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CORVALLIS - It's time to climb the walls at Oregon State University as the campus sponsors its 11th annual Vertical Festival on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Spectators are welcome at the scramble, which starts at 8 a.m. in OSU's Indoor Climbing Center, said Kristie Deschesne, operations coordinator for OSU Recreational Sports.

The competition is open to all ages and skill levels with an advance entry fee of $20 for youth ages 8-16 and $25 for all other competitors. Day-of-the-event registrations are $30. For information contact Deschesne at 541-737-6828.

Indoor climbing is a climate-controlled version of rock climbing. The university's climbing center is a great place for children to try the sport and for hard-core climbers to train for outdoor expeditions, Deschesne said. Oddly shaped knobs are bolted to the walls to provide handholds and footholds. Ropes hanging from the top of the walls and attached to harnesses worn by climbers prevent falls.

All Vertical Festival participants receive a Vertical Festival shirt, a gift bag, and a chance at a host of prizes. The center is located under the west end of Reser Stadium at Western Boulevard and 26th Street.

Participants will climb routes with varying points available for each climb. Climbers have two hours to complete up to 10 routes and must complete the route to get points for their climb. There will be different routes for beginners, intermediate and advanced climbers.

"We usually have three winners per division, well, actually six winners with three men and three women, if we have enough entries," Deschesne said.

The center provides all the necessary equipment for participants, including harnesses, ropes, belay devices and carabiners. Climbing shoe rentals are $1.

All participants must pass a belay skills test or belay orientation and sign a liability waiver. Free orientation and belay skills classes are taught daily and climbers under 17 must be sponsored and belayed by a parent or legal guardian.