predominantly bottom‐to‐top; that the anchor holds;
and that the belayer pays attention, the top‐rope climber generally will not fall more than a short distance and can thus safely attempt even the most difficult routes.
Most top‐rope anchors can be reached through non‐technical means, such as by hiking or scrambling to the top of the cliff.
Top‐roping is often done on routes that cannot be lead climbed for one reason or another.
It is the most common style used at indoor climbing walls and is also used in situations where other methods would be unsafe or environmentally damaging.
Top rope climbing is very useful in teaching beginner to intermediate level.
Bouldering is a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope and normally limited to very short climbs over a crash pad (called a bouldering mat) so that a fall will not result in serious injury. It is typically practiced on large natural boulders or artificial boulders in gyms and outdoor urban areas. However, it may also be practiced at the base of larger rock faces.
Housed within the RWC, the Climbing Tower offers premier indoor climbing for students at UCF. Standing at 41 feet, the tower is comprised of over 20 top‐rope routes in a wide range of difficulty levels, making it a great place for beginners as well as avid climbers. Bouldering routes are also available for those interested in climbing low to the ground.
Along with the RWC climbing tower, there are other places to climb in the Orlando area (The order is ranked by Google review score: ?/5):
| Gym | Has Top‐Roping? | Has Bouldering? | Distance from UCF | Hours of Operation | Day Pass Price | Gear Rentals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCF RWC Climbing Tower | Yes | Yes | 0 miles |
Mon 12PM‐8PM Tue 12PM‐8PM Wed 12PM‐8PM Thu 12PM‐8PM Fri 3PM‐7PM Sat Closed Sun 12PM‐4PM |
Free for students |
Shoes: Free Chalk: Free Harness: Free |
| Blue Swan Boulders | No | Yes | 15.8 miles |
Mon 9AM‐10PM Tue 9AM‐10PM Wed 9AM‐10PM Thu 9AM‐10PM Fri 9AM‐10PM Sat 9AM‐9PM Sun 9AM‐9PM |
$17 for students |
Shoes: $5 Chalk: N/A Harness: N/A |
| ROX Climbing Gym at LNPC | Yes | Yes | 21.9 miles |
Mon 11AM‐9PM Tue 11AM‐9PM Wed 11AM‐9PM Thu 11AM‐9PM Fri 11AM‐9PM Sat 10AM‐3PM Sun 10AM‐3PM |
$18 for non‐LNPC member (13 years+) No gear included |
Shoes: $5 Chalk: N/A Harness: $3 |
| Aiguille Rock Climbing Center | Yes | Yes | 13.7 miles |
Mon 10AM‐10PM Tue 10AM‐10PM Wed 10AM‐10PM Thu 10AM‐10PM Fri 10AM‐11PM Sat 9AM‐11PM Sun 10AM‐9PM |
$18 (includes harness) |
Shoes: $4 Chalk: $3 Harness: Included with day pass |