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Climb the CoRec's 55-foot top rope wall, 12-foot Kilter Board or the 12-foot Bouldering Wall with more than 60 horizontal feet of terrain. With a wide range of difficulty in climbing routes and educational workshops, the climbing program offers something for every participant, from the true beginner to a veteran climber. New climbers do not need previous experience. The climbing staff will offer support and the appropriate equipment so every climber has a great climbing experience.
What is a Kilter Board?
The Kilter Board is a dynamic, LED-illuminated climbing wall that offers a versatile training experience for climbers of all levels. Controlled via a mobile app, it allows users to select from a vast global database of boulder problems or create their own to share with the community. The board's adjustable angle, ranging from 0 to 70 degrees, enables climbers to tailor the difficulty of their climbs, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned climbers. Whether you're new to climbing or looking to refine your skills, the Kilter Board provides a fun and engaging platform to challenge yourself and track your progress with friends and other climbers!
The new Kilter Board is here! Please download the Kilter Board Application and start climbing with RecWell and with friends by following this link!
RecWell Kilter Board Climbing Etiquette:
Need more information?
Check out how-to guides on using the Kilter Board, please follow this link for a video to learn more.
Enjoy the board. Climb hard. Respect each other.
What is Top Rope Climbing?
Top Rope Climbing is one of the most classic and approachable styles of climbing. Using ropes, harnesses and belay systems, climbers scale higher walls while a partner manages the belay rope for safety. This style is excellent for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals and for experienced climbers looking to practice endurance, technique and trust in a controlled environment.
At RecWell, our Top Rope wall is equipped with a variety of routes designed to challenge climbers at every level. Routes are updated regularly, ensuring there’s always a new goal to work toward. Whether you’re learning how to tie knots, working on your footwork or pushing yourself on tougher grades, Top Rope climbing offers a rewarding way to build both skill and confidence.
Getting Started
Top Rope Climbing equipment is available for rent when the wall is open. View hours here. Climbing shoes can be rented for an entire semester by paying a $10 fee at the Member Services Desk or on the RecWell Member Portal.
Before climbing, please sign your waiver for the free Climbing and Bouldering Membership here.
What is Bouldering?
Bouldering is a style of climbing that takes place on shorter walls without the use of ropes or harnesses. Instead, padded flooring provides protection in case of falls. Climbers focus on shorter, more powerful routes often called “problems” that emphasize technique, strength and problem-solving. Because of its accessibility, bouldering is a fantastic way for beginners to get started and for experienced climbers to challenge themselves with advanced movement in a supportive environment.
At RecWell, our 60 foot-wide bouldering wall offers a variety of routes that are updated regularly ensuring there’s always something new to try. Whether you’re working on balance, dynamic moves or just enjoying the community of other climbers, bouldering provides a fun and social way to build skill and confidence.
Getting Started
Climbing shoes can be rented for an entire semester by paying a $10 fee at the Member Services Desk or on the RecWell Member Portal.
Before climbing, please sign your waiver for the free Climbing and Bouldering Membership here.
The Top Rope Belay Class teaches participants the essential skills needed to belay safely in the climbing gym. This includes learning climbing terminology, equipment inspection and usage, proper knot tying, safety commands and belay technique using the PBUS (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) method. Participants will first be introduced to each skill and then practice under the supervision of an instructor. No previous climbing experience is required.
After completing the class, participants must wait at least 24 hours before attempting the Top Rope Belay Competency Exam.
Visit the member portal to view class offerings.
The Bouldering Basics Class is a session dedicated to guiding participants through the introductory phases of bouldering. This class is great for beginners who are wanting to learn more about moving their body to climb better and learn climbing terminology. Participants will work with an instructor to learn basic climbing technique and ways in which they can improve their own climbing. No previous experience required!
Please note: this class does NOT teach participants how to top rope belay. There is a dedicated class called "Top Rope Belay" for those interested in becoming belay competent.
Visit the member portal to view class offerings.
The Intermediate Bouldering Class is designed for climbers who already feel comfortable with the basics of bouldering and are ready to take their skills to the next level. This session will focus on refining climbing technique, introducing movement strategies such as body positioning, footwork precision and dynamic movement and helping participants push into more challenging climbs. Instructors will guide participants in identifying personal strengths and areas for growth, while also providing tips for projecting and problem-solving on boulders. Some previous climbing experience is recommended.
Please note: this class does NOT teach participants how to top rope belay. There is a dedicated class called Top Rope Belay for those interested in becoming belay competent.
Visit the member portal to view class offerings.
The Lead Climbing Class introduces participants to the techniques of lead climbing and lead belaying specific to indoor climbing. This class emphasizes proper clipping, lead belay skills, fall management and strategies for climbing safely on lead.
To enroll, participants must:
Participants must complete the Lead Climbing Class and then wait at least 24 hours before attempting the associated Lead Climbing Competency Exam.
Visit the member portal to view class offerings.
The Top Rope Climbing Wall can be reserved outside of regular open hours for both Purdue affiliated and outside groups. Reservation times are for two hours and typically hosted on weekends from 1:30pm-3:30pm.
The top rope wall has a capacity of 16. To request a reservation, please fill out the request form here.
| Type of Group | Climbing Wall |
| Purdue Student Organization | $60/hour |
| Purdue Internal Departments | $105/hour |
| Non-Affiliated | $180/hour |
| Additional Belay Staff Member | $15/hour |
Last modified: October 3, 2025