Rock Climbing is a rapidly growing sport. With more people joining and exploring it, there is also more interest in the competitive side of climbing. But not everyone wants to join a team or invest hours to compete at a high level. Local Edmonton climbing gym, Rock Jungle Boulders, changes that. The downtown all-bouldering gym hosts a casual climbing competition once to twice a year for people who want to explore the competitive side of the sport and interact with like-minded peers in a fun and casual setting.
Boulders Climbing kicks off their eighth Take-Five style competition on Nov. 18th, bringing in various local businesses with food, drinks, climbing gear/apparel and even a local DJ to play music while the competition runs.
Boulders also has prizes available to be won. You can win them by coming first in your category, putting your name in a raffle, and even being in the crowd and ready to catch some goodies! Some of these prizes include:
- Patagonia gear, supplied by Elements Outfitters
- Arcteryx hats, toques, stickers and chalk bags
- High-performance climbing chalk provided by Friction Labs
- And many more!
Don’t think you’re that good of a climber? That’s ok! Boulders has four divisions for this competition, ranging from beginner up to open. Open is the most challenging category, designed similarly to provincial and national climbing competitions. Beginner is for newer climbers that have the ability to climb V3s and higher. There are also various volunteer positions if you want to take part without competing. Positions range from wall cleaners, judges and tear down crew, and you don’t need any experience for these roles.
With one winner in each category and a gym filled to the brim with climbers and spectators alike, Boulders knows how to host a great and very successful event.
