The Utah Valley University Outdoor Adventure Center has announced the upcoming UVU Uprising Climbing Competition, set to take place on Dec. 3 at 6:00 p.m. at The Project Climbing Wall. The event, held in Student Life Building room 203, will bring together the climbing community for a competitive showcase at the university's indoor facility.
Competition Facility and Safety
The competition will take place at The Project Climbing Wall, a facility that serves UVU students, staff, and faculty with a membership to the Student Life and Wellness Center. Community members may also participate by obtaining a guest day pass. The climbing routes at the facility range in difficulty from 5.5 to 5.12+.
To ensure safety during the event and regular operations, the center requires all participants to complete a participation agreement or rental contract. For those under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must read and sign an Agreement to Participate/Awareness of Risk form in addition to the participant's signature. Additionally, anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and cannot be left unsupervised.
Competitive Season and Costs
The UVU Competitive Climbing Team, which prepares athletes for USA Climbing collegiate events, operates on a season that runs from fall through spring. The competitive calendar includes qualifying events from October through March, followed by collegiate nationals qualifiers in March and April, leading up to the USA Climbing Collegiate Nationals in May.
While specific dues for the 2026-27 season have not yet been finalized, the team is actively fundraising to offset costs. In previous seasons, team dues have been approximately $150 per semester to cover expenses, training, and gear. Members also pay a $65 annual fee directly to USA Climbing for membership.
Outdoor Adventure Center Operations
The Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) manages the climbing facility and provides extensive resources for students and the community. The center is located on the second floor of the Student Life and Wellness Center on the Orem campus. In addition to climbing, the OAC offers equipment rentals for various activities, including hiking, camping, river rafting, and kayaking.
The OAC staff includes Program Director Kimberly Reynolds and Program Manager Kaleb King. The facility is supported by a diverse team of technicians, assistants, and route setters, including Daxton Starkey, who serves as a Route Setter for the Project Climbing Wall staff.
Access and Rental Fees
The Project Climbing Wall offers various access options for different user groups. Access is free for UVU students enrolled in 10 or more credit hours and those with a paid gym membership. For non-members, the facility offers a $35 monthly climbing wall membership or an $8 guest day pass. A $5 fee applies specifically for climbing wall access for non-members.
Rental equipment is also available for a fee. For SLWC non-members, shoes cost $4 and harnesses cost $3, while a combination of both is available for $5. The facility also provides group rates for organizations, including student clubs and off-campus groups, with rates varying based on group size and affiliation.
Seasonal Programming and Exploration
The Outdoor Adventure Center provides seasonal programming, such as the Peak-A-Week series, which runs every Friday from May 15 through August 7. The center also facilitates various outdoor adventures and provides a wide variety of quality equipment for rent.
Beyond the climbing wall, the OAC promotes outdoor engagement through various channels, including social media updates regarding local destinations like Tibble Fork Reservoir, East Canyon State Park, and Deer Creek State Park. These resources help students and community members find opportunities for paddleboarding, hiking, and other outdoor activities throughout Utah.
Joining the Team
For those interested in joining the competitive climbing team, the university requires applicants to be currently enrolled UVU students with climbing experience. The team holds tryouts in early September, with exact dates to be announced. New climbers are encouraged to join the Recreational Team first to build necessary skills.
Interested individuals can contact the Outdoor Adventure Center via email at outdooradventure@uvu.edu or by phone at 801-863-7052 for more information regarding the upcoming competition or team membership.
Community Engagement
The Outdoor Adventure Center remains a central hub for recreation and wellness at UVU, connecting the campus community to the outdoors through managed facilities and expert-led adventures. Whether through organized competitions like the UVU Uprising or casual weekend rentals, the center provides a gateway to both indoor and outdoor adventure.
