Climbing Classes & Programs

Summer Break Climbing Camps 2024

Come climb, craft and play! These camps are for all skill levels from beginners to pros! Ages: 5-13. 5-day Camps begin the week of June 24 and run through late August. Camps are open to Members and registered Preferred Guests.

Register in your Club Automation account or email cw@sunsetac.com.

Kids Climbing Class

SAC Kids Climbing Classes are open to children ages 6-12. Kids will learn climbing terminology, technique and play lots of games! (Classes end in late May and will resume in November/Dec. 2024)

4 classes per month on Sundays from 2:30 - 3:30 pm (Each month is a new session)

Members $45/session - Non-members/Pref. Guests $55/session

Registration is required - Please use your Member’s Portal - LINK HERE

Adult Introductory Class: “Get Me On The Wall”

Our instructional Clinic on using the Indoor Climbing Wall. Learn the basics and experience the benefits of climbing. In this clinic you will learn about indoor climbing techniques, terminology, and procedures.

Adult climbing classes are appropriate for age 12 and up. Kids under age 12 may attend this class with a registered adult at no charge.

Climbing Class Request Form ONLINE HERE

Adult Introductory Class: “Belay Basics”

In this clinic you will learn basic belay techniques required to belay at the climbing wall. Successful completion of a belay check will allow you to use the ropes in the future.

This class is offered the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 9:00 - 10:00 am.

Advanced registration is required.

Cost: $15 for SAC members $25 for non-members

Climbers must be age 12 and up for this class

Climbing Class Request Form ONLINE HERE

Rock Climbing Wall FAQs

What does it cost to climb?
There is no fee for Open Climb, but climbing gear is required. If you have your own gear, bring it and there is no cost to participate in Open Climb. If you do not have gear, rent it from us at $5 for shoes and $3 for a harness.

How old do climbers need to be?
Participants must be at least 4 years old to climb but there is no age limit. There are age restrictions for Open Climb times however. Climbers ages 4 to 7 must have an adult with them in the climbing area. Climbers ages 8 to 11 may stay by themselves, with an adult on the premises. Climbers who are 12 or older may climb by themselves without an adult present.

What do I need to know to climb?
It is important to learn about the requisite safety measures and the terminology that we use in climbing. A lot of people also want to learn to belay, so that they can use the ropes with a climbing partner. We offer courses on Saturday mornings before Open Climb to teach introductory information, belaying basics, climbing techniques, and more advanced techniques. We also offer privately scheduled instruction for individuals and small groups.

What gear do I need?
To climb at Sunset Athletic Club, you need to have a climbing harness and climbing shoes. Many people also want to have a chalk bag handy. We rent all of the equipment at the climbing wall, and we also have harnesses and chalk bags for purchase in the Pro Shop.

Do I need a climbing partner?
No. We are lucky at Sunset Athletic Club to have auto belay devices that make it unnecessary to have a climbing partner. It can still be a lot of fun, however, to climb with a friend and learn to belay for each other.

Can I schedule a special event at the climbing wall?
Yes. We rent the climbing wall for exclusive use during birthday parties, scout troop outings, team building events and other occasions. We tailor the event for individual needs and the best possible experience. For more information contact the Service Desk at 503-645-3535 or CW@sunsetac.com

Climbing Wall Policies and Procedures:
Prior to participation, all participants must complete a Sunset Athletic Club Indoor Rock Climbing Facility Acknowledgment of Risk and Agreement to Participate Waiver and Release of Liability. Parents and guardians are responsible for completing these forms for minors.

Payment and Cancellation Policies:
Participation in Sunset Athletic Club Climbing Wall programs will be charged to member accounts, unless receipts for other types of payment are presented to Sunset Athletic Club Climbing staff at the start of the programs. Non-members must present receipts of payment at the start of programs. Sunset Athletic Club must be notified of intent to cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start of a program or charges may still apply.

Climbing Wall Policies

• Be respectful and responsible when in the climbing area:
• Sign-in and complete all required forms before climbing or belaying.
• Complete a belay safety check prior to belaying and display your belay card to be easily identified.
• All climbing gear not provided by Sunset Athletic Club subject to inspection.
• All rental gear provided by Sunset Athletic Club must stay in the climbing area.
• Climbing shoes required for climbing as available (when rental shoes are available in the proper size, they must be worn).
• Climbing instruction permitted only by Sunset Athletic Club climbing staff.
• Do not goof around, use profanity or otherwise distract climbers.
• No food or beverages (other than water) allowed in the climbing area.
• Focus on safety when you climb or belay:
• You are responsible for yourself when you climb – make safety a priority – your safety is your responsibility.
• Complete safety checks with your belay partner before you climb – every time.
• Never take your eyes off your climber when you belay.
• When using auto belay devices, always do a safety check with climbing staff and wait to hear “climb on” before climbing.
• Always use a spot when you boulder.
• Do not climb at heights above 8 feet without a harness and rope.
• Respect age restrictions:
• No children younger than 4 allowed in the climbing area for any reason.
• All climbers younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult in the climbing area.
• All climbers younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the Sunset Athletic Club premises.
• All participants must be at least 12 to belay for other climbers.
• Climbers must be at least 14 to lead climb and lead belay.
• Climbers younger than 18 must have parental permission and complete safety checks with climbing staff prior to climbing or belaying.
• Climbing staff reserves the right to ask any individual in violation of these policies or compromising the safety of himself or other climbers to vacate the climbing area immediately.

Please Note: All Participants must have a completed waiver and release of liability on file before participating in an climbing wall event. Payment and Cancellation Policies: Participation in Sunset Athletic Club Climbing Wall programs will be charged to member accounts, unless receipts for other types of payment are presented to Sunset Athletic Club Climbing staff at the start of the programs. Non-members must present receipts of payment at the start of programs. Sunset Athletic Club must be notified of intent to cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start of a program or charges may still apply.

For more information, contact the Service Desk, or the SAC climbing manager at: CW@sunsetac.com