The Andrews University Rock Wall officially reopened for the 2024 fall semester on Oct. 2. While a few select groups—such as a Pioneer Memorial church Grow Group that existed last school year—have been given some access to the wall, it has not been open to the general student body since the 2022-2023 school year.
The grand opening of the rock wall took place as a part of Andrews’ “Wellness Week,” which contained a series of events promoting health and well-being. Attendees climbed for free as part of the celebration. There was also an opportunity for participants to learn how to belay climbers, tie important knots and check everything for safety.
Climbing has grown in popularity over the last several years. According to Statista, the number of individuals participating in indoor climbing in the United States rose from 5.05 million people in 2017 to 6.36 million in 2023. Several causes have contributed to this increased interest, including sport climbing’s Olympic debut in the postponed 2020 Tokyo Summer Games, the opening of more climbing gyms and the health benefits that come from the sport.
Opening the rock wall on campus makes it easier for students to join this trend. In fact, last year, there were several group chats made by Andrews students looking for information about the rock wall’s opening. People were interested in taking up or continuing the sport. However, the rock wall was never opened. This year, however, students have to look no further than our own campus to take up climbing.
Christen Li (senior, anthropology) said that she “really enjoyed” her experience at the opening. She shared it was the first time she had belayed anyone.
“Both belaying and climbing were nice,” she said. “I’m excited that they finally have opened it and that now we can all go and use it. It’s closer than Apex [an indoor bouldering gym in Mishawaka], which means we can go more often. I plan on inviting my friends and going again.”
Colin Cha (senior, music) shared, “I was so happy to hear that the rock wall was opening. There’s no experience that beats climbing with your friends and cheering each other on. I hope every student at AU at least tries climbing once. You won’t regret it!”
The Andrews University Rock Wall is located in Beaty Gym, which is behind and upstairs from Johnson Gym. This semester, the rock wall is open on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Currently, there is an option to purchase a semester membership ($35) or a day pass ($5). Climbing shoes are available for those who need them, and there are routes with a range of difficulties. While the current routes are mostly remnants from the last time the rock wall was open, there are plans to put in new routes in the next couple of weeks.
Keep up with the rock wall on their Instagram page.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.