Rock climbing is a unique and exciting sport that challenges the body and the mind. Our amazing 30-foot Barreca Climbing Wall is designed to accommodate climbers of all ages and ability levels. Members have free access to our great wall anytime during open recreation hours, and all necessary climbing equipment can be rented from the Pro Shop.
Contact us at buop@bu.edu if you have questions! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming events and programs.
Welcome to the Barreca Climbing Wall
First time user? Please watch this orientation video and sign our new user agreement prior to checking in with our climbing wall staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of climbing can I do at the climbing wall and do I need to be certified to climb?
We offer three types of climbing at our wall: Bouldering, top roping and lead climbing. Bouldering involves climbing on shorter walls without a rope with soft pads below to jump or safely fall onto. The only requirements for bouldering at our wall are climbing shoes, which can be rented from the pro shop, and listening to a short safety orientation with our staff. After that, the wall is yours to climb!
Top rope climbing involves both the climber and belayer to wear a climbing harness, and for the climber to tie into one end of a rope secured to a fixed anchor at the top of the climbing route. The other side of the rope comes down and connects to the belayer. In order to top rope at our wall, you must pass a belay test, offered during open rec (insert link to hours page), from our climbing wall staff.
Finally, lead climbing is a form of climbing in which the climber clips their rope into fixed anchors as they ascend their route while their partner, at the base of the wall, lead belays for them. Like with top rope climbing, you must obtain a lead climbing certification by taking a lead belay test during open recreation lead climbing times.
What if I don't know how to belay, but I want to get certified to top rope?
Come climb with our various communities at the BU climbing wall in a comfortable and encouraging environment! These events are for climbers of all skill levels, whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome.
Don't have climbing gear? No problem! These events are free of charge AND include climbing shoe, harness and chalk bag rentals.