The University Recreation Center is continuing its tradition of providing clinics for people who want to learn more about outdoor activities.

The Rec Center began teaching introductory classes for students who want to learn the basics of rock climbing or who have an interest in outdoor activities.

They held an “Intro to Climbing Belay Class – Climbing 101” at the rock wall in the Rec Center Friday. Grant Steffes, a staff member, was in charge of the introductory class and taught people how to belay.

Steffes said the Rec Center started these classes because staff members want to educate anyone who is curious about the Outdoor Center.

Another employee at the Outdoor Center Rebecca Buck helped Steffes teach the class. She said the clinics attract a certain type of person.

“The type of people that come are people who have come to the wall before or are interested in learning how to climb and the outdoors,” Buck said. “Adventure-type people.”

Steffes said the belay class showed a rise in attendance because of an increased effort by the Rec Center to advertise their clinics and classes.

Sarah Merwin, a first-year strategic communications major, attended her first clinic Monday. Merwin said she is trying to utilize all that the Rec Center has to offer.

“Climbing is something that I’ve been interested in for a while,” Merwin said. “I learned a lot and the staff is very friendly.”

Steffes said he hopes that the clinics provide a source of education to anyone who visits.

“I hope they learn something,” Steffes said. “I hope they have fun. I hope we are a resource for them to further ask questions if they have outdoor adventures they want to go on.”