WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

ABOUT US

We were formed by current semi-professional climber Kerry Scott and Austin Duncan after they had the vision to create a space for new and experienced climbers to come together, compete, get outdoors, and enjoy climbing. We started as a team in 2014 with only around 15 dues paying members, but in the past eight years we have grown to over 200 members.

Members of the club participate in social events, such as team potluck dinners, trips to Jordan Lake, and movie nights. We also volunteer with various organizations in and around campus, such as Habitat for Humanity and Carolina Climbers Coalition. UNC Climbing Club competes in USA Climbing and Eastern Edge Climbing series and has won overall team champion in the USA climbing regional competition in both 2018 and 2019.

Steps to Joining the Club

To learn more about the club and what we do, take a look at this slideshow!

Step One: Getting Belay Certified

Intro to Climbing Classes ($20) teach you how to belay as well as the basics of wall safety - sign up! You can find this on stayactive.unc.edu
After taking your class, walk into Fetzer or Rams Walls during normal hours to ask to take your test ($12 which includes your yearly wall fee, unlimited tries)

Step Two: Paying Dues, Getting Emails, Joining DSE

Pay dues ($30 / semester) to our Zelle (email is uncclimbingclub@gmail.com) or Cashapp ($UNCClimbingClub) (please include your PID and UNC email when you pay!)
Once paid, register as a Heellife club member to receive weekly emails
To register for DSE go to unc.dserec.com. This is an important step UNC has set for us as a club, and this is also where you can register to be an approved driver.

Step Three: Get Gear

Gear includes three main components: a harness, shoes, and belay device!
Gear rentals can be found (weekly, semesterly, & yearly options available) on the Campus Rec Website
Once you are in the club you will have access to harnesses, helmets, ropes, sleeping bags, tents, and boulder pads if you go on an outdoor trip and need any extra gear.

Why so much $$$?

The short answer is safety, and the long answer is that climbing gear (ropes, shoes, harnesses, belay devices...) is expensive to buy and maintain, unfortunately. But, when you're 50 feet above the ground connected only by a harness and rope, you'll definitely want your gear to be expensive and well-made! Climbing is inherently dangerous and therefore requires specialized, strong gear. 👍

While this is true, we do want to keep climbing accessible to everyone! If you have any financial needs or limitations, please talk to an officer, or email us at uncclimbingclub@gmail.com! If you walk into the walls during normal hours, a staff member can easily get you connected to an officer or worker at the wall who can talk to you.

Meet the 2025 Officers

President: Sofi Brantley

Hi all! My name is Sofi, and I'm honored and stoked to be club president this year! I'm a Junior studying Environmental Science, Hispanic Studies, and GIS, and I've been climbing for around 2.5 years now (with a moderate hiatus due to some stubborn tendons). I love the sport, both for its physical challenges and its problem-solving. Furthermore, it has brought me a wonderfully supportive and loving community at UNC that I hope to know and grow with for the rest of my life. I can't wait to help the club flourish and to help everyone learn to love the sport!

Vice President: Dylan Smith

Hi, my name is Dylan, and I'm psyched to be your Vice President this year! I have only been climbing for about two years now, but I absolutely love every moment on and off the wall. I love seeing everyone's improvements and am excited to be a part of that journey! Outside of climbing, I am a junior biology major, adore little critters of every size, and have an extensive fun sock collection.

Treasurer: Lucas Moore

Hi, my name is Lucas and I'm the club's treasurer this year! I'm a sophomore computer science major and I've been climbing for around 8 years. I love the sport and the surrounding community and look forward to growing and strengthening that community this year! I practically live in Fetzer (what's a rest day?) and look forward to facilitating a bunch of fun events and trips and seeing our members continue to crush both in the gym and outside. Come to my practices for some epic skills training and core workouts.

Social Chair: Sarah Fulp

Hello, my name is Sarah. I am currently studying poli sci and hoping to get accepted into the MEJO school. I was previously the club's mascot, but I am now the social chair. I am so excited to have this role and to be able to give back to the club that has given me so much. I just started climbing a year and a half ago, but I've experienced so much in this time. The best thing is the amazing friends I have gained from my time in the club. Here's to new friendships and growing the climbing community. Let me know if you have any fun social events, you would like planned or any themed practices!

Team Captain: Erin Lamoutte

Stoked to be team captaining this year! I've been climbing for around 9 years now and love it more than anything. Truly I would sacrifice each and every one of you for the chance to climb <3. Outside of climbing, I'm a junior majoring in Business and Environmental Studies, and an avid crossword enthusiast. Come to my practices for super mega fun endurance and handstand practice 😎

Outdoor Organizer: Owen McAllister

Hi, My Name is Owen, and I am super stoked to be your outdoor organizer this year! There's nothing I love like being outside. I have been climbing for a little over two years, but I've been living in the woods and eating dirt for a lot longer than that. Outside of climbing, I study computer science, but who really cares about that… Climbing has taken me on some incredible adventures, so as Outdoor Organizer I hope to inspire and enable club members to get after it! I can't wait for the outdoor trips this semester, and to see everyone grow in their abilities on rock.