Careful Consideration: Matthew Menzi '26 places his foot on the climbing wall as he attempts to climb by "bouldering." Students like Menzi gathered at the grand re-opening to try out new climbing routes and bouldering options and compete in a climbing competition. / Photo by Rebecca Harper

Belay On! Climbing Wall Revived with New Equipment and Climbing Routes

Through student enhancement fee funding, efforts led by the Climbing Club, Residence Hall Association, and Campus Recreation refresh the climbing wall at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center.

by Campus Recreation | March 15, 2024

On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Residence Hall Association and Campus Recreation collaborated with the Climbing Club to celebrate the grand reopening of the climbing wall at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center. New climbing shoes, harnesses, and climbing equipment are all in part to the student enhancement fee. Facilities Services also added a fresh coat of navy paint to the area, bringing some much-needed color to the original white walls.

The rerouting of the wall and coordination of the re-opening was led by Ryan Sixtos ’24, Student Coordinator for Memberships and Reservations. He led efforts along with Lillian O’Keefe ’23, Assistant Manager for Club Sports, and Mariel Littorno, Assistant Director for Campus Recreation Programs and Operations. "Refreshing routes and climbing equipment provide students with the opportunity to explore a new hobby, or if they're an avid climber, share their expertise with beginners," says Sixto.

Prepare to Climb: Shelby Fong ‘27 and Kierce Alvarez ‘27 prepare to participate in the Climbing Wall Event sponsored by Residence Hall Association and Campus Recreation. / Photo by Rebecca Harper — Prepare to Climb: Shelby Fong ‘27 (left) and Kierce Alvarez ‘27 (right) prepare to participate in the Climbing Wall Event sponsored by Residence Hall Association and Campus Recreation. */ Photo by Rebecca Harper*

RHA Coordinator Leonardo Romo ‘26 organized the competition climbing routes for students to win an Apple Air Tag provided by the Residence Hall Association. Two routes were selected with varying difficulty levels to accommodate climbers of all skill sets. Oliver Cheng ‘26 displayed his climbing expertise and was the fastest climber.

Bouldering on the climbing wall has been added as an activity that students can participate in, which involves climbing the wall without a harness to a predetermined height. Rock Climbing Club President Chloe Ourada ‘24 contributed a new bouldering route to the lineup.

Participants are provided with crash pads and proper climbing shoes are required. Liquid chalk—which helps hold the grip when climbing—is also offered. Bouldering equipment is available to students through a reservation system through Campus Recreation.

Equipment Checkout. Event participants use the new climbing shoes and harness available for check out to all members. Students can request to check- out climbing shoes and climbing harness at the front desk. — Event participants use the new climbing shoes and harness available for check out to all members. */ Photo by Rebecca Harper*

LEARN MORE: Visit the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation website for facility hours, programs, and services.