Climbing

Our 30’ indoor climbing wall will challenge you to reach new heights in your wellness journey. You’ll build strength and stamina while developing your coordination and giving your self-confidence a healthy boost. No matter how you send it, climbing is a great way to mix up your routine.

The Keene Family YMCA climbing program offers climbers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to test their mettle on their 30’ indoor rock wall.

The centerpiece of the Y’s lobby, the wall boasts five different routes of varying difficulty, with enough natural features and holds to challenge even the most seasoned climber.

We offer beginner-advanced climbing instruction and belay certification for anyone interested in learning about this exciting sport, and lots of free open climb opportunities for our members.

Climbing INstruction

Climbing is an exhilarating and rewarding sport that builds stamina and endurance, develops hand, foot and eye coordination, increases strength and flexibility, boosts confidence, and improves decision-making and problem solving skills. Here at the Keene Family YMCA, we strive to create an emotionally safe and physically secure climbing education environment where climbing students can ask questions, strengthen teamwork, and overcome challenges so they can continue to grow and learn.

Open Climb

Ages 5+

Open Climb is one of the many free family programs available for YMCA members. Members are welcome to use the wall for free during Open Climb. No previous climbing experience necessary-there will be a belay-certified staff member available to assist. Sessions are limited to four people per 60-minute class, and you must reserve your spot up to 24 hours in advance through the Y mobile app.

INTRO TO CLIMBING

Ages 5+

Have a fear of heights? Think rock climbing just looks cool? Then this class is for you! This introduction to rock climbing is intended for those who want to try out the sport for the first time and those with some climbing experience who want to improve and become more independent. The class includes the different types of rock climbing, the equipment that’s used, basic climbing and belaying techniques, and knots necessary for climbing. There will be climbing and bouldering involved during this class with the goal of students becoming comfortable with the climbing wall.

Climbing Movement & Practice

Ages 5+

Wanna climb higher, faster, and better? Then this class is the one for you! Intended for those who have taken Intro to Rock Climbing or who have climbing experience and want to build strength and learn new techniques, this class will go over movement techniques that are essential to climbing more difficult routes in the gym or outside. We will also cover relevant climbing terminology, rest and breathing techniques, and the physics involved in climbing. Finally, all students will have the chance to pick a project route and attempt to master that route by the end of the class.

Climbing & the Heroic Journey

Ages 5+

An introduction to healthy habits for both mind and body through the sport of rock climbing. In this class, students will learn how to climb and how to use their experiences with climbing to build healthy habits such as exercising and healthy eating, as well as empathy and understanding with their peers.

Toddler Bouldering

Ages 4 & under

Finally, your toddler can climb the wall at the Y! Our Toddler Bouldering sessions are overseen by a climbing instructor to ensure safe use of the climbing wall. Parents MUST be present and fully participating during the entirety of their child’s time on the wall. This is a 30-minute drop-in class for Y members only.

Belay Certification

Ages 16+

Get Belay Certified to assist with teaching classes or to use the climbing wall on your own. Class times will vary throughout the fall. Register through your Y app, or reach out to David Baldwin at dbaldwin@keene-ymca.org.

Tagged Healthy Living