Climbing – independent

1. The climbing gym is accessible only if you have permission from USC or if you’re a member of ASAC.
2. We cannot scan member cards of other climbing gyms. Did you obtain your K2 certificate? Send a proof (with name and date) to sportklimmen@uscsport.nl!
3. If you are an experienced climber, you can get access if you demonstrate your belaying and climbing skills to one of our USC climbing instructors. Please fill in the form under ‘Belaying check’ for an appointment. You have to bring your own climbing partner.

If you are an experienced climber, you can get access if you demonstrate your belaying and climbing skills to one of our USC climbing instructors. You have to bring your own climbing partner.

We think your privacy is important, read all about it in our privacy statement.

General rules

• For climbing you need permission of USC.
• You can apply for a belaying check using the form at ‘Appointment belaying check’ on this page.
• Climbing is at your own risk.
• Check the online timetable for the availability of the climbing gym and to make a reservation (mandatory!).
• Store your kit in the closet.
• Last climber of the day? Please coil the ropes.
• No glass in the climbing gym.
• It’s not allowed to climb shirtless.
• It’s not allowed to climb with bare feet.

Safety rules

• Stay focused on both your own and other people’s safety.
• Always check your partner before and after a climb.
• You can tie in with a direct 8-knot or double bowline.
• Give other climbers enough space.
• Always have one hand on the braking rope.
• Use the 5-step or tunneling technique for belaying.
• The maximum height without a rope is the horizontal line of the first bolts.
• Don’t use unnecessary equipment on your harness.
• Never untie the safety system during belaying or climbing.
• Don’t wear jewelry during climbing.
• It’s forbidden to climb under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Additional lead climbing rules

• For lead climbing both climber and belayer need additional permission of the USC.
• Give other climbers enough space.
• Clip all bolts. The usage of bolt 1 is optional.
• Make use of a safety mat.
• Always put the rope back in the two snappers of the top anchor.
• You can get a rope at the front desk for the lead climbing bridge.
• Lead climbing on rope 1 and 17 is not allowed.
• Lead climbing is not allowed when there are 6 teams or more in the climbing gym.

Since 2010 you can find the Amsterdamse Studenten Alpen Club in the USC climbing gym. There are several club nights. ASAC organizes their Open Club Championships at Universum every year. As an ASAC member you get a discount on one-time entries and memberships. ASAC regularly organizes weekend trips abroad as well as other events. Check asac.nl

If you don’t have any experience or haven’t obtained your NKBV klimvaardigheidsbewijs yet, you can do a climbing course at USC. We also offer courses for more experienced climbers, or when you want to learn indoor lead climbing!