Welcome to the Nathan Lowe Memorial Climbing Wall Network
Main Page Index
All links on this network, with the exception of those listed
under "Other Sites to Check Out," lead to further info about the wall and are linked back to this page. So, feel free to click away unencumbered by the fear of becoming lost in cyberspace.
Who, where, when?
The Nathan Lowe Memorial
Climbing Wall
was dedicated on November 12th, 1995. It is located in the Towne Field House, on the campus of Williams College in Williamstown, MA. The wall is run and maintained by the Williams Outing Club.
Who can use the wall?
The wall is available for use, free of charge, to students, faculty and staff
of the college. (Due to liability issues it is not yet open to the
Williamstown community but hopefully will be soon).
When is the wall available?
During designated open
climbing sessions climbers and climber-wannabees alike can climb on the wall under
the supervision of volunteer student
Instructor/Monitors (IM's). In addition to the regular open climbing hours there are several session a week designated as "Women's Climbing."
Click for
THE WEEKLY SCHEDULE.
What does the wall look like?
Good thing you asked, because, thanks to Derek Sasaki-Scanlon '98, you can
click here to see a full color 3-D rendering of the wall.
What's fun to do at the wall?
- Bouldering! Climbing along the wall can be just as much fun and challenging as going up. Click here to see a list of bouldering problems to try.
- You can make climbing more challenging by limiting hold use. Many
routes have already been marked.
- Play Add One or
vertical subtract one.
- Climb the lead wall. Only experienced climbers should attempt to do the
lead wall and it is recommended that you attempt seconding it first. If you
think you are ready ask your friendly local IM. Only
IM's are permitted to belay climbers on the lead wall. For tips on climbing
the lead wall, click here. If you don't
know what leading is then click here.
- You could always, er, um, dress in, ah, drag.
What about beginners?
Our goal is involve as many people in the sport as possible, so beginners are welcome and encouraged to give it a try. The IM's on duty will be more than happy to teach new climbers how to
belay
and climb safely. Beginners can come down anytime the wall is open and give climbing a try.
Equipment?
The Williams Outing Club has several harnesses (8), ropes (7), chalk bags, and belay
devices (ATC's) available for use. We ask that you not bring any belay
devices or ropes to the wall, but definely do bring your own harness, shoes,
and chalk bag if you own them. If you don't own climbing shoes then ordinary
sneakers are the best alternative, expessially tennis shoes, indoor-soccer shoes, or chucks.
Certification?
Anyone can come down and climb, especially beginners. In order to
belay,
you must pass the belay test.
Experienced climbers can take the belay test during their first visit to
the wall. New climbers,
however, after being taught how to belay by an IM, must belay while backed up by an IM on three different visits
before they are allowed to take the belay test on their fourth visit.
All people who come down to the wall should fill out a
"Certified
Climber Card."
This card will be signed by an IM after you have
passed the belay test to signify that you are a "Certified Climber." For
new belayers the card contains four boxes, the first three of which will
be filled in with the dates when you do your three backed up belays. The
date on which you take your belay test
will be placed in the fourth box.
Other Sites to Check Out
Return to the Top of this Page
Last Edited May 12th, 1996 by Derek Sasaki-Scanlon and Tim Gustafson.
Comments and/or questions mail to:
98ds@williams.edu
or
98tbg@williams.edu
