OAC Programs and Services

The Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) is open to Rec Sports members or sponsored guests who complete the necessary waivers and first-time climber facility orientation. All climbers must recognize climbing involves inherent risk and complete the OAC Climbing Center Release Waiver. Visiting with children? Learn more about our Family Hours and Minors Policies. 

CLIMBING EQUIPMENT

• Participants are provided with a harness and climbing shoes at no charge.
  
  
• Helmets are not required, but strongly recommended, and can be provided at no charge.
  
  
• If a patron successfully passes the OAC Top Rope Belay Test, the OAC will also supply belay devices (ATC or GriGri) free of charge.
  
  
• Patrons may use their own harness, shoes and belay device at their own risk.
  
  
• Personal harnesses must have leg loops, be donned according to manufacturer's directions, have no frayed or broken stitching and cannot be homemade.
  
  
• OAC Staff may examine personal equipment for obvious damage, such as rips or cracks, but staff does not certify personal equipment or “clear as safe”.

FOOTWEAR AND CLOTHING

• Climbers must wear provided or personal climbing shoes. Barefoot climbing is not allowed.
  
  
• Sneakers or light hiking boots are appropriate footwear to use between climbs.
  
  
• Climbers should wear comfortable, athletic clothing that allows for a free range of motion while climbing.
  
  
• Climbers must remove jewelry and objects from pockets before leaving the ground.

TOP ROPE BELAY AND LEAD CLIMBING

• Climber must be 14 years or older to take the Top Rope Belay Test and 18 years or older or an enrolled Ohio State student to take the Lead Climbing/Belaying test.
  
  
• Patrons may only test once per day and cannot test the same day they practice with staff.
  
  
• Helmets are required for lead climbing and lead belaying, and lead climbers must bring their own rope.
  
  
• Lead climbing is permitted at the discretion of the manager-on-duty, depending on occupancy levels.
  
  
• OAC Belay Tags expire every year on July 31.