tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27393972386786305072024-03-13T01:10:04.089-07:00Josh LevinClimbing, Experiences, LifeJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855335578489396499noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-77924352226198513862021-05-05T16:00:00.006-07:002021-05-05T17:43:24.680-07:00Wheel of Aquarius<div><i>Climb ‘Aquarius’, then traverse the lip into ‘The Stoner Traverse’. Top out.</i></div><div><br /></div>This climb means a lot to me. It’s most likely the hardest climb I’ve ever done and most certainly my hardest first ascent to date. More than that, I’ve put more time, effort, and emotion into this climb than any other in my climbing career.<div><br /></div><div>The project cycle started sometime in spring of 2020 when I opened my California climbing guidebook in search of something new. After flipping through pages of areas I’d been to countless times, I stumbled across a full-page photo of Chris Bloch on an amazing-looking sandstone feature from an area I’d never heard of - Aquarian Valley. The caption read:</div><div><br /></div><div>“Aquarian Project • V? - Chris Bloch attempts the hard move on the undone ‘Aquarian Project’ traverse. This is a rare plum, waiting to be plucked!”</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxDpdsaxBdcuJIGCGyDrX-Q4UUMDjROTrNpBXh33mYD8D90OivpSEjHK1pRoWdm6bivG9kRnQJAT9fUVPDGSBJRQFETQaQKpkjdxy-l0mg4E_zI3Q3n01L6-zi_jEbwtniJzjb8MP5Lzm/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="726" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxDpdsaxBdcuJIGCGyDrX-Q4UUMDjROTrNpBXh33mYD8D90OivpSEjHK1pRoWdm6bivG9kRnQJAT9fUVPDGSBJRQFETQaQKpkjdxy-l0mg4E_zI3Q3n01L6-zi_jEbwtniJzjb8MP5Lzm/w640-h480/image.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Upon further inspection, I made another realization: Aquarian Valley is actually the <b>closest</b> outdoor climbing area to my home in Sunnyvale (as the crow flies). My interest piqued, I set this project aside for the time being as I shifted gears into building a bouldering wall in my garage and beginning my grad school application cycle.</div><div><br /></div><div>After completing a particularly grueling application on an early December morning, I had a sudden burst of inspiration. I grabbed some crash pads (and my dad) and decided to utilize the afternoon to check out Aquarian Valley for the first time. Following a strenuous approach, (solely due to the fact we got lost multiple times) we found the infamous ‘Stoner Cave’ as described in the guidebook. I was blown away.</div><div><br /></div><div>In my opinion, this area is most similar to Mortar Rock in Berkeley. It’s characterized by one very long continuous wall with several traverses / linkups / standalone lines spread out across its face. The main differences? No crowds, actual texture on the holds, and truly incredible movement you only find in places like Hueco Tanks or Rocklands.</div><div><br /></div><div>I immediately set out to try the ‘hard move’ as described in the guidebook, but unsurprisingly it was far too hard for me on that day. Instead, I began checking out The Stoner Traverse (V7 in the guidebook) and found it to be an incredibly fun yet challenging climb.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the next few months, I made the trip back up to Aquarian, enjoying the process of figuring out the climb one move at a time. It felt natural to push my limits in an incremental way, relishing each new insight of beta as it came and not feeling pressured to complete it in a certain duration of time or for anyone other than myself.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFi5SeaRBQG6v5C7dAAKQO8WulMPMotL_H6QHtC1GsMWl-AdZWF4zKIWsD_JEBnPoyfnuwZXMmkf1zeWVGfh4pMGrEJCwlBGCh5yWMOFZrB2vOWfoysWF_GiF4267CviBXNWQRmZzn6fK/s2048/Aquarian+Reflection.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFi5SeaRBQG6v5C7dAAKQO8WulMPMotL_H6QHtC1GsMWl-AdZWF4zKIWsD_JEBnPoyfnuwZXMmkf1zeWVGfh4pMGrEJCwlBGCh5yWMOFZrB2vOWfoysWF_GiF4267CviBXNWQRmZzn6fK/w480-h640/Aquarian+Reflection.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The linkup I decided would be the best test of my skills would be to climb the most classic line - a V5 called Aquarius - into The Stoner Traverse. There were quite a few moves separating each climb that did not appear on any described problem in the guidebook. To the best of my knowledge, this linkup has never been completed and thus merited figuring out my own beta from scratch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Starting at the very end of the traverse and working backwards, I made slow but consistent progress. Each move felt impossibly hard at first, yet with each repetition felt more and more flowy. The most engaging elements were puzzling out beta in between sections that I could do, trying many different variations before finding an approach that worked. I even set a simulation climb on my home wall of the crux moves (roughly V10 if I had to grade them).</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, after months of piecing moves together, I felt ready for a real attempt. I chalked my hands, grabbed the starting holds* (more on this later) and began climbing. I felt completely weightless, moving my body between positions I knew all too well. I knew exactly what I needed to do at every hand or foot placement and executed each without conscious thought. In a weird way, the climb almost felt easy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two and a half minutes later, I found myself matching the finish jug. I let out a huge sigh of relief. I decided at this point to top out the boulder - a feat I had not attempted before - which took an additional two minutes of mossy scrambling and hold finding. In any case, I’d completed my project on my first try!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h5XRpN33GPs" width="560" youtube-src-id="h5XRpN33GPs"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>…or so I thought.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a day or so of mental jubilation, I decided to go back to the guidebook (long since forgotten at home) to check the description of the climbs I’d linked one more time. To my horror, I realized I’d started two holds too high. From the guidebook:</div><div><br /></div><div>* “Aquarius • V5 - Thuggish climbing up the seam. Start … on a good 2-finger pocket for the left hand.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHmn-v4K7hoERz0tUmdeYEUA0Tpe5AqM0mz7_M77S3i9hLakz9ecOnLDlDb5Wdn4T96Z2GyxwdlreqCDOpFuEDUKb8M2nn_QllzonF4Zq73WuifaF-IzB-xilV8rJLVEkDLeek3lKsTwI/s1440/Screen+Shot+2021-05-05+at+1.29.45+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHmn-v4K7hoERz0tUmdeYEUA0Tpe5AqM0mz7_M77S3i9hLakz9ecOnLDlDb5Wdn4T96Z2GyxwdlreqCDOpFuEDUKb8M2nn_QllzonF4Zq73WuifaF-IzB-xilV8rJLVEkDLeek3lKsTwI/w640-h360/Screen+Shot+2021-05-05+at+1.29.45+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In all my excitement in figuring out the hard beta, I’d accidentally started Aquarius with both hands on the jugs directly above the 2-finger pocket and not bothered to double-check where the ‘correct’ start was. Inspired by Dai Koyamada in his <a href="https://vimeo.com/43727285" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">well-documented ‘double’ ascent of The Story of 2 Worlds</a> in Switzerland:</div><div><br /></div><div>“Later learning start holds were different from the original, I was persuaded to do the ascent again.”</div><div><br /></div><div>In my case, all I figured I would need to do is add an additional two moves of V0 into a climb I’d already completed with what felt like relative ease. Piece of cake, right? Right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Several trips and multiple attempts later, most definitively wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>For some reason, adding two additional moves of V0 felt like it made the climb impossible. If I had to guess, it’s because it adds one additional right-hand undercling move, bringing the total of right-hand undercling moves up to three. Considering the redpoint crux itself is a brutal right-hand undercling move, maintaining right bicep strength in reserve is absolutely key.</div><div><br /></div><div>With this in mind, I went back to my home wall with renewed purpose, training key movements and power-endurance. I put laps in on the garage wall simulator and did a bunch of bicep curls with some free weights I managed to scrounge up. Then I waited for a good weather window.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='315' height='560' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxoaV4y0rj-E1khzNbz2I4NR9dRW5za7ahRNNEcfKs7Zl8rc6N0xhUAuJuLLM2M8Yc4ZTgn8evJh2VaiNq-eg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>After one false start, (too much fog & moisture accumulation on the rock on a reconnaissance trip) I returned in late April feeling more ready than ever. I brushed off the holds, applied some liquid chalk, and grabbed the *<b>actual</b>* starting holds. The moves felt even easier than before, and my extra power from training allowed me to move with supreme confidence between holds. I felt unstoppable.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unstoppable, that is, until I reached out for a bump move that I’d never fallen on before only a move or two before the redpoint crux. As I slapped out for a sloper with my right hand, I slipped and found myself flat on my back. I silently cursed my misfortune, (actually, not so silently) but knew it was a mistake I probably wouldn’t make twice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Undeterred, I tried again. Feeling fatigued from the previous attempt, I made SURE to go for the ‘correct’ spot on the hold I’d slipped off of before. Somehow, I slipped again. This time, I definitely didn’t hide my frustration. I was pissed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Knowing my body was getting incredibly tired from these efforts, I knew I at most had one more try left in me. I thought my chances of sending this time were particularly low, but we still had a bit more daylight left over and a small part of me would be annoyed with having to hike back out not having given the climb everything I had.</div><div><br /></div><div>For some reason, at this point, I made a mental connection to competitions. In comps, there are moments where you are given one final try on a climb, one shot for glory. These are the moments I live for as a competitor. Send or go home. Throughout all my time projecting this climb, I’d never needed to tap into this fight or flight mentality. Until now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Feeling a primal energy that definitely didn’t exist on any previous attempt, I chalked up for one final go. As I pulled on, I instantly felt a dull fatigue setting into my right bicep. For a moment, I was tempted to step off, chalk the day up as a ‘practice’ round, and head home. Then my competitive side kicked in. I gritted my teeth, focused in on the next hold, and continued to climb.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was far from pretty. Nothing at all like my first ‘ascent’ of the climb. But it didn’t matter. As I pulled through the moves guarding the crux, I attacked the rock with a ferocity you only get once every so often. I grr’d my way through the hold I slipped off of earlier and found myself staring down the crux. With nothing left to lose, I jabbed my fingers for the pocket, latching it with barely-concealed desperation.</div><div><br /></div><div>On pretty much all other attempts, the rest of the climb (aka The Stoner Traverse V7) felt relatively chill. On this attempt, however, it felt whatever the polar opposite of chill could be. Screaming through moves between actual jugs, I willed my body not to give in to the incredible fatigue setting into my forearms, biceps, fingers, and core. It was only after pulling the last few moves to the finish jug on the slab that I let out what can only be described as a visceral yell, channeling all of my frustration, fear, anxiety, and doubt into one victorious release.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T54cDbLV44w" width="560" youtube-src-id="T54cDbLV44w"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Thus is my story of completing Wheel of Aquarius. I hope you found it interesting at the very least and can use this reflection in whatever way benefits your own projects or goals. I am proud of my contribution to Bay Area bouldering and I hope many future generations will find this climb a fun and unique challenge.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would like to thank both my parents, Richard and Carrie, for their endless dedication to support my goals. They made countless trips out to Aquarian with me, lugging multiple crash pads both ways. When it came time to put in goes on a complete ascent, they both performed brilliantly, with dad moving pads to ensure my safety and mom filming as I traversed the wall (not an easy feat considering the steep incline and uneven ground!).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVTZvOCtsnX0EKCOcJuPF2oiGIRnzN5bJ7Xn507CHpj5UMZKIJIsk-P7k-EZqjFxDDH3xgX-yN4PCz5dR0PdlOMpbQmioNaZSj-AzeFHeNVHogThQq0gXL12sAM1ErxiOiFAU_389q34r/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVTZvOCtsnX0EKCOcJuPF2oiGIRnzN5bJ7Xn507CHpj5UMZKIJIsk-P7k-EZqjFxDDH3xgX-yN4PCz5dR0PdlOMpbQmioNaZSj-AzeFHeNVHogThQq0gXL12sAM1ErxiOiFAU_389q34r/w480-h640/image.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I would also like to acknowledge the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve for accommodating and maintaining excellent outdoor recreation, as well as Jim Thornburg for documenting Bay Area climbing in his <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bay-Area-Rock-Bouldering-Francisco/dp/0982913818" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">phenomenal guidebook</a>. Special thanks to Chris Bloch & Chris Summit for their area beta and support!</div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned before, this problem is most likely the hardest climb I have ever done and most certainly my hardest first ascent to date, which is why I have given it a grade of V13. I am of course open to additional opinions and would welcome further ascents to confirm (or alter) its difficulty.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next logical step is to link in the ‘hard move’ start sequence as pictured in the guidebook to Wheel of Aquarius. As with Wheel, this is to the best of my knowledge still undone, but awaiting a challenger strong enough. I know one thing for sure: I cannot complete this on my own. Perhaps it will be you!</div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855335578489396499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-38058655586231848712019-11-19T16:32:00.002-08:002019-11-19T16:32:43.831-08:00New WebsiteThank you for visiting Josh Levin's blog. Our new website can be found at <a href="http://www.joshclevin.com/">www.joshclevin.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.joshclevin.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1432" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMwX2NzjalCALrRXuYvm8nDhODcGMG_gypFbtW1xgdXtOXmvOxAGODBwqg1TFzEyG0_c1EhkQZmtvkq2WdGlBTiPhHDuG1ME93I74MBy6rRFzGVerjg_uTJ38kSJZuAVs9r7UoJ4GM0me/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-11-19+at+5.30.27+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855335578489396499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-72355462169753738862015-09-21T22:25:00.001-07:002016-03-29T23:00:30.739-07:005 Parks, 5 Months<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4qfJ2OdqIxrSspcaFy1JE59siwERxx8b1FBnQtQnJr3KJqgGJSt07M3YH_e87B7nDLlDNEe8JPC6crqrKbLNdl2Mc3jhTAk0SF0nOV7X6jfrQdl1p4frwQzGBKAoOEZaJS9YbrnJXxby/s1600/Yosemite.National.Park.original.8741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4qfJ2OdqIxrSspcaFy1JE59siwERxx8b1FBnQtQnJr3KJqgGJSt07M3YH_e87B7nDLlDNEe8JPC6crqrKbLNdl2Mc3jhTAk0SF0nOV7X6jfrQdl1p4frwQzGBKAoOEZaJS9YbrnJXxby/s640/Yosemite.National.Park.original.8741.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;">
Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/johncolby/2664839644" target="_blank">John Colby</a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
“There is nothing so American as our National Parks. The scenery and the wildlife are native. The fundamental idea behind the parks is native. It is, in brief, that the country belongs to the people, that it is in process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us. The parks stand as the outward symbol of the great human principle.”<br />
<br />
– Franklin D. Roosevelt, August 5th, 1934<br />
<br />
These were the words delivered by the 32nd President of the United States during a radio address from a small cabin in Glacier National Park, Montana. His speech came at a time of major economic shift in the country as Roosevelt enacted his New Deal policy, which included a transfer of 56 national monuments and military sites from the Forest Service and the War Department to the <a href="http://nps.gov/aboutus/history.htm" target="_blank">National Park Service</a>. Looking back, his vision to preserve our greatest natural playgrounds for future generations still stands as one of the best political decisions of all time, at least in my book.<br />
<br />
For the past five months, I’ve had the chance to explore the American Southwest from an entirely new perspective. Having grown up in beautiful Northern California, I moved to the east coast in 2012 to study mechanical engineering in Boston at <a href="http://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank">Northeastern University</a>. One of the main attractions of Northeastern for me was their co-op program, which encourages their students to take part in six-month paid internships (co-ops) interspersed between years of school. For my most recent co-op, I landed a position at <a href="http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL) in Pasadena, California to work on the robotic arm of the 2020 Mars Rover.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWb7iEsPpC63MXxSp4AGRvhhzfTJ5AvrxpczGZEDzzU9Lf4R8EHlKoUEj4UwIMZPj5sAxqDRjqO96Ay_cfV9KzCqAVJ9voqrotur5oq_PLuUbz4UG1VjU_pnJpL_pt1JD9y17_icTgzRT/s1600/Mission+Control+Center+at+JPL+%2528Photo+by+Craig+Martland%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWb7iEsPpC63MXxSp4AGRvhhzfTJ5AvrxpczGZEDzzU9Lf4R8EHlKoUEj4UwIMZPj5sAxqDRjqO96Ay_cfV9KzCqAVJ9voqrotur5oq_PLuUbz4UG1VjU_pnJpL_pt1JD9y17_icTgzRT/s640/Mission+Control+Center+at+JPL+%2528Photo+by+Craig+Martland%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Standing behind the desks of NASA Director Charles Bolden and JPL Director Charles Elachi at JPL Mission Control<br />
Photo: Craig Martland</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Working at JPL was one of the coolest experiences I can imagine. From an early age, I’ve been obsessed with space travel and the exploration of the universe, probably since I saw Star Wars for the first time. Contrary to what its name suggests, JPL does not build jet engines anymore, but instead is a federally funded NASA research center dedicated to the robotic exploration of space. JPL is responsible for sending the first-ever US satellite into orbit, landing rovers on Mars, and sending spacecraft farther into the outer reaches of the solar system than any other organization on Earth. Having the opportunity to be a part of history by contributing to the next chapter of human space exploration was truly out of this world.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7hGLtAm6YGjpt7r5kycx3a2r9AkQtOrg9Cs4nJXlVXW9b93dQtTM37_EtG_GLIqoFOVYQ_yjwwHRYmrum1QGZ3Gp3vckYi0ZUzHAL3u54f4tIMd7nJw7RpXI97B3qTPqGG5TT_abPfcg/s1600/NASA+Jet+Propulsion+Laboratory+-+Selfie+with+Curiousity+Mars+Rover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7hGLtAm6YGjpt7r5kycx3a2r9AkQtOrg9Cs4nJXlVXW9b93dQtTM37_EtG_GLIqoFOVYQ_yjwwHRYmrum1QGZ3Gp3vckYi0ZUzHAL3u54f4tIMd7nJw7RpXI97B3qTPqGG5TT_abPfcg/s640/NASA+Jet+Propulsion+Laboratory+-+Selfie+with+Curiousity+Mars+Rover.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Selfie with the Curiosity Mars Rover!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the best perks about being a JPL employee is that we got every other Friday off, given that we worked a minimum of 80 hours over two weeks. To take as much advantage as possible of these extended weekends, some of the other Northeastern co-ops and I decided to use the extra time to explore the nearby National Parks and really get a feel for one of the most scenic natural areas in the country. We ended up visiting five total parks, on average one park per month, starting with Joshua Tree and finishing with Yosemite.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaDmQc3iQIyc3-RUWUT3sVaOaq_MwV4NalddYdYIBxOsIsVD6yKO3P01BrTGUFX2n5s-ihK1g3LjO7pZ3lowcGl6D0gmFmr1_S1fhl-aFIh8iRBvIbS3_mlBqGRXQ6E-Fo1hiIBG-ZDu5/s1600/Yosemite+Valley+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaDmQc3iQIyc3-RUWUT3sVaOaq_MwV4NalddYdYIBxOsIsVD6yKO3P01BrTGUFX2n5s-ihK1g3LjO7pZ3lowcGl6D0gmFmr1_S1fhl-aFIh8iRBvIbS3_mlBqGRXQ6E-Fo1hiIBG-ZDu5/s640/Yosemite+Valley+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Valley!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This time period marked a major lifestyle change for me personally. With a background in competitive climbing, I’d become accustomed to a yearlong indoor training cycle with my primary focus being maintaining peak performance for each event and only getting outdoors when I had “free time”. Then, about a year ago, I tore my labrum in my left shoulder while climbing. After undergoing surgery to repair the tear in December, I found myself needing to to fill the void that climbing had left with another activity while I rehabilitated my shoulder. Hiking proved to be the perfect activity, as it combined a non-impactful lower-body workout with the ability to discover new areas with friends in the great outdoors.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8aXFlQN6DARJ79n_kO7CYAA-KVI4BtUZSb9Q1o9PPtSQqFG0srSnOOCcbT916v9jg0Ow7qXTvjLMeBHy8rAtSF2SG03tfCwU3HicHyR5sdt5vb2XQTQ3xZAIlTOiYpk7kS0BSYIe4rn7/s1600/Hiking+around+Pasadena+post-shoulder+surgery+%2528Photo+by+Craig+Martland%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8aXFlQN6DARJ79n_kO7CYAA-KVI4BtUZSb9Q1o9PPtSQqFG0srSnOOCcbT916v9jg0Ow7qXTvjLMeBHy8rAtSF2SG03tfCwU3HicHyR5sdt5vb2XQTQ3xZAIlTOiYpk7kS0BSYIe4rn7/s640/Hiking+around+Pasadena+post-shoulder+surgery+%2528Photo+by+Craig+Martland%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the top of San Gabriel Peak in Pasadena<br />
Photo: Craig Martland</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now that I’ve had the opportunity to journey to these five magnificent parks, the next step is to share my experiences with you. Grab your hiking boots and plenty of food, water, and sunscreen, here are some tips to help you plan your perfect adventure in some of America’s greatest outdoor areas.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/jotr" target="_blank">Park #1: Joshua Tree National Park</a></span></u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-6G5fMWF8j8NqMwOGzK7joUwSe0WCn53SjIfG6Bb0s8F3FlDmQrbt2ywwBUVPJyASwPrdpH656y3-W1A69OjNw8lpEFQyaJ9UTryVDVQPAkriJbmYkAXeCsRapiF1Y2vSnKmIkAlBo87/s1600/Joshua+Tree+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-6G5fMWF8j8NqMwOGzK7joUwSe0WCn53SjIfG6Bb0s8F3FlDmQrbt2ywwBUVPJyASwPrdpH656y3-W1A69OjNw8lpEFQyaJ9UTryVDVQPAkriJbmYkAXeCsRapiF1Y2vSnKmIkAlBo87/s640/Joshua+Tree+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Overview:</u><br />
As our first stop on this Southwest tour, Joshua Tree certainly has a lot to offer. From breathtaking vistas to windswept valleys, J-Tree is the ultimate desert hotspot for anyone looking to try out some hiking or climbing in a location straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.<br />
<br />
<u>Visitor’s Center Address:</u><br />
6554 Park Blvd<br />
Joshua Tree, CA 92252<br />
<br />
<u>Driving time from:</u><br />
Los Angeles Area: 2 hours<br />
San Francisco Bay Area: 8 hours<br />
Phoenix: 3 hours<br />
Las Vegas: 3 hours<br />
<br />
<u>Best time to visit:</u><br />
October-April<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9Z-yz_Oa6sj3gI7FkeP3kauv7DxNHNgLhC1DazTSGVPPnPlav7hrG505gUI9dh8q6uzrKWtjXpU0gS2iTwuUoJnD5UeG-Dd2-jaoAtO82nS4nbmPa_aZBHIH4Pq4aPp2-7lyeiNw-vZ0/s1600/Joshua+Tree+-+Lost+Horse+Mine+Trail+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9Z-yz_Oa6sj3gI7FkeP3kauv7DxNHNgLhC1DazTSGVPPnPlav7hrG505gUI9dh8q6uzrKWtjXpU0gS2iTwuUoJnD5UeG-Dd2-jaoAtO82nS4nbmPa_aZBHIH4Pq4aPp2-7lyeiNw-vZ0/s640/Joshua+Tree+-+Lost+Horse+Mine+Trail+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Camping:</u><br />
Cottonwood Campground includes a fire pit and access to a bathroom with running water with each site. If you’re lucky, you may run into fellow campers with stargazing telescopes who will let you take a peak through the lens at distant galaxies in the night sky. $20/night.<br />
<br />
<u>Recommended Hike:</u><br />
Lost Horse Mine Trail (6.7 miles) offers an excellent and mostly flat tour around an old mine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnQatjwppSoR1muoeDJoredgLc1XHLtJvo89_I6evNG2AYvCSGFekLbRNzs54vCztlzTf4mv-VPfteB6rdBljicSS-KvkJ3szI-lLa37z6DSYeFhGlvhC6MA7RxoyjXMiELcUDhdITw7c/s1600/Joshua+Tree+-+Lost+Horse+Mine+Trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnQatjwppSoR1muoeDJoredgLc1XHLtJvo89_I6evNG2AYvCSGFekLbRNzs54vCztlzTf4mv-VPfteB6rdBljicSS-KvkJ3szI-lLa37z6DSYeFhGlvhC6MA7RxoyjXMiELcUDhdITw7c/s640/Joshua+Tree+-+Lost+Horse+Mine+Trail.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IwwlJC18E-EKNpEgyi1dpo6pDKJLbrelr1a8AltkejT8rB0h2glW26nNxvRii6PGYjfNGK21JOQW2Sbr_iLDEEgmf2hTcyEmvbmcMUJxH09UHVTKSebTdP9jgItuLL4bG2WGQmdUSmCh/s1600/Joshua+Tree+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IwwlJC18E-EKNpEgyi1dpo6pDKJLbrelr1a8AltkejT8rB0h2glW26nNxvRii6PGYjfNGK21JOQW2Sbr_iLDEEgmf2hTcyEmvbmcMUJxH09UHVTKSebTdP9jgItuLL4bG2WGQmdUSmCh/s640/Joshua+Tree+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Points of Interest:</u><br />
Mastodon Peak, Ryan Mountain, Cholla Cactus Garden<br />
<br />
For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nps.gov/jotr">www.nps.gov/jotr</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/grca" target="_blank">Park #2: Grand Canyon National Park</a></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqltR6h_vBgxE8YsvOcbxeYDdXeXJmRTFqajnWRiqfGJrMD-erSL0lJ4HLKYALttfCL5bKH8kBDgexdpD6qSsgCyjL_0oXEtW-jTbrcEW7_CZ5xXNpGm6r3CmdirBj9UtWfH4V1Oh8Cad/s1600/Grand+Canyon+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqltR6h_vBgxE8YsvOcbxeYDdXeXJmRTFqajnWRiqfGJrMD-erSL0lJ4HLKYALttfCL5bKH8kBDgexdpD6qSsgCyjL_0oXEtW-jTbrcEW7_CZ5xXNpGm6r3CmdirBj9UtWfH4V1Oh8Cad/s640/Grand+Canyon+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<u><br />
</u> <u>Overview:</u><br />
Described by Theodore Roosevelt as “The one great sight which every American should see”, there’s a reason why Arizona’s state nickname is ‘The Grand Canyon State’. Stretching over 277 miles in length, up to 18 miles wide and over 2,600 feet deep, The Grand Canyon truly earns its place as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.<br />
<br />
<u>Visitor’s Center Address:</u><br />
Market Plaza Store<br />
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023<br />
<br />
<u>Travel time from:</u><br />
Los Angeles Area: 7.5 hours<br />
San Francisco Bay Area: 12 hours<br />
Phoenix: 3.5 hours<br />
Las Vegas: 2 hours<br />
<br />
<u>Best time to visit:</u><br />
March-May or September-November<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGHRbzk2P_CoaUhD_9kKP1ww3uBYbPjgJ8X1xRRq8ppL1vn6coq1IiHGc22i19YPs0r_JT9-aWeA_F2Fl7OjLhHEsK12Kzu6fUgmm9kJdSZBBqGAoy7Am8RNMZLkNydxXB3VlbOyVrfGp/s1600/Grand+Canyon+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGHRbzk2P_CoaUhD_9kKP1ww3uBYbPjgJ8X1xRRq8ppL1vn6coq1IiHGc22i19YPs0r_JT9-aWeA_F2Fl7OjLhHEsK12Kzu6fUgmm9kJdSZBBqGAoy7Am8RNMZLkNydxXB3VlbOyVrfGp/s640/Grand+Canyon+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Grand Canyon at Sunrise</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Camping:</u><br />
Mather Campground includes a fire pit and access to a bathroom with running water with each site. $18/night.<br />
<br />
<u>Recommended Hike:</u><br />
<a href="http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/BrightAngelTrail.pdf" target="_blank">Bright Angel Trail</a> (12 miles) is the most iconic day hike into the Grand Canyon. Commencing at the canyon rim, the trail descends steeply for 4.5 miles before leveling off and leading to a scenic overlook of the Colorado River. CAUTION: Plan for at least 2-3 times as much time to ascend out of the canyon as it took you to descend, keeping in mind the total elevation drop of about 3000 feet. Bring plenty of water and electrolytes to avoid heat stroke.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0gHi_DSZK2HHb9wrcEiNmudLN-t_eUuiqJZcQIk2CwrAGkQ7qumJnHsSpHgj1jcpsXKQu2r_9Db_Iv_nkN00y-vh_m6FIDgfVBbrHJHCZYnW5VxrsCvMWfSD6OirM31okqZedFhMFM7m/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Plateau+Point+-+Bright+Angel+Trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0gHi_DSZK2HHb9wrcEiNmudLN-t_eUuiqJZcQIk2CwrAGkQ7qumJnHsSpHgj1jcpsXKQu2r_9Db_Iv_nkN00y-vh_m6FIDgfVBbrHJHCZYnW5VxrsCvMWfSD6OirM31okqZedFhMFM7m/s640/Grand+Canyon+-+Plateau+Point+-+Bright+Angel+Trail.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plateau Point on Bright Angel Trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Points of Interest: Mather Point, Yavapai Museum of Geology, Desert View, Toroweep Overlook, Grand Canyon Train Depot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-BDUXJr8xG__WpuOIQMuLJ3lIvb4UyijR-GrmAyPPuDToEWMdZQ_5Ypx2E6cpDL_QSzoSgz4Zgi5LpEFR1Tk_QWEtNL3JXu62K5FEvxBGTKpFXIRZprl4BRVXPg0XRxLRfybU6INolmG/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Mather+Point+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-BDUXJr8xG__WpuOIQMuLJ3lIvb4UyijR-GrmAyPPuDToEWMdZQ_5Ypx2E6cpDL_QSzoSgz4Zgi5LpEFR1Tk_QWEtNL3JXu62K5FEvxBGTKpFXIRZprl4BRVXPg0XRxLRfybU6INolmG/s640/Grand+Canyon+-+Mather+Point+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mather Point</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grca">www.nps.gov/grca</a>.<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/deva" target="_blank">Park #3: Death Valley National Park</a></span></b></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkmMq-QGdlGrua5ccRdATFW_o5O_4fYbgydCmRCJdQ2WFcX8QQRj_7nS_mnNOloBHyKJvdNE_FqJSONxKkdLeYdx8NEGVRvPWP7Ar3xW0xjKkj1mg-OV5OjBQrj0nn6nUi1uWUwSg91Uo/s1600/Death+Valley+-+Zabriskie+Point.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkmMq-QGdlGrua5ccRdATFW_o5O_4fYbgydCmRCJdQ2WFcX8QQRj_7nS_mnNOloBHyKJvdNE_FqJSONxKkdLeYdx8NEGVRvPWP7Ar3xW0xjKkj1mg-OV5OjBQrj0nn6nUi1uWUwSg91Uo/s640/Death+Valley+-+Zabriskie+Point.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Overview:</u><br />
Located close the border of California and Nevada in the Mojave Desert, Death Valley the lowest, driest, and hottest place in North America. Far from being a deterrent, however, these distinguishing characteristics give Death Valley its signature desolate beauty and allow it to transport any visitor to another world with its supernatural landscapes. Here you can uncover the mystery of the Sailing Stones, stand 282 feet below sea level at Badwater Basin, and follow in the footsteps of your favorite Star Wars characters as you travel through iconic filming locations for Star Wars Episode IV.<br />
<br />
<u>Visitor’s Center Address:</u><br />
Furnace Creek Visitor Center<br />
Furnace Creek, CA 92328<br />
<br />
<u>Driving time from:</u><br />
Los Angeles Area: 4.5 hours<br />
San Francisco Bay Area: 8 hours<br />
Phoenix: 7 hours<br />
Las Vegas: 2 hours<br />
<br />
<u>Best time to visit:</u><br />
February-April<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsfm1rdkr_SSJCDbb1I1IObSkQtOgzUIfnFGTJYIaEejTHoeONJsacAN6Vz6Y5x2xwI61RanR2_u3OH0Y51QkS39snqpeAGXy5jz91D_EMf3vNejCDw4AUMGUxN3_pZ71BwWDIrxeeIXM/s1600/Death+Valley+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsfm1rdkr_SSJCDbb1I1IObSkQtOgzUIfnFGTJYIaEejTHoeONJsacAN6Vz6Y5x2xwI61RanR2_u3OH0Y51QkS39snqpeAGXy5jz91D_EMf3vNejCDw4AUMGUxN3_pZ71BwWDIrxeeIXM/s640/Death+Valley+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can you spot Brandon in this photo?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Camping:</u><br />
Furnace Creek Campground includes a fire pit and access to a bathroom with running water with each site. $12/night from April 16 to October 14 (walk-ups), $18/night otherwise.<br />
<br />
<u>Recommended Hike:</u><br />
Gower Gulch Loop Trail (6.7 miles) offers a stunning palette of desert scenery, complete with a gorgeous view from Zabriskie Point at the halfway mark. Don’t miss the Manly Beacon or the Star Wars scene-matching area at the beginning of the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCO0vo8WM_Sk_36Foinndyap4qKN6jsH2ZJATV8PqACmgOLnYDlDdRQ3HLGo3tl53TVZMTWh9k_WsuTgGdLLRs5E3X0zjF7OdH6xBvK2-1-P9Z6SUfG-IuG-PKQcvgf0p0OIuCBTQLbfW/s1600/Death+Valley+-+Gower+Gulch+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCO0vo8WM_Sk_36Foinndyap4qKN6jsH2ZJATV8PqACmgOLnYDlDdRQ3HLGo3tl53TVZMTWh9k_WsuTgGdLLRs5E3X0zjF7OdH6xBvK2-1-P9Z6SUfG-IuG-PKQcvgf0p0OIuCBTQLbfW/s640/Death+Valley+-+Gower+Gulch+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Points of Interest:</u><br />
Zabriskie Point, The Red Cathedral, Badwater Basin Salt Flats, Dante's View, The Manly Beacon, assorted Star Wars filming locations, The Sailing Stones<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHUXoAOzdps0Tp_Okzrh6J0yjaTG3ZQHJAfAHuTvBGcF3MQuwC6E5usP4dtzuNUKZTg6It9CjW_Ecg1xm3w-Kh5ZSyiJzRMeDbnzcXRubLHzlcvsi-o5gu2qWrDWNabnaMv5fPH_Qyjos/s1600/Death+Valley+-+Dante%2527s+View.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHUXoAOzdps0Tp_Okzrh6J0yjaTG3ZQHJAfAHuTvBGcF3MQuwC6E5usP4dtzuNUKZTg6It9CjW_Ecg1xm3w-Kh5ZSyiJzRMeDbnzcXRubLHzlcvsi-o5gu2qWrDWNabnaMv5fPH_Qyjos/s640/Death+Valley+-+Dante%2527s+View.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zabriskie Point</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFFSqzyCO4Z7XV_9VXUZfiKafUJvCTIYSbVh7-h0ATRvLYZL2jexscAtJEOt2PuiZ7hgPTFFcJ02LyeFubOvEGz_BxgOB3IoU0xdFF46VBspL7-ExDVosqBfUcTSRmG98sTHA_ctDble5/s1600/Death+Valley+-+Badwater+Basin+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFFSqzyCO4Z7XV_9VXUZfiKafUJvCTIYSbVh7-h0ATRvLYZL2jexscAtJEOt2PuiZ7hgPTFFcJ02LyeFubOvEGz_BxgOB3IoU0xdFF46VBspL7-ExDVosqBfUcTSRmG98sTHA_ctDble5/s640/Death+Valley+-+Badwater+Basin+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Badwater Basin (elevation: -282 feet)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nps.gov/deva">www.nps.gov/deva</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/seki" target="_blank">Park #4: Sequoia National Park</a></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ9Xf7yYivWrJ-d3lL_oK7Y9vOpptW_TYGEEamWxj709Qpc9D_HgjNn4pfWLfnMHBBYJwChHFX0bzxY7J8iPHZG4YQX9Ov3Jhqebbu3ucuC11kxWOD0a0InAiwqSynUa07kasH7z-rnP0/s1600/Sequoia+-+Eagle+Lake+Trail+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ9Xf7yYivWrJ-d3lL_oK7Y9vOpptW_TYGEEamWxj709Qpc9D_HgjNn4pfWLfnMHBBYJwChHFX0bzxY7J8iPHZG4YQX9Ov3Jhqebbu3ucuC11kxWOD0a0InAiwqSynUa07kasH7z-rnP0/s640/Sequoia+-+Eagle+Lake+Trail+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Overview:</u><br />
Home of the tallest trees on earth, Sequoia National Park certainly serves up a tall order when it comes to natural beauty. Sequoia boasts both a Tunnel Tree that you can drive through as well as the illustrious General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest living tree by volume. Additionally, Sequoia also features over 400,000 acres of vast alpine wilderness, 84% of which is only accessible by foot or horseback.<br />
<br />
<u>Visitor’s Center Address:</u><br />
63100 Lodgepole Rd<br />
Sequoia National Park, CA 93262<br />
<br />
<u>Driving time from:</u><br />
Los Angeles Area: 3.5 hours<br />
San Francisco Bay Area: 4 hours<br />
Phoenix: 9 hours<br />
Las Vegas: 6 hours<br />
<br />
<u>Best time to visit:</u><br />
March-October<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsj7IGBrjwuNtRxLaMnu_sW1P6M8WMgcuZMgzm4JLcpsSXUztj4f0H4Mx0x5_a0-5R0KuPAaZw6nhv1c_EdpvqwDB0PWRR1bdWxKkVCPJEvr0oAMmeztjtfEunEMtgSe1EyxlnZspJlp4/s1600/Sequoia+-+Moro+Point+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsj7IGBrjwuNtRxLaMnu_sW1P6M8WMgcuZMgzm4JLcpsSXUztj4f0H4Mx0x5_a0-5R0KuPAaZw6nhv1c_EdpvqwDB0PWRR1bdWxKkVCPJEvr0oAMmeztjtfEunEMtgSe1EyxlnZspJlp4/s640/Sequoia+-+Moro+Point+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Camping:</u><br />
Cold Springs Campground is first-come, first-serve, includes a fire pit at each site, and has access to a pit toilet. Use the bear lockers for any food items (including toothpaste). Potable water available: May 20 to October 13. $12/night.<br />
<br />
<u>Recommended Hike:</u><br />
Eagle Lake Trail (6.4 miles) can easily be one of the most gratifying hikes you will do in your lifetime. Starting out at the base of Mineral King Valley, the trail ascends a ridge that takes you up into the Sierras with beautiful vistas of the Great Western Divide. After an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet, the trail deposits you at the mouth of emerald-green Eagle Lake, a glacial paradise that is perched on top of the 10,000-foot peak you just climbed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtAebj5bWlAeHu4T3sov00EsH7ALIoc2JSp1iy9kc3B9SRsiSyV6KtABdw8XnsZlqVMGB9EOPHLYZscLVmBgjW51F16-xJ8aDgE4xmcDS-VVw7wA7GV_bt4djLGwo9HVFXFAE3ORJb7H3/s1600/Sequoia+-+Eagle+Lake+Trail+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtAebj5bWlAeHu4T3sov00EsH7ALIoc2JSp1iy9kc3B9SRsiSyV6KtABdw8XnsZlqVMGB9EOPHLYZscLVmBgjW51F16-xJ8aDgE4xmcDS-VVw7wA7GV_bt4djLGwo9HVFXFAE3ORJb7H3/s640/Sequoia+-+Eagle+Lake+Trail+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZpffyfh5fjDgY-Vspl2yR6ZoVe3y8Tdu0UyaznlhRcruRk9QWPfH18z0i64OnPLEZlzN5j_Ue-SxDTKiD4d_SnQQQchmvf-xh1jsDF4g9xH3l-zBrlcw2ykLtl-P8e04ofXy209hkU1n/s1600/Sequoia+-+Eagle+Lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZpffyfh5fjDgY-Vspl2yR6ZoVe3y8Tdu0UyaznlhRcruRk9QWPfH18z0i64OnPLEZlzN5j_Ue-SxDTKiD4d_SnQQQchmvf-xh1jsDF4g9xH3l-zBrlcw2ykLtl-P8e04ofXy209hkU1n/s640/Sequoia+-+Eagle+Lake.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eagle Lake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Points of Interest:</u><br />
General Sherman Tree, Moro Point, Grant Grove, Cedar Grove, General’s Highway<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0C_p0CdkCI9aP1lj13YbJBaOvkCfAeI5FEH3vw1rE796pmp7Zry7CWWZ8sJKVHfjgMZ4gdrLkc-GPZHb7tHs0IsctLhPp7aEV7un4omI_rlbHVD8omobTCLjYLwrg99oZ0D0h_tF2oaP/s1600/Sequoia+-+General+Sherman+Tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0C_p0CdkCI9aP1lj13YbJBaOvkCfAeI5FEH3vw1rE796pmp7Zry7CWWZ8sJKVHfjgMZ4gdrLkc-GPZHb7tHs0IsctLhPp7aEV7un4omI_rlbHVD8omobTCLjYLwrg99oZ0D0h_tF2oaP/s640/Sequoia+-+General+Sherman+Tree.JPG" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">General Sherman Tree</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBLiO2H2HKfYD3u6R9QUShMLJt-CTsdSr9-kOb5wbE3aXtMyqIyKk_2XF2BxIPR1aaAB8HtMEyt81QGkI0GvYJa5GyNERKCXogqYb33XNBP3QZ0in2mPGOY1JBHsYpKHSTiAGxCi3oORN/s1600/Sequoia+-+Moro+Point+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBLiO2H2HKfYD3u6R9QUShMLJt-CTsdSr9-kOb5wbE3aXtMyqIyKk_2XF2BxIPR1aaAB8HtMEyt81QGkI0GvYJa5GyNERKCXogqYb33XNBP3QZ0in2mPGOY1JBHsYpKHSTiAGxCi3oORN/s640/Sequoia+-+Moro+Point+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moro Peak</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nps.gov/seki">www.nps.gov/seki</a>.<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose" target="_blank">Park #5: Yosemite National Park</a></span></b></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirPB7S0AbSFQZR3_zMR3kGtBgq64qJxtmEr9QPjR-aLdDMVFR-QKIRm03KMAhMkSA5HRYTnVWK5OliizX9s41i5AEiRCmohIVGqOlKbiId7KnYD4sfbuDsGLQLJIXlPdID6KhpK63tCjq/s1600/Yosemite+Valley+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirPB7S0AbSFQZR3_zMR3kGtBgq64qJxtmEr9QPjR-aLdDMVFR-QKIRm03KMAhMkSA5HRYTnVWK5OliizX9s41i5AEiRCmohIVGqOlKbiId7KnYD4sfbuDsGLQLJIXlPdID6KhpK63tCjq/s640/Yosemite+Valley+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Overview:</u><br />
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains just east of San Francisco, Yosemite is perhaps the most iconic National Park in the world. The raw natural beauty of the park paved the way for renowned explorer John Muir to help establish Yosemite Valley and its surrounding area as the 2nd-ever US National Park in 1890. Home to sheer granite cliffs such as El Capitan and Half Dome that attract climbers and visitors from all over the globe, Yosemite also hosts several spectacular waterfalls, massive sequoia groves, and a wide array of biological diversity. The park’s legacy has engrained itself into American culture, ranging from everything from the California State Quarter to the moniker behind Apple’s latest operating system, OS X. Yosemite is easily one of the top destinations to visit on earth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeKgwzjXkcMtfCXX818QN4M_m0V2hANxSrkp-gY5n7rf1tkOtiZUuivkf1YFanDDg1EHWexcMku65DzDSCg5iHoWuA4qd5E5j8cB4ygQaI5MgZdOKy5EN9mFfCvc-rXXehD67vcXpZKmu/s1600/Yosemite+-+Tuolumne+Meadows+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeKgwzjXkcMtfCXX818QN4M_m0V2hANxSrkp-gY5n7rf1tkOtiZUuivkf1YFanDDg1EHWexcMku65DzDSCg5iHoWuA4qd5E5j8cB4ygQaI5MgZdOKy5EN9mFfCvc-rXXehD67vcXpZKmu/s640/Yosemite+-+Tuolumne+Meadows+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Visitor’s Center Address:</u><br />
Yosemite Valley Visitors Center<br />
Yosemite Valley, CA 95389<br />
<br />
<u>Driving time from:</u><br />
Los Angeles Area: 5 hours<br />
San Francisco Bay Area: 4 hours<br />
Phoenix: 10 hours<br />
Las Vegas: 5.5 hours<br />
<br />
<u>Best time to visit:</u><br />
Year-round!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahXLS6t7IoOqlaCSJyJs5MGLIWyFram_cyafjsKsKm_lrEqHWGieXjEHoLVmY7v-rJv5pZthQYoP8Y9XUGcZf-Feyf5epFEAowJ4Zq83ogCr4UUBTFWGmdvzJZQ0MiEjYRHpQEO4PGh0u/s1600/Yosemite+-+Vernal+Falls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahXLS6t7IoOqlaCSJyJs5MGLIWyFram_cyafjsKsKm_lrEqHWGieXjEHoLVmY7v-rJv5pZthQYoP8Y9XUGcZf-Feyf5epFEAowJ4Zq83ogCr4UUBTFWGmdvzJZQ0MiEjYRHpQEO4PGh0u/s640/Yosemite+-+Vernal+Falls.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vernal Falls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Camping:</u><br />
There are many places to camp in the park. The most historic place to camp would most likely be Camp 4, located near Yosemite Lodge. Listed on the National Record of Historic Places, Camp 4 is home to the world-famous Columbia Boulder and boulder problem Midnight Lightning, and is considered one of the birthplaces of modern-day rock climbing. Camp 4 has access to restrooms, running water, a bear locker, and comes with a fire pit at each site. $4/night.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camp4.htm" target="_blank">NOTE</a>: There is a 30-night camping limit within Yosemite National Park in a calendar year; however, May 1 - September 15, the camping limit in Yosemite is 14 nights, and only seven of those nights can be in Yosemite Valley or Wawona.<br />
<br />
<u>Recommended Hike:</u><br />
Although the Yosemite Falls Trail (7.2 miles) certainly is not to miss out on, I’d recommend the Mist Trail (also known as the Half Dome Hike) as the must-do in The Valley. Starting at the base of Half Dome, you can choose to venture up to Vernal Falls (3 miles roundtrip), Nevada Falls (7 miles roundtrip), or hike the cables on the backside of Half Dome to the summit (14 miles roundtrip). The best time to view the waterfalls is in the springtime when the snow melts.<br />
Both sets of falls are breathtaking, but the view off the top of Half Dome certainly takes the cake. If you are planning to hike Half Dome, you will need to secure <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm" target="_blank">permits</a> to do so in the month of March or apply for a daily permit at least two days in advance.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUis5Gs1HH_T4NVd7Xisc3ei8oEWAudUF55Rp5kvjSLXRTMkiee9XF7xa8O8afSNOWXrdQlLHk9t_rtlZSqsPvo2J0bgZ-nI57J-7pam5w2O4DRb3B1cOxqQAnQoUVfsTkP6sfn_B182Y/s1600/Yosemite+-+Vernal+Falls+%2526+Half+Dome.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUis5Gs1HH_T4NVd7Xisc3ei8oEWAudUF55Rp5kvjSLXRTMkiee9XF7xa8O8afSNOWXrdQlLHk9t_rtlZSqsPvo2J0bgZ-nI57J-7pam5w2O4DRb3B1cOxqQAnQoUVfsTkP6sfn_B182Y/s640/Yosemite+-+Vernal+Falls+%2526+Half+Dome.JPG" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vernal Falls with the backside of Half Dome in the background</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZp1LFh5QeR3zBQ9g-Lr4eOafvTKwMn1CbC11JzLL1SRVhePUPnKxDrXnhzvbnnlk0g1hYddpKGwkNXepGhOHpXIg5046N_Oa1puMSnqnL1Q6fi_1MRzRdJb6Ov2Hlnzxf4djlEAQrn8W1/s1600/Yosemite+-+Bouldering+on+the+Mist+Trail+%2528Photo+by+Matt+Chua%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZp1LFh5QeR3zBQ9g-Lr4eOafvTKwMn1CbC11JzLL1SRVhePUPnKxDrXnhzvbnnlk0g1hYddpKGwkNXepGhOHpXIg5046N_Oa1puMSnqnL1Q6fi_1MRzRdJb6Ov2Hlnzxf4djlEAQrn8W1/s640/Yosemite+-+Bouldering+on+the+Mist+Trail+%2528Photo+by+Matt+Chua%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bouldering on the Mist Trail<br />
Photo: Matt Chua</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Points of Interest:</u><br />
Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Meadow, Glacier Point, Hetch Hetchy, Tunnel View, Tuolumne Meadows, The Awahnee Hotel, Mirror Lake<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTti5ppZsebzAYj0_azUl8GMLmlsb2V56z0MaY6VrZEQ1TQ80-ixVXbPR9B86s610xfNYShXwHTfNEnXVo1dhjEbSjfzJeMlwxap_GC8pQlH6sQQmb4J14ywMydZ3cEuruBvaDqnXh_vp/s1600/Yosemite+-+Tuolumne+Meadows+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTti5ppZsebzAYj0_azUl8GMLmlsb2V56z0MaY6VrZEQ1TQ80-ixVXbPR9B86s610xfNYShXwHTfNEnXVo1dhjEbSjfzJeMlwxap_GC8pQlH6sQQmb4J14ywMydZ3cEuruBvaDqnXh_vp/s640/Yosemite+-+Tuolumne+Meadows+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tuolumne Meadows</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose">www.nps.gov/yose</a>.<br />
<br />
Special thanks to Matt Chua, Amila Cooray, Craig Martland, Lucy Naslas, Brandon Smail, Stephanie Mitana, Dan LaChapelle, Annabelle Sibué, Luseny Palacios, Kate Zhou, and Nolan Ryan for contributing to these adventures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxfhVRwBaQ_mGn0LfUPxPFRyNqm3wkEPmvyR6tWrK0gNd6KBF1ZT5ssIQH31Z6b51p0nxBa2TOisWGKKpmc6l5apdn3uU0FeIeCZYNhAvDbnKeBipApuZCJ8TTVvtHhJI8Kj_uLJvp-nc/s1600/12001096_868980929864650_5698388313682002673_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxfhVRwBaQ_mGn0LfUPxPFRyNqm3wkEPmvyR6tWrK0gNd6KBF1ZT5ssIQH31Z6b51p0nxBa2TOisWGKKpmc6l5apdn3uU0FeIeCZYNhAvDbnKeBipApuZCJ8TTVvtHhJI8Kj_uLJvp-nc/s640/12001096_868980929864650_5698388313682002673_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hopefully this guide to National Parks in the Southwest will inspire you to embark on your own journey into the amazing wilderness that we are so fortunate to have access to. If you are planning on visiting as many parks as I did, it is well worth purchasing a <a href="http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm" target="_blank">National Parks Pass</a> that will grant you admission to all National Parks for one full year. As always, stay on the trail, respect all closures and wildlife, pick up all trash (even if it isn’t yours), and leave no trace. That way, future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors for years to come.Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855335578489396499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-26185352526847129092015-03-27T11:05:00.003-07:002015-07-28T19:57:14.652-07:0010 Tips for Creating a Successful Collegiate Climbing Team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTcmQA7C_GXo-uUpMWtRe894HxkmQfpk8N5EAMNh9Rcj1JB3323XPF9vvHNz13zwogd1HHuBZ_MbeYqq_KvbkwfFZLbz4aMXKTz_qjv6o4jneFw8hoaAp02QI64UkgKf1vr9EnCNxlRNi/s1600/USAC+Collegiate+White.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTcmQA7C_GXo-uUpMWtRe894HxkmQfpk8N5EAMNh9Rcj1JB3323XPF9vvHNz13zwogd1HHuBZ_MbeYqq_KvbkwfFZLbz4aMXKTz_qjv6o4jneFw8hoaAp02QI64UkgKf1vr9EnCNxlRNi/s1600/USAC+Collegiate+White.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Around this time of year 3 years ago, I went through the most nerve-racking, exhilarating, intense, emotional roller coaster of a ride imaginable. Nope, not talking about a climbing competition. I’m talking about <i>college decisions</i>. Alright, it wasn’t actually all that bad. But at the time, waiting to hear back from the universities I’d applied to by anxiously checking my email every three minutes seemed like a pretty big deal to me.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJx-3IhkrdkYR2UwyliQr6PxlhCoW0vFkm5dfJLkKa8h4jOaYBR2ktOpf0_eYGU79R4bAV4Y-sGlawNLoQsPpiKGsocjFe4fCqaJiPKA0L-WJjpUx88m5p7ImzSi1HgId1_ZOVowKBzQf/s1600/IMG_3154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJx-3IhkrdkYR2UwyliQr6PxlhCoW0vFkm5dfJLkKa8h4jOaYBR2ktOpf0_eYGU79R4bAV4Y-sGlawNLoQsPpiKGsocjFe4fCqaJiPKA0L-WJjpUx88m5p7ImzSi1HgId1_ZOVowKBzQf/s1600/IMG_3154.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still waiting for this letter.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When selecting colleges I wanted to apply to, I focused on schools that could offer a good mixture of what I was interested in: strong academic programs, high student involvement, opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, a beautiful campus, and of course a solid climbing community. Now that I’m nearly finished with my third year at <a href="http://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank">Northeastern University</a>, I can definitely say that attending college in the heart of Boston was one of the best decisions of my life. I’ve found unique ways to incorporate these factors into my life here, all while pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, competing in as many competitions as possible, and sport climbing at Rumney in the fall.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4HpvRxeGlZp2m8MzaRDh-oOvxGhoQhR0utTynsROziiZg7Ue5V3Ogqr-nI-LhDMdL9r2l9UNl-JjZaQ-H8aK5AFVdomXhh_9Q1guLNpgF8k31tM9uhusIL9OMz_7MmZ0Rqrh_Z6J7urf/s1600/Sending+Livin'%2BAstro%2B5.14c%2Bin%2BRumney.%2BPhoto%2Bby%2BIan%2BMacLellan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4HpvRxeGlZp2m8MzaRDh-oOvxGhoQhR0utTynsROziiZg7Ue5V3Ogqr-nI-LhDMdL9r2l9UNl-JjZaQ-H8aK5AFVdomXhh_9Q1guLNpgF8k31tM9uhusIL9OMz_7MmZ0Rqrh_Z6J7urf/s1600/Sending+Livin'%2BAstro%2B5.14c%2Bin%2BRumney.%2BPhoto%2Bby%2BIan%2BMacLellan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/78497567" target="_blank">Livin' Astro 5.14c, Rumney, NH.</a> Photo: Ian MacLellan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, one of my biggest goals prior to embarking on my college career was to try to start a new climbing team to train with and compete in the <a href="http://www.usaclimbing.net/" target="_blank">USA Climbing</a> <a href="http://www.usaclimbing.net/ccs" target="_blank">Collegiate Climbing Series</a> (CCS). At the time, few climbers that had graduated out of the youth competition scene had gone to compete in CCS, and it surprised me that there was such a severe drop-off after entering college. However, I think if enough youth climbers realize the benefits of continuing to climb at the university level, the sport will grow exponentially with these climbers stepping into leadership roles at their respective schools.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbN4nXrW9sTzGNjs5g9HhbmQ0stLtIRrWWtsw4KVwdMu7kqcWLuj5xpG5n2dJh9piozcNMiRYunCfXqIgJy6SXS1rIYN2kZcuNfRyYbbAJw_tzY42hLcnqF51tJOoa0AjVsZYXZllreMQ/s1600/IMG_3157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbN4nXrW9sTzGNjs5g9HhbmQ0stLtIRrWWtsw4KVwdMu7kqcWLuj5xpG5n2dJh9piozcNMiRYunCfXqIgJy6SXS1rIYN2kZcuNfRyYbbAJw_tzY42hLcnqF51tJOoa0AjVsZYXZllreMQ/s1600/IMG_3157.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>“I personally felt really grateful to be able to continue competing once I got to college, and I would like to see more youth competitors enter into CCS and have that same experience.”</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">-Will Butcher</span></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of the three levels of team sports available in most US universities, (intramural, club, or NCAA) competitive climbing is right in the middle as a club sport since it’s more competitive than intramurals, but not yet officially recognized by the NCAA. Before I arrived at Northeastern, there was no club sports climbing team in place, but I knew there were a lot of strong climbers who might be interested in forming a team.<br />
<br />
Based on my experiences creating a climbing club in high school, I knew there would be a lot of unforeseen obstacles and pitfalls that come with the beginnings of any organization, but that it would all be worth it in the end. One of the biggest challenges right off the bat was overcoming the fact that Northeastern did not have a climbing wall on campus. On top of that, it was necessary to consider recruiting, fundraising, transportation to and from practices, catering to a wide range of abilities, eating and sleeping schedules, club hierarchy, sustainability, and balancing schoolwork and training schedules.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzl0I5NRWk2BuFLWWvoYl6KutI_EFRoqo4_4JpkAyBIBp7tf6Fnw-tksfBUSpm1k2vdyOqZNY3D0PuD_uZUk_Hdc8epTC4fVmifYoBaN32Mrh0nQlIqmoc6gJGq0ldC0VXMqYdLKjtSFE-/s1600/415104_337043076342619_1614289185_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzl0I5NRWk2BuFLWWvoYl6KutI_EFRoqo4_4JpkAyBIBp7tf6Fnw-tksfBUSpm1k2vdyOqZNY3D0PuD_uZUk_Hdc8epTC4fVmifYoBaN32Mrh0nQlIqmoc6gJGq0ldC0VXMqYdLKjtSFE-/s1600/415104_337043076342619_1614289185_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fremont High School Bouldering Club at the 2011 Planet Granite Bloc Party Championships</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Juggling all of these questions, myself and a couple other motivated climbers put together a proposal to Northeastern Club Sports and founded the Northeastern Climbing Team in the spring of 2014. We hosted tryouts and worked out a training schedule for a 12-person team at Central Rock Watertown. After a couple months of intense training, we won the New England Regional Championships and traveled to Florida to compete at the National Championships.<br />
<br />
The competition itself was a blast; we got to compete in all three disciplines in qualifiers, meet a bunch of other climbers going to college all over the country, hang out on the beach, and even see a SpaceX launch off Cape Canaveral. When all was said and done, Northeastern placed 2nd! It felt great to see our hard work pay off with success, but the biggest takeaway was that it was the first time I’d ever really felt I was part of a real <i>team</i> since we all lived in the same place, trained and studied together, and encouraged one another in every aspect of our lives.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgya7HSMFVKWAVdlQBjnX1Ju2N5gK9DQlNiP0VaazhWqDXJcsRo_Xp03ktInhKW3TgTxynETWGxvjZgJV5Un4zMQpxxezXipGlHhzm47IcatV5rBVSZeL8YkobC8xeIcQx-FQf4DS715J6T/s1600/10292528_428212710656071_7460885252747382235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgya7HSMFVKWAVdlQBjnX1Ju2N5gK9DQlNiP0VaazhWqDXJcsRo_Xp03ktInhKW3TgTxynETWGxvjZgJV5Un4zMQpxxezXipGlHhzm47IcatV5rBVSZeL8YkobC8xeIcQx-FQf4DS715J6T/s1600/10292528_428212710656071_7460885252747382235_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Northeastern Climbing team on the beach in Melbourne, Florida</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After seeing what a positive effect creating a team had on my teammates, <a href="http://www.northeastern.edu/news/2014/10/northeastern-climbing-team" target="_blank">our student body</a>, and myself, I realized that the community I’d helped develop was of far greater value than my own personal career. That being said, the process of getting the team off the ground and functioning was extremely challenging to say the least, and if I didn’t have the support of other friends and team members I have no doubt the club would have failed.<br />
<br />
The Northeastern Climbing Team is just one of dozens of college teams across the country. In order to understand how other clubs with different approaches in organization function successfully, I reached out to some of the other top climbers at Collegiate Nationals and asked them to share experiences on creating a team as well as any advice they had for the process in general. Here are the athletes and the top 10 tips they came up with:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghpHxcp7m5X8-USXPfULBaCdJf7PrYkUzwrRURl9ZzQm3qC06J2iFmnLFeCrQTUaUSD2OqTOAm2RDkDBfS7e0E5dGonbNy5_c2VNgNQ_042zS5s1IASNuLBWOqunWENiRz2Hj85y8MAgu/s1600/IMG_3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghpHxcp7m5X8-USXPfULBaCdJf7PrYkUzwrRURl9ZzQm3qC06J2iFmnLFeCrQTUaUSD2OqTOAm2RDkDBfS7e0E5dGonbNy5_c2VNgNQ_042zS5s1IASNuLBWOqunWENiRz2Hj85y8MAgu/s1600/IMG_3110.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Will Butcher</span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">UT Austin '14</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Team National Champions, 2014 CCS Nationals</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">National Champion in Sport Climbing, 2014 CCS Nationals</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Sapna Desai</span></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIEehZOUnycNSdyiQWHhsMAib90fK11vZYPbggvzGx5wOJ-_sKHaSwZTlkeK_kO4Jzeyn6f_XBZysrL2K9ak_Q6lWVg94GchwX1kofwj6nt5UgCNCWC4s6nLYDgdFQhEB3Q0qP4mTY8x_/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIEehZOUnycNSdyiQWHhsMAib90fK11vZYPbggvzGx5wOJ-_sKHaSwZTlkeK_kO4Jzeyn6f_XBZysrL2K9ak_Q6lWVg94GchwX1kofwj6nt5UgCNCWC4s6nLYDgdFQhEB3Q0qP4mTY8x_/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Danny Aleksovski</span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">UT Austin '14</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Team National Champions, 2014 CCS Nationals</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4th Place in Bouldering, 2014 CCS Nationals</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Cole Alcock</span></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhdfUuYymGGmuE8ruyhovGT3yOvfB0OSj5r0ruRTgnf8R7LLhmsXHkal803-hacQuaqBSH87zjVfiHSon9A0xrZxY4llTSFWw24mzqY_CIDZSj5NAbfryQUrzlFkPobyVrrfXYNbBZ3Gy/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhdfUuYymGGmuE8ruyhovGT3yOvfB0OSj5r0ruRTgnf8R7LLhmsXHkal803-hacQuaqBSH87zjVfiHSon9A0xrZxY4llTSFWw24mzqY_CIDZSj5NAbfryQUrzlFkPobyVrrfXYNbBZ3Gy/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Julian Barker</b><br />
West Point '16<br />
Finalist in Bouldering, 2014 CCS Nationals</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Cole Alcock</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49kiQwR5Vi2QAFbiWYNQeJeua_1UF0NG0NV_KzuvpGMr1rO_rGcjndAOY31AHVn_nGL7ynvvfxGGRjCfshcnF48Me-66r2aqZ3q4dJAp8JiE2QD9Y2uwBc10cnU_hdONlDffRZLYV-LHp/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49kiQwR5Vi2QAFbiWYNQeJeua_1UF0NG0NV_KzuvpGMr1rO_rGcjndAOY31AHVn_nGL7ynvvfxGGRjCfshcnF48Me-66r2aqZ3q4dJAp8JiE2QD9Y2uwBc10cnU_hdONlDffRZLYV-LHp/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Evan Goldfinger</b><br />
Northeastern University '18<br />
2nd Place Team, 2014 CCS Nationals<br />
Finalist in Speed Climbing, 2014 CCS Nationals</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Valery Notaro</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o_kh1YgaFK-1-UhVbRjMSQhyw_JEfvJkbw0ohk0DSh1FFzo_Fj_5AqH5Dk6Ik9TDGhRVj2qefYGKxlECoOuQc-ajwUzBKrgeKE0t65lvFrsJ_MZuXctN7P740cwU4wUkjknz2X_sqJFw/s1600/IMG_3100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o_kh1YgaFK-1-UhVbRjMSQhyw_JEfvJkbw0ohk0DSh1FFzo_Fj_5AqH5Dk6Ik9TDGhRVj2qefYGKxlECoOuQc-ajwUzBKrgeKE0t65lvFrsJ_MZuXctN7P740cwU4wUkjknz2X_sqJFw/s1600/IMG_3100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Francesca Metcalf</b><br />
Georgia Tech '15<br />
National Champion in Bouldering, 2014 CCS Nationals</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Cole Alcock</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuEJ09cFWEA_PvPWiJQEUR_dIDR5SlPARllME7kLsG6Dp6tCspferWAmEc-BRTQANIMkarHrupr-3qVYvJT3Yt3oAd-ATqfEm5JRi1Fn8w-cUIipVh8o67cN1UchH_QqBXNZnEV2VFfF2/s1600/IMG_3105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuEJ09cFWEA_PvPWiJQEUR_dIDR5SlPARllME7kLsG6Dp6tCspferWAmEc-BRTQANIMkarHrupr-3qVYvJT3Yt3oAd-ATqfEm5JRi1Fn8w-cUIipVh8o67cN1UchH_QqBXNZnEV2VFfF2/s1600/IMG_3105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Andy Lamb</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Stanford University '16</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">National Champion in Bouldering, 2014 CCS Nationals</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Cole Alcock</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuCcdzXXHftY2vxB6D2LxEA2Fk_K0PTT231mvpnS4Ks_sXrX9qS_NnRq6Pm-PbREiVgGKbvFCDKN-51TJpDYtzt6m0-TogSMm-aZgdqf8X17dOaeLaMI1tUT5Z4bOeTopbY_zox_iQ1QM/s1600/IMG_3153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuCcdzXXHftY2vxB6D2LxEA2Fk_K0PTT231mvpnS4Ks_sXrX9qS_NnRq6Pm-PbREiVgGKbvFCDKN-51TJpDYtzt6m0-TogSMm-aZgdqf8X17dOaeLaMI1tUT5Z4bOeTopbY_zox_iQ1QM/s1600/IMG_3153.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Owen Graham</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Colorado State University '14</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">3rd Place Team, 2014 CCS Nationals</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2nd Place in Sport Climbing, 2014 CCS Nationals</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Cole Alcock</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">1) Recruit early with freshmen, club fairs, & tryouts:</span></b><br />
<br />
“Recruiting freshmen has been easiest, because when they arrive on campus they want to join an organization and get involved in something right away. Finding strong climbers is more difficult, but as the team starts to get more mature and more competitive, we have more interest from strong climbers and we can be more selective in admitting people to the team.”<br />
<b>-Will</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> “We found that hosting a tryout got people really psyched and motivated but it requires already having a decent amount of interest. Getting the word out at student organization fairs helped a lot for that.”<br />
<b>-Danny</b><br />
<br />
“People aren't necessarily drawn to a page on a bulletin board that says, "Come join the team, it's fun!" They’re much more drawn to actual events. Something like a sort of tryout for the team, or a competition hosted in the campus wall if there is a wall is great to start.”<br />
<b>-Julian</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlIvjGtwX-160qsP3VsUX7KsFVgwW4rvRQwYTmv-KqzIbw4_xDolfR7MUWneZahwBZ4sQMEOMmOZG2R3Ho0NBp6RuJs5wcjwQLcU6SF23lpMfgIypDsW400sxOShyDB_mgXfPigF1wdkD/s1600/10434348_499012940242714_9109111420713718261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlIvjGtwX-160qsP3VsUX7KsFVgwW4rvRQwYTmv-KqzIbw4_xDolfR7MUWneZahwBZ4sQMEOMmOZG2R3Ho0NBp6RuJs5wcjwQLcU6SF23lpMfgIypDsW400sxOShyDB_mgXfPigF1wdkD/s1600/10434348_499012940242714_9109111420713718261_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Northeastern Climbing Team's booth at the 2014 Club Sports Fair</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">2) Work with your university to organize your club’s structure:</span></b><br />
<br />
“I feel like starting the team went very smoothly for us. The biggest help was approaching club sports with <a href="http://usaclimbing.net/ccs/CCS%20Climbing%20Team%20Proposal%20Template.pdf" target="_blank">an organized proposal</a> and budget and explaining to them rock climbing as a whole, collegiate climbing, and the path of where competition climbing is going.”<br />
<b>-Evan</b><br />
<br />
“We try to maintain a good relationship with the university. We became a sponsored sport club three years ago and now get a small amount of funding, advice on running our club, and get to represent the university. The director of the outdoor center at UT has also been a really big supporter of the team and has been our club's faculty advisor since we started. He also sets up cool events like Reel Rock screenings and athlete visits to campus.”<br />
<b>-Will</b><br />
<br />
“As we started to try to expand the club, the first thing we realized is that people don't want what you would expect. Not all climbers want to go outside, some don't want to compete or train, some hate bouldering, some just want to hang out indoors with friends. Balancing this is a challenge, but you really just have to be flexible and open to new ideas and don't make the purpose of your club too well defined (i.e. “this club is for people who want to compete and nothing else”).”<br />
<b>-Francesca</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0LMS0E-zMsVi4b9mn5hkq35KuCcTGHOfbpS6D4wshJP63zrifky5lT0-UKlwDHYo78VV8zEbagBvnVSVhMPMHZRPOMy_ghRjw9ZuOk08uB3S2HhlAQe2gaSxBvlDk5QFUHf0ChNkGFh-/s1600/10494727_514559815354693_8893807671702045805_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0LMS0E-zMsVi4b9mn5hkq35KuCcTGHOfbpS6D4wshJP63zrifky5lT0-UKlwDHYo78VV8zEbagBvnVSVhMPMHZRPOMy_ghRjw9ZuOk08uB3S2HhlAQe2gaSxBvlDk5QFUHf0ChNkGFh-/s1600/10494727_514559815354693_8893807671702045805_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 1 of Northeastern Climbing Team tryouts</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">3) Know your audience to retain student involvement:</span></b><br />
<br />
“We always get a lot of people interested in the club at the beginning of the year, but participation tends to drop off really rapidly. It's a problem we're still trying to solve, but the main solution we've found is to get the new people involved immediately.”<br />
<b>-Francesca</b><br />
<br />
“For me one of the biggest challenges is finding the right level of intensity. We only got started last year, and have never had tryouts. I guess the main reason is we didn't want to scare people away, especially before we actually had anyone committed to the team, and because we have a reasonably big gym on campus space wasn't too much of an issue.”<br />
<b>-Andy</b><br />
<br />
“A huge step for us was knowing a lot of the school's climbing community already. We only started a month before nationals so getting immediate interest in the team was crucial.”<br />
<b>-Evan</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq3LWRL7_HeGqd5v83n2QDfYQ9k3WthHlkaxsUoF6VvyStR_vrn3xjTODfSt01rBb6cH473-Ps7tGff1zNQZwaZHEdDQ4iMiy9o5FZCEMJ8zuERuJ6gjR6Kq8plZ7hcrHs7Ta1XwRG2Gx/s1600/IMG_3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq3LWRL7_HeGqd5v83n2QDfYQ9k3WthHlkaxsUoF6VvyStR_vrn3xjTODfSt01rBb6cH473-Ps7tGff1zNQZwaZHEdDQ4iMiy9o5FZCEMJ8zuERuJ6gjR6Kq8plZ7hcrHs7Ta1XwRG2Gx/s1600/IMG_3156.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stanford Climbing Club social event on campus</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">4) Designate a solid leader or coach:</span></b><br />
<br />
“Having a respectable coach and flexible practice times seems to be very important in college. Students are really busy so we host practices five days a week and have a minimum requirement for attendance.”<br />
<b>-Danny</b><br />
<br />
“We have been really lucky to have [Collegiate Climbing Series Founder] John Myrick as our coach. Having a dedicated coach provides structure and cohesion and helps motivate people. A coach provides training instruction and people will listen to a coach more than they will to a peer. Having a coach who will stay with the team for several years is also really beneficial as it provides continuity for the club over time.”<br />
<b>-Will</b><br />
<br />
“Once you have a solid group of people, you can work on things like recognition and funding by your school, and trying to find a "coach". This person can be a climbing instructor, or a teacher who likes to climb, or just someone who's interested in being an adult sponsor for the team. This can make logistics easier, especially for something like Nationals, where it's expensive to rent a car if you're under 21.”<br />
<b>-Julian</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_7DCfjQAI37OXX_I7bcg65LOrcMVKyqYK7CRA9f6VR62l59sA-i9JavYTbxcvEmms3HYNtfNnzxBgdEqdK51xLISyZuehVJPK7wwolhf8WPeBBQhFUf3THfpOtF8jNADYCAtd97S-YxU/s1600/IMG_3155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_7DCfjQAI37OXX_I7bcg65LOrcMVKyqYK7CRA9f6VR62l59sA-i9JavYTbxcvEmms3HYNtfNnzxBgdEqdK51xLISyZuehVJPK7wwolhf8WPeBBQhFUf3THfpOtF8jNADYCAtd97S-YxU/s1600/IMG_3155.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Coach John Myrick (front left) leading UT Austin to a 3rd-straight National Championship and tower-lighting ceremony</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">5) Find a place to train either on or off campus:</span></b><br />
<br />
“Having a climbing wall on campus was also a crucial aspect in the formation of the team, although we don't use the wall often because it is way too small for our team (we go off campus to climb at gyms in Austin). The wall on campus created a community of climbers for the club to start from and ensure that there was already a close group of climbers to build a team around and help us attract new members. Everyone walks by the wall during their first week at UT and tons of people ask about the team when they see our banners in the gym.<br />
<b>-Will</b><br />
<br />
“We soon realized that the rec center could not hold the number of climbers and it really was not challenging enough. We decided to move to a local gym where we worked a deal to let the team members in for $5 during practice time.”<br />
<b>-Owen</b><br />
<br />
“In terms of actually running the team, I think that flexibility and structure are imperative. Having one or two days a week of mandatory practices, and then one or two more that are optional worked well.”<br />
<b>-Julian</b><br />
<br />
“I've noticed having a wall on campus is a blessing and a curse: it's great to have practices be so easy to get to and not cost us money, but I think it prevents people from going to a real gym, which really limits their climbing.”<br />
<b>-Andy</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvRlsU3x1dLrUebYE3GXB_3rlY4mHWhbisQpHe8gByAq2At4SRZlaxB-vP92OupXD4q8XBRBUtltXhevjhyphenhyphenpz4uiwO4D64V4kK93r-PxL-qioURl2eqTtcpq-Ln42YtccLpEMnGU5Tbkt/s1600/IMG_3160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvRlsU3x1dLrUebYE3GXB_3rlY4mHWhbisQpHe8gByAq2At4SRZlaxB-vP92OupXD4q8XBRBUtltXhevjhyphenhyphenpz4uiwO4D64V4kK93r-PxL-qioURl2eqTtcpq-Ln42YtccLpEMnGU5Tbkt/s1600/IMG_3160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Georgia Tech Climbing Club hosting a climbing competition on campus</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">6) Be creative with fundraising:</span></b><br />
<br />
“Funding has actually gone pretty well for us. We're basically treated as a normal student group, so we need to make a budget and request the money. We're supposed to do "stewardship" hours for our funding, which is pretty easy work: writing postcards to alums, staffing Admit Weekend, taking pictures of the team practicing, etc. We also made some money staffing events at the climbing wall, which isn't too bad and pays well.”<br />
<b>-Andy </b><br />
<br />
“As for making it an official university club, we made it a student organization after jumping through a few hoops, but we have got no funding. Large public universities are usually reluctant to pay out in the first few years. Smaller colleges have had better success with this. Our personal funding comes through annual student dues.”<br />
<b>-Owen</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRmIzgbIvZAq1830GVcfc5hEBOKSdzVAtyyfYT6aBAvf-DBSrWyEKeXM_UX8LhtMbILnbmXPU3XINGV5rpEqd6vHwpErTTl420Fgg_jGlH2VX72F2eqfmTFCaRMr7OKhzK_EAYCTw_BnE/s1600/IMG_3158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRmIzgbIvZAq1830GVcfc5hEBOKSdzVAtyyfYT6aBAvf-DBSrWyEKeXM_UX8LhtMbILnbmXPU3XINGV5rpEqd6vHwpErTTl420Fgg_jGlH2VX72F2eqfmTFCaRMr7OKhzK_EAYCTw_BnE/s1600/IMG_3158.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colorado State University team photo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">7) Plan transportation in advance:</span></b><br />
<br />
“A definite recommendation is to start planning as far back as you can. As a team in the northeast, finding cheaper flights to nationals, especially on a college student budget, allows people to plan their expenses which hopefully leads to the whole team being able to go.”<br />
<b>-Evan</b><br />
<br />
“If you want to attend nationals, you will make it happen. That was always my goal. We got to Nationals after a 30-hour drive in a 15-passenger van. It was not pretty, but we would not take it back for a second.”<br />
<b>-Owen</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFcvvRhzOB8RdEDxqOgazR1Yn9ieBfLTbps-O5bl8Wtyh4E-tb8seJJgtMXZ64nfTNhSLyvxbULTyQ9TNujThdWCY5j1ob33nzpLd-5NOZHh2BUkxLgxnWNnF2MWfYFPg-HK50JX0sBoI/s1600/10314028_440905596053449_3238039032893282495_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFcvvRhzOB8RdEDxqOgazR1Yn9ieBfLTbps-O5bl8Wtyh4E-tb8seJJgtMXZ64nfTNhSLyvxbULTyQ9TNujThdWCY5j1ob33nzpLd-5NOZHh2BUkxLgxnWNnF2MWfYFPg-HK50JX0sBoI/s1600/10314028_440905596053449_3238039032893282495_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Northeastern Climbing Team's van at Rumney</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">8) Delegate out club responsibilities to ensure sustainability:</span></b><br />
<br />
“Our club has nine officers who manage all club activities, plan competitions and volunteer events, collect dues, organize fundraisers, and do everything related to running the club. Having leadership roles on the team helps maintain structure and keeps a core group very involved in club activities, and they act as role models for the team. It gives officers good leadership experience and makes their time on the team more valuable.”<br />
<b>-Will</b><br />
<br />
“I really have been working on is building the club to last. I have recruited new coaches to take over as I graduate this year. We also have built a reputation and name. Those things go far, because it is easy to start, but tough to keep alive.”<br />
<b>-Owen</b><br />
<br />
“Some form of leadership over the team, like a captain, could be helpful. This person serves as a mentor for the rest of the team, someone other people on the team can talk to. He/she also tries to keep attendance at practices as high as he can, and acts as a liaison for planning between the team and the school, or the school and USA Climbing, and would deal with a lot of the funding issues and planning for trips. Assigning people jobs or roles on the team gives people a sense of responsibility and worth, and can make the captain's job easier as well.”<br />
<b>-Julian</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8DLVvJ3oFUWTlYOKmcwVRHZlAPsAQAoRSnKkluEEHfJvzGsms95R2X8O37kO2xUCJ6bElNUMTbrqBTExHTDdTTWwUvYCYcOg9Ux3Hp4wMPYPCydzg-HvEIkjLPxA2xQQ33UymQC-WxJ_/s1600/IMG_3109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8DLVvJ3oFUWTlYOKmcwVRHZlAPsAQAoRSnKkluEEHfJvzGsms95R2X8O37kO2xUCJ6bElNUMTbrqBTExHTDdTTWwUvYCYcOg9Ux3Hp4wMPYPCydzg-HvEIkjLPxA2xQQ33UymQC-WxJ_/s1600/IMG_3109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">UT Austin winning the 2013 CCS National Championships</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">9) Climb outdoors:</span></b><br />
<br />
“We also made sure to do a few outdoor trips during the beginning of the semester when people aren't as busy or still aren't sure if they want to join the club. It makes them feel included and like they already have a group of friends they can climb with.”<br />
<b>-Francesca</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDM_MKQq5NxfalQiexQI1UmyZijK7zysM2dCJ-VbT1CrQdxrTdqosMbG6pQczRA0_StojOW7K91g9ky14kLI4c4sLtHPlcLj-T94SwGevRXvZ0xHLi4hgt0Rpj3FR56wNtHhbeR_RrN2a-/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDM_MKQq5NxfalQiexQI1UmyZijK7zysM2dCJ-VbT1CrQdxrTdqosMbG6pQczRA0_StojOW7K91g9ky14kLI4c4sLtHPlcLj-T94SwGevRXvZ0xHLi4hgt0Rpj3FR56wNtHhbeR_RrN2a-/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Andy Lamb on the final move of <i>Roses & Bluejays</i> (V13), Great Barrington, Massachusetts</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">10) Build a strong community:</span></b><br />
<br />
“Our team is extremely diverse, from beginners to climbers that have been in it for over 10 years. We also have every type of climber from boulderers to alpinists. You just have to embrace this as everybody can look to improve and find a community. The main goal of the team has always been to get climbers together and build a college community around it.”<br />
<b>-Owen</b><br />
<br />
“One of the things my team does really well is that we're super tight knit. My team is far and away my closest group of friends, and we go out together, climb outside, party, play frisbee and volleyball, pretty much anything. That's definitely something that keeps the team running.”<br />
<b>-Julian</b><br />
<br />
“Keeping people psyched is really important. We try to climb outdoors whenever we can. We try to make competing fun. There is tight knit community of climbers and we hang out, have parties, and have a banquet at the end of the year.”<br />
<b>-Will</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nQToXe_PIpF-ZDQhmVhjBI6GZFNxAuE9Xz6lDbK7uf5ei2CC29grMfiHnzFtraOHjpoF1bSiNllYCDfuL0JT4QUgDkYgHr5Y3A7X1xRrS7dqpXitlzlPzIyTLk3c86-8onv-BvAhKOet/s1600/10264440_438403012970374_7404620070735742130_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nQToXe_PIpF-ZDQhmVhjBI6GZFNxAuE9Xz6lDbK7uf5ei2CC29grMfiHnzFtraOHjpoF1bSiNllYCDfuL0JT4QUgDkYgHr5Y3A7X1xRrS7dqpXitlzlPzIyTLk3c86-8onv-BvAhKOet/s1600/10264440_438403012970374_7404620070735742130_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Northeastern Climbing Team's 2014 Banquet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hopefully these tips will serve as valuable guidelines for anyone looking to start up their own collegiate climbing team. One other idea that has proved helpful in the past was to reach out to other club sport teams similar to climbing such as swimming, biking, or triathlon to see what advice they have. This <a href="https://play.usaultimate.org/assets/1/7/USA0061_CollegeManual2011_FinalArtpdf.pdf" target="_blank">college development kit</a> by USA Ultimate is an excellent resource that offers general recommendations for club startups of any sport. In addition, you can check out <a href="http://usaclimbing.net/ccs/CCS%20Climbing%20Team%20Proposal%20Template.pdf" target="_blank">USA Climbing’s club sports proposal template here</a>.<br />
<br />
The future potential for climbing teams at the collegiate level is huge. If the sport grows enough, climbing has the possibility to become an NCAA sport, which would revolutionize the competition scene at every level. Competitive climbers graduating the youth circuit would be recruited at the National Championships by the top universities in the country with athletic scholarships, and would have access to some of the best athletic and academic facilities in the world.<br />
<br />
This in turn would promote pursuing academic career paths in addition to a passion for climbing, as I believe climbers are some of the brightest and innovative athletes of any sport. If you think about it, climbing itself teaches independence, problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration to achieve goals. We have the skills necessary to approach a formidable project in any field, analyze it quickly, develop potential solutions, and execute with confidence. If these talents are put to good use, we have the ability to tackle the world’s most difficult challenges.<br />
<br />
If you have any additional questions, please contact <a href="mailto:ccs@usaclimbing.org" target="">ccs@usaclimbing.org</a> or visit <a href="http://www.usaclimbing.net/ccs" target="_blank">www.usaclimbing.net/ccs</a> for more information.Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855335578489396499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-79293229230982715772015-03-09T23:23:00.002-07:002015-03-09T23:32:39.467-07:003Q's for Alex Johnson & TNF Young Gun Winner Grace McKeehan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90tb8a3jcF1F23Js_hgA7ipvH2-J31riRxhpRluzZltDbM6VKy3IoKvIPghPXFA44WIVftsp8rLrfEqsPgleQetZ3dSZkScyCd_-WdmjRWPVIbxoY_cZDdj3KwiHr7WtNV918SAn_vSy4/s1600/TNF.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90tb8a3jcF1F23Js_hgA7ipvH2-J31riRxhpRluzZltDbM6VKy3IoKvIPghPXFA44WIVftsp8rLrfEqsPgleQetZ3dSZkScyCd_-WdmjRWPVIbxoY_cZDdj3KwiHr7WtNV918SAn_vSy4/s1600/TNF.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.thenorthface.com/" target="_blank">The North Face</a> Young Gun Award was created to recognize up-and-coming climbers who truly represent the values of the climbing community. In addition to recognizing an individual’s outstanding competitive climbing achievements, this award honors their commitment to the sport and exemplary sportsmanlike conduct.<br />
<br />
For the past two years, <a href="http://neverstopexploring.com/athletes/alex-johnson/" target="_blank">North Face athlete Alex Johnson</a> has traveled to the USA Climbing Youth National Championships to present the prestigious award to the next generation of athletes. You may know Alex best for her multiple Bouldering World Cup gold medals or V12 outdoor ascents, but before that, Alex made a name for herself on the youth circuit. She’s won multiple National and Continental Championships in sport climbing as well as two medals in speed climbing at the Youth World Championships.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCs-ek2ffdPQ9Qe6fZBv8VDH35Q8gLAiJbkHsDvVU8ChJPj7g610k9c_0i18_lhWo8HKca4cp1CreEKm3tXLy4G5xpwgIfPAlK58VQpFnyWTuqhBpN0TxjA-LUhpTAS2T0GEHyMeV-JruT/s1600/TNF+Young+Gun+Finalists+:+Photo+courtesy+of+Alex+Johnson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCs-ek2ffdPQ9Qe6fZBv8VDH35Q8gLAiJbkHsDvVU8ChJPj7g610k9c_0i18_lhWo8HKca4cp1CreEKm3tXLy4G5xpwgIfPAlK58VQpFnyWTuqhBpN0TxjA-LUhpTAS2T0GEHyMeV-JruT/s1600/TNF+Young+Gun+Finalists+:+Photo+courtesy+of+Alex+Johnson.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2015 The North Face Young Gun Finalists<br />
Left to right: Grace McKeehan, Kai Lightner, Clay Gordon, Hannah Donnelly, & Jesse Grupper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This year’s TNF Young Gun Award went to standout Grace McKeehan, who established herself on the competition scene this past year by being the only athlete to qualify for the US Open National Team in bouldering, sport climbing, and speed climbing. She’s made the US Youth National Team 10 total times and trains on Team Texas with world-renowned coaches Kyle Clinkscales and Kim Puccio. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs8C6di9Njhz04WckUy3gtkYt90NfG4cjaUGcYpouUQvVXXPLXkdxw3C3vMM-1UYGdahFti7Lg4X-pZ1zktPgboY_9h3l6MhhMck9Rhn0-T_sVUnsZ1PQ0TVyGBmn1IRMSogKePFu-QwP/s1600/Grace+in+Semifinals+at+ABS+Open+Nationals+:+Photo+by+Kyle+Struthers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs8C6di9Njhz04WckUy3gtkYt90NfG4cjaUGcYpouUQvVXXPLXkdxw3C3vMM-1UYGdahFti7Lg4X-pZ1zktPgboY_9h3l6MhhMck9Rhn0-T_sVUnsZ1PQ0TVyGBmn1IRMSogKePFu-QwP/s1600/Grace+in+Semifinals+at+ABS+Open+Nationals+:+Photo+by+Kyle+Struthers.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Grace in semifinals at ABS16 Open Nationals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Earlier this week, I was able to catch up with both athletes and get their take on the Young Gun Award from each of their unique perspectives.<br />
<br />
1) Grace: Congratulations on winning the TNF Young Gun Award! How did it feel to be selected? What does this award mean to you?<br />
<br />
<b>GM</b>: I can think of at least 10 other people deserving of this award, so I am so honored to be a North Face Young Gun alongside some of the best youth climbers USA Climbing has ever had. It means a lot to me to be looked at as a leader in a sport I am so passionate about. Even if just one kid got psyched to rock climb because of me, I would be happy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f59fLTGs3RQmNCY-CdgFV7MrJu5r6DOleHuG7x0Ixq_fyoMfxu4Mz52M7JFz369Uuf2w5pttoQ6Qwp_qakygQA_X6a5hhZ_M2BpOOioSbX_gbOGDJGSniamVB_9l3UuJtd5JCfgIp3Nz/s1600/Grace+in+Finals+at+ABS+Open+Nationals+:+Photo+by+Robyn+Ragins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f59fLTGs3RQmNCY-CdgFV7MrJu5r6DOleHuG7x0Ixq_fyoMfxu4Mz52M7JFz369Uuf2w5pttoQ6Qwp_qakygQA_X6a5hhZ_M2BpOOioSbX_gbOGDJGSniamVB_9l3UuJtd5JCfgIp3Nz/s1600/Grace+in+Finals+at+ABS+Open+Nationals+:+Photo+by+Robyn+Ragins.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace in finals at ABS16 Open Nationals<br />
Photo: Robyn Ragins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1) Alex: This year's Young Gun finalists featured some outstanding young athletes such as Kai Lightner, Clay Gordon, Jesse Grupper, and Hannah Donnelly. What made Grace stand out to you when choosing her for the award?<br />
<br />
<b>AJ</b>: This was probably the most outstanding Rookie Team we've had so far. Being selected in itself is a huge recognition, and being chosen as the Young Gun Award recipient is the highest honor. With so many applications of awesome kids, it's always a difficult process trying to narrow it down to five, but Grace was a unanimous choice immediately. We all cast our votes for the Rookie Team and Grace was on every single one of our ballots. Knowing Grace a little personally, what makes her stand out is her constant smile, positivity, and amazing sportsmanship.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyrCr2PdQBDxTSk_bv1jLXFKzL932HWvcH4E5F9ztm6PgTO-hF1Wvz3xY1UxtlObdoNCSnVpcQyBTT3kZC6exkLU5fngVmHzO1RtMasukILVAsbfIPZPB6m_mLZ1JYYgsl1_xPe8UPA-X/s1600/Photo+by+Molly+McKeehan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyrCr2PdQBDxTSk_bv1jLXFKzL932HWvcH4E5F9ztm6PgTO-hF1Wvz3xY1UxtlObdoNCSnVpcQyBTT3kZC6exkLU5fngVmHzO1RtMasukILVAsbfIPZPB6m_mLZ1JYYgsl1_xPe8UPA-X/s1600/Photo+by+Molly+McKeehan.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Molly McKeehan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2) Grace: You've made a name for yourself over the past year with some spectacular performances in all three competition disciplines. What motivates you to compete in different events rather than focusing on just one discipline?<br />
<br />
<b>GM</b>: I have always liked all three disciplines and so I am just psyched about whichever discipline is in season. My motivation comes from my teammates and other gym members most of the time. Training speed with people like John Brosler and Michael Retoff is really fun, and I love it when my coaches decide to climb with us at practice. I also love watching world cups. Since I watch the world cups, I am exposed to all three disciplines and it’s cool seeing people like Mina Marcovič and Adam Ondra being able to hold their own in more than one discipline. Basically, if someone tells me I get to rock climb, I'm psyched.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgk_mdeQnL14b0QpbpKjk2X4AHs2dE1B-bmEiadct5u4XtFZud6PIhsDTHljXHqj19PrUdQIDc4e-gVn0OtxFTxaLm1i3A4CwQF1xevEumoBFxX1r3_KADJNx8Q34z6Wn-z0rr6dEs-bG1/s1600/Grace+in+Semifinals+at+ABS+Open+Nationals+:+Photo+by+Lori+Buhrfeind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgk_mdeQnL14b0QpbpKjk2X4AHs2dE1B-bmEiadct5u4XtFZud6PIhsDTHljXHqj19PrUdQIDc4e-gVn0OtxFTxaLm1i3A4CwQF1xevEumoBFxX1r3_KADJNx8Q34z6Wn-z0rr6dEs-bG1/s1600/Grace+in+Semifinals+at+ABS+Open+Nationals+:+Photo+by+Lori+Buhrfeind.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace in semifinals at ABS16 Nationals<br />
Photo: Lori Buhrfeind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2) Alex: You've been in this sport a long time. Since your first days competing in the JCCA (predecessor to USA Climbing), you've seen climbing undergo many major transformations. What's been the most noticeable change from a competitor's point of view?<br />
<br />
<b>AJ</b>: The biggest change I've seen personally with USA Climbing is its steps towards professionalism. Having Louder Than Eleven broadcast ABS Nationals live and do such a legitimate job is huge for the sport, and it’s getting eyeballs on the competition from all over the world. We're also hosting the event in huge venues, and not dusty, chalky climbing gyms.<br />
<br />
3) Grace: Where do you see yourself five years from now? Ten years from now?<br />
<br />
<b>GM</b>: In five years I see myself in college and pursing a degree in a scientific or medical field. I also plan to continue competing and I hope I will have the opportunity to compete in more world cups. In ten years, I hope that I will be able to balance both climbing and my career. I plan to keep competing as long as I can and also begin to put more effort into outdoor climbing. Climbers like Juliane Wurm and Charlotte Durif are super inspiring because they are pursing such rigorous careers, yet still compete at the top of their fields.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1XrDuJycSb5ZJHILAOsfpHAG9cf1woIbmzMf8RcugGz-oiOrNsn4GKPFSa3ghNmSb0ySyX-jLMdQuo5LSZJ3bA5NDlHKkcc07FzBV1BNdosYPVm0fyePnd56YV5XGy9L4yN5gzmklnmA/s1600/Photo+courtesy+of+Josh+Levin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1XrDuJycSb5ZJHILAOsfpHAG9cf1woIbmzMf8RcugGz-oiOrNsn4GKPFSa3ghNmSb0ySyX-jLMdQuo5LSZJ3bA5NDlHKkcc07FzBV1BNdosYPVm0fyePnd56YV5XGy9L4yN5gzmklnmA/s1600/Photo+courtesy+of+Josh+Levin.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
3) Alex: Where do you see climbing in five years? Ten years? Do you see yourself still playing a major role in developing the sport?<br />
<br />
<b>AJ</b>: Climbing is definitely on the rise, and I think it will continue to grow exponentially. I hope I'm in the game and playing a role in the continued growth and development of this sport.Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855335578489396499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-83436315820287727942014-10-09T19:16:00.004-07:002021-02-24T16:39:05.871-08:00Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIbpO8qzd4lUCTnL57Lg_T4M7w0mS30L3XhvI-9MOrhd8mySEeYBzm9YtelZ-2l2Ch07asIcrA93PPDYL7tJPnyDq_M7Ho0wLzYD_kjas2_ZYYd8a1W7cQPwftudqs879thaak0QdOLY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-09+at+9.43.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIbpO8qzd4lUCTnL57Lg_T4M7w0mS30L3XhvI-9MOrhd8mySEeYBzm9YtelZ-2l2Ch07asIcrA93PPDYL7tJPnyDq_M7Ho0wLzYD_kjas2_ZYYd8a1W7cQPwftudqs879thaak0QdOLY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-09+at+9.43.32+PM.png" width="275" /></a></div>
Ever since I can remember, it has been my dream to represent my country at the Olympic Games. Five weeks ago, that dream became a reality. I had the honor of traveling to Nanjing, China to represent the United States as well as the sport of climbing at the Youth Olympic Games. It was the single most important event I have ever attended, and the implications for the future of climbing are huge. For all purposes, it was the greatest experience of my life, and I count myself as very fortunate to have been able to live out this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.<br />
<br />
First of all, I would like clear up a few common misconceptions. This was <b>not</b> a climbing competition. I was invited along with 15 other international athletes to promote climbing as a potential Olympic sport through demonstration and initiation for local residents, Olympic athletes, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).<br />
<br />
The Youth Olympic Games is the highest level of competition in Olympic sports for athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 (not to be confused with the <a href="http://www.aaujrogames.org/" target="_blank">Junior Olympics</a>, an event held annually in the United States). In order to qualify for the Youth Olympic Games, you must be ranked amongst the top youth competitors in the world in your respective sport, as well as not having competed in any Olympic event previously. The 2014 Games in Nanjing was only the third Youth Olympic Games to date, the first two having been in Singapore (Summer 2010) and Innsbruck (Winter 2012).<br />
<br />
The initial aim of Youth Olympic Games was to accomplish several things: lower childhood obesity levels, foster a growing Olympic movement, and increase cultural awareness in youth athletes across the globe. The program was announced in 2007 by the former president of the IOC, Jacques Rogge, who ushered in a new era of Olympians at the inaugural Games in Singapore three years later. The sports featured there and at each successive Games consisted strictly of the events held in their senior Olympic counterpart, which meant climbing had not been a part of the action yet since it was not included in the Olympic program.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKToVME5YXqZ6XxPE4OCpYJzuqQ-xhqOXd8Qsl9WIu5JhRwW-PXX3GRjxHGry0wO645ID7Oj6oBjAlvZz9N8f1ZgPyc2bTg2K578ilMwSxGR_R2CO6iRMGNzg5EbmpetwRBERnfaKTdRY/s1600/48979-olympic-image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKToVME5YXqZ6XxPE4OCpYJzuqQ-xhqOXd8Qsl9WIu5JhRwW-PXX3GRjxHGry0wO645ID7Oj6oBjAlvZz9N8f1ZgPyc2bTg2K578ilMwSxGR_R2CO6iRMGNzg5EbmpetwRBERnfaKTdRY/s1600/48979-olympic-image1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacques Rogge at the 2001 IOC Session in Moscow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Climbing has had its share of attempts at Olympic inclusion, beginning with the IOC’s recognition of IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) as an official governing body in 2009. It was demonstrated unofficially in Torino in the 2006 Winter Games, and had initiation sessions at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games. In 2013, climbing bid to become an official sport in the 2020 Olympic Games, but the bid was rejected in favor of wrestling, which had been ousted several months earlier.<br />
<br />
Following the 2020 bid failure, progress appeared long and slow for the future of our sport. However, after the 2013 IOC Meeting in Buenos Aires, newly appointed <a href="http://www.olympic.org/Documents/Milestones_ENG.pdf" target="_blank">IOC President Thomas Bach</a> presented climbing a huge opportunity: to showcase the sport at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing as part of a “Sports Lab” that would offer both exhibition and initiation to the general public and Olympic athletes alike. Included with sport climbing were rollerblading, skateboarding, and a Chinese martial art called Wushu.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9a92K2B-Ql6Ol_GTcLn9ASsO2vggm3utnGElGvSwOl6lxfNbBmacOptgJLvLIgpXuRs-HjHmBwKy0UoH6RUJJMjkv39JqwiV7j4A-6E9KJ4iEIsqpxXnD-xGPN4yz8i9UNhvVKejUE-k/s1600/sports+lab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9a92K2B-Ql6Ol_GTcLn9ASsO2vggm3utnGElGvSwOl6lxfNbBmacOptgJLvLIgpXuRs-HjHmBwKy0UoH6RUJJMjkv39JqwiV7j4A-6E9KJ4iEIsqpxXnD-xGPN4yz8i9UNhvVKejUE-k/s1600/sports+lab.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Bach at Sports Lab in Nanjing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The concept was simple: take four highly popular sports and have professional athletes in each field demonstrate the sport as well as help children try them out for the first time. It would run the entire length of the Games so that athletes who competed towards the end could still have the chance to try the sports out. In addition, the exhibition could provide insight to IOC officials and sponsors as to how popular each sport was from a viewing perspective.<br />
<br />
Upon learning that climbing was going to be included in the sports lab, the <a href="http://www.ifsc-climbing.org/index.php/news/latest-news/item/464-sport-climbing-to-be-showcased-sport-at-the-youth-olympic-games-2014" target="_blank">IFSC set out to create a team</a> of 16 athletes from around the world who could represent sport climbing in Nanjing. Ten countries in addition to the host nation, China, were selected to nominate one male and one female athlete, of which the IFSC Executive Board chose the final team of 8 men and 8 women. When I got the call from USA Climbing that I would be representing the US at the Youth Olympic Games, it was probably the happiest moment of my life.<br />
<br />
Prior to my trip, I made a quick visit to two of my favorite companies, <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/" target="_blank">Clif Bar</a> and <a href="http://thenorthface.com/" target="_blank">The North Face</a>. Both have supported my climbing career in numerous ways, and it was great to have the opportunity to check out each of their offices and meet the people I had been working online with for years. It was also great to support local Bay Area brands for their continued sustainability and innovation, which we definitely pride ourselves with here in NorCal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yfwWqt92cJPuKiyswCyhtKT8rJzeFAq8etR1seD39cg8QPSFZ3F17VvqI4HbkhImKE6FdM0AXhOr1uN81LaROkYhhpyNSpOzPWFbEDv5vpBUNsbvy6XBIKi-yUq9u_yilGaRroKGza8/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yfwWqt92cJPuKiyswCyhtKT8rJzeFAq8etR1seD39cg8QPSFZ3F17VvqI4HbkhImKE6FdM0AXhOr1uN81LaROkYhhpyNSpOzPWFbEDv5vpBUNsbvy6XBIKi-yUq9u_yilGaRroKGza8/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clif Bar || The North Face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before I knew it, I was off to China! My parents and brother decided to join me on my adventure. I had never visited mainland China before (although I did go to Hong Kong when I was 2) so I was pretty excited about experiencing a new part of the world. The plan was to fly into Shanghai and spend a couple days doing some sightseeing with the family before making the 2-hour high-speed rail journey to Nanjing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2y0uBzwnC8N-X2lTfUpv6qEPgTtSSIeh39qYKvFujADjDx4a8_Uldr_I-87WMXITRCLAPUhdl1sTnYE4to3qaU8l9CX2m2gMixtqjzRzLR7bulkj4GVhIuUq-gGQ-rcKUOpQzJW13Mo/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2y0uBzwnC8N-X2lTfUpv6qEPgTtSSIeh39qYKvFujADjDx4a8_Uldr_I-87WMXITRCLAPUhdl1sTnYE4to3qaU8l9CX2m2gMixtqjzRzLR7bulkj4GVhIuUq-gGQ-rcKUOpQzJW13Mo/s400/photo+(14).JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When we arrived in Shanghai after a brief stopover in Seoul, we were immediately greeted at the airport by my friend Kai Mu. I met Kai on a climbing trip to Rodellar in 2011, and we had climbed together in Boston while he pursued his master’s degree in engineering management at Tufts University. He moved back to his hometown of Shanghai after he graduated, and was really excited to take us around the city when he found out I would be coming. Needless to say, it was welcoming to see a familiar face after having traveled halfway around the world.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMuW8N_i_cSab7MKam5Aa3TiT950IMuWq9bnJqRTzot0H3uVnSurjj33P6tIsodK3a4LdZ4p0-59V7rXkq_a5KKnW9YyhTtz5Rl4GUhD30LNJ3lV8MiKq7IoFGuy7yP17RKZREHLvMzU/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMuW8N_i_cSab7MKam5Aa3TiT950IMuWq9bnJqRTzot0H3uVnSurjj33P6tIsodK3a4LdZ4p0-59V7rXkq_a5KKnW9YyhTtz5Rl4GUhD30LNJ3lV8MiKq7IoFGuy7yP17RKZREHLvMzU/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself and Kai Mu at center. Two psyched Chinese climbers on the left and right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next few days were a whirlwind of exploration. In just two days, we managed to visit the Shanghai History Museum, the Imperial Gardens, the Peace Hotel, a market selling live birds and fish, a couple climbing gyms, and of course some delicious restaurants. Kai even convinced to get us to try some Shanghai delicacies such as pig’s feet, spiced duck blood (had the same consistency as tofu) and stir-fried frog.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9lOXc-i4vgvyH9jHrKqYumwZ1kmpOhoGanfNyZYE58gCqbPWZo3t40PrabqbTec50DV1oXG0fyj1iGrWLX_WKTPom9sGOp5hjZq-SONlWjfDiWWri4Zmiz7kFcLpFMbIDYEJaAKpe7M/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9lOXc-i4vgvyH9jHrKqYumwZ1kmpOhoGanfNyZYE58gCqbPWZo3t40PrabqbTec50DV1oXG0fyj1iGrWLX_WKTPom9sGOp5hjZq-SONlWjfDiWWri4Zmiz7kFcLpFMbIDYEJaAKpe7M/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bund, Shanghai.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although getting out in the city was great for getting over jetlag, there were several other challenges that China provided. For starters, the Chinese government intentionally blocked most forms of social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and anything Google-related such as Gmail and YouTube. Another issue that I wasn’t prepared for was the subpar air quality, which prevented us from seeing the sun most of the trip. Apart from these minor nuisances, our stay in Shanghai was quite enjoyable.<br />
<br />
The day of the opening ceremonies, Kai dropped us off at the train station in Shanghai and we made the speedy trip to Nanjing South Railway Station (the 2nd-largest railway station in the world). Upon arrival, I donned my athlete’s badge, which turned out to be a good idea. Volunteers for the Games spotted us instantly by my badge, grabbed our luggage, and shuttled us into our own private bus to take us to the Mingfa International Hotel, our place of stay for the duration of the Games.<br />
<br />
After finally depositing my bags in my room, I ventured down the hall to the conference room to meet my 15 other teammates. I knew several of them from my years of competing, such as my Australian roommate Matt Tsang and Sam Stainton from South Africa, but I was not nearly as acquainted with the others. As soon as I walked in and introduced myself, it was immediately clear why each one of these athletes were chosen for their role. They each represented a major country and mostly spoke different languages, but they were all extremely friendly and excited to meet everyone. We all began chatting excitedly (in English) about recent climbing trips and competitions, animatedly miming beta with great enthusiasm. There was no denying it; each and every person in that room was just as psyched as I was to be there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnjm7c8nRwCqtilEDfZBaScPdSauZPjPn3-rDmn4zxOh8qj5tclgkMUqD93VK2FayPbni6o51QePJLPeZtmczekB34e7qTeKNeLF6xpR2IRaftEUyCFJwC1wM1KN_L46wKpoKyAHoToQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnjm7c8nRwCqtilEDfZBaScPdSauZPjPn3-rDmn4zxOh8qj5tclgkMUqD93VK2FayPbni6o51QePJLPeZtmczekB34e7qTeKNeLF6xpR2IRaftEUyCFJwC1wM1KN_L46wKpoKyAHoToQ/s1600/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IFSC Team, Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once things had settled down, we had a briefing with the head IFSC officials at the event. Those in attendance included IFSC President Marco Scolaris, VP Debbie Gawrych, Chinese announcer Forrest Liu, the President of the Chinese Mountaineering Association, two sports managers, and two world-cup setters. They went over the expectations of the event and presented us with an extensive wardrobe of IFSC apparel to wear, in addition to a welcome bag full of goodies from the IOC. We changed into our new attire for the evening and headed off to the opening ceremonies.<br />
<br />
The ceremonies took place at the Olympic Stadium at the center of town, and turned out to be one of the most spectacular performances I’ve ever witnessed. It was choreographed by visionary director Chen Weiya, the man who was also behind the extraordinary opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Games. One of the highlights of the evening was an act in which about 100 or so performers, attached by cables to a massive crane, were lifted high into the night sky to execute some of the most amazing feats of choreographed movements I’ve ever seen.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QRotUloxgZw" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
IOC President Thomas Bach concluded the ceremonies addressing the athletes to encourage fair play and sharing passion for their sport, which he followed up with by taking a “YOG selfie” onstage with several athletes from various countries. We didn’t realize it at the moment, but the selfie set the precedent for the rest of the games in which thousands of athletes and fans from all over the world snapped photos of themselves with the hashtag #YOGselfie. It was clear how the power of social media was able to bring people together to share their Olympic passion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-dJPJ0jSDXwZtnugi5G0lu1cLgAuoFCRyKMhyphenhyphenE0gTS-C0P8v51PYCgWnePir40TC8yyy5YNieOkC_chbKVsUTW1lEflbpRiXtxhkzf5BaWwGSlOuE_-rf0-MoFr6cLre7HqfIhaC7EU/s1600/bachselfie_597x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-dJPJ0jSDXwZtnugi5G0lu1cLgAuoFCRyKMhyphenhyphenE0gTS-C0P8v51PYCgWnePir40TC8yyy5YNieOkC_chbKVsUTW1lEflbpRiXtxhkzf5BaWwGSlOuE_-rf0-MoFr6cLre7HqfIhaC7EU/s1600/bachselfie_597x400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Over the next 10 days, my life was completely consumed by the Games. Each day consisted of waking up bright and early to eat breakfast in the hotel’s luxurious dining area, then heading over to the sports lab at 7am to prepare for demonstrations. The sports lab schedule allowed for each of the four sports to have two 30-minute exhibition sessions (one in the morning, one in the afternoon), both sessions followed by a 30-minute initiation period for any local residents to try them out. We had a break in the middle of the day for lunch, but apart from that, we were climbing from 7:30am to 6:30pm.<br />
<br />
<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="2" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 558px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding-bottom: 55%; padding-top: 45%; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<div style="-webkit-animation: dkaXkpbBxI 1s ease-out infinite; animation: dkaXkpbBxI 1s ease-out infinite; background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -44px; width: 44px;">
</div>
<span style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; position: relative; top: 15px;">Loading</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px; word-wrap: break-word;">
Let the games begin.</div>
<div style="line-height: 32px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; padding: 0; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://instagram.com/p/rx62MGhqgG/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_top"> View on Instagram</a></div>
</div>
<style>@-webkit-keyframes"dkaXkpbBxI"{ 0%{opacity:0.5;} 50%{opacity:1;} 100%{opacity:0.5;} } @keyframes"dkaXkpbBxI"{ 0%{opacity:0.5;} 50%{opacity:1;} 100%{opacity:0.5;} }</style></blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELVX2jl2dtT6-eWHZYa7k4tfgJXTkbp4LxWzO2OFM9BPNDCGR4wjRxSUQqbtLq-0-mpbttvHwnOdCN5Iuye5CriecUlbCmqdRcBKjJ0hODKj7oHu6dqzM37qHn6ihh5wnLeWcRJXId6A/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELVX2jl2dtT6-eWHZYa7k4tfgJXTkbp4LxWzO2OFM9BPNDCGR4wjRxSUQqbtLq-0-mpbttvHwnOdCN5Iuye5CriecUlbCmqdRcBKjJ0hODKj7oHu6dqzM37qHn6ihh5wnLeWcRJXId6A/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World Champion Speed Climber Qixin Zhong helping with initiations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the exhibition sessions, many IOC Executive Board members observed climbing from the viewing area, and it was our job as athletes to explain the different disciplines to them and why climbing would make such a good Olympic sport. One of the major aspects that set climbing apart from other sports is the collaboration between the athletes to read beta during route previews, as well as the sheer verticality of the sport. Furthermore, the motto of the Olympic Games (“Faster, Higher, Stronger”) matched up perfectly to the three disciplines of competition climbing (speed, sport, and bouldering), making climbing easy to integrate into the Games from a marketing perspective.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYS8NNOK_01gJaVBbR3vaBcnknabuaMAdcTi4zIKCT0s14nSURj4G5TqIRE-iPuaUdR4rfEXeMb4j-HU7ELXFPIl-EuOeCWV3BTEFzrY6WTPaq1WeGAJq9lR2chyphenhyphenUZyXoIIhuqOHlmbI/s1600/IMG_2116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYS8NNOK_01gJaVBbR3vaBcnknabuaMAdcTi4zIKCT0s14nSURj4G5TqIRE-iPuaUdR4rfEXeMb4j-HU7ELXFPIl-EuOeCWV3BTEFzrY6WTPaq1WeGAJq9lR2chyphenhyphenUZyXoIIhuqOHlmbI/s1600/IMG_2116.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At the end of every day, there was some time in which the sports lab was closed to the public where Olympic athletes could come participate in sports that were offered. During that time, we also got to try out the other sports, which was a blast. I especially enjoyed rollerblading, which I hadn’t done since I was a little kid. When the sports lab finally closed at 7pm, we would make our way back to the hotel to eat dinner, relax, or go watch some of the Olympic events.<br />
<br />
As awesome as all of that was, it wasn’t all fun and games. Our packed daytime schedule left little time for rest, and the fact that we were climbing every day in 40°C weather and high humidity for four to five day stretches ensured we were absolutely exhausted by the end of any given 24-hour period. On top of all that, we had to keep energy in reserve for TV interviews, greeting members of the IOC, and pushing kids up the bouldering wall during initiation sessions.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="382" src="https://vplayer.nbcsports.com/p/BxmELC/nbcsports_embed/select/media/EvnnLqro7bUe" width="620"></iframe><br/>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> © 2014 NBC Sports Network</span></center>
<br />
Despite the constant physical exhaustion, we still managed to have a blast on our days off. We explored historical areas in Nanjing, tried out the cultural immersion booths at the Olympic Village, and hung out as a team after a long day at the wall. Being with such a diverse group of athletes was such a unique experience since we were from all over the world, but still had the same passion for climbing and could connect easily with each other. It was much different from being at a competition, since we were supporting each other as teammates in promotion of our sport.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwk_G9bLWUSblPYrrSEY-UXFB14Z_85RouGkL9Jskj7ligo2178xk8zEIiFNtjfVzyjhq8iEHMPDdvtQxjA7i95O2AxIU8eBttjLwwkkdVXIJlD5UDezWpiIdLdG8JD9WyIMJXn3CbV0/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwk_G9bLWUSblPYrrSEY-UXFB14Z_85RouGkL9Jskj7ligo2178xk8zEIiFNtjfVzyjhq8iEHMPDdvtQxjA7i95O2AxIU8eBttjLwwkkdVXIJlD5UDezWpiIdLdG8JD9WyIMJXn3CbV0/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After a couple days of working out the kinks of demonstrations, we faced our biggest challenge yet: the visit of President Bach himself. We all knew that it would be the ultimate test of our skills, since he had personally invited us to be there and could potentially decide the future of sport climbing. Leading up to the day of his arrival, we prepared by splitting up roles evenly between bouldering, sport, and speed. My responsibility was to do the first sport climb and make a dramatic fall near the top, leaving the way clear for my Austrian friend Andi to finish the climb (and throw a bat-hang in the middle) while the President looked on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9UH0neFyo1xUY3IRjtmks7dczWhN8R_ndIAizfCpv-ZwUuuBUNbtWMAfOaloT81YjTwECeZOp8CAGBaGRHzF7j4mLjvXRmeTlXlRzuFgXI5Wgb1HMhJz3rV81SofbPHfoo8_pFRVuyA/s1600/IMG_2326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9UH0neFyo1xUY3IRjtmks7dczWhN8R_ndIAizfCpv-ZwUuuBUNbtWMAfOaloT81YjTwECeZOp8CAGBaGRHzF7j4mLjvXRmeTlXlRzuFgXI5Wgb1HMhJz3rV81SofbPHfoo8_pFRVuyA/s1600/IMG_2326.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When the day finally came, the IOC surprised us by sending previous IOC President Jacques Rogge ahead of President Bach, which meant we got to climb in front of and speak about our sport to two IOC presidents in the same day. It was an experience I know I will never forget.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BszT8EIexv6oE96ukIAEDY_omq6yBfqxGj-4aBVovRKDon6WvopardjuQEQ_Q5hOilL4QWwS1V5vDMZmM7c8EQ6FoxIFeWLJH2z2pnfn3GHYEMKZBxBCRTEVpyJUrHo_m49dKAreK6M/s1600/IMG_2117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BszT8EIexv6oE96ukIAEDY_omq6yBfqxGj-4aBVovRKDon6WvopardjuQEQ_Q5hOilL4QWwS1V5vDMZmM7c8EQ6FoxIFeWLJH2z2pnfn3GHYEMKZBxBCRTEVpyJUrHo_m49dKAreK6M/s1600/IMG_2117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At long last, our time Nanjing came to an end. With heavy hearts, we bade farewell to all of our new friends at the closing ceremonies, and departed to our home countries the next day. Now that I have had time to reflect on the trip, I can genuinely say that my Olympic journey was the most powerful experience of my lifetime so far, and it allowed me to view climbing with a far broader perspective.<br />
<br />
So what does this mean for the future of the sport of climbing? Based on what I've seen, Nanjing could've been the catalyst for climbing’s big breakthrough. If climbing gets admitted as an official Olympic sport, funding would increase significantly across the board, making it more possible to pursue professionally. Additionally, young climbers all over the globe will have a goal to aspire towards from the day they put on their first pair of climbing shoes: standing on top of the podium at the Olympics, a gold medal around their necks and their national anthem resounding clearly for the entire world to see.<br />
<br />
However, the most important aspect of the Olympic Games comes from the fundamental concept of the Olympics themselves. The Games stand for more than just excellence in athletic ability; they provide an opportunity for young athletes to share their passion for their sport, meet others from around the world who share that passion, and realize that deep down, we as a human race are not so different from one another after all. If these leaders of the future understand this fundamental idea, the world will be a much better place to live in. For climbing, this global perspective is already ingrained into the culture due to the collaborative nature that sets our sport apart.<br />
<br />
Having already been given the chance to experience the Olympics, my biggest goal now is to ensure that the next generation of climbers will have the same opportunity that I had. The current objective is inclusion in the 2024 Games, but given the success of the Sports Lab in Nanjing, we could be seeing it in the Olympics in some form as early as Rio in 2016. Our only option now is to wait and hope for the best outcome. No matter what the case, when our sport gets the break it deserves, I will be there cheering on my fellow climbers as they pursue their Olympic dreams.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-22131527008439063712014-07-02T11:43:00.003-07:002015-11-14T21:08:42.523-08:00The Future of Competition Climbing?The first time I stepped foot in Arco, Italy three years ago for the World Championships, I could immediately sense the historic weight of the location surrounding me. There’s just something magical about it that’s tough to put to words. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, Arco is home to the birthplace of modern competition climbing as we know it, beginning with the first Rock Master festival in 1987. At the time, competitors scaled chipped lines in the surrounding limestone cliffs, fabricated by the “setters” specifically for the event. I remember watching <a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hSWgMwFk6II">footage Lynn Hill and Stefan Glowacz dominating the event</a> and coming to the realization that the sport of competition climbing has come a long ways since then, even for how relatively young the sport is. This realization resonated with me especially strongly after the most recent competition season, where I was really able to see the contrast between the technical, intricate, and very linear style of competition days gone by and the new explosive style that climbing is maturing into.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9zp37kPk5NV9OhI4Ua7H3jTSq06fj5Ml0t4SD5ievZm1BraC4XN0LGrguNXIM4EzxwV38gfsrLBgFTMwMuXauGyOZMQE3-z8zR0544H5EKMGpFiE6T0W0mlorkkgREnpFTS_I4Xws0I/s1600/Arco+River+edit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9zp37kPk5NV9OhI4Ua7H3jTSq06fj5Ml0t4SD5ievZm1BraC4XN0LGrguNXIM4EzxwV38gfsrLBgFTMwMuXauGyOZMQE3-z8zR0544H5EKMGpFiE6T0W0mlorkkgREnpFTS_I4Xws0I/s640/Arco+River+edit.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arco!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over the past few months, I’ve transitioned from bouldering competitions to training for sport climbing competitions and outdoor projects. Having finally aged out of the youth circuit, I set my main focus on competing in as many pro-level competitions as possible, finishing out my season in May with the Dominion Riverrock Boulder Bash in Richmond, Virginia. The sheer density of events I competed in was a new personal record, as I completed 13 different competitions (even with skipping Canadian Bouldering Nationals and the Vail World Cup) in just over four months.<br />
<br />
Looking back on my season, the biggest takeaway point I’ve noticed is how much the competitions themselves have changed over the course of my climbing career. I started competing in national and international-level competitions in 2002, where I made it to finals at my first-ever Continental Championships in Berkeley, CA. The climbs at that point in time were very technical and rarely included showy or dynamic moves. Since then, competitions have moved steadily a more dynamic style, incorporating 3-dimensional movement and an abundance of features and volumes. Additionally, the next generation of climbers has continued to push standards in ways I’d never thought possible.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyS2tJ6DpAg1TJMcCHg9J4kXYtfOIN09RT84EKErlRb3x5QX-jM89Dy2n4SqGVbkVZd4DxpyTPJdFk-KwUwZ8hoUeJav6FtX5k85PKk9IZ5N122Wk_t9AQghuaYNr2SUwS-ajuYBp4UAw/s1600/2nd_day_USCCA2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyS2tJ6DpAg1TJMcCHg9J4kXYtfOIN09RT84EKErlRb3x5QX-jM89Dy2n4SqGVbkVZd4DxpyTPJdFk-KwUwZ8hoUeJav6FtX5k85PKk9IZ5N122Wk_t9AQghuaYNr2SUwS-ajuYBp4UAw/s1600/2nd_day_USCCA2003.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Semifinals at the 2003 National Championships in Richmond, VA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Starting with ABS Youth Nationals, the amount of creativity the routesetters produced was unparalleled in a youth climbing event. One problem in the semifinal round featured a drop-down move to a huge volume, which the competitors then had to turn around and hang upside-down to match the finish hold. Only a handful of competitors managed it, but the fact that youth competition climbs are getting to be as exciting as this shows how far they’ve come in the past decade, since youth bouldering competitions only came to prominence in the United States in 2004.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DQkiSAPdFja7R_0Q9xIjuqidGDZJh_hUWQTq4387MUnu1GLDdAS0jLUKC5miV7-eiLkIIbKXecuDHvXOMFyiX6I5dr282X3ZYMNeHLfLCXPo6YZAq9ppcrSnBpTNy-BbEVsmdQBrMHg/s1600/tumblr_n1v0if6c7P1shpzv5o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DQkiSAPdFja7R_0Q9xIjuqidGDZJh_hUWQTq4387MUnu1GLDdAS0jLUKC5miV7-eiLkIIbKXecuDHvXOMFyiX6I5dr282X3ZYMNeHLfLCXPo6YZAq9ppcrSnBpTNy-BbEVsmdQBrMHg/s1600/tumblr_n1v0if6c7P1shpzv5o1_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney Trinidad successfully completing "the move".<br />
Photo: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/justfabphotography" target="_blank">Just Fab Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Having graduated from the youth bouldering circuit last year, the next logical step for me was to test my abilities in higher-level bouldering competitions. One of the more interesting events I attended was this year’s MIT Open competition, hosted by Central Rock Gym in Watertown. The final climb in finals consisted solely of several jugs separated by a huge gap, which could only be bridged by swinging on an Atomik Bomb. The move was solved in several different ways, ranging from my personal bat-hang beta, Andrew Kim’s campusing beta, and the obvious “wrecking ball” beta that involved wrapping your legs around the rope and swinging wildly.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="393" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KKgj-0JQraE" width="700"></iframe><br />
<br />
Another such bouldering event to include futuristic moves this year was the CCS National Championships, where I was able to top out all three climbs in finals for a 2nd-place finish. All three climbs were unique in some way, from a bat-hang finish on problem 1, to a thumbdercling traverse (Tommy Caldwell style) on problem 2, to a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaazeo_huME#t=286" target="_blank">Dark Horse-esque double-clutch move</a> on problem 3.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0jpzlTVYknTpwps1jHnAnGyOe2jYa1SIHc9WKYF4Z9DIshIPwRYqAt2wkWmqb9E4fXvqZ1Ygc6RZTICh2HfzC7rSaSc5-6hqnTf-FHl1dMKs6f5CLMMgYgCEvBUOIZ4pEC48RtWLWwQ/s1600/10262114_10152434133709750_1341081967564203932_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0jpzlTVYknTpwps1jHnAnGyOe2jYa1SIHc9WKYF4Z9DIshIPwRYqAt2wkWmqb9E4fXvqZ1Ygc6RZTICh2HfzC7rSaSc5-6hqnTf-FHl1dMKs6f5CLMMgYgCEvBUOIZ4pEC48RtWLWwQ/s1600/10262114_10152434133709750_1341081967564203932_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julian Barker on problem 1<br />
Photo: USA Climbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sRFARTnpnNrQgRgTvMGfpf9PPoYVeadhSmGMGCbga1QbC8zu_2yn9Zt0FNXVpCobLKAD2R4RuBzT_qnNul5ea5KGMmqzQB66xnzxTRyv_BYtdAIfYZlkKs3wlKfVEx18VaMkL79EyhU/s1600/10256680_760837387280899_5114927848472390243_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sRFARTnpnNrQgRgTvMGfpf9PPoYVeadhSmGMGCbga1QbC8zu_2yn9Zt0FNXVpCobLKAD2R4RuBzT_qnNul5ea5KGMmqzQB66xnzxTRyv_BYtdAIfYZlkKs3wlKfVEx18VaMkL79EyhU/s1600/10256680_760837387280899_5114927848472390243_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Problem 3<br />
Photo: Cole Alcock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even World Cups have grown accustomed to this new style, with many problems on the circuit this year featuring some ridiculous double-clutches, dynos, and running-jump starts. One of the most intriguing of these was final problem 3 in Toronto for the men, which Guillaume Glairon Mondet solved by sitting on a volume in order to match the finish hold. His flash of this problem would eventually be enough to secure a World Cup victory at that stage. These displays of originality from the setters were yet another example of the progression of competition climbing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrJs6U1VLOYj4QjcIxQ8MH4RSgienBdtN5RzvRy0xlApYwlA1JA46gVWTaT9Us_QNqWED6loYJTjeUElSlVilzCu5fiszyxx5-BwmeWG5q0RH3FxxezZNgo4RQas65UPSSZpr2oYtCWc/s1600/GG+Mondet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrJs6U1VLOYj4QjcIxQ8MH4RSgienBdtN5RzvRy0xlApYwlA1JA46gVWTaT9Us_QNqWED6loYJTjeUElSlVilzCu5fiszyxx5-BwmeWG5q0RH3FxxezZNgo4RQas65UPSSZpr2oYtCWc/s1600/GG+Mondet.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GG Mondet topping out problem 3 in Toronto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of my favorite events of the year is perhaps the most futuristic model of competition climbing in the world: the Dominion Riverrock Boulder Bash in Richmond, Virginia. Set on a steel cage instead of a wall, the setters suspended giant volumes (designed by master volume-builder Brent Quesenberry) at intervals up the 25-foot behemoth to create a climbing experience that has to be seen to believe. Bouldering between the volumes opens up an entirely new realm of competition climbing, where the 3-dimensional movement between the features allows for extremely dynamic and gymnastic moves between holds.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrZDxt1pDb3R6H95gzI2ghTdmzGJ6hfcm29Ybauj9nhGLeAQFzUZJZAGTZiL5Ht_2XayrHd6ePc3KRZww0tOUlc5D6tymJFPTP5p99C-hFe8gbr44wYJDFBi2UMwPmTnuoGyryJ3fLy4/s1600/Riverrock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrZDxt1pDb3R6H95gzI2ghTdmzGJ6hfcm29Ybauj9nhGLeAQFzUZJZAGTZiL5Ht_2XayrHd6ePc3KRZww0tOUlc5D6tymJFPTP5p99C-hFe8gbr44wYJDFBi2UMwPmTnuoGyryJ3fLy4/s1600/Riverrock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riverrock!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One final example of the new style that competition climbing is heading towards is this year’s Ring of Fire series. The series is based out of the Central Rock Climbing Gyms here in the Northeast with Shane Messer organizing and directing the comps. The events this year embodied the new competition style perfectly, from including some of the coolest volume sequences I’ve ever been on, dynamic yet intricate routesetting, and allowing the younger generation to display their impressive talent.<br />
<br />
The series was broken down into three competitions: two qualifying events and the championship round. The winner of each of the first two rounds received an automatic bye into the finals of the championship round. In round 1, I was pitted head-to-head with 14-year old superstar Kai Lightner in a speed-lead superfinal on the women’s final route. Kai destroyed the route, besting my time by a staggering 25 seconds (silly me for thinking I could climb fast). In the second round I was able to squeak out a victory, ensuring my spot in the championship round finals.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtjfLDmtTUQs-eoNOGTxkQ2eV8B9XM1i0xJJHmGkVYXqkr6408ob-QlcwcOSiVq8vP7S3yVKaJv_m0-9p43VNW9O4DdP4Q93j2SJ69CgeCByJZKttFFHyjVjvK8UIDue-IrhyDk-LUJw/s1600/1899365_831340363549381_973541223_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtjfLDmtTUQs-eoNOGTxkQ2eV8B9XM1i0xJJHmGkVYXqkr6408ob-QlcwcOSiVq8vP7S3yVKaJv_m0-9p43VNW9O4DdP4Q93j2SJ69CgeCByJZKttFFHyjVjvK8UIDue-IrhyDk-LUJw/s1600/1899365_831340363549381_973541223_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volume action in Round 1 finals<br />
Photo: <a href="http://www.gkwanphoto.com/" target="_blank">Garrick Kwan</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Round 3 turned out to be the most impressive of all, with Kai and 13-year old Ashima Shiraishi both winning out over heavy favorites such as Delaney Miller, Daniel Woods, and Vasya Vorotnikov. In fact, Delaney and Ashima both topped their finals route, so they were put on the men’s route as a tiebreaker, where they effortlessly out-climbed nearly the entire men’s category. This incredible display of talent and skill from such young stars firmly cemented the next generation as the one to look out for as they continue to push the boundaries of our sport.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="393" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Stuis7eZ_zU" width="700"></iframe><br />
<br />
Looking into the future, it is difficult to discern where competition climbing will go. Sport climbing attempted (and failed) to become a sport in the 2020 Olympic Games, but is being included as a demonstration sport at the Youth Olympic Games later this year in Nanjing, China. I was fortunate to be selected by the IFSC as the sole US representative, which means I will have the unique opportunity to see and shape what direction the sport is headed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYYbfgO2CAPITIoYHHWRVDqyUtXDHZIk7J5-IbLoTz8-HnVLjigmXoGB-LjmB8MaHo4CMSh0caSipR16dDDSKCW62ueUTCM8vpntreip6lYYY6rB4RYRmt9Mfw-6Ewe-VKJDY68v6nms/s1600/14_YOG_Logo_360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYYbfgO2CAPITIoYHHWRVDqyUtXDHZIk7J5-IbLoTz8-HnVLjigmXoGB-LjmB8MaHo4CMSh0caSipR16dDDSKCW62ueUTCM8vpntreip6lYYY6rB4RYRmt9Mfw-6Ewe-VKJDY68v6nms/s1600/14_YOG_Logo_360.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With all of these major changes making waves in the future of competition climbing, we must ask ourselves what comes next. From what I’ve seen, climbing competitions are moving away from the static, technical climbing style to dynamic, explosive, and 3-dimensional movement that has come to define the next generation of competitions and the group of young crushers that excel at them.<br />
<br />
What will climbing comps look like in 10 years? 15? 20? Will climbing competitions become so disjointed from the actual sport of rock climbing that athletes will never once need to set foot on outdoor rock to succeed in competition? It’s certainly a real possibility. The most extreme end of the spectrum here can be looked at as NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, an extreme obstacle course that climbers have started to thrive at in recent years. Many people devote their lives to training for this course, much to the same extent of dedication climbers have towards climbing. Is this a positive or negative for the climbing community at large? I can’t say I know for sure.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="393" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vP5L6BJ7wHw" width="700"></iframe><br />
<br />
One thing does remain certain: no matter where the sport of competition climbing goes, we still will have our ancestry deeply rooted in the mountains. Beginning with the very first days of competition in Arco, the sport of competition climbing has evolved over time, bringing with it an explosive new style that utilizes 3-dimensional movement to challenge the next generation of climbers. However, climbing still holds the same intrinsic appeal from one generation to the next. Whether it be Lynn Hill gracefully ascending the limestone cliffs of Italy or 13-year old Ashima Shiraishi taking down male competitors twice her age at the Ring of Fire Championships, the spirit of climbing endures, one move at a time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-28042282935731216012014-02-25T16:55:00.000-08:002014-02-25T22:34:58.273-08:00Comp Season: Understanding the Importance of Failure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With ABS Nationals just having come to a close, I want to address a subject most people are keen to avoid: failure. Failure is something that we avoid at all costs in all aspects of life, let alone competition climbing. However, I believe there are many important lessons to be learned from failure, especially when it comes to dealing with high-pressure situations such as in climbing competitions.</div>
<br />
This past month and a half, I have had the opportunity to compete in a major pro-level bouldering competition on east coast 6 weekends out of 7. So far, almost every one of these comps have been in a different state, (and sometimes country) and it has been a ton of fun to travel to these different locations to climb. Looking back on it, the process was mentally and physically taxing, but overall a great chance to test myself before competing at Nationals.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oT1eif3r6ddR8KmaKND8zhVcpojlfNyrJ71Lf_7y79yqYTDFHPPTQEPhyrUs825DqcuyhCbNa4rJoghRo3_ekLDlauD4_CavaOYPqyGfRRuABAQibKyXnl4saDpJ3CRs3juBpF4wvFc/s1600/1553517_217976145057857_527717081_o+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oT1eif3r6ddR8KmaKND8zhVcpojlfNyrJ71Lf_7y79yqYTDFHPPTQEPhyrUs825DqcuyhCbNa4rJoghRo3_ekLDlauD4_CavaOYPqyGfRRuABAQibKyXnl4saDpJ3CRs3juBpF4wvFc/s1600/1553517_217976145057857_527717081_o+(1).jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark Horse Finals!<br />
Photo: Vince Schaefer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, instead of doing well under pressure like I have been able to do in the past, I did extremely poorly at most of the events, placing near the bottom in finals for multiple comps in a row. This came as a combination of preparing poorly, screwing up sequences, and letting mistakes get to my head. I felt dejected, frustrated, and largely dissatisfied with my performances. I experienced what no athlete wants to experience: Failure.<br />
<br />
Coming into the season, I’d just come off a successful trip to Hueco Tanks, so I felt physically strong and was psyched to start training for comps. I also started an engineering internship in Boston instead of taking classes, so rather than the regular college problem sets, midterms, and labs to prepare for, I found myself heading straight to the gym right after work, stress-free. I immediately jumped into a training program I devised for myself, five days per week with a comp every Saturday. It was great to focus primarily on fine-tuning my climbing and not have to worry about school for a change.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZgv_jej1OfimhCwN9MePlXclZqS1ZJX8GHfpxDqn3HMp2fmQsDO_fx2eRJPwbLaHOz5hWZiN8rIqObllxLQbGf6MbiBDd6AgPjA9ttIMsj0EiCJY6aFECh6mNWI2gzDhD4shfAkNmxs/s1600/Rumble+edit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZgv_jej1OfimhCwN9MePlXclZqS1ZJX8GHfpxDqn3HMp2fmQsDO_fx2eRJPwbLaHOz5hWZiN8rIqObllxLQbGf6MbiBDd6AgPjA9ttIMsj0EiCJY6aFECh6mNWI2gzDhD4shfAkNmxs/s1600/Rumble+edit.JPG" height="380" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sending Rumble in the Jungle (V12), Hueco Tanks<br />
Photo: Colin Barnes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the best things about living on the east coast is that there are comps. A lot of them. ALL. THE. TIME. It got to a point where I had to decide which comp out of several to go to on the same weekend for multiple weekends in a row. The final schedule I decided upon was:<br />
<br />
January 11th: Power Struggle (Connecticut)<br />
January 18th: Winter Burn (Phildelphia)<br />
January 25th: Tour de Bloc (Montreal, Canada)<br />
February 1st: Dark Horse (Boston)<br />
February 15th: Heart Burn (Philadelphia)<br />
February 21st: ABS Nationals (Colorado Springs)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1bXbfy3ftqUBfy7a2lPuqyvosivEc1ScXzg3WikDi7lA73znjzdza7VNeOndHrND9H6tQJKQXCEe571sKRqqZe-N9uV1uxNhk1GBay3x7_i4x8ynAZXsbsmOes9ycHKHtVf5Xhkz0Oo/s1600/12123_10202534450259290_578851908_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1bXbfy3ftqUBfy7a2lPuqyvosivEc1ScXzg3WikDi7lA73znjzdza7VNeOndHrND9H6tQJKQXCEe571sKRqqZe-N9uV1uxNhk1GBay3x7_i4x8ynAZXsbsmOes9ycHKHtVf5Xhkz0Oo/s1600/12123_10202534450259290_578851908_n.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Competing at Tour de Bloc in Montreal<br />
Photo: Guy Pomerleau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The season started off decently well with a second-place finish at Power Struggle, but Winter Burn and Tour de Bloc went extremely poorly. I decided to try to prepare differently for Dark Horse, and even though I felt I did better, it didn’t stop me from bombing the last climb in finals and placing last. After three disappointing results in a row, I decided to take a break for a weekend and came back with a solid fourth-place finish at Heart Burn. Now that I finally have the chance to reflect on the past month, I came to a couple different conclusions on what I learned. These were all pretty obvious once I thought of them, but it helped thinking each one through and attempting to understand how they affected my climbing.<br />
<br />
1: Don’t base your success (or failure) on how other people do.<br />
<br />
As hard as it may be, trying not to base your own performance on how other people do is absolutely key in order to succeed. If you lay down the absolute best performance of your life, but still do not come out on top, those people deserved to beat you that day. The results may not reflect your personal desire to do well, but it is important that you realize the true value of your efforts. Conversely, if you win a comp but you know didn't perform at your absolute best, you should still be openly happy with your performance, but reflect on what you could've done better for future events. I've found that the true victories are the ones that don't come easy. I experienced both sides of this scenario recently, as I felt I could have climbed better at Power Struggle, but I know that my absolute best effort at Dark Horse Round 3 still wasn't enough to see me through to the finals.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjprKoEWKTazXAXJqfBK1e2DPwNLo_g-DScWPTlV88BrVlMJJMZi7ZfyAYvgysQEP68mRyP9dZeo4Hj2LgTznZn5zA9GRVL5jcxnRl-tzGQM10fbhh6Ee8FynLt5s3sJcaGpqSxcWCX9c/s1600/1507298_776690765681008_394721055_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjprKoEWKTazXAXJqfBK1e2DPwNLo_g-DScWPTlV88BrVlMJJMZi7ZfyAYvgysQEP68mRyP9dZeo4Hj2LgTznZn5zA9GRVL5jcxnRl-tzGQM10fbhh6Ee8FynLt5s3sJcaGpqSxcWCX9c/s1600/1507298_776690765681008_394721055_o.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qualifiers at Dark Horse Round 3<br />
Photo: Garrick Kwan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2: Always give yourself every possible opportunity to succeed.<br />
<br />
Competitions can be broken down into three parts: training, competing, and performing. The critical part of these three things is that you do everything within your power to physically and mentally prepare for each one. In training for climbing comps, it's crucial to train for any scenario (slabs, overhangs, pinches, dynos, crimps, dropdowns, etc). Avoiding one of these simply because you don't like it or believe you don't need to train it is a recipe for disaster in the heat of competition. The best climber is the most well-rounded climber. While competing, only focus on the aspects you can control: getting a good amount of sleep, warming up properly, making sure you have enough water, and so on. If you find yourself differing this process between competitions, create a routine and stick with it. Everything else, such as where you fall in the running order, the style of climbs, and how other people do on them is beyond your control and therefore you should try to put them out of your mind. As for the performing aspect, letting go of mistakes between climbs, rounds, or competitions is easily the hardest and most valuable thing you can do. At recent comps, I found myself criticizing myself for mistakes I had made on previous climbs, so I was unable to progress much further on the next one without doubting my abilities. Perceiving failure as but a dip in forward progression is essential for success in the long run.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfuc_9QYRfrh3riitf6SLk3xd7JLLnT81sV5dK59hIiE02b_IllT_MrlLidnskwZN961GCDWiStTRrnXW2joQdIFv5gFAZiRuz9qmtZ5NeupRaH8LkDiDUdJCVNFnoEe30tQ6zqS2EHY/s1600/1497852_10152238020851264_256798896_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfuc_9QYRfrh3riitf6SLk3xd7JLLnT81sV5dK59hIiE02b_IllT_MrlLidnskwZN961GCDWiStTRrnXW2joQdIFv5gFAZiRuz9qmtZ5NeupRaH8LkDiDUdJCVNFnoEe30tQ6zqS2EHY/s1600/1497852_10152238020851264_256798896_o.jpg" height="380" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figuring out the beta at Winter Burn<br />
Photo: Sean Aronow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The final and by far most important thing I learned was:<br />
<br />
3: Have fun!<br />
<br />
This one should totally be a no-brainer, but it's often difficult to focus on having fun when the heat of the competition is turned up. I realized at one of the earlier comps this season that I was so focused on doing well during the event that I legitimately forgot to have fun. This is the one true failure you can have as an athlete. If you don't love what you're doing, why do it? Luckily, I came to my senses and realized that even if I climb badly, I still am having fun by pursuing my true passion in life. And isn't that what life's all about?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEevFknpfVs41MJLmuARsuOYFYGhPq02aRXBrSQw7zeQTLul6nw9HS0bAZI9fc4AxNLF4XECnXrqbaLEiDnWfh-KcI6nmJanHqxYjBvjt-p-UpNVDcSeh41vaxKD96lcXBNzq2YkGYWw/s1600/1512081_806206276062790_951950063_o+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEevFknpfVs41MJLmuARsuOYFYGhPq02aRXBrSQw7zeQTLul6nw9HS0bAZI9fc4AxNLF4XECnXrqbaLEiDnWfh-KcI6nmJanHqxYjBvjt-p-UpNVDcSeh41vaxKD96lcXBNzq2YkGYWw/s1600/1512081_806206276062790_951950063_o+(1).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun while finishing last at Dark Horse.<br />
Photo: Garrick Kwan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To conclude, I thought it would be appropriate to include a quote I found from one of the greatest basketball players in history, Michael Jordan. He sums up the point of overcoming failure much better than I ever could, and it has definitely helped me define my perception of failure and success.<br />
<br />
<b>"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>-MJ</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-61691254388450391692013-11-12T02:07:00.003-08:002013-11-13T09:05:38.251-08:00Changing Seasons: Dark Horse & Livin' AstroFall is officially here in New England! Over the past couple months, I’ve transitioned from the summer life of competing and traveling back into my sophomore year classes here at Northeastern. As much as I love traveling and climbing during the summer, there’s something special about coming back to Boston for this time of year. You really can’t beat the crisp apples and amazing colors display from tree leaves, but most importantly, prime climbing temps and the beginning of a new season of the Dark Horse Bouldering Series.<br />
<br />
Last year, I competed in Dark Horse for the first time. I’d watched videos of the events before, but competing in the competitions blew my expectations away. The energy is insane, pro athletes fly in from all over the country, and the finals problems are some of the most innovative and ridiculous climbs EVER. I guess you could say I had a good time.<br />
<br />
Coming into the first event of the season, I really wanted to train as hard as possible in order to have the chance of winning the first event, since the winners of each of the first three competitions get an automatic bye into the Dark Horse Championships. To prepare, I really focused on doing a lot of power-endurance workouts and campus board drills to get my contact strength up as high as possible. It was hard scheduling enough time in the gym to train given my workload this semester, since I am currently taking 20 credits of mechanical engineering courses. However, having less free time really changed my perspective on training, as I was able to really focus on getting a lot done during the short period of time available to me.<br />
<br />
The morning of the comp arrived quickly, and I couldn’t wait to get to Metrorock to begin climbing. Qualifiers went well, and I was able to complete most of the harder problems in relatively few attempts, securing me a 3rd-place spot in the finals after Vasya and Mike Foley. The top eight men were only separated by falls, so it was decided that everyone would advance rather than just the top six.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk07V045JpBtkNajjQLpJjvAzii8yXiEWytk16QE4J4uQgH2BrIgEk2ieavUq-28fJ5DH01PNmMRKYjJMMgWamnjVL2NBVpniinBVrEmhiV6S12tHLJ8dU8_GwVIV64wXi4MB8G3a21eM/s1600/884920_737196666297085_1762302929_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk07V045JpBtkNajjQLpJjvAzii8yXiEWytk16QE4J4uQgH2BrIgEk2ieavUq-28fJ5DH01PNmMRKYjJMMgWamnjVL2NBVpniinBVrEmhiV6S12tHLJ8dU8_GwVIV64wXi4MB8G3a21eM/s640/884920_737196666297085_1762302929_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qualifiers<br />
Photo: Garrick Kwan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the “Young Guns” finals (kids 15 and under) were finished, myself and the other finalists headed into isolation to begin warming up and get a quick run-down of the rules for finals. As is Dark Horse tradition, the rules meeting wasn’t complete without several ambiguous hints about the problem, including the fact that problem 1 for the men would not have an actual finish hold, and that several footholds would be scored as well as handholds.<br />
<br />
Expecting a balancy slab traverse, we each headed out of iso one at a time to tackle the finals problems. When I turned around to face problem 1, I was reminded why Dark Horse is as exciting as I remembered it by the overwhelming noise from the crowd, who was taking their cues from the announcer (dressed this time around as Wilfred). At first glance, problem 1 did appear to be a balance-intensive traverse on slopers at ground height, but after several botched attempts to work my way across, I realized that a running start was actually required. After I figured this out, I was able to complete it in only a couple more attempts. Problem 2 was a powerfest on lots of pinches and slopers with huge dynos in between, which fit my style of climbing excellently and I was able to complete it on my second try. Unfortunately, problem 3 shut everyone down at the same move, which was a huge throw to a dish, but it had a cool opening dyno that required a mandatory double clutch off of a sloper.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvra7QSNsIUzQFryUxjAXoFSALRZO_JiLYvaIdThyYUYfqRSQPpkJgu9SUiTKMtGjMh7KF6dt2JgQAQIVXRmmjxqAykC_iGvPBQrQtC0pkebAKPCOgBN-OOGkwLhxjTKrUNL4p6j1Cac/s1600/DSC_7334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvra7QSNsIUzQFryUxjAXoFSALRZO_JiLYvaIdThyYUYfqRSQPpkJgu9SUiTKMtGjMh7KF6dt2JgQAQIVXRmmjxqAykC_iGvPBQrQtC0pkebAKPCOgBN-OOGkwLhxjTKrUNL4p6j1Cac/s640/DSC_7334.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Problem 2<br />
Photo: Garrick Kwan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWs6KOAnX5XhfgRK8Y3t0OSBp-tN9BlP_0m5jJADxHs_41IscxxwHttATmd1QIiSesABYDK7uXBslb6LeqpKIvb9TyLipA_I6EmcXXP1LT5rfTgAdjDMxNQcjw3yxfOnaxdAWzV7W2j4/s1600/DSC_7340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWs6KOAnX5XhfgRK8Y3t0OSBp-tN9BlP_0m5jJADxHs_41IscxxwHttATmd1QIiSesABYDK7uXBslb6LeqpKIvb9TyLipA_I6EmcXXP1LT5rfTgAdjDMxNQcjw3yxfOnaxdAWzV7W2j4/s640/DSC_7340.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Problem 2<br />
Photo: Garrick Kwan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3ZBKPFOBn72iliPQ2-HFXWdakFcPey-zbs0fU0JQLeY41IKiAUBwkrIkeZmRU-fQz_C4l_3Ch5_aYfX7i0gGD_xvRkr0yhk8Oub4-3PBDQSDSH7XLosptPCfCxI0VmRJn5tLwYxCe-g/s1600/DSC_7389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3ZBKPFOBn72iliPQ2-HFXWdakFcPey-zbs0fU0JQLeY41IKiAUBwkrIkeZmRU-fQz_C4l_3Ch5_aYfX7i0gGD_xvRkr0yhk8Oub4-3PBDQSDSH7XLosptPCfCxI0VmRJn5tLwYxCe-g/s640/DSC_7389.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Problem 3<br />
Photo: Garrick Kwan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffignF2eZ4zYeL-9WA_4yIQTfzwDzj9n-o6lSfpeuX5xOnMUZHC-H9-4_6Y5zgTyjquIVY7kg7AbZtAZuFEjMMB8tH4CxQTmhD53r83bdxQ9BkVU4cUsKgUp6ZIDMZab4Ps7wvzjs4gA/s1600/DSC_7378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffignF2eZ4zYeL-9WA_4yIQTfzwDzj9n-o6lSfpeuX5xOnMUZHC-H9-4_6Y5zgTyjquIVY7kg7AbZtAZuFEjMMB8tH4CxQTmhD53r83bdxQ9BkVU4cUsKgUp6ZIDMZab4Ps7wvzjs4gA/s640/DSC_7378.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Problem 3<br />
Photo: Garrick Kwan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the end, the comp came down to whether Vasya or I had less falls. Since I took less tries on problem 1 and only two tries on problem 2, I came out in first! There was some questionable scoring on problem 3 because Vasya controlled a hold that was further ahead than the dish with his left hand, but Charlie Schrieber and I both controlled it with our right hands so it didn’t matter too much in the end.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="393" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/77015373?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe><br />
<br />
Psyched to have come out on top, I could now shift my focus entirely to outdoor climbing. As SENDtember transitioned into ROCKtober, the temperatures around the Northeast dropped, and conditions became ideal for some crushing.<br />
<br />
One project that I’d been looking at from last season was China Beach (5.14b), in Rumney, New Hampshire. After sussing out the moves and trying to avoid a swarm of wasps and ladybugs on a particularly muggy day, my friend Kai Mu convinced me to try Livin’ Astro (5.14c), the line just to the right of China Beach. After a try or two on it, I was hooked. Livin’ Astro fit my style of climbing much better than China Beach and was clearly the most prominent and natural line on the cliff.<br />
<br />
In addition to the style of climbing, <a href="http://www.mountainproject.com/v/livin-astro/107190264" target="_blank">the history behind Livin’ Astro</a> was very appealing to me. It was first climbed by Dave Graham in early 2000, who established it as the hardest sport climb in New England at the time. After getting back to my dorm and watching footage of Dave making the first ascent in Dosage II, Livin’ Astro became the only thing on my mind.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="393" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/28602948" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe><br />
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dave Graham making the first ascent of Livin' Astro (4:42)</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Video: Big Up Productions</span></center>
<br />
I made the trip up to Rumney every weekend from then on, recruiting rides up from friends all over the Boston area. As several weeks passed by, I found myself making significant progress and began linking sections together. However, I kept getting shut down by a single hard move at the top.<br />
<br />
The climb can be broken down into three distinct cruxes: the bottom (sustained V8 up to a sloper rest), the middle (v9/10 core-intensive/shouldery boulder problem to a jug) and the top (four-move V10 for me, V9 if you’re just a little taller). I was able to individually figure out both the bottom and middle cruxes fairly quickly, but the top crux proved to be my nemesis. The entire sequence revolves around a single vertical slot which is the only hold between an undercling just above the rest and the arete. I must have tried the move going to the slot and the move out of the slot at least 50 times, each try seeming no closer than the next. Over time, I finally was able to figure out the perfect body positioning to stick the hold and move off of it, but it was still extremely low-percentage.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvwlaY-kTfkEOXpa5Fv63qsJ-1K_JoX1N2DilyN3tGFoHNrq4hN2EGcTJm3BLHH42_3ii2Lm8G7awCXJcq8uEQfRxW9deVhiZcHZoKYj2DMiqSNXLwAnsbfESCHQFbuiK0booSHMHyLE/s1600/Finger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvwlaY-kTfkEOXpa5Fv63qsJ-1K_JoX1N2DilyN3tGFoHNrq4hN2EGcTJm3BLHH42_3ii2Lm8G7awCXJcq8uEQfRxW9deVhiZcHZoKYj2DMiqSNXLwAnsbfESCHQFbuiK0booSHMHyLE/s640/Finger.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crux hold! Dave Graham demonstrating proper technique.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Working Livin’ Astro was a unique process for me since I was able to come back every weekend to try the climb and train for individual moves in the gym in the weeks between. The majority of my hardest sport climbing in the past was done on summer trips, and the ability to really dial in a training regimen for a project like this was something I’d never experienced before. It also helped that my friend Andrew Palmer was working (<a href="http://vimeo.com/77539725" target="_blank">and sent!</a>) Jaws II, a 5.15 two lines to the left of Livin’ Astro, as we were able to motivate each other to try to get our projects done.<br />
<br />
The weekend after Palmer sent Jaws, I headed up with my friends Alex Coda and Sean O’Donnell, accompanied by filmmaker Ian MacLellan. The temps were well into the 40’s that day, which made for a particularly uncomfortable warm-up, but it was crisp enough to compensate for the high humidity levels. When I felt ready, I laced my shoes and began up the headwall. After fighting through the first two cruxes, I found myself staring down the last boulder problem for the first time on a redpoint burn. I shook out for a long time, allowed my nerves and breathing to settle, and fired the final moves to the top! As I lowered down, I could barely believe I’d finally sent my first 5.14. To see one of my biggest goals in climbing finally realized meant more to me than words can describe.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="393" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/78497567" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe><br />
<br />
By the time we all packed up our gear, it was still only around 2pm, so we decided to head over to the Blackout Boulder Brawl at Metrorock Newburyport afterwards. All of us had a great time, and I was able to flash all five finals problems to win the comp! All in all, that day was probably one of the best days of climbing I’ve ever had. However, Sean certainly took home some of his own personal glory by flashing two V5’s and a V6 and placing 11th in advanced! This was super impressive given he’s been climbing for barely a year. Solid, bro!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="393" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/78364688" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe><br />
<br />
Now that everything’s mostly settled down now, I can finally get back to schoolwork and training for Dark Horse Round 2. I’m excited to see where the next couple months take me, and am looking forward to getting back out to Rumney in the spring. Jaws is up next!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-70719993128749816852013-05-23T14:07:00.005-07:002013-05-23T23:09:31.524-07:00Dominion Riverrock and Team VXI ReviewLast weekend, I competed at the 2013 Dominion Riverrock Boulder Bash. I’ve been watching videos of this competition for years, and man did it look cool. After experiencing the event firsthand now, I can say with absolute certainty that it is the sickest, raddest, most awesome bouldering competition I have ever competed in. EVER. I guess you could say I had a good time.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dominion Riverrock has been going on for several years now as an outdoor sports and music festival located on the James River in Richmond, Virginia. Two years ago, the event organizers decided to add a bouldering component, which quickly turned into the most epic climbing competition in the history of mankind under the direction of local routesetter Brent Quesenberry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brent’s vision was that instead of boring ol’ climbing walls for competitors to test their skills on, competition routes would ascent giant multicolored volumes suspended in an overhanging steel cage. What evolved from there became legendary: the Dominion Riverrock Boulder Bash.</div>
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="337" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/23886533?byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Footage from 2011. Does this get you psyched enough?</span></center>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, I headed out to Virginia to see how well I could compete against some of the best boulderers in the country. I was lucky enough to be able to stay with one of my good friends from the area, Riley Varner, whose family hosted Dalan Faulkner and Kyra Condie along with myself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The competition ran over the course of three days, with bouldering qualifiers, semifinals, and finals occurring on Friday and Saturday, and speed bouldering all day on Sunday. In between rounds, Kyra, Dalan, Riley, and Danyelle (Dalan’s sister) were able to walk around the event, taking in all of the other competitions being held (slacklining and the dog jump contest were personal favorites). It was really cool to see these events happening concurrently with the climbing comp; it gave the spectators something to do all day long and kept them from getting bored from watching a single event.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVxSEfR-fuvDbEizz6hYopdooSAsrCqFobU48haQ02aav0Ptw5KTwzb8RZyVnTUIW7uRmFDHXlalm-xfg5WOB2EmJEiUK3zK5msjycAKwzEcOqwPRtnSTrxUban-RMUEQXqksUM6NeXM/s1600/bat+hang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVxSEfR-fuvDbEizz6hYopdooSAsrCqFobU48haQ02aav0Ptw5KTwzb8RZyVnTUIW7uRmFDHXlalm-xfg5WOB2EmJEiUK3zK5msjycAKwzEcOqwPRtnSTrxUban-RMUEQXqksUM6NeXM/s640/bat+hang.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slacklining!<br />
Photo: Dalan Faulkner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNIKlu8xv0a3m1xQBA3bEzzQgI9d65fJiDWqu2z4QlSmGcbAt0_dwSrE6wnmTPsw-tyIl5hI_B_K_aRSmVRaQAmnVATpo4lbGP19eDmF_Ljb6JgmkLE0XSLkZhyphenhyphenekf_VK2QAREj4L0Ew/s1600/484769_10152823383170361_577554775_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNIKlu8xv0a3m1xQBA3bEzzQgI9d65fJiDWqu2z4QlSmGcbAt0_dwSrE6wnmTPsw-tyIl5hI_B_K_aRSmVRaQAmnVATpo4lbGP19eDmF_Ljb6JgmkLE0XSLkZhyphenhyphenekf_VK2QAREj4L0Ew/s640/484769_10152823383170361_577554775_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMX<br />
Photo: Tanner Rozum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UPI33u1l1NKY7UctZJrxEoPofM7uEcEBPPJgHJUy6A9ex5S4ollxl6pExYk9rBxCfiMvG2TRXkptSY_79pnRIDlFDqdKC7XjQ_8J-0hHi6K5mMdDCq2JKyxRghGIyNQKkSZshC2ME7k/s1600/942994_10152823382420361_2022141517_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UPI33u1l1NKY7UctZJrxEoPofM7uEcEBPPJgHJUy6A9ex5S4ollxl6pExYk9rBxCfiMvG2TRXkptSY_79pnRIDlFDqdKC7XjQ_8J-0hHi6K5mMdDCq2JKyxRghGIyNQKkSZshC2ME7k/s640/942994_10152823382420361_2022141517_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DOGS.<br />
Photo: Len Murtha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The competition itself ran smoothly given the weather constraints of the weekend, as the only disruption was that second qualification round was postponed for a couple hours due to a thunderstorm. The problems were extremely cool to climb on, as both the left and right walls had completely different styles: The right wall favored more sustained, pumpy moves, while the left wall’s moves on an enormous star feature were much more gymnastic and bouldery since the overall terrain was much shorter due to the angle not being quite as severe.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6u8iBKyuEtIlDv_XxNBbqB5DDywUalx4m3Gqxxk9NAEVrqAmpu6iNiELq1unWKnj8zPdSluFeEGCfcvobU7EjD0QaWGuUhP2f1wGix7SVA16R0ZGLK0SLZ1XqMHO9TAUsL0H0p6LW6uc/s1600/crowd+and+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6u8iBKyuEtIlDv_XxNBbqB5DDywUalx4m3Gqxxk9NAEVrqAmpu6iNiELq1unWKnj8zPdSluFeEGCfcvobU7EjD0QaWGuUhP2f1wGix7SVA16R0ZGLK0SLZ1XqMHO9TAUsL0H0p6LW6uc/s640/crowd+and+wall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dave Wetmore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the qualification and semifinal rounds, I found myself sitting a very solid 5<sup>th</sup> place heading into the final. I knew I would have to bring everything in order to move up in the competition. When we went out to preview the final climb, I knew I would be beyond psyched even if I didn’t make it very far. The climb traversed the right wall and incorporated nearly every single volume, with lots of dynamic movements and toehooks the entire way. It looked awesome.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I finally turned around to face the wall to climb, I realized the crowd was way bigger than I initially thought, which put me a little on edge, but also gave me more inspiration to try my hardest. I ended up getting farther than I expected, coming off in the middle of the last overhanging bulge with an extremely hard pinch sequence. The highpoint that I achieved was only beaten by Jimmy Webb, the eventual winner of the competition, but Vasya Vorotnikov and Rob D’Anastasio both matched my highpoint and had a better semifinal score, which put me in 4<sup>th</sup> place. I was stoked!</div>
<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10200338083468728" width="640"></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Video: Richard Levin</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</center>
<br />
The next day, Kyra and I competed in the speed bouldering competition, which happened to be a new event at Dominion Riverrock this year. The competition was essentially a speed campusing event on the left wall, and was much more laid back than the bouldering event of the previous days. I figured not many people would show up to compete, but he number of competitors was increased dramatically by the added cash incentive of $500 for the overall combined best placement from both the bouldering and speed events.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The speed competition went smoothly as well, with the only minor glitch being that one of the photographers stepped on the timing system cable at one point, pausing the comp for 15 minutes while organizers reconnected the wires. Incidentally, the timing system that was used at this event was made by one of my friends from Colorado, Landon Cox. His laser timing devices (<a href="http://www.twindolphintiming.com/" target="_blank">Twin Dolphin Timing</a>) have been used at USA Climbing events for the past few years, and it was great to see his products at this event as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtbBojV9LnvkmLiKsKP3VUexCC7HJ_vJ3t-zGYWIAGNm06CHjwnqKwAeZQqxcZbiH5H-4Qg5hdpTgAKui9sOuj1eTR-mx1HG7c2PmIL8RzsnSZ8yb4o-h52TFq8wII47eCTW-QeCvVOE/s1600/Speed+vs+jimmy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtbBojV9LnvkmLiKsKP3VUexCC7HJ_vJ3t-zGYWIAGNm06CHjwnqKwAeZQqxcZbiH5H-4Qg5hdpTgAKui9sOuj1eTR-mx1HG7c2PmIL8RzsnSZ8yb4o-h52TFq8wII47eCTW-QeCvVOE/s640/Speed+vs+jimmy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kc4iCIaPJ9eC6TO8wRoC6YP8q-8CSBuERUsHdBl_ZUU6QJYU8v9DnXBWLVr1w8hqsXmZrxRwQ6u_I-lSWDxA9Wq3B76BCVKghot9TGUyDvbaU8u6cDRIZEHozaoKD_M17cQ1kslUzLo/s1600/Kyra+speed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kc4iCIaPJ9eC6TO8wRoC6YP8q-8CSBuERUsHdBl_ZUU6QJYU8v9DnXBWLVr1w8hqsXmZrxRwQ6u_I-lSWDxA9Wq3B76BCVKghot9TGUyDvbaU8u6cDRIZEHozaoKD_M17cQ1kslUzLo/s640/Kyra+speed.jpg" width="414" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyra Condie placing 2nd in speed bouldering.<br />
Photo: Backlight Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I ended up winning the speed competition ahead of Vasya and Jimmy, which meant Vasya and I tied for second overall with Jimmy coming ahead with the overall win. Below is some GoPro footage of the speed event, with the Twin Dolphin timers featured as the start mechanisms. I highly recommend them for any high-level event!</div>
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="378" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wWt5AZC92Dg" width="672"></iframe></center>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4dQkOfnFOzP_g8LnOGuTvT1Z2ZQv2dxUs1NMCNIR1-j2CbJgR5XS8j8u-_2AOutWD1X9d-QUfIxH5_cIbqFBLKFG1YM3P6ZN_0up3tj5zSW8__tg3Gz-nqk67nK1ZG0yKAw1BewyXWE/s1600/Speed+vs+vasya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4dQkOfnFOzP_g8LnOGuTvT1Z2ZQv2dxUs1NMCNIR1-j2CbJgR5XS8j8u-_2AOutWD1X9d-QUfIxH5_cIbqFBLKFG1YM3P6ZN_0up3tj5zSW8__tg3Gz-nqk67nK1ZG0yKAw1BewyXWE/s640/Speed+vs+vasya.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself (left) vs Vasya Vorotnikov (right) in the final round.<br />
Photo: Mark Pownall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopdnf0byBjvZoGvEe9LEHONGreS5b-SVbB2-llP1MFTj4og058FUJVIDcRWUdCG1ORv_qPG_TZFIrxosOIYNm3k4qwQUD7G6_rAqs5XdKYpT7sVuDPrh6WmtqkTacbby9bvMCF0wFgUE/s1600/Speed+podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopdnf0byBjvZoGvEe9LEHONGreS5b-SVbB2-llP1MFTj4og058FUJVIDcRWUdCG1ORv_qPG_TZFIrxosOIYNm3k4qwQUD7G6_rAqs5XdKYpT7sVuDPrh6WmtqkTacbby9bvMCF0wFgUE/s640/Speed+podium.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st Place in speed!<br />
Photo: Lizzy Keenan </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a side note, this was my first time using the Five Ten VXI’s in competition, and they performed way beyond expectation. If you haven’t heard of them, they are an upgrade to the current Team 5.10 model, but are much more of a combination between the Teams and the old Projects, as the shoe is one of the softest climbing shoes I have climbed in. This gives them the ability to toe in on extremely overhanging terrain by allowing your toes to dig into any foothold and keep your core engaged through any sequence of moves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rubber used is a new hybrid variation called MI6, which was used by Tom Cruise in the new Mission Impossible movie as he ascends the Burj Khalifa. After testing my new VXI’s on my home window, I confirmed this theory. This rubber is literally sticky enough to stick to glass. The stickiness wears out after a couple of days of being subjected to chalk and dirt, but after a quick scrub with a washcloth they are back to their old stickiness, good as new.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The VXI’s also bend much more than their predecessors, which gives them an added advantage of being capable of toehooking virtually any surface. This was especially noticeable on the final climb, where a key double-toehook allowed both myself and Jimmy Webb to power through a move that stumped many other competitors. There’s no doubt about it: The VXI’s are revolutionary.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv5wIIpVUwWXFNcxPZnNXXa0S1STZTsQDW_pJ9oFu1vJY8mkmdfEdN09B3qSVygJXcFVQt1f99Ye1T2eJpNtZmn-uY0pjgiHpZix2-mwUY_hrS3tgmYAusOiXIiAWrQ6Vi58_s7CU8Qg/s1600/VXI's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv5wIIpVUwWXFNcxPZnNXXa0S1STZTsQDW_pJ9oFu1vJY8mkmdfEdN09B3qSVygJXcFVQt1f99Ye1T2eJpNtZmn-uY0pjgiHpZix2-mwUY_hrS3tgmYAusOiXIiAWrQ6Vi58_s7CU8Qg/s640/VXI's.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five Ten Team VXI's! Get yours this fall!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks for reading! I would also like to thank both of my sponsors, Five Ten and Metolius, as well as my parents for helping me continue to compete at amazing events like these. This weekend I will be heading back to Hadley, Massachusetts for the 2<sup>nd</sup> annual Ring of Fire competition. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc2LOtdNqe1OtML4_mIUJo3MASMhKMInjPXoe1884O9Boksrfj0rBhuPeh_pea6PSgAd-DtfFoMs-aeXGLgHr5Cr02cZ762YGOuw0uwYUNshJhqKUHEjYsWTPvEXYaK7fvHr7RwkyG8I/s1600/RVA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc2LOtdNqe1OtML4_mIUJo3MASMhKMInjPXoe1884O9Boksrfj0rBhuPeh_pea6PSgAd-DtfFoMs-aeXGLgHr5Cr02cZ762YGOuw0uwYUNshJhqKUHEjYsWTPvEXYaK7fvHr7RwkyG8I/s640/RVA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good times :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-60076401508096396882013-04-06T09:14:00.000-07:002013-04-06T09:14:01.647-07:00Training with a ChampionFor the past month and a half, I have had the unique privilege of training with one of the best female sport climbers in the world, Charlotte Durif. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, simply enter her name into any respectable search engine and you’ll get a long list of career accomplishments, sponsor lists, her own professional website, and countless photos and videos of her being an all-around boss at competitions and outdoor crags. She’s also a five-time World Champion and is one of the few women in the world to have climbed 9a (5.14d). I’ve watched her compete at World Championships and World Cups for years, but never imagined I’d one day get the opportunity to train alongside her.<br />
<br />
I first was introduced to Charlotte when I traveled to Atlanta last September to compete at a sport climbing World Cup held at Stone Summit, the largest indoor climbing gym in the US. After the competition, I found myself catching up with one of the French National Team coaches, with whom I had traded jackets with the year before. Upon hearing that I was going to school in Boston, he called Charlotte over and introduced me to her. It turns out that the Ph.D program she was enrolled in allowed her to take a 1-semester internship doing nuclear physics research at MIT, and she was looking for someone who knew the area decently well and who she could potentially train with.<br />
<br />
After getting over my initial reaction (ohmygodimtalkingtoCHARLOTTEDURIF) and chatting with her for a bit, I discovered she was very amicable and spoke English quite well. I agreed to keep in contact with her over the next few months and meet up with her soon as she got to Boston in January.<br />
<br />
When she finally arrived, I met her at the airport and helped her move into her dorm at MIT. From then on, we’ve been training several times per week as our work schedules allow, going to Metrorock and doing lots of endurance training on the lead and bouldering walls at the gym.<br />
<br />
Climbing with Charlotte is inspiring. She climbs with such a calculated efficiency in her movements, as each hand and foot placement seems deliberate, precise. Her ability to read routes is nearly impeccable, (she can find kneebars and rests on almost every hold) and she never seems to get pumped. It is clear from her climbing style that she can dominate any competition that she sets foot in, and watching her in tricky roof sequences is like observing a choreographed dance routine flawlessly executed 50 feet over my head.<br />
<br />
During one such training day, I was attempting to send my 5.13 project in the Metrorock arch, which I had fallen off the middle dyno on my first try and was getting really pumped sticking the lower and finish crux moves. She then proceeded to casually walk the climb twice in a row, and then gave me beta for a turn-around move that made the lower crux substantially easier. I tried the move, fought through the upper crux, and BARELY sent. It felt great to finally complete my project, but I was even more impressed by how casual Charlotte had made it look. Freaking europeans. Wow.<br />
<br />
The great part about training together is that she we will subtlety attempt to outdo each other, always going for that one extra lap and pushing each other to keep a quicker pace through the route. She’s also really fun to talk and joke around with, and she’s a great addition to the Boston training group consisting of Shane Messer, Katie Lamb, Josh Larson, and myself.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I believe training with her has greatly improved both of our climbing styles, (I push her to climb faster and be more gymnastic with her moves, she shows me how to climb smarter) and has prepared both of us extremely well for the SCS Open Nationals this weekend. She’s easily one of the strongest sport climbers I’ve ever seen, male or female regardless. Will this be the first time that the United States will see a French National Champion? I’d certainly like to think so.<br />
<br />
Tune in tonight at 7pm MST (6pm PST, 9pm EST) to watch the finals at <a href="http://www.lt11.tv/">www.lt11.tv</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAqUj-UxFFAv1wfLsOcGx61OsWV1TnM5Z8kaqIFV5ZZNdGVlLMegdc0iMHAbIGqg4YXcrIbV5EcCTGCTPSnHQMdeJB-oV29ByXlyzmylzKCLBYUTprgr5VVtQN0sdD5iX9R8SNIszYaY/s1600/IMG_20130321_220058+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAqUj-UxFFAv1wfLsOcGx61OsWV1TnM5Z8kaqIFV5ZZNdGVlLMegdc0iMHAbIGqg4YXcrIbV5EcCTGCTPSnHQMdeJB-oV29ByXlyzmylzKCLBYUTprgr5VVtQN0sdD5iX9R8SNIszYaY/s400/IMG_20130321_220058+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-21382086010125223322013-03-10T18:31:00.001-07:002013-03-23T01:31:07.914-07:00ABS14 Nationals: Training, Competing, Performing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2u6Krj5ePOFcmxnP6AAf2Q_hYoUCoLJk0OKgWB9C7grUM8XDQI0l3YQFqZ1u_TnvoRNpM47zt28HpROe7clrudFhyTBNU3KCeeFrGwQwhLd5F7KU4KpmXQQNTwKB4GVeFbrYt7DBdBk/s1600/ABS+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2u6Krj5ePOFcmxnP6AAf2Q_hYoUCoLJk0OKgWB9C7grUM8XDQI0l3YQFqZ1u_TnvoRNpM47zt28HpROe7clrudFhyTBNU3KCeeFrGwQwhLd5F7KU4KpmXQQNTwKB4GVeFbrYt7DBdBk/s640/ABS+logo.jpg" width="704" /></a><br />
Last weekend concluded the 2013 ABS National Championships. This year, I traveled out to Colorado Springs to compete in both the youth and open divisions, securing a semifinal bid in the adult category and my 5th National Bouldering Championship title in my last youth bouldering competition ever.<br />
<br />
This two week Colorado experience has definitely been one of the best times of my life, and I am extremely grateful to be able to live out this lifestyle, balancing my studying with traveling and competing with some of my best friends. Now that I am able to look back and reflect on the trip, I can conclude that these results did not come without a great deal of training, competition preparedness, and mental focus.<br />
<br />
A week prior to the Open National Championship, I participated in a 4-day training camp hosted by US Team Coach Shane Messer. This training was some of the best I have ever done before a national event given the time constraints of president's day weekend. Throughout the weekend, myself and 40+ other athletes from around the country did countless onsight drills, flash-format exercises, and crossfit-style workouts put together by Melissa Godowski. After the camp, I felt more mentally and physically prepared for nationals than I have felt any year before.<br />
<br />
Step 1: Training: check.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVKFprL8M6Y4MyRxe3_cl9OvBCAiIOFIcbTtFGoquy7BMUfLeEQg2Gc4dx-l-3VBbZR8gvas8Hqs29h5WAv0oVaorqTEmIBql8zbYCzH6lZzzKoQSVeCcwC4uohRCN9YEoa8-A1X0wTQ/s1600/13090_10151309261357409_1834628223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVKFprL8M6Y4MyRxe3_cl9OvBCAiIOFIcbTtFGoquy7BMUfLeEQg2Gc4dx-l-3VBbZR8gvas8Hqs29h5WAv0oVaorqTEmIBql8zbYCzH6lZzzKoQSVeCcwC4uohRCN9YEoa8-A1X0wTQ/s640/13090_10151309261357409_1834628223_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shane doing what he does best.<br />
Photo: Emily Varisco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1mv99LPuhHjJJOklNQmxCjq6-AX2bB4QV7PFy9JY59lObSZ4QAts_kVE6d9y-eTUzfu9ktApP1-zLhHW7xntueeq1AMCZ42H4Qe-niVU7qPVs2DyrUfD7mgp4-5dekU4bbhZSZY1h0Q/s1600/62130_10151309261327409_1449938048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1mv99LPuhHjJJOklNQmxCjq6-AX2bB4QV7PFy9JY59lObSZ4QAts_kVE6d9y-eTUzfu9ktApP1-zLhHW7xntueeq1AMCZ42H4Qe-niVU7qPVs2DyrUfD7mgp4-5dekU4bbhZSZY1h0Q/s640/62130_10151309261327409_1449938048_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earthtreks head coach Ellis Whitson getting some holds out for onsight training.<br />
Photo: Emily Varisco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the most useful aspects that I got out of the camp was a routesetting perspective provided by Brent Quesenberry. If you didn't know Brent, you would never guess he's run 4 marathons and has more climbing expertise than most competition routesetters today. During one of his lectures on routesetting, he described the three influences on US bouldering competitions today: the Tony Yaniro style, (straightforward movements on directional holds) the showy American flair, (double-clutch dynos, bat-hangs, figure four's, etc) and the subtle European volume style that has begun to appear more and more often.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Vk5cjCS6kcQXfpdpSKlAHOKTYQSFRnIu3FA_566JhamxTEUMcnDZBNJ4_duguOBfYBnQoDYTybYU00bO3EMwSvZOLi9LghqHojyWq3WSbTFyWEvByVTg12FwgvsoQTSuo_aTMSOcXbo/s1600/164479_10151309235832409_873793111_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Vk5cjCS6kcQXfpdpSKlAHOKTYQSFRnIu3FA_566JhamxTEUMcnDZBNJ4_duguOBfYBnQoDYTybYU00bO3EMwSvZOLi9LghqHojyWq3WSbTFyWEvByVTg12FwgvsoQTSuo_aTMSOcXbo/s640/164479_10151309235832409_873793111_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brent (left) and Ellis being amazed by the climbing abilities of very small children.<br />
Did you know Brent was also responsible for hand-building hundreds of wicked volumes and for <a href="http://vimeo.com/23886533" target="_blank">this</a>?!?<br />
He's also one of the nicest dudes you'll ever meet.<br />
Photo: Emily Varisco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjrzdrkPQ8JucCuUghTGfpU2sli9CdsuQGUPuRC5lzCiFFVDcydYacdxI8-TU9QDgGof_IF1TmHK61Ff22ma3fQPU8VViTRriO9P09TTD_0fzerr2k_ulS_sopJXyuTgsVLuHJz2Yz-8/s1600/488015_10151309261527409_404789295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjrzdrkPQ8JucCuUghTGfpU2sli9CdsuQGUPuRC5lzCiFFVDcydYacdxI8-TU9QDgGof_IF1TmHK61Ff22ma3fQPU8VViTRriO9P09TTD_0fzerr2k_ulS_sopJXyuTgsVLuHJz2Yz-8/s640/488015_10151309261527409_404789295_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The climbing abilities of Arabella Jariel (11 years old)<br />
Photo: Emily Varisco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to Brent, these three styles combine to form the modern-day US bouldering competition problem. This style was epitomized to a point by my 2nd semifinal climb in open nationals, in which competitors had to start facing the crowd and maneuver through hold-less volumes for 5 or 6 moves, then make a committing dyno to a good horn, then campus and power their way through the last couple slopers to the finish. When I turned around and saw this climb, I broke it up into three sections in terms of styles, which made it much easier to read and execute. Unfortunately, I was only able to get just past the dyno and ended up 19th overall in semifinals, but it was still my favorite problem of the competition.<br />
<br />
Step 2: Competition preparedness: check.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzq5daRz3zBp48JBeLD33JMoD1B8h1j6NVlTH0pU20qqd6sSdjPZYrCKLLVECmqC96Ji1XZHL9V5MGBibHZj1rw5411vvDDK2Yo5uQS4Sh6Xb_WlvAphYmV_gcLhbc5IFid4B2qqVei8/s1600/482619_4479910881414_369905180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzq5daRz3zBp48JBeLD33JMoD1B8h1j6NVlTH0pU20qqd6sSdjPZYrCKLLVECmqC96Ji1XZHL9V5MGBibHZj1rw5411vvDDK2Yo5uQS4Sh6Xb_WlvAphYmV_gcLhbc5IFid4B2qqVei8/s640/482619_4479910881414_369905180_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots and lots of volumes.<br />
Photo: Tom Condie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIVXuJ8rSuGXB2aP81OmdGXEWNDHLnJo3lZhnmofokV05-R09h_1Q9VdtQeOE_CXUYyIaY9X08AGLoeEtyEABCK4yFUjIFP5xucD8M7hwnoebQY1JNJZ3OgXf0VHKxWXmBcOwzHBTRL8/s1600/601983_4479911361426_16348256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIVXuJ8rSuGXB2aP81OmdGXEWNDHLnJo3lZhnmofokV05-R09h_1Q9VdtQeOE_CXUYyIaY9X08AGLoeEtyEABCK4yFUjIFP5xucD8M7hwnoebQY1JNJZ3OgXf0VHKxWXmBcOwzHBTRL8/s640/601983_4479911361426_16348256_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Tom Condie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhQZ4pbU-q6ZzYcutMtfhvSsp7PgpCBUjCR1kjBb7wb3YQ5LxIGvzA_y2eNXhAjrmnY3BCJralvCVPx_szb8HOdqPe_Any_r1-YPmE7HdrvHVfUi8jubyas4CX9V1lY4T0WKHfFp9jI4/s1600/S2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhQZ4pbU-q6ZzYcutMtfhvSsp7PgpCBUjCR1kjBb7wb3YQ5LxIGvzA_y2eNXhAjrmnY3BCJralvCVPx_szb8HOdqPe_Any_r1-YPmE7HdrvHVfUi8jubyas4CX9V1lY4T0WKHfFp9jI4/s640/S2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jump!<br />
Photo: Dylan Huey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYY6AHNgOLmOze1CZmOIFEwnO9zLF7r8EYvEjG41qoeJ7zywcvUY-EoHNl8ma0jtWPituzQcnr3H115ELF-X58mnlUGP4LHB5c8RMV-Cnvw55SUmCk5WmSj5203Ut1MJSJkareMDgQEQ0/s1600/886211_10151356551172842_140292143_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYY6AHNgOLmOze1CZmOIFEwnO9zLF7r8EYvEjG41qoeJ7zywcvUY-EoHNl8ma0jtWPituzQcnr3H115ELF-X58mnlUGP4LHB5c8RMV-Cnvw55SUmCk5WmSj5203Ut1MJSJkareMDgQEQ0/s640/886211_10151356551172842_140292143_o.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Climbingnarc.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The only thing that was lacking for me to complete the climb (and potentially make it on to the final round) was lack of willingness to dig in. On any given day in training, I am confident I could have pulled off the move I fell on with a couple tries, but that is not how competition works. Comps are all about how well you can perform right NOW. The added pressure of these types of situations makes competition climbing all the more interesting, and rewards competitors for "bringing their man-pants" as Nicholas Milburn so eloquently puts it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDrB-Cj0fYJJ2I4Ct66vpRGZ7bXolaDDxfIp07TuumEZFXQ9LNh-vHTJJq0QV38QQG9kNxSKCpE_sXoQDczw_AQdw5jD9I3-o4vnNbdn7ZFN7PcHmjvbP13e6WhMtHsimwmBJdNds2H0/s1600/11322_4518097516056_915694193_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDrB-Cj0fYJJ2I4Ct66vpRGZ7bXolaDDxfIp07TuumEZFXQ9LNh-vHTJJq0QV38QQG9kNxSKCpE_sXoQDczw_AQdw5jD9I3-o4vnNbdn7ZFN7PcHmjvbP13e6WhMtHsimwmBJdNds2H0/s640/11322_4518097516056_915694193_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicholas Milburn brings his man-pants. Do YOU?<br />
Photo: Tom Condie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Coming back the next weekend for the youth competition, I knew I had to put my try-hard face on in order to do better than the weekend before. Fortunately, in finals, I was able to borrow an iPod from one of my best friends (and now Vertical World team coach!) Alex Fritz, which helped me zone in on the three finals problems that the setters had prepared for us. With the added focus and pressure of finals, I was able to dial in my movements and complete all three boulder problems for the win! This time was especially gratifying since this is the last year I am eligible to compete in youth competitions.<br />
<br />
Step 3: Performing under pressure: check.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMJDItQbNIiEbHFFr9eLIPNsqWiICmPDxcNC2lBz8Epr0SCZhMqmV3jCq-QdOj_mC4HpJc6vGI1gvRJbo1mjDam64DcjYs1nuBMOD2Lbf0kpuLD9J8oTOAdAVoTNFs4srnQynR9UaAcA/s1600/479834_4521869450352_2106734638_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMJDItQbNIiEbHFFr9eLIPNsqWiICmPDxcNC2lBz8Epr0SCZhMqmV3jCq-QdOj_mC4HpJc6vGI1gvRJbo1mjDam64DcjYs1nuBMOD2Lbf0kpuLD9J8oTOAdAVoTNFs4srnQynR9UaAcA/s640/479834_4521869450352_2106734638_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Tom Condie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now for the fun part! Here are some photos and videos from the event:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOeigI2tZv5yTmTG-RMgnt3L5oyyEqDLzDYfzCRqiOUycYL_Y-flNcy2wDuyIXX5BoN8lIbbzFrQyf-R8TZAvtwwLITpSeb4PGa9raJe-xoo9LZozOTAzFnyqBn56kyyvxCLxkpmbKcI/s1600/482398_4518085995768_932280976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOeigI2tZv5yTmTG-RMgnt3L5oyyEqDLzDYfzCRqiOUycYL_Y-flNcy2wDuyIXX5BoN8lIbbzFrQyf-R8TZAvtwwLITpSeb4PGa9raJe-xoo9LZozOTAzFnyqBn56kyyvxCLxkpmbKcI/s640/482398_4518085995768_932280976_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie, once again proving his arms are larger than his legs.<br />
Major props for him even competing this weekend, he pushed through 2 hernias to make finals!<br />
Photo: Tom Condie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aB3-U_1IDuS92dQrfTArRZYyQyWgsiHNU5lS87EORqpCJRmubDbbhk6EpS9bXx7K664q2gpXfeFPAr2n69WTLJOEkdvZFqp5ePkexFUCIQKxsxICNSzceBxtV9y-N122fhrfVDg9tTo/s1600/535619_618573708168550_1393342236_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aB3-U_1IDuS92dQrfTArRZYyQyWgsiHNU5lS87EORqpCJRmubDbbhk6EpS9bXx7K664q2gpXfeFPAr2n69WTLJOEkdvZFqp5ePkexFUCIQKxsxICNSzceBxtV9y-N122fhrfVDg9tTo/s640/535619_618573708168550_1393342236_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brendan Mitchell winning The North Face Young Gun Award!<br />
Super deserved, Brendan is one of the nicest and most humble kids in the sport today.<br />
He also crushes 5.14.<br />
Photo: Kim Mitchell<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photobomb: Tyson</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOpposrHyAMz_yZzxxFPtjKX28P78HOdbSdDbL__f0Dw2qLhKe_fcZK5i2_1_ttuifNn3AtAL154Vtz4YJyjvgznAPInGJIVgjpLHujPiVjwO8y6k0XA-Y-9HTXp5jeVnHhXJK5PpT38/s1600/644531_4518098996093_844870093_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOpposrHyAMz_yZzxxFPtjKX28P78HOdbSdDbL__f0Dw2qLhKe_fcZK5i2_1_ttuifNn3AtAL154Vtz4YJyjvgznAPInGJIVgjpLHujPiVjwO8y6k0XA-Y-9HTXp5jeVnHhXJK5PpT38/s640/644531_4518098996093_844870093_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Gifford majestically reppin' the glorious country of TEXAS.<br />
Photo: Tom Condie<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBg_JbOtC_2urx3_Mh3Gj1ARiktsX6-3lueaUHKYfnDP7TlykR0lfo0CLDvIdB6Ak2Hh7_dMhIA-Eqpd3yT8LxRFyfR51sse2gk7-6mqkN5wvmG48ZiddeZ4WxepYtWkxqJvfkdStqE24/s1600/267980_347243832051799_323754722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBg_JbOtC_2urx3_Mh3Gj1ARiktsX6-3lueaUHKYfnDP7TlykR0lfo0CLDvIdB6Ak2Hh7_dMhIA-Eqpd3yT8LxRFyfR51sse2gk7-6mqkN5wvmG48ZiddeZ4WxepYtWkxqJvfkdStqE24/s640/267980_347243832051799_323754722_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Caption this photo?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Dylan Huey</span><br />
<div style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUjOtbFe55wonAzAn7AYLksJkhyphenhyphenIJiTtO4w6PwdbfeW__DQ3QuSj88Fxw-9ZhD5g2R8zH2DfJC65yT83Sz4U7fExljJsCly3ujg4s-1nDWD0SrrQKfjJ6pOeA5BupzhzujglmPAwYZP0/s1600/Youth+S2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUjOtbFe55wonAzAn7AYLksJkhyphenhyphenIJiTtO4w6PwdbfeW__DQ3QuSj88Fxw-9ZhD5g2R8zH2DfJC65yT83Sz4U7fExljJsCly3ujg4s-1nDWD0SrrQKfjJ6pOeA5BupzhzujglmPAwYZP0/s640/Youth+S2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Trying to figure out the correct beta on problem 2 in semifinals. This was not it.<br />
Photo: Tom Condie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA-y9lsZozXEeqo7eMn0-mYrU96nustR50PvlXpxU90N26ceF2wmJVvv3P_kcDCoUW0bCtTGqy8OFNNnpvvxQK3tzMyKQYOMebKYneW74RJIVYjMALL0HD_Xg4xy5-sq-F0aZgvIe5hE/s1600/IMG954212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA-y9lsZozXEeqo7eMn0-mYrU96nustR50PvlXpxU90N26ceF2wmJVvv3P_kcDCoUW0bCtTGqy8OFNNnpvvxQK3tzMyKQYOMebKYneW74RJIVYjMALL0HD_Xg4xy5-sq-F0aZgvIe5hE/s640/IMG954212.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my partner in climb, Cicada Jenerik!<br />
It was both of our last years competing in youth after competing together for over 10 years.<br />
Photo: Scot Jenerik<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakYu-1ZYp2fvkqUnpnDwOahMBtNgMw8LAP44KrTIMQPTZ00IQ3f4AVr_g2hk5-IGUKGObXVLgwZ8tNfm_8zQmSINCgXwJyQ9XjDTMClalLQVfHlmTtaVv_sWtDC9tIYmxJUT-ZM7xctA/s1600/485041_4392678987035_1562592420_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakYu-1ZYp2fvkqUnpnDwOahMBtNgMw8LAP44KrTIMQPTZ00IQ3f4AVr_g2hk5-IGUKGObXVLgwZ8tNfm_8zQmSINCgXwJyQ9XjDTMClalLQVfHlmTtaVv_sWtDC9tIYmxJUT-ZM7xctA/s640/485041_4392678987035_1562592420_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
National Champs!<br />
Photo: Tom Condie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="511" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/61194622?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="910"></iframe><br /></div>
<center style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
Youth Highlights!</center>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I would now like to take the time to thank my entire family for coming out and supporting me at this competition, it really means a lot that you've been there for me since day 1. I'm especially proud of my brother Yuri, who is now getting back into climbing after a 7-year hiatus, who competed in the citizen's competition alongside my dad! You go, bro. Everyone look out, we got another Levin on his way to the top.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-32095380236577063512013-02-07T22:47:00.001-08:002013-02-11T15:07:31.596-08:00Dark Horse Championships!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past weekend concluded the epic saga of the Dark Horse Bouldering Series. This year, Josh Larson and Dave Wetmore really stepped up their game, producing not two, not three, but FOUR heart-stopping, jaw-dropping, crowd-pleasing finals rounds that cumulated in the final championship round on saturday.</div>
<br />
To kick the weekend off, my friend Nicholas Milburn flew in from Houston to compete, so we decided to pregame for qualifiers by going out for some delicious dim sum at a local restaurant nearby my dorm on Northeastern campus. Bright and early the next morning, we headed off to Metrorock after a solid breakfast at the dining hall in order for Nick to compete in qualifiers.<br />
<br />
One of the unique aspects of Dark Horse is that if you are able to win one of the qualifying rounds, you automatically receive a bye into the finals of the championship. Having already qualified for the finals due to my win in round 2, I was able to relax during the qualification round on saturday and watch the action unfold.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-yBxrh44sbPt0y5CF1BW-ujgoVOewn1dUPFeGOUjPF3HKSSsI6rQ-YWPIjwRKJwopKfy_m5oqNWl0WhYOhRGqvGpZcWmbiRxWMRGCWlHbTUShlIZ0zN7biav1WfbkQ2wWDAMJybzHlg/s1600/530657_10100550681636678_432918692_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-yBxrh44sbPt0y5CF1BW-ujgoVOewn1dUPFeGOUjPF3HKSSsI6rQ-YWPIjwRKJwopKfy_m5oqNWl0WhYOhRGqvGpZcWmbiRxWMRGCWlHbTUShlIZ0zN7biav1WfbkQ2wWDAMJybzHlg/s320/530657_10100550681636678_432918692_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The line-up.<br />Photo: <a href="http://www.lt11.com/" target="_blank">LT11</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Qualifiers were probably one of the most impressive redpoint sessions I've ever witnessed. Since its inception, the Dark Horse has grown in reputation and draws the strongest competitors from all over the country and even some internationally. This year was no exception, as professional climbers flew in from as far as Colorado to test their mettle against the boulder problems that Josh and Dave cooked up. By my count, at least 13 V12 and above climbers (not including the ladies) were in attendance, with only 9 of those being able to qualify for the finals. Just sitting in the crowd and watching as Daniel Woods, Paul Robinson, Carlo Traversi, and many others battled it out for a spot in the finals by flashing multiple V10's was certainly something you don't see every day.<br />
<br />
After qualifiers ended, everyone headed to the back of the gym to watch finals. In the couple weeks leading up to the event, the hype for Dark Horse had been a crazy firestorm of videos and facebook updates from pro athletes confirming their spot at the event, as well as a secret surprise from Josh Larson & crew. When everyone finally entered the back area, the secret was finally revealed: Josh and Dave had built a brand-new competition wall that towered above the pumped-up crowd and demanded the attention of every single person in the building. I had known about its inception for the few weeks preceding the comp, but had not seen it with my own eyes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRUcVSGiDPUl0lGanN7F6fXA282Uke3OL87vKs5T6cgRqCud9Oz-meytqYLD2Z0Hzoe_YN6jJkuwyVHcwrhYrZQgOhYp6zBusv-VemcFj4MYsevtrzydgsM6rTrUnxJLu-YRwlemAGoE/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRUcVSGiDPUl0lGanN7F6fXA282Uke3OL87vKs5T6cgRqCud9Oz-meytqYLD2Z0Hzoe_YN6jJkuwyVHcwrhYrZQgOhYp6zBusv-VemcFj4MYsevtrzydgsM6rTrUnxJLu-YRwlemAGoE/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dark Horse wall!<br />Photo: Jenna Keller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the finals crowd grew to capacity, myself and the rest of the finalists got ready by making up ridiculous boulder and campus problems in our tennis shoes. It was pretty cool to be playing add-on with the strongest boulderers in the country, especially when someone [Jimmy Webb] starts doing one-arms on really bad slopers to warm up.<br />
<br />
Finally, after the Louder Than 11 crew got their cameras rolling got the crowd amped beyond recognition, Dark Horse Finals began. When I turned around to face problem 1, it was hard to focus with the raucous mass of people behind me cheering harder than I have ever experienced in a climbing comp before. Even more intimidating was the fact that I was seeded directly after Daniel Woods, who set the bar fairly high, as you can imagine. The most intense moment I experienced was while I was sitting in the chair before problem 2, as every single climber on the wall topped their respective climbs at the same time. I thought my eardrums might burst.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph8Y0AdqV27zGTCV8aYhVQbMPXyQfKE-QkHplOQGfP-sBMoC8ym2nlY3lFzXTiNmfZ12aNUHZ_BpJJifSVgj9ARSFmGtjq7KjvbSEoYoYz9j3DFJKFWiBwJdlBOa507hwBuKgr3LEc6Y/s1600/69622_10100551577461438_698669682_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph8Y0AdqV27zGTCV8aYhVQbMPXyQfKE-QkHplOQGfP-sBMoC8ym2nlY3lFzXTiNmfZ12aNUHZ_BpJJifSVgj9ARSFmGtjq7KjvbSEoYoYz9j3DFJKFWiBwJdlBOa507hwBuKgr3LEc6Y/s640/69622_10100551577461438_698669682_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man of the hour - Bryan Rafferty MC'ing it up in finals!<br />Photo: <a href="http://www.lt11.com/" target="_blank">LT11</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall, I performed well, topping the first problem and making it decently far on the other three. However, on problem 4, I pulled my right-finger pulley tendon while attempting a rose move on a two-finger pocket, which made me stop climbing immediately. I was surprised when Jimmy Webb had the same issue, as he looked to be in a severe amount of pain after pulling the move. He also stopped two minutes before his time ended.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMetcBSCedKEMcBYz9O9SKp0KkYDra0VdOlvwfjJcuLcFAqdcWq_BvTX3NFI5eaBjUVifjc68N9UHKJMbWNM09yJR5pv5z-0BAmUJSvoufrb6fZcz8urw6y5cLaIBHTzldjTxUU3d7j4/s1600/205669_10152445921800696_1812084832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMetcBSCedKEMcBYz9O9SKp0KkYDra0VdOlvwfjJcuLcFAqdcWq_BvTX3NFI5eaBjUVifjc68N9UHKJMbWNM09yJR5pv5z-0BAmUJSvoufrb6fZcz8urw6y5cLaIBHTzldjTxUU3d7j4/s640/205669_10152445921800696_1812084832_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The infamous pocket.<br />Photo: Natalia Boltukhova</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Isabelle Faus ended up taking the title for the women with a dominant performance over powerhouses Angie Payne and Meagan Martin. For the guys, D Woods pulled the comeback victory by flashing problems 3 and 4, but the true Dark Horse of the event was Nick Picarella with his outstanding tops of problems 1, 2, and highlight-reel flash of #4. Major props, dude!<br />
<br />
All in all, I was still psyched! Dark Horse is by far the coolest local competition series that I have ever competed in, and completely lived up to all the expectations that I had. I got to get on some awesome problems and hang out with some of the best climbers in the world. Huge shout-out to setters Josh Larson and Dave Wetmore, and Jordan Shipman and Jon Glassberg from LT11 who have been essential to getting this series to where it's at now. Can't wait next season!<br />
<br />
DARK HORSE.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="422" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/57884070?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="750"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-16641611574528133542012-12-26T06:25:00.000-08:002012-12-26T06:25:58.901-08:00Finals vs Finals: The Epic ShowdownBy my count, over the past two months, I have been involved in exactly 11 finals of both the climbing and engineering variety. This includes 7 competition finals (1 Blackout Boulder Brawl, 1 Regional Championship, 2 Dark Horses, 3 Pan-American Championship finals) and 4 engineering final exams. Now, who's to say which one was more challenging? There are certainly some interesting parallels between the two. Now that I am on break from school and the competition circuit for a bit, I now have the chance to reflect on my first semester of college experience and look back on how balancing a full competition load was on top of that.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's start back at the very beginning. When I was deciding on an undergraduate engineering program that I wanted to enroll in, I knew that climbing still had to fit in somewhere. My final decision to attend Northeastern University in Boston arose out of Northeastern's stellar engineering school and extensive co-op opportunities that the school is renowned for. I also liked the study-hard/play-hard atmosphere of Boston and the fact that the climbing community was extremely welcoming (not to mention the fantastic comps they put on). I assumed that my time at school would mainly be centered around my studies and that I would not have enough time/be motivated enough to actually get myself to the gym. Boy was I wrong.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looking back, not only did I have the time to climb, I found myself more motivated than I ever have been in my whole life to get as much climbing in as possible, usually spending 5+ hours at a time climbing in the gym or outside at a New England crag. Instead of becoming a mindless training cycle, (as it had felt like in high school) climbing became my release from the many hours cooped up in my dorm or in class studying or taking notes. It felt natural, not forced, to have both my academics and my passion for climbing as the two center-points of my life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, now on to what I was getting at. Finals. After completing quite a variety of them in close succession, (as described earlier) I have noticed many similarities (and a couple major differences) between competition finals and the final exams that I took at the end of my first semester of college.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Firstly, it is important to understand that not everyone makes it to finals. Finals are an event bound with exclusivity in both cases; qualifying for finals at any major climbing competition is equally as challenging as sticking out a class for a full semester. It is a given fact that some kids just won't make it, either by dropping the class, or not having the best day of climbing. It is also important to understand that it is OK to sometimes not make finals, and if you don't, to take it as a learning experience and to put even more effort into next time finals roll around. I haven't had to drop a class yet, but I almost found this lesson out the hard way in the Dark Horse competitions by qualifying in the very last spot into finals on two separate occasions.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Secondly, finals are all about knowing how to prepare yourself for exactly what you about to face. In my climbing experience, training on the IFSC speed wall before I went down to South America was essential in keeping the route beta fresh in my mind and retaining the necessary muscle memory for the route. The same lesson I applied to my training for Dark Horse, by practicing delicate slab climbs, huge dynos, and crazy Josh Larson-esque beta that only he would be so daring as to come up with. When it came time for my final exam in CHEM1151, (my general engineering chemistry class) I did a huge amount of practice problems that I knew were going to be similar to the material on the test, and I believe it helped enormously in my overall grade.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally, the most indispensable element in order to succeed in finals is adaptability. There is no way that every formula you memorized or every training move you executed will be handed to you on a silver platter (unless of course you are very lucky). Doing well in finals or on a final exam is 99% mental, since most finals are intentionally designed to bring you outside your comfort zone. When the problem looks too daunting to even approach, DO NOT PANIC. Think about what the creator of the problem is trying to get you to do. Then, take a step back, close your eyes, and take a long, deep breath. Once you have done so, break down the challenge (be it a boulder problem or calculus problem) into small, manageable steps that you believe will eventually lead you to the finish. Once you have decided on the manner in which you will attack, be confident in it, and proceed. If it fails, be adaptable and try a slightly different tactic (maybe it's actually a rose move! or maybe I should integrate by parts!) and try the process over again. Being adaptive to your surroundings will give you a huge advantage over a strategy of bashing your head into the wall by using the same approach time and time again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That will pretty much do it for the similarities I found between my academic finals and competition finals, but there is one major difference that I would like to point out: In climbing finals, being the underdog in a comp is a good thing. There is way less pressure on you, so if you are a lower-seeded competitor in the finals, it feels as if you can make no mistake that would harm your current position. In my experience, being an underdog in a comp generally correlates to a much clearer mindset and a much better performance in the final round. This is absolutely not the case in academic finals. DO NOT be an underdog heading into the final by having a poor grade. Try to have the best grade possible beforehand to give yourself an extra point cushion should the final prove to be more devious than expected. Usually, grades in classes are cumulative, which means that even a good performance on the final does not guarantee you a good grade in the class, and it also puts a lot more mental strain on you at a time when you need your mind to be clear and stress-free. This seems like a very obvious statement to make, but I just wanted to show that there is indeed differentiation between the two types of finals that were previously mentioned.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-31689311775239006532012-11-08T17:51:00.001-08:002012-11-09T10:13:26.532-08:00Dark Horse #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u3c1na4fM8zOIico-WZ7hYVdhFe9Q5jQcXuX9pR6nma9ZQSRQiB4_VaatiLswrsNZeudXQ4EWdiCz0DSLKGrRb1VWorIZfUDJKnlRBliPfKSo3xOxjD1TlOF6OqzQqjQevIdXbg6hrY/s1600/header_01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u3c1na4fM8zOIico-WZ7hYVdhFe9Q5jQcXuX9pR6nma9ZQSRQiB4_VaatiLswrsNZeudXQ4EWdiCz0DSLKGrRb1VWorIZfUDJKnlRBliPfKSo3xOxjD1TlOF6OqzQqjQevIdXbg6hrY/s1600/header_01.jpeg" /></a></div>
Is the Dark Horse the most epic bouldering competition ever created? Absolutely. For the past couple years, I've been watching videos of bouldering competitions on the east coast, (namely Dark Horse and Heart of Steel) fantasizing about one day being able to travel out there to compete.<br />
<br />
Although the Heart of Steel has since been cancelled, the Dark Horse is still in full swing in New England, put on every year by head setters Josh Larson and Dave Wetmore. Watching the highlight reels made the events look insane - big dynos, drop-down moves, backwards mantles, swinging on non-climbing holds, you name it, it was probably there. It looked awesome.<br />
<br />
And now, I'm here, going to school in Boston. These are now local competitions for me. PSYCHED.<br />
<br />
From the very first day of classes, I found myself counting down the days to the first Dark Horse competition in Everett. As the weeks, then days, then hours ticked off until go time, I got more and more excited to see what Josh and Dave had in store.<br />
<br />
On the morning of qualifiers, I headed over to Metrorock with my friends Alex and Keila (also freshmen at Northeastern). The qualifier problems were hard - I barely ended up squeaking into finals with the strong field that showed up. However, I could already tell just from the atmosphere in the room that finals were going to be intense. People came in from about 10 different states, and even a van with some french Canadian climbers drove down for the event. We never used to get that big of a range at any competition back home! Coming from the west coast, where bouldering comps are laid back and finals are sort of a mystical idea that is rarely put into practice, it was exhilarating to know that my efforts in the qualification round could potentially move me on to finals.<br />
<br />
After qualifiers ended, I waited around to see if I had made the top six male spots that would move on to finals. However, Dave and Josh decided to let in two extra spots to bring the finals total up to eight. This turned out to be extremely lucky for me, since my score put me in seventh. Also qualifying for the finals were Nick Picarella, Vasya Vorotnikov, Ben Hoberg, Mike Feinberg, Andrew Kim, Sebastien Lazure, and David Bain.<br />
<br />
As I warmed up again in isolation for finals, I came to realize how much more amped up everyone was for the event. Even my roommate Isaac came out to watch the comp! Right before I climbed, I could hear the roar of the crowd as competitors worked their way up the problems behind me. The energy that I felt was on a completely different level than most competitions I've ever competed in, especially back home. I popped in my headphones, switched on the "get psyched" playlist, slipped into my trusty Team 5.10's, and chalked up. Before I knew it, "climbers begin climbing" echoed around the crowded arena from the PA and I turned to face the wall.<br />
<br />
In a word, the finals problems were INSANE. Problem 1 consisted of a huge Dark Horse volume to start, followed by several large cubes that you had to carefully balance over before dynoing around the corner to a ring jug. The next move tripped nearly everyone up, as you were supposed to do a big sideways dyno to standing position on top of a giant ball.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPOga0SZvGUwGI26aQ0HCHUydVeGhfouwf6hOZj5q9Q_Ihq6kDlMWyCahwfrMS8EMZIC_sgZLBoAn_h8ubnNRyI_HmxnLoHe6w1PrxxgXFGbvEItFuWTFaneTZIXXKG0jmyFTXWy8mrE/s1600/156467_10151059834901671_1234390133_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPOga0SZvGUwGI26aQ0HCHUydVeGhfouwf6hOZj5q9Q_Ihq6kDlMWyCahwfrMS8EMZIC_sgZLBoAn_h8ubnNRyI_HmxnLoHe6w1PrxxgXFGbvEItFuWTFaneTZIXXKG0jmyFTXWy8mrE/s640/156467_10151059834901671_1234390133_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Going for the jump move on #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="473" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QKU65dJJor4" width="630"></iframe><br />
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Video: Linda Lee</span></center>
<br />
Number 2 was short and powerful with another huge dyno to start, followed by crazy finish match. I was able to get the first move with about 30 seconds left, but I had used most of my energy trying the first move so many times that I ended up falling while going for the next hold. Only Mike Feinberg sent this one by throwing a bicycle on one of the lower volumes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZBNCwAuoMJuYh5I9pImRlvj24XYDCYuBoy5FK_yG_KW4cKF3vJF4rRFbdvc9QxMogC5JX0-5TCLqea577QIz1K4EJZ-mqAG7hyphenhyphenK0D2zrJU9FSOh30XEhbykNDQf76W6sErKxC9wwrXg/s1600/617251_10151059834186671_524574910_o+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZBNCwAuoMJuYh5I9pImRlvj24XYDCYuBoy5FK_yG_KW4cKF3vJF4rRFbdvc9QxMogC5JX0-5TCLqea577QIz1K4EJZ-mqAG7hyphenhyphenK0D2zrJU9FSOh30XEhbykNDQf76W6sErKxC9wwrXg/s640/617251_10151059834186671_524574910_o+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpeWSm1QAp2KjuzV0SrwVhX3Ihj4Fjet64Sv0g7v0rTwIPDswRPWvyMzjZTrFgpg6tyl3nBddg0992Ho4qeSATr7rIw2HC3G-z2H_SV9xIAOQjgQ66b1XiahDozRTCVzCTr9NbL_0WWs/s1600/621642_10151059833181671_53939850_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpeWSm1QAp2KjuzV0SrwVhX3Ihj4Fjet64Sv0g7v0rTwIPDswRPWvyMzjZTrFgpg6tyl3nBddg0992Ho4qeSATr7rIw2HC3G-z2H_SV9xIAOQjgQ66b1XiahDozRTCVzCTr9NbL_0WWs/s640/621642_10151059833181671_53939850_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Problem 3 was by far my favorite of the entire finals round. It started with your back to the wall, then was followed by a huge double-clutch dyno past a mediocre sloper to a jug. I attempted the dyno for most of my allotted time, trying to get the right body positioning before finally sticking the hold. From there, the climb went back onto the sloper that you initially dynoed to, then up onto a huge star feature before cumulating in one last hard move to the top. I fell trying to reach the hold on the star, which ended up being the 2nd highpoint on the route. Later in the comp, Vasya was able to pull through and was able to reach the finish. Inspiring!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="473" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2dCEnNkBVaQ" width="630"></iframe><br />
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Video: Linda Lee</span></center>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaqJPmOXBjTYnUmp8swb8DFgNKKyX8QkhMPP5rSDC_CiTkF_D44ZrvKroesECWYOZxDc3C6d1ofKg3LEeGzn3BxLZ3HVl_AChZkTpeHyxo0cI8EWUv8cNBmCwrfs2qJXA34RVH3x2aYY/s1600/471043_10151059833561671_1558866511_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaqJPmOXBjTYnUmp8swb8DFgNKKyX8QkhMPP5rSDC_CiTkF_D44ZrvKroesECWYOZxDc3C6d1ofKg3LEeGzn3BxLZ3HVl_AChZkTpeHyxo0cI8EWUv8cNBmCwrfs2qJXA34RVH3x2aYY/s640/471043_10151059833561671_1558866511_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewx150c4c_P30Z4MxQQVDs5bM-MqauEmoH6UsnO6Ip2vkTet-VCDgHyBHvT6QNmg_cUURTSm8DUut_J5F7esmBFYGpCW8V5pI74nph3K2-5y3wMAZpMHwtUq1W5r5d923rWDrirI8zoQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-10-17+at+4.59.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewx150c4c_P30Z4MxQQVDs5bM-MqauEmoH6UsnO6Ip2vkTet-VCDgHyBHvT6QNmg_cUURTSm8DUut_J5F7esmBFYGpCW8V5pI74nph3K2-5y3wMAZpMHwtUq1W5r5d923rWDrirI8zoQ/s640/Screen+shot+2012-10-17+at+4.59.01+PM.png" width="960" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuquDzI57dFzPXxjfErw-pCpR-MaabfSkSYl8EuQ_8kl_ALqjhebOGHmcR2ONA81Avze1DF5oASxnFqjJ72ZiC9vmo8SdFBPVNzuUrn8bU6s48TQdNi6cJtGfEI4wg-bDdZTSXdNL-1iU/s1600/176137_10151059833491671_1373223593_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuquDzI57dFzPXxjfErw-pCpR-MaabfSkSYl8EuQ_8kl_ALqjhebOGHmcR2ONA81Avze1DF5oASxnFqjJ72ZiC9vmo8SdFBPVNzuUrn8bU6s48TQdNi6cJtGfEI4wg-bDdZTSXdNL-1iU/s640/176137_10151059833491671_1373223593_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-jDCZBVQ4xAG0wcYikfLIxErxe0qIm8dbjQMnGmtOk5kRc39jQ1Ips6j7yy9t-DPRVKyQ_tKvyGGfkfvmNFlFd6TUWnpLty4jc2Igv-HkErWJv8iVdD8LQbk6vE6ZSg_zKrcteA3A00/s1600/664298_10151059833336671_654866257_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-jDCZBVQ4xAG0wcYikfLIxErxe0qIm8dbjQMnGmtOk5kRc39jQ1Ips6j7yy9t-DPRVKyQ_tKvyGGfkfvmNFlFd6TUWnpLty4jc2Igv-HkErWJv8iVdD8LQbk6vE6ZSg_zKrcteA3A00/s640/664298_10151059833336671_654866257_o.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAg1yYwjFJQckZmcSLtcnl5TJNR99rjeNTqJCgQr-oQJ5x64OvRGgIVgv2OMe8QRgshVSCp8fHmYUyTnTmbGehTec7L-GTQnB-ImC1aUD9byz7Q2dsK7O4vXTQK04fYP8rv4H25X6meo/s1600/176875_10151059833261671_1505894365_o+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAg1yYwjFJQckZmcSLtcnl5TJNR99rjeNTqJCgQr-oQJ5x64OvRGgIVgv2OMe8QRgshVSCp8fHmYUyTnTmbGehTec7L-GTQnB-ImC1aUD9byz7Q2dsK7O4vXTQK04fYP8rv4H25X6meo/s1600/176875_10151059833261671_1505894365_o+(1).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9KMiAKk8VPjsls2eZka5LAVdjOdXiha3J2iQTGz7rT4Tud6V7hOtvi6tiY3JQ5nyFA6A1m5voEOVpLvRVP8UNrr4zX7RRlFzZamPK2p122BsK8mJaot5TyAikJeTCMy6V5ne__D0fJw/s1600/135521_10151059832091671_1537246373_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9KMiAKk8VPjsls2eZka5LAVdjOdXiha3J2iQTGz7rT4Tud6V7hOtvi6tiY3JQ5nyFA6A1m5voEOVpLvRVP8UNrr4zX7RRlFzZamPK2p122BsK8mJaot5TyAikJeTCMy6V5ne__D0fJw/s1600/135521_10151059832091671_1537246373_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Vasya bringing home the title. That's how we do it in Boston!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the end, I came out in 4th place after Vasya, Mike, and Ben Hoberg. I believe Ben and I tied, but I had many more falls, (especially on #2) so that countback factor brought me down one spot. Nevertheless, I had a blast at my first big east coast pro comp, and I can't wait for the next one! DARK HORSE!<br />
<br />
All photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.tinyrussianstudio.com/" target="_blank">Natalia Boltukhova</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="506" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/51555376?byline=0&portrait=0&badge=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="900"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/51555376">Dark Horse 2013 Series 4 Round 1 Highlights</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/louderthan11">Louder Than Eleven</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-85985993471045772682012-11-08T16:59:00.002-08:002012-11-08T18:04:07.465-08:00IFSC World Cup Atlanta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QvBhspeJVpii1_INKtMNw0RElOGVUr8EB-nyUTYic_C2mmKXb5y672cb7L4cPm0gSdep_dTvPTW9UX8vFFeLxAwTRt_J6M6bqSZRpRb5TddAL5dvZhTJ36kIw51ZycX-uZ3n-YpL_lo/s1600/header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QvBhspeJVpii1_INKtMNw0RElOGVUr8EB-nyUTYic_C2mmKXb5y672cb7L4cPm0gSdep_dTvPTW9UX8vFFeLxAwTRt_J6M6bqSZRpRb5TddAL5dvZhTJ36kIw51ZycX-uZ3n-YpL_lo/s640/header.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Earlier this month, the IFSC Lead World Cup kicked off its American debut of the season in Atlanta, Georgia. I qualified for this event by making the finals at the SCS Open Nationals a few months ago, making this my 3rd World Cup appearance. Having performed well enough to qualify for the semifinals the year before, my hopes were high in terms of improving my result and potentially having a shot at making it into finals.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Training for this year's World Cup required a much different approach than I was normally used to, considering my full engineering courseload at Northeastern University I had to balance at the same time. However, the people over at Metrorock are awesome and I was able to catch some belays from friendly folks who were kind enough to let me run some laps on their project... Kinda felt bad about that. Oh well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Heading into the competition, I felt decently strong given that I had just gotten over a severe cold brought on by my first midterms of the year. Nevertheless, my last training session on the "treadwall" that we have in our campus rec center proved to be a valuable asset, and I felt as prepared as I needed to be in the few days before flying down to Atlanta. Luckily, one of the youth climbers from Atlanta, Jeremy Heit (and his family), offered to let me stay at their house for the competition, so I didn't have to go through the trouble of booking a room and trying to pick up rides over to the gym. Thank you, Heit family!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">When I walked into isolation for the competition, I felt right back in my element. The cool thing about competing in World Cup competitions is that the atmosphere is much more relaxed than any youth competition, which is crazy because you can look around at any given time and the person on both sides that you're warming up next to was on the front cover of that one climbing magazine last month. In total, there were about 65 competitors, which made for a small-competition ambiance. One of the cooler aspects was being able to chat with Jakob Schubert (reigning World Champion, nbd) on his recent win in Paris, and also got his side of the story on his even more recent </span><a href="http://wavewiki.vertical.com/boulderx/?p=432" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">disqualification in Puurs, Belgium</a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">. He felt that it was an unfair call and that he should have been awarded a yellow card, but that all he needed to do was perform well in Atlanta to move on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">When I finally stepped onto the wall in qualifiers, I felt a little nervous, but climbed decently well on the first climb, making it past the overhanging portion of the wall and onto the very technical slab. On qualifier 2, I didn't climb nearly as well after I made a poor rest about halfway up, but still was able to take the very last spot into semifinals after an two revisions of the scores and an appeal had me one spot out (lots of anxious waiting and deep breaths ensued).</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ym-d3n0GYPjkEj7FjgxrEwtTz2v2A-gApY2AFzrfciZbLRA8dHwag9mu7sgF1IpYmxwBm3clUAdsQ87Ph1K_I3gdxaTep1IuV9cPLlrFkWCcRn4Q9sZV2i0qYP9LNAO0LE04FiTlXlU/s1600/q2atl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ym-d3n0GYPjkEj7FjgxrEwtTz2v2A-gApY2AFzrfciZbLRA8dHwag9mu7sgF1IpYmxwBm3clUAdsQ87Ph1K_I3gdxaTep1IuV9cPLlrFkWCcRn4Q9sZV2i0qYP9LNAO0LE04FiTlXlU/s640/q2atl.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Qualifier 2<br />
Photo: Emily Taylor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Semifinals! </span><a href="http://levinjosh.blogspot.com/2011/10/ifsc-world-cup-boulder-co.html" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">After making it to this stage of the competition in Boulder last year</a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, I was beyond psyched to have made it again. This time, my goal was to improve upon my placement from the year before, where I placed 23rd. After a quick preview, I set out on the extremely overhanging climb, making sure to climb quickly through the bottom section. My tactic worked well through some big holds and a sick campus section, but I tried to rush a tenuous section after a rest without taking time to breathe and assess the situation, and I fell while trying to pull a gaston. In the end, I placed 21st, my highest at a World Cup yet! It definitely pays off to go first in an onsight round - there's way less pressure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">After grabbing a bite to eat at the famous Little Cuba restaurant next to the gym (try their Cuban Sandwiches or Lucy lunch special), I headed back for finals with a bunch of US athletes, including Ben Tresco, Noah Ridge, Kyra Condie, Thomas Pitzel, Carina Claassen, Delaney Miller, and Michaela Kiersch. Finals were fantastic as usual, and it was amazing to see the world's best climbers come destroy routes on the walls that I know so well. Especially amazing was Jakob Schubert's climb, as he nearly fell off one section, only to calmly continue on and send the climb. Huge congrats to Ramon Julian and Jain Kim for winning the World Cup as well.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgVnEVPl3CaDHrRPOJ9dnKwOD-8arB-QkKjJUpj3Dc4fzrMs8GKeGANVxP1WHwGOpZKp-C6UZCWjuKkiVrpQEjgEtCZpxtAZdmCJ06E2IAT5s9wcMgspeZxJaLylU1-795xweDT671KE/s1600/jainkim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgVnEVPl3CaDHrRPOJ9dnKwOD-8arB-QkKjJUpj3Dc4fzrMs8GKeGANVxP1WHwGOpZKp-C6UZCWjuKkiVrpQEjgEtCZpxtAZdmCJ06E2IAT5s9wcMgspeZxJaLylU1-795xweDT671KE/s640/jainkim.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jain Kim, World Cup Champion!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja44s95XuttvYharm7DWUviF4NVvd9Oi1l_jH73VQoYdXrZo0J4Gf6WucWegsh4h9OmyLYvJid6F3RjuD3tkbE0C_DD8pbZQgHKHp12fzc5vZZ34SSDWiZ8nqMMFz4E9VFf40s_e1npcU/s1600/michaelapodium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja44s95XuttvYharm7DWUviF4NVvd9Oi1l_jH73VQoYdXrZo0J4Gf6WucWegsh4h9OmyLYvJid6F3RjuD3tkbE0C_DD8pbZQgHKHp12fzc5vZZ34SSDWiZ8nqMMFz4E9VFf40s_e1npcU/s640/michaelapodium.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Champions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 17.999998092651367px;">Inspiration from the competition now carries me through school every day. Whenever I find myself drifting off in my calculus lecture or doodling in my engineering design course, I often find myself thinking of how I could be training to compete on the World Cup circuit along with the climbers who I just witnessed. This dream needs to be realized! If there's a will, there's a way. Perhaps after I earn my degree I will pursue this course to the fullest. Until then, </span><a href="http://vimeo.com/51555376" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 17.999998092651367px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Dark Horse</a> <span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 17.999998092651367px;">competitions will have to be enough I suppose...</span></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="422" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/50731257?badge=0" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="750"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-7306015651993622552012-09-17T12:44:00.000-07:002012-09-17T15:27:40.555-07:00High School Climbing Clubs in the NewspaperIn my junior year of high school, I helped create a rock climbing club at my local high school entitled the Fremont Bouldering Club. At first, our membership drifted between a couple of kids per week and only committed members showing up to meetings, but over time, we started gaining momentum which eventually led up to over fifty active members attending multiple events per year.<br />
<br />
<div>Because of our success, we were able to organize more events, including climbing movie nights, club trips to competitions all over the Bay Area, trash cleanups, and even a club trip to Bishop! Other high schools from around the district joined ours, and pretty soon we had kids from all over Silicon Valley with no prior experience in climbing trying it out for the first time and loving it. An article about our club was featured in our local newspaper recently. Here are some photos of the event:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsaAZd-pX9znLkus9qfLKvVuRpTQztSPT-SNtpz6grMv3wxkzTnPQVg8MZT5oZGfJHoCZIuNCWPY60ekyON8Aq2YkdvWOVHRxYMLX98C-SSMY9FJFKMyOBSUxnumvBc4sgN5aznvIwtE/s1600/PG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsaAZd-pX9znLkus9qfLKvVuRpTQztSPT-SNtpz6grMv3wxkzTnPQVg8MZT5oZGfJHoCZIuNCWPY60ekyON8Aq2YkdvWOVHRxYMLX98C-SSMY9FJFKMyOBSUxnumvBc4sgN5aznvIwtE/s640/PG2.jpg" width="414" /></a></div></div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K3yUtohMmmtzt7w-SnYA8QiJERGH2YJwkUMwiz8syH5BF_W3fHPrWrSFnsB6zUnwufC28Mf6RCwoqoVHNcndTiJDQ5ZXFlsn7q7TGPOujzvWvhrmbQZkwhxVE7tbO67tJ5KMCV7Crr8/s1600/PG3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K3yUtohMmmtzt7w-SnYA8QiJERGH2YJwkUMwiz8syH5BF_W3fHPrWrSFnsB6zUnwufC28Mf6RCwoqoVHNcndTiJDQ5ZXFlsn7q7TGPOujzvWvhrmbQZkwhxVE7tbO67tJ5KMCV7Crr8/s640/PG3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yann De Bleecker, Cory Ibanez, and Keith Batryn</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVx2LOmskfY-tcLWcwX3bOTlyxIG-3tEvgx1f6LwDhYW9wGqfGBoMJlBzXvITCBVd4CWjJHabc9TV9hTlYmwd4-y9l4G6K-2ovbltV0tXV40_kCTIpLRTCLMBCBiwoOpS9Ab0LlUbU1g/s1600/PG5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVx2LOmskfY-tcLWcwX3bOTlyxIG-3tEvgx1f6LwDhYW9wGqfGBoMJlBzXvITCBVd4CWjJHabc9TV9hTlYmwd4-y9l4G6K-2ovbltV0tXV40_kCTIpLRTCLMBCBiwoOpS9Ab0LlUbU1g/s640/PG5.jpg" width="444" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Gray, Cory Ibanez, Aaron Welch, and Ryan Merril</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvvBTxYWyvflfpyznDHn5gl886Ad4hhVtOyETf4ErgD8XjzOFkZabRqpowLJAlOF4hkmWdkE0KJToG6qsCGtOI8JjDf3-TkgnKZjc4aX7VdVuM6qwg-viw5MyaxobPDSI1-o_naYIfXY/s1600/PG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvvBTxYWyvflfpyznDHn5gl886Ad4hhVtOyETf4ErgD8XjzOFkZabRqpowLJAlOF4hkmWdkE0KJToG6qsCGtOI8JjDf3-TkgnKZjc4aX7VdVuM6qwg-viw5MyaxobPDSI1-o_naYIfXY/s640/PG1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgihu8aN6ulcwe-LCNe2s3eLhSGT0UacclzgIiWtCBeryjYTaFqqOHVYtinnO4cd17yfcMP7i0v3XNqvYrgcqZ7n8yy85iSUh2ylJ7L6NvsbWLWBa4nZbIaf25rIYd9lmTgTzRClEfcQA/s1600/PG4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgihu8aN6ulcwe-LCNe2s3eLhSGT0UacclzgIiWtCBeryjYTaFqqOHVYtinnO4cd17yfcMP7i0v3XNqvYrgcqZ7n8yy85iSUh2ylJ7L6NvsbWLWBa4nZbIaf25rIYd9lmTgTzRClEfcQA/s1600/PG4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Source: <b><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/sunnyvale/ci_21486388/rock-climbing-classes-spread-throughout-cupertino-sunnyvale-schools" target="_blank">http://www.mercurynews.com/sunnyvale/ci_21486388/rock-climbing-classes-spread-throughout-cupertino-sunnyvale-schools</a></b><br />
<br />
All photos: <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/sunnyvale" target="_blank">Jacqueline Ramseyer</a><br />
<br />
</div><div>My dream is to share my passion for climbing with as many people as are interested, and also to inspire the future generations of high-schoolers that if you are enthusiastic about something, you should go full steam ahead with it, regardless of what is "mainstream" or not.</div><div><br />
</div><div>These days in the climbing community, we hear this word being thrown around an awful lot due to our bid for the Olympic Games in 2020. With climbing gaining a lot of press centered around the <a href="http://www.insidethegames.biz/sports/2020-bidding-sports/347-climbing/18417-climbing-prepares-for-key-ioc-evaluation-event-in-2020-olympic-bid" target="_blank">IOC's observation of the World Championships in Paris</a> last week, we need to be putting our best foot forward in order to present ourselves as an organized group of smart, capable, and passionate group of people.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I believe getting climbing more focused on the youth is the next step. With youth prodigies springing up from what seems like EVERYWHERE now, (see my friend and teammate <a href="http://www.8a.nu/forum/ViewForumThread.aspx?ObjectId=24320&ObjectClass=CLS_UserNewsComment&CountryCode=GLOBAL" target="_blank">Mirko Caballero for example</a>) it is essential for kids to explore their passion for climbing while they are young. We need this next generation to become a strong group of individuals, ready to represent their respective countries in eight years when the Olympics will hit either <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1194689-ioc-announces-host-city-finalists-for-2020-olympics-breaking-down-the-bids" target="_blank">Madrid, Istanbul, or Tokyo</a>. Kids should not be forced into climbing, like so many parents try to do to their kids in gymnastics, baseball, etc., but I feel that the opportunity is not quite there yet for kids who are interested in it to pursue it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>With the development of high school climbing clubs, I hope that this step towards the youth will facilitate more interest in the sport as something that anybody can do, regardless of age, gender, or ability. Today's goal is to get climbing incorporated into the education system not only at the <a href="http://usaclimbing.net/ccs/home.cfm" target="_blank">collegiate level (CCS)</a> but also into the high school, middle school, elementary school, and club sports level. As we have seen from younger kids these days, and also with the inclusion of paraclimbing in the World Championships, (see the video below at 2:06:00 mark - blind climbing!) climbing is truly the sport for anyone in the world to experience.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="441" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PnSGB0B4JeI" width="784"></iframe><br />
<br />
What can you do now? Get active in your community! Take your kids climbing, take your grandparents climbing, get out of the house or in front of the computer and go experience life the way it should be - vertically. Let's get this sport off the ground and into the future - where you tell people you climbed in high school and they ask "<a href="http://www.rockandice.com/news/1813-climbing-goes-varsity-state-championships-in-high-school-climbing" target="_blank">Varsity or JV?</a>".<br />
<br />
Maybe climbing's not your thing. Whatever. My point is, take what you love to do, and pursue it. That's all.<br />
<br />
Ok, enough ranting for the moment. Thanks for reading, please leave any feedback you have below. Check back soon for trip beta on one of the world's best crags: Tonsai, Thailand!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-77256068117389872842012-09-13T15:02:00.000-07:002012-09-13T22:12:43.578-07:00Thai Smoothies, Cuban Rice, and Singapore Slings: The Many Tastes of SummerI am currently typing this from my new college dorm room in Kennedy Hall at Northeastern University in Boston! As my summer draws to a close, I figured I might as well share my many adventures before my engineering class schedule becomes too difficult to manage. Hopefully this will tie you over until then!<br />
<br />
My summer started out in June with a trip to the Teva Mountain Games in Vail for the annual Bouldering World Cup. Vail is definitely one of my favorite competitions of the year. Besides having some awesome boulder problems in the comp itself, Vail is one of the most scenic locations in the United States, and boasts a wide array of outdoor sports. It’s not every weekend you get to experience kayaking, BMX, slacklining, dog jump competitions, and climbing all mixed into one. In the competition, I missed out on making semifinals by one hold on the second qualifier, but I felt strong on the two slab problems, flashing both of them. Looks like I need to work on more overhanging problems for next year… I guess slab is more of my style now? Weird. The rest of the weekend I got to hang out with Tris Sampson, Alex Johnson, Addison Kim, Elise Sethna, and a bunch of other friends before heading back to California.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWZxjOFsaVw4UFm99Nw-EuJA2pTm7FUqjzh-Nkikq-dTBhBxtLvxojz9hz33mrvwCu6HakT8bsUeANS-Tfg7IjzksC7ILLwhj6c9hgLL1Tjy9FYVKo0OWPERclOP8FlyYFG8oxs5h43Y/s1600/*IMG_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWZxjOFsaVw4UFm99Nw-EuJA2pTm7FUqjzh-Nkikq-dTBhBxtLvxojz9hz33mrvwCu6HakT8bsUeANS-Tfg7IjzksC7ILLwhj6c9hgLL1Tjy9FYVKo0OWPERclOP8FlyYFG8oxs5h43Y/s400/*IMG_0528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc_I3AJJaA6_oYd5cmMrNlSjoR97TNmL7AyBx_wkgPqIWX1JpWYMdLcFcZS0JZEXhJA1wkDIn40FfDYlv4YI0tSr56Z7c25uJqZUqYc4Qb_ihtyFl0n-XxWFjH9N39xwOpbIuIYHvaCc/s1600/*IMG_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc_I3AJJaA6_oYd5cmMrNlSjoR97TNmL7AyBx_wkgPqIWX1JpWYMdLcFcZS0JZEXhJA1wkDIn40FfDYlv4YI0tSr56Z7c25uJqZUqYc4Qb_ihtyFl0n-XxWFjH9N39xwOpbIuIYHvaCc/s640/*IMG_0504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2LnCtzFOw-f-BChV9J06Q-yQjYFRVybII47NzkxqzW71NnRL9G58DyyRq3qzv7tVxjeXF0z_yERN7oe9Zqtu9f26yKUfhA4My-j7mTdvEIuYVs3zMbReTjNY9fh7eKJJVas8VXPi_Ug/s1600/*IMG_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2LnCtzFOw-f-BChV9J06Q-yQjYFRVybII47NzkxqzW71NnRL9G58DyyRq3qzv7tVxjeXF0z_yERN7oe9Zqtu9f26yKUfhA4My-j7mTdvEIuYVs3zMbReTjNY9fh7eKJJVas8VXPi_Ug/s640/*IMG_0508.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team USA.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBqCEtVPNBaIqAB_OLmvziXSOVKMvBa_eBwAJJH_vsh0Jc6ygKkPg7wrmmveWuCGMK2LeES7TOJ_nDEWT0OicZhOxlRadvh1vkKu1r7yur9-_0EZQvb2FpEdtse1RgK_kOVi3PrhmddY/s1600/Tris_jackets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBqCEtVPNBaIqAB_OLmvziXSOVKMvBa_eBwAJJH_vsh0Jc6ygKkPg7wrmmveWuCGMK2LeES7TOJ_nDEWT0OicZhOxlRadvh1vkKu1r7yur9-_0EZQvb2FpEdtse1RgK_kOVi3PrhmddY/s400/Tris_jackets.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' in the North Face store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPWGIZisVV8uqxm70TumublR8N5f-2nHjaruQHMO7wwmUOTDS-2guPJEgwKpjSYPQpxOAUaR7utJKTtD4qJl8qMX3nv17AiSLbB3wKwXbKE1RCdMYXwBOyj8oECEE5kLzJpqoenVnkHo/s1600/Stacey+grad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
</a> <br />
During my short week at home, I graduated high school! My time at Fremont High School was certainly a blast, and I will have friends and memories that I will keep the rest of my life. I also received the High School Senior of the Year award from the city of Sunnyvale for my volunteer work with the Fremont High School Bouldering Club trail cleanup and participating in climb-a-thons for my coach Stacey Collver, who received a double-lung transplant. However, life is all about moving on to encounter new things, so later that week I left for Atlanta to train for Nationals in the beginning of July.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDa0ZlCHHcyE1EG7QdYDqK1YOsxhCZ1qSEa0WsGoex9tjw8Lb_MaTVOp4HiRrR1-TVC5cKz9M5GTRReOzPOTpDoLWV3ZPPvQ0kWvTqpEVPi3jStJipHKHEjT664GKRw_w9209X0sv2_Q/s1600/469710_10150902588198264_862329270_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDa0ZlCHHcyE1EG7QdYDqK1YOsxhCZ1qSEa0WsGoex9tjw8Lb_MaTVOp4HiRrR1-TVC5cKz9M5GTRReOzPOTpDoLWV3ZPPvQ0kWvTqpEVPi3jStJipHKHEjT664GKRw_w9209X0sv2_Q/s640/469710_10150902588198264_862329270_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents and I at the Fremont High School Senior Awards Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPWGIZisVV8uqxm70TumublR8N5f-2nHjaruQHMO7wwmUOTDS-2guPJEgwKpjSYPQpxOAUaR7utJKTtD4qJl8qMX3nv17AiSLbB3wKwXbKE1RCdMYXwBOyj8oECEE5kLzJpqoenVnkHo/s1600/Stacey+grad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPWGIZisVV8uqxm70TumublR8N5f-2nHjaruQHMO7wwmUOTDS-2guPJEgwKpjSYPQpxOAUaR7utJKTtD4qJl8qMX3nv17AiSLbB3wKwXbKE1RCdMYXwBOyj8oECEE5kLzJpqoenVnkHo/s640/Stacey+grad.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first climbing coach, Stacey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;">Nationals training camp has always walked a fine line of out-of-control summer camp and the most intense climbing training you can fit into a single day, and this year was no exception. With around 50 other youth athletes, I trained at Stone Summit Climbing Gym for a solid 2.5 weeks leading up to the competition. After countless laps on the 60-foot wall, enough speed training to give us all bloody fingertips, and too many Lucy’s (see photo below) to count, I felt ready for Nationals.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1QY71XrcM-azxvbCWrGD5awzNIOO5W3iZZSzDvLm4mJ6hJZwZ3d-cmkGp0y2CLeEe4Qy65rvA7CIgc3bjSYU5TENN7bBe-rgg8M16A9aBTZ0-HI_eMrPtH76CgZN2-OPPTGMrN21S6Y/s1600/Lucy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1QY71XrcM-azxvbCWrGD5awzNIOO5W3iZZSzDvLm4mJ6hJZwZ3d-cmkGp0y2CLeEe4Qy65rvA7CIgc3bjSYU5TENN7bBe-rgg8M16A9aBTZ0-HI_eMrPtH76CgZN2-OPPTGMrN21S6Y/s640/Lucy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The infamous Lucy. You can't go to Atlanta without having one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vZzenU9LoBhcQVfXvtAddrpSqAWzOt1DU5ow8Zp37myUt0yiLkC0SyG0dZEqtdvkLfudzjwhfS6nYTx1GXU3li0cZBFhcRMYm3ImubYdWThPd8_PN74n88HF_B2RakQfBZOXynnav6E/s1600/blood+smiley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vZzenU9LoBhcQVfXvtAddrpSqAWzOt1DU5ow8Zp37myUt0yiLkC0SyG0dZEqtdvkLfudzjwhfS6nYTx1GXU3li0cZBFhcRMYm3ImubYdWThPd8_PN74n88HF_B2RakQfBZOXynnav6E/s640/blood+smiley.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiley faces in blood- the Stone Summit speed tradition.<br />
Photo: Faith Sullivan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-1h9f08_8qLCJAgW7WXfYYLw2aP2gGR3AP2O_HBlXPNX0SSNBVkr-pmcOnXgglRdvmM5gT2ofnqPmX9WEhaPluk7nsWVvxhEAa22eM1AF4GBzsRkJJeuX8gKIV75ydwI_uKIHZShoOQ/s1600/Training+camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-1h9f08_8qLCJAgW7WXfYYLw2aP2gGR3AP2O_HBlXPNX0SSNBVkr-pmcOnXgglRdvmM5gT2ofnqPmX9WEhaPluk7nsWVvxhEAa22eM1AF4GBzsRkJJeuX8gKIV75ydwI_uKIHZShoOQ/s640/Training+camp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crew!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Side note: during our training, our coach, Scot Jenerik, did some mental preparation talks with us all to get us fully ready for the competition. One of the questions he asked us was if given the choice, we could magically skip all of the climbing and already be selected for the national team. After leaving the question hang in the air for a moment, it dawned on me that I would never give up all of the life experiences with friends and the thrill of competing for any kind of reward in the world. That’s how special this sport is to me.<br />
<br />
At the competition itself, I placed a respectable 5th in difficulty (barely making the US team) and 1st in speed. I was especially excited about this year’s speed event, as it marked my 10th consecutive National Championship title. It was great to see the level that all of the competitors were pushing as well, with most finalists pushing the sub-six second mark. Impressive! On the difficulty side, my routes this year were fantastic, with the final climb consisting of mantles, rose moves, ball presses, and (my personal favorite) a wrestling match with a giant boob-feature that cumulated in an all-points-off dyno towards the finish moves. I had a foot slip and fell underneath the boob, but still had a blast on the climb.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2-xNtLYQfRxfRbbdZZNWOmXibI_LOIe1tZIW7db_r3MrfJM7WR2ir7xpxHWwYh8jf5JtI3GUsI5_jzpyyAUQ8J93UzL-ZSakOf8NFFJLECNzCvVnIjWHUeAru9AKePKpPtvA4uwgoVc/s1600/318752_518862920701_361510269_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2-xNtLYQfRxfRbbdZZNWOmXibI_LOIe1tZIW7db_r3MrfJM7WR2ir7xpxHWwYh8jf5JtI3GUsI5_jzpyyAUQ8J93UzL-ZSakOf8NFFJLECNzCvVnIjWHUeAru9AKePKpPtvA4uwgoVc/s640/318752_518862920701_361510269_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Sydney McNair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP_F-K_uAl2BFhwIGrtbcQOU9Ng5DmvGTB5N_g857TEILZImRdcMcMC-GJlweCqL8bnGcrHNHZcGwlLCH4B_k_rHlmy1-KvAEvizurVcdneXeFzslg4iNqEdkFMJah5wWENDUa65IpQE/s1600/287750_10151009349299920_393835322_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP_F-K_uAl2BFhwIGrtbcQOU9Ng5DmvGTB5N_g857TEILZImRdcMcMC-GJlweCqL8bnGcrHNHZcGwlLCH4B_k_rHlmy1-KvAEvizurVcdneXeFzslg4iNqEdkFMJah5wWENDUa65IpQE/s640/287750_10151009349299920_393835322_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo: Sam Wolff</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruqdxXMAJMF_KHwIn5fiplp9_XapL34yWlRK7ZFjeceEr4AOgg0Bq2opJo6f2YdUFkfK5AtRBbA110ygzGi7i4sh4Oc36H1ssypxatiXZhdK74smjtmVqWzzJyMqv9ii6bWuieYNBxRc/s1600/podium+speed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruqdxXMAJMF_KHwIn5fiplp9_XapL34yWlRK7ZFjeceEr4AOgg0Bq2opJo6f2YdUFkfK5AtRBbA110ygzGi7i4sh4Oc36H1ssypxatiXZhdK74smjtmVqWzzJyMqv9ii6bWuieYNBxRc/s640/podium+speed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Sydney McNair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because of my performance at Nationals, I received two invitations to the Youth World Championships in Singapore! I have been fortunate enough to qualify for this competition for the last five years, and have always appreciated the challenge of qualifying for such a prestigious event.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After Atlanta, I went north to Boston with my family to complete my freshman orientation at Northeastern University and took a side trip to NYC as well. When I finally arrived home, I had a short few weeks to pack up all my belongings and ship them out to Boston and hang out with my friends in Sunnyvale for the last time. Some of the more fun activities I did was setting up a 20-foot highline in Ortega Park near my house with my friend David Sarver and Keith and putting in some solid mini-golf sessions with Omer, David Cordero, and Vishesh.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKg5Fevb9s3bfrOkqnvybt960w5IiRq_1BSRHHpwNCdIhnnWiuIo2kWYMNzBbhJxphzligRi-1GiIKTS5O8SkKlEHced8GCP1BoJ9k1AGfWIN6QfuHR604JvA_Xq0dRUmKVQ-irrHwE0/s1600/brooklyn+b's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKg5Fevb9s3bfrOkqnvybt960w5IiRq_1BSRHHpwNCdIhnnWiuIo2kWYMNzBbhJxphzligRi-1GiIKTS5O8SkKlEHced8GCP1BoJ9k1AGfWIN6QfuHR604JvA_Xq0dRUmKVQ-irrHwE0/s640/brooklyn+b's.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooklyn Boulders with my Ecuadorian friend Christian!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7gyiHFCOJPPzX3yX25c2ZId4BS1OXcBRnGwJ7FHApsYfl3NS10Oj1d1CRgVm_2GT692Nw_PPSIDIc8jy2qQpks60uBwOAmr0w5MowRLiRNyRAgrCVLFflw_M3ZAlp7UIOAZF_Hd6Mog/s1600/slackline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7gyiHFCOJPPzX3yX25c2ZId4BS1OXcBRnGwJ7FHApsYfl3NS10Oj1d1CRgVm_2GT692Nw_PPSIDIc8jy2qQpks60uBwOAmr0w5MowRLiRNyRAgrCVLFflw_M3ZAlp7UIOAZF_Hd6Mog/s640/slackline.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: David Sarver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<c><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="441" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_iBmGlREJWA" width="784"></iframe></c><br />
<br />
Before I left for Asia, my friend Charlie Andrews and I went out to Reno to train on the only official IFSC speed wall in the country. We put in some solid work sessions with a huge amount of help of the CommRow staff, especially from manager Brian Sweeney, who donated hours of his time to help us belay and time each other. Below are some videos of some of our speed attempts and some outdoor climbing shots at Donner Summit. Also, if you have the chance to go train on the Reno wall, definitely hit up Golden Flower, one of the best Vietnamese restaurants I have ever eaten at. They serve a bunch of different types of noodle and meat dishes for reasonable prices, and are open until 3am every day!<br />
<br />
<c><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="441" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TBZLN37pD_U" width="784"></iframe></c><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRBCMSw_3ilv6NsaWdMGbvSuH-dG4k6YdYCS9Gzmp8RZcUlJYxmc9cYbivkUD8PRbPYqEz63pfN0d06UjeyjUKNIOOQxTqM30Jf6IDnxndI120S1XCCYKnqW4-rHhSGQJb2K69hm6ReY/s1600/Donnercrop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRBCMSw_3ilv6NsaWdMGbvSuH-dG4k6YdYCS9Gzmp8RZcUlJYxmc9cYbivkUD8PRbPYqEz63pfN0d06UjeyjUKNIOOQxTqM30Jf6IDnxndI120S1XCCYKnqW4-rHhSGQJb2K69hm6ReY/s640/Donnercrop1.jpg" width="604" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running a lap on Short Subject (12a)<br />
Photo: Charlie Andrews</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUfxJeb6aNv5hCgoQNY0SsXlahVN6BZ47M3bgZJvMlN4xNR86_ZNfAse5WJ2eRQTaI2LOBI6Q9wMwX6zjMhjDz3Bu9YRSU8VXR4b9_rTSMY8HIaOV5IO26DVGphjuO6VJ5cmRsBgdQJk/s1600/GOPR0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUfxJeb6aNv5hCgoQNY0SsXlahVN6BZ47M3bgZJvMlN4xNR86_ZNfAse5WJ2eRQTaI2LOBI6Q9wMwX6zjMhjDz3Bu9YRSU8VXR4b9_rTSMY8HIaOV5IO26DVGphjuO6VJ5cmRsBgdQJk/s640/GOPR0067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donner Summit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before I knew it, I had packed up all of my belongings, sent them off to college, and I was off to Asia! The multi-day trip to Thailand involved flying through the Singapore airport, which is by far the coolest airport I have ever visited. It contains free massages, movie theaters, x-box, a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, and even the world’s tallest airport slide (4 stories). Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do any of these fantastic activities as I arrived at 12:30am when they were all still closed. Oh well.<br />
<br />
The next two weeks in Thailand passed way too quickly. I stayed in Tonsai Bay with Charlie and his sister Emily, and each day we started our routine of eating a casual breakfast on the beach, then walking around 50 feet to climb the amazing stalactite/tufa routes that scattered the ocean vista. During our time there, I climbed two 13d’s and a slew of other 5.13’s, did my first multipitch, chilled with the Canadian National Team, and went DEEP WATER SOLOING. Yes, it was awesome. Be jealous. We also enjoyed Thai smoothies, pad thai at the famous Mama’s Chicken Shack, fried rice in pineapples, and siestas on the white-sand beaches. I will be posting an entire blog post detailing the trip there and beta for you to go visit, so stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xf2P1p0kDSCniXuhIohI6KBDZG32H5WYfVyUDCjpGfDNADZNtEn3rN_uu0dlPDGt1MOza0Dguyeg5LSZfxj3qRx2fKSQIv9BwnAungmjUudLqakC_Ko0VfXsUXPFfUpE6gr7iQbCdek/s1600/Kayak+self+portrait+edit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xf2P1p0kDSCniXuhIohI6KBDZG32H5WYfVyUDCjpGfDNADZNtEn3rN_uu0dlPDGt1MOza0Dguyeg5LSZfxj3qRx2fKSQIv9BwnAungmjUudLqakC_Ko0VfXsUXPFfUpE6gr7iQbCdek/s640/Kayak+self+portrait+edit.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking expedition!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1L4nGA6gslD9TQta1T2SuBXiz_gh9WQ0WLvfFAEU_yAYrOlIwg_JJ4-1-QJxHmprJWeniA093iYsE1cLVf4cVCeVywGl5upUU9wNSI-juC82a9YesBXIzQWmGwmgH9SxR8FZK6bQUb04/s1600/asia+shadow+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1L4nGA6gslD9TQta1T2SuBXiz_gh9WQ0WLvfFAEU_yAYrOlIwg_JJ4-1-QJxHmprJWeniA093iYsE1cLVf4cVCeVywGl5upUU9wNSI-juC82a9YesBXIzQWmGwmgH9SxR8FZK6bQUb04/s640/asia+shadow+1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asia Shadow Play (8a+), Tonsai Beach<br />
Photo: Emily Andrews</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDoz46qxcaAgvwm6FTRbZowGAuvyy_PHIw_vWOp6Pv2hLToljOQPCtydqJp4XAlHUmatgK4gnf0N2V7swSxZB4Q_lUrGjAJtsoyyRPMkzwuFrv-FgdKAtk29xzgs1V-p9fokZd4yQQtQ/s1600/asia+shadow+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDoz46qxcaAgvwm6FTRbZowGAuvyy_PHIw_vWOp6Pv2hLToljOQPCtydqJp4XAlHUmatgK4gnf0N2V7swSxZB4Q_lUrGjAJtsoyyRPMkzwuFrv-FgdKAtk29xzgs1V-p9fokZd4yQQtQ/s640/asia+shadow+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Emily Andrews</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJJSZ-R31WMmhyphenhyphen5tOHtyv5nMI0MFv2pNk4dfatehIXPg0hrpE9Kj7h2uHa8LaQVV1EzSaoBQtQI1w6W3zpssVOlotF2Rm4X1PB9NzvDJ0aw44MXod7VjkUVffmfTzY8zINi6XIKeHsi4/s1600/cara+cangreso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJJSZ-R31WMmhyphenhyphen5tOHtyv5nMI0MFv2pNk4dfatehIXPg0hrpE9Kj7h2uHa8LaQVV1EzSaoBQtQI1w6W3zpssVOlotF2Rm4X1PB9NzvDJ0aw44MXod7VjkUVffmfTzY8zINi6XIKeHsi4/s640/cara+cangreso.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cara Cangreso (8b/+) Tonsai Beach<br />
Photo: Emily Andrews</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm-6FZyvInYg3oEwV59EOKtHEqOmM3te8p_2YODYH3HEposR6K5YPlp1H6wu3fXxOITbDsLYgc7MvhncTDu-dcq9pZOYZUPwz9-cOq8aKO3ltJxcXQNGvIQfOyEBx8YooHiSOnPrPf2Y/s1600/Spiderman+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm-6FZyvInYg3oEwV59EOKtHEqOmM3te8p_2YODYH3HEposR6K5YPlp1H6wu3fXxOITbDsLYgc7MvhncTDu-dcq9pZOYZUPwz9-cOq8aKO3ltJxcXQNGvIQfOyEBx8YooHiSOnPrPf2Y/s640/Spiderman+wall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep Water Soloing on the Spiderman Wall<br />
Photo: Charlie Andrews</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO20C-KOuuTe1jeCyUCiKZZgE_caJU5YpkPcHrGYC3FssO_Om4F1-J2AfCW0IIf9v_tUP_46qxf7nl05xcGKWbM1YX-EN-ETss0jDCmQU4Moab5s_B9n9oZu8b0ZFTK_cE0r-eY-IV2Q4/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO20C-KOuuTe1jeCyUCiKZZgE_caJU5YpkPcHrGYC3FssO_Om4F1-J2AfCW0IIf9v_tUP_46qxf7nl05xcGKWbM1YX-EN-ETss0jDCmQU4Moab5s_B9n9oZu8b0ZFTK_cE0r-eY-IV2Q4/s640/IMG_1038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Fried rice. In a pineapple. Yeah.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgGMjRVV4VCBZacbEL4o8EeZ7Oz2U4vMBTiPaS2pmDxBWkXMybAGFgRgVei6RTeq8L7qauQk8RKCbxWSo38eKhUJACcnEcReFexmqjn7JqpiZtRvTvslXNX0v0CTh2eyybwL_QNbk2q8/s1600/thai+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgGMjRVV4VCBZacbEL4o8EeZ7Oz2U4vMBTiPaS2pmDxBWkXMybAGFgRgVei6RTeq8L7qauQk8RKCbxWSo38eKhUJACcnEcReFexmqjn7JqpiZtRvTvslXNX0v0CTh2eyybwL_QNbk2q8/s640/thai+smoothie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some delicious Thai smoothies on Tonsai!<br />
(mine was banana-mango-pineapple)<br />
Photo: Emily Andrews</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The final stop on my trip was the 2012 Youth World Championships in Singapore. I felt at the peak of my strength coming into the event, and put together one of my personal best competition performances by coming within the last two holds of the second qualification route. However, I overestimated the bottom half of my semifinal route and overgripped most of the moves, causing me to pump out quickly and fall about halfway up. In speed, I hit a personal best time on the 15m wall (8.66 seconds!) and placed 11th overall. However, the most memorable time at the competition was during one of the many times the event got rained out. (Monsoon season in southeast asia... figures) Instead of going back to our hotels, all of the competitors decided to hang out around the wall and participate in a spontaneous game-palooza which included a long-jump contest, swimming races, sand-castle building competitions, and (my personal favorite) cricket with the South African National Team. Ahh, good memories.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DzhQxQSCU6qLOgp5NdFhtjCgJRKCIP9RIE2OK33r1uQ-VrC0tFV-sSdMauMr18TiY7C3Ja37L1f0AfWCkr-eKq-BiOQQzHnUCrGZb_AK3nVm1HDd68owcID-n9YgZG1tRoMsS8DqIzg/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DzhQxQSCU6qLOgp5NdFhtjCgJRKCIP9RIE2OK33r1uQ-VrC0tFV-sSdMauMr18TiY7C3Ja37L1f0AfWCkr-eKq-BiOQQzHnUCrGZb_AK3nVm1HDd68owcID-n9YgZG1tRoMsS8DqIzg/s640/IMG_1051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_116VlqTcKgxmL4Ap5g0HzVToh9rwALhSG4fflc4xk1pwD_HWDYo91cmR8fFZfaQEEhavRQwBVosur8RYXfHQfJ5sZax63s2tAapTwlzUhHUb8IS1-n1Oo7lJ4ZNgaEJBuBKGIalWCMU/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_116VlqTcKgxmL4Ap5g0HzVToh9rwALhSG4fflc4xk1pwD_HWDYo91cmR8fFZfaQEEhavRQwBVosur8RYXfHQfJ5sZax63s2tAapTwlzUhHUb8IS1-n1Oo7lJ4ZNgaEJBuBKGIalWCMU/s640/IMG_1161.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cricket!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBaw4kbgT0DphaREGA2ltXZVrzRMgqoDDux4DnvB91td0R0MUUmJppa64ryJXlmEERTmAjRCWdYd2YoD5x3uT92MJ8SRvifluniIwO9DCiuEmoAj8-adOvzbHhybgByetT2pMSAfRGrw/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBaw4kbgT0DphaREGA2ltXZVrzRMgqoDDux4DnvB91td0R0MUUmJppa64ryJXlmEERTmAjRCWdYd2YoD5x3uT92MJ8SRvifluniIwO9DCiuEmoAj8-adOvzbHhybgByetT2pMSAfRGrw/s640/IMG_1162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrooknlujn88cT_5Ehffo9a-M-VxvpGOLWT79syU8M7OKE7jeczrdJUNJdhhCYbQ8sa3SJLjM8Rt7s34Ny-GdEtgoBF_7cECTqj52uGNE7MN7gNHlWPlrZGfTkHRvLuxfdFLQD_zIMcWg/s1600/IMG_1163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrooknlujn88cT_5Ehffo9a-M-VxvpGOLWT79syU8M7OKE7jeczrdJUNJdhhCYbQ8sa3SJLjM8Rt7s34Ny-GdEtgoBF_7cECTqj52uGNE7MN7gNHlWPlrZGfTkHRvLuxfdFLQD_zIMcWg/s640/IMG_1163.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Canadian sand beaver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZcb7Cn0G83IGwwSLr-2RZ0qclhgHSR5_P873YVjtNR83M2TO9gDYxyrSHYjeD49FQXIrUXS4S6nnvaIbNG73vKK-hRu2RDP1ondBR3p3xpHU0c7oyY5pt8EEw8Y39oIVyLCafU4OHGI/s1600/q1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZcb7Cn0G83IGwwSLr-2RZ0qclhgHSR5_P873YVjtNR83M2TO9gDYxyrSHYjeD49FQXIrUXS4S6nnvaIbNG73vKK-hRu2RDP1ondBR3p3xpHU0c7oyY5pt8EEw8Y39oIVyLCafU4OHGI/s640/q1.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qualifier 1<br />
Photo: Garick Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRoBHTK3Mlgh5gcMtixmwRSluD45KBQoU4i2RcpeO_S9x6K_m3uDiDtRFTGFE8cE8HtjUCwOW29exHf2-Yc1GjDY_69mPRcJOJqMWyrhSo6JVvOSQOHSTQuRY5INsF-gz2k6zF0E_hf0/s1600/q2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRoBHTK3Mlgh5gcMtixmwRSluD45KBQoU4i2RcpeO_S9x6K_m3uDiDtRFTGFE8cE8HtjUCwOW29exHf2-Yc1GjDY_69mPRcJOJqMWyrhSo6JVvOSQOHSTQuRY5INsF-gz2k6zF0E_hf0/s1600/q2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qualifier 2<br />
Photo: Garick Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjME3Oht7QlpICmdtwhsaQPk33tkZAb658EqlwIQ5ENcM5fzK_xprk68iIicYDOASjIqUp1DNby1KbARC7K7HtV85qbhyphenhyphenXqWdW7OqVV3weRrT52WDuwYAqLxvoTpGqlTtA6Gt4rGI1lt9Y/s1600/554735_10151382357392729_1108655446_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjME3Oht7QlpICmdtwhsaQPk33tkZAb658EqlwIQ5ENcM5fzK_xprk68iIicYDOASjIqUp1DNby1KbARC7K7HtV85qbhyphenhyphenXqWdW7OqVV3weRrT52WDuwYAqLxvoTpGqlTtA6Gt4rGI1lt9Y/s1600/554735_10151382357392729_1108655446_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qualifier 2<br />
Photo: Garick Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF_G8VtitDEUQNdvqwvwxcY4vbuQfCmybvccUcEqHfy4Xj-sDeD_bF-fE0DEP_F0dcx4cMI9xfqLmR4KOOYIV0lKUDKNbm_a4kVVKjBui1jx6SbkbWMUiUZ17_yvEXGY2IzxsByJgQgE/s1600/speed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF_G8VtitDEUQNdvqwvwxcY4vbuQfCmybvccUcEqHfy4Xj-sDeD_bF-fE0DEP_F0dcx4cMI9xfqLmR4KOOYIV0lKUDKNbm_a4kVVKjBui1jx6SbkbWMUiUZ17_yvEXGY2IzxsByJgQgE/s1600/speed.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speed Finals<br />
Photo: Garick Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So now that I’m back into the flow of school, reflecting on my summer seems like a lifestyle long forgotten. I can only await my next adventure, the Lead World Cup in Atlanta at the end of the month! So long until then, and thanks for being such dedicated readers.<br />
<br />
Final note: from now on, I will be switching my approach to my blog from a mostly reflective view to include more climbing area beta. Besides, who cares that I went to all these places when you could go too?? Peace out, climb hard, enjoy life.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-78038238771079007042012-09-13T14:27:00.000-07:002013-04-15T21:20:19.757-07:002nd Annual Castle Rock Cleanup<div style="background-image: none; border: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 8px; padding: 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">
First of all, as cool and catchy as the name sounds, the title of this event is actually misleading. Last week, a group of over 50 high school students, all part of rock climbing clubs from the Fremont Union High School District, headed up to Sanborn County Park to do a trash cleanup around Indian Rock. I decided to bill the event under the name Castle Rock Cleanup to try and promote awareness about the potential closure of the park, as well as the simple fact that it just sounds better.<br />
<br />
Indian Rock is across the street from Castle Rock State Park, which is one of the best local crags in the Bay Area. If you haven’t been there already, Castle Rock has been billed by many as the “Mini Fontainebleau” of the United States. With thousands of perfect sandstone boulders scattered across acres of wilderness in the Saratoga hills, it’s a wonder people don’t flock in from around the world to sample some of America’s best bouldering.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAE-58QnlNqfR7sN3h0930KJdr6aNL9uyzU7GA87Xm0mvAef3mSrQXEpFz0pyYkX7Esf2wXJ5Zx3ua7ydhwAuvop6R6g-WrGrIyHuVXe27c_ES9fKPBRLH6uRhK8-PfBh5FJrv1vI8T4/s1600/12-05-27_14-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAE-58QnlNqfR7sN3h0930KJdr6aNL9uyzU7GA87Xm0mvAef3mSrQXEpFz0pyYkX7Esf2wXJ5Zx3ua7ydhwAuvop6R6g-WrGrIyHuVXe27c_ES9fKPBRLH6uRhK8-PfBh5FJrv1vI8T4/s640/12-05-27_14-30.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah Donnelly on the ultra-classic <i>The Swim (V5)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">However, recent state budget cuts have nearly doomed Castle Rock as well as many other state-operated parks. Thanks to a multi-thousand dollar fundraising effort spearheaded by the Sempervirens Fund and backed by the Planet Granite Climbing Gyms, Castle Rock was saved from closure for at least one more year. The video below shows just how delicate the balance is between maintaining and losing our state parks, which really capture the essence of the beauty of California. Watch it.<br />
<br />
</span></div>
<div class="ft_vimeo" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="396" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32192929?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="652"></iframe></div>
<div style="background-image: none; border: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 8px; padding: 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">
<br />
No seriously, watch it.<br />
Did you finish watching it? Ok, good.<br />
<br />
The fact that such natural beauty in California has been given a number value has inspired my fellow classmates and I to take action. Last year, I organized a trash cleanup at Indian Rock in order to promote the conservation of the area and also bring together the Fremont High School Bouldering Club in one last community service event. We picked up almost 70 pounds of trash, had a huge raffle, ate a bunch of bagels, and went climbing afterwards. This year, we looked to better that.<br />
<br />
Early Sunday morning, after setting out from Fremont High School with about 10 kids, I was skeptical about how big of an event it would be compared to the year before. I reasoned it didn’t really matter, as long as we all had a good time and contributed back to the community. However, when we arrived at the Indian Rock parking lot at around 9:30, I discovered it to be almost completely filled with high school kids already, way more than I was expecting. In total, we had over 50 kids from 5 different high schools there for the cleanup. Even my good friend Hannah Donnelly from Sacramento made it down just for the event. It was way more than I had ever anticipated, much thanks to my friend Yann de Bleecker, president of the Cupertino High School Climbing Club. His efforts to promote the event at his school as a community service event helped ensure the huge turnout.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijilet3VOpjgXi6ix7S0ITYgYFIsfRhbxaC47DZcOpHclPmeWz5EswLQ4KXjmhYc28tGEkYkLU5vKt0iIs5MXOHQWtG2imbHINBzOhEiwBp8LJerDjW8S98EV_oyHj8NBS02wMMZ8mxTo/s1600/471768_4037640264918_1020990359_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijilet3VOpjgXi6ix7S0ITYgYFIsfRhbxaC47DZcOpHclPmeWz5EswLQ4KXjmhYc28tGEkYkLU5vKt0iIs5MXOHQWtG2imbHINBzOhEiwBp8LJerDjW8S98EV_oyHj8NBS02wMMZ8mxTo/s640/471768_4037640264918_1020990359_o.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yann De Bleecker and I giving instruction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We started the event at 9:30, and everyone immediately started picking up trash around the base of Indian Rock, working with bags and gloves donated by Orchard Supply Hardware. The most common items people found were broken pieces of glass and shredded rubber pieces, mostly due to a combination of idiots chucking beer bottles off the top of the cliff and exploded shotgun targets. Some of the more interesting things that were found included unopened beer bottles, a vintage 1984 Coca Cola can, an intact 75-pound porta-potty, and a discarded tent.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwV2tnZBAcMdibQiH2G7FmnaCdVhQOapXxPWXYXaqnEIQhOp7fNdZq1NP4CYJxBRvzGGDdjTZuhTKJn4dadAwHjYiWU2GeN_60nInSpAmGusPlkQWTHQptxCtU5NsPgFfIlwV0Q9-z5Ao/s1600/464344_4037641544950_185528051_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwV2tnZBAcMdibQiH2G7FmnaCdVhQOapXxPWXYXaqnEIQhOp7fNdZq1NP4CYJxBRvzGGDdjTZuhTKJn4dadAwHjYiWU2GeN_60nInSpAmGusPlkQWTHQptxCtU5NsPgFfIlwV0Q9-z5Ao/s640/464344_4037641544950_185528051_o.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah Donnelly and I found quite a few of these...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All in all, we collected 349 pounds of trash in just under 3 hours. Not too bad. Also included in the event was a raffle for all participants, sponsored generously by REI, Sports Basement, Five Ten, and Planet Granite. The team of two guys who found the porta-potty were dubbed the “winners” of the event (in total, they picked up 109 lbs by themselves) won a half-day of professional guiding at Castle Rock with Rick Picar, all gear provided. Needless to say, when I presented the award to the two ecstatic guys, their faces were priceless.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYxu0otJdXS8p1NBsTUon6fJxfcIYbyGpCC-xoU1BfL-md4dHMAGkVau64FzaxgZ1j2sxYmIs6aLPicQswGmvelGn6J8eYzqZ0-KecKDaIAk_qFjIC6JjJHoGlMn6wvuM-bWp3UThPIE/s1600/477449_4057581203429_417339182_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYxu0otJdXS8p1NBsTUon6fJxfcIYbyGpCC-xoU1BfL-md4dHMAGkVau64FzaxgZ1j2sxYmIs6aLPicQswGmvelGn6J8eYzqZ0-KecKDaIAk_qFjIC6JjJHoGlMn6wvuM-bWp3UThPIE/s640/477449_4057581203429_417339182_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raffle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the raffle was finished, we all enjoyed some complimentary bagels for lunch (provided by Noah’s Bagels) and went bouldering across the street at Castle Rock State Park. Everyone who stayed had a blast trying out some of the entry-level problems around the Magoo’s, as well as giving the ultra-classic Spoon (v1) many burns late into the afternoon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiU0Hs0eMNUmanc4ERY3SP-xA4HaecG8JU4r0UqcmFJ-UzRS-GM05GhunUQUpfyTiftRxG-q4QiLauGcEO6OzJhEP13kRGHhQttZEsuj6RgtD-e0ty1izY3p2pZ2Vdg_mShRGM47set-0/s1600/550594_4003362407700_354727290_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiU0Hs0eMNUmanc4ERY3SP-xA4HaecG8JU4r0UqcmFJ-UzRS-GM05GhunUQUpfyTiftRxG-q4QiLauGcEO6OzJhEP13kRGHhQttZEsuj6RgtD-e0ty1izY3p2pZ2Vdg_mShRGM47set-0/s640/550594_4003362407700_354727290_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">253 bagels! Think we have enough?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From my perspective, seeing my project come to fruition was an inspiring experience. To see kids actively getting involved with their community out in nature is something you don’t get to see every day. For most of them, it was their first time climbing outdoors as well, and by the time we finished climbing nearly all of them had started making plans to come back to finish off their projects. However, the best part of our event was the friendships that came out of the experience, especially between kids from all over the district. There’s nothing that brings people together better like sharing a common passion for climbing and the outdoors. Unfortunately, as I am graduating high school, I will not be on hand to participate and organize the event next year. I can only hope to inspire people around me to continue the event into the future.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIwnn0jRKPUejy7P8jVz3lLMKOr1JROkZtsETy8xY6YOSvyOgnfyQK8ERdEoG-wFqanI1NjshLDkYmA39kPGxsKi1CleViV_qzCHlcl8HKwOetMNM8Cn8X1R_c04LGS1aL6trEnqT-ag/s1600/12-05-27_12-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIwnn0jRKPUejy7P8jVz3lLMKOr1JROkZtsETy8xY6YOSvyOgnfyQK8ERdEoG-wFqanI1NjshLDkYmA39kPGxsKi1CleViV_qzCHlcl8HKwOetMNM8Cn8X1R_c04LGS1aL6trEnqT-ag/s640/12-05-27_12-55.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi0OkHJTdsR4Agoq8xBC2PHGxFAVMxduWLTEKESK_lv54l-WRVDQnEKyqJsFQJ0WF6i_dj2WUJKhboIvwqBEL8c7_yUUpX2Yhv4X4b_QbTX9HmUq-gr_xVx8eetbmT7opxQT5aChAXdU/s1600/461651_4057632804719_673883174_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi0OkHJTdsR4Agoq8xBC2PHGxFAVMxduWLTEKESK_lv54l-WRVDQnEKyqJsFQJ0WF6i_dj2WUJKhboIvwqBEL8c7_yUUpX2Yhv4X4b_QbTX9HmUq-gr_xVx8eetbmT7opxQT5aChAXdU/s640/461651_4057632804719_673883174_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
All photos courtesy of Cole Carter.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-46189273661756446152011-10-22T21:39:00.000-07:002011-10-24T21:53:22.760-07:00IFSC World Cup - Boulder, CO<img style="width: 685px; height: 196px;" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" alt="" /><br /><br />Two weeks ago, I headed off to Boulder, Colorado (again) for my second World Cup of the season! I had a great time and placed a respectable 23rd. I feel that I did well for how stacked the competition was, but I know I could definitely have done better.<br /><br />The weekend started off by flying out with my mom to Denver on Friday morning, then driving out to Boulder that afternoon for the opening ceremonies. The competition was kicked off in grand style by a parade straight through downtown Pearl Street with all 13 National Teams present, and a bongo-playing marching band leading the way. Reminded me a lot of France a couple years ago... gotta love Boulder. The parade wrapped up in a local tavern with the head of USAC and some IFSC delegates speaking, and free food for everyone. Afterwards, I hung out my good friends Alex David Johnson and Ben Hoberg as well as the Canadian National Team for a while before heading back to our hotels.<br /><br />The competition that followed was incredible. The next morning, I climbed both of my qualifier routes, climbing well on my first one, and decently well on the second one, high enough to put me in the top 26 to move on to semifinals the next day! I was pretty happy with being able to move on, considering I hadn't even gotten past qualifiers at my first World Cup in Briancon, France.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBGY5a-94pmMSlH_4pn7q1NQ6AHy9K4c_Q_4nH_WvSUChvwSrNLviXFjYs93GoFy73p2DBgldm0UrCSVi3Gxktpbd3Slbuc8-vzf2qAIWWZGU-hAH9aVJkkO1qi-gIhdkLhkHuc2LK-s/s1600/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBGY5a-94pmMSlH_4pn7q1NQ6AHy9K4c_Q_4nH_WvSUChvwSrNLviXFjYs93GoFy73p2DBgldm0UrCSVi3Gxktpbd3Slbuc8-vzf2qAIWWZGU-hAH9aVJkkO1qi-gIhdkLhkHuc2LK-s/s400/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666921202947206962" border="0" /></a><center>Psyched on making it to Semifinals!<br />Photo: Alton Richardson</center><br />The qualifier routes were really fun and bouldery, with many distinct cruxes all the way up. It was very interesting to be climbing on World Cup-style routes with American holds and moves. After speaking to one of the routesetters after the comp, Mike Helt, my suspicions were confirmed when he told me that it was a vastly different style of routesetting that was unique to that specific comp. In Europe, the routes start off hard and stay hard, with some difficult sequences all the way through. At typical US comps, the routes progressively become harder and harder as you go up the wall, with distinct crux moves and the obvious "crowd pleaser" moves that make American routesetting such a spectacle to watch, not to mention climb. It was definitely intriguing to see how the hybrid of European influence combined with American holds, power, and showy moves created some of the most fun routes I have ever climbed in a competition. Awesome job, routesetters!<br /><br />The next day, I headed into isolation for the semi-final round of the competition. It was pretty cool to be in iso with some of the world's top climbers, but at the same time I tried to get myself psyched up to climb as much as possible. When we finally got to see our route during preview, we were not let down. The climb was a super powerful line straight up the main headwall, with multiple volumes weaving in and out of blue Teknik holds. The top looked formidable as well, as the last few moves were giant reaches on tufas that were spaced at least five feet apart.<br /><br />When it was my turn to climb, I put on my shoes, chalked my hands, took a deep breath, and grabbed the starting holds. I made it past the first few cruxes, but right before the intimidating roof section, I fumbled a clip, lost my composure, and fell. As I was lowered quickly to the ground, I realized I should have waited an extra couple moves before clipping, which would have saved me the effort of trying to clip from so low. Oh well. 23rd place wasn't too bad for my first year of World Cups ever.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Climbing in Semifinals<br />All photos: Alton Richardson<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger_JCdxH_DK5vkxzlswSugf0ejR8tkpwFt4AnUwNQtTiIYk_Xuf51XBECrka7BUjvTukPxij9o8KfJSAYVGerTtDzJPIMKxFxvA8nbG60ZucJJtV5wXGHn2hWaMaC7XyGOANQO8cf5xo/s1600/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger_JCdxH_DK5vkxzlswSugf0ejR8tkpwFt4AnUwNQtTiIYk_Xuf51XBECrka7BUjvTukPxij9o8KfJSAYVGerTtDzJPIMKxFxvA8nbG60ZucJJtV5wXGHn2hWaMaC7XyGOANQO8cf5xo/s400/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666921205881588914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCjnqqwQ2Hn8VyPpufSitOiMWd9pfMSF5zeoXa9nJnSLQ2ZjLXusLNigTMVtn7S9sh08r1rMG2_OAyIYtsBEIH4fMSt-7t4drPP-UupJaxTNaGLYzvX1GyivuzwPoeLa84rQFzDqPFys/s1600/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCjnqqwQ2Hn8VyPpufSitOiMWd9pfMSF5zeoXa9nJnSLQ2ZjLXusLNigTMVtn7S9sh08r1rMG2_OAyIYtsBEIH4fMSt-7t4drPP-UupJaxTNaGLYzvX1GyivuzwPoeLa84rQFzDqPFys/s400/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666921220112874226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnqQ8c6W_O_rbp0S-u9U7SoCgPxxX6q89CAio1_pqXACTd0IDuY_8B4HJRXlWdomXvscpl26gNCscRJz9C7lR95VcOPKHAu-GMBsL6h-vJWz_IojHSU0IIgiWcHeaK0wsrDs_1sMjOgQ/s1600/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_04.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnqQ8c6W_O_rbp0S-u9U7SoCgPxxX6q89CAio1_pqXACTd0IDuY_8B4HJRXlWdomXvscpl26gNCscRJz9C7lR95VcOPKHAu-GMBsL6h-vJWz_IojHSU0IIgiWcHeaK0wsrDs_1sMjOgQ/s400/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666921230320468738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9S7p-SYcUJe7q1S8HhhRdqPGm90HdhMIjEskEzb4e71NR0fzfZk4tWP_8xV-ZvLeW7UBlYYZSD0vgNONdPeSPFF8bxVqOlnbun8WGRKgcxetvofJEzHWQY5eQzSyVf6rvhTSSZmz434/s1600/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_05.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9S7p-SYcUJe7q1S8HhhRdqPGm90HdhMIjEskEzb4e71NR0fzfZk4tWP_8xV-ZvLeW7UBlYYZSD0vgNONdPeSPFF8bxVqOlnbun8WGRKgcxetvofJEzHWQY5eQzSyVf6rvhTSSZmz434/s400/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666922264807412194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxjlH3UvMobxYRx2Ifi4CowmSBmBJA7a96SYiN7tJPRLQyrP9VB150X7wT4jB4M2fVa1Y5XY9QAkVWFYZn1AS1vlirxlOJ8GsFQrL_ZW3GVs_IoEnnOKNmaNacqSal5GFFpb8aA945ws/s1600/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_06.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxjlH3UvMobxYRx2Ifi4CowmSBmBJA7a96SYiN7tJPRLQyrP9VB150X7wT4jB4M2fVa1Y5XY9QAkVWFYZn1AS1vlirxlOJ8GsFQrL_ZW3GVs_IoEnnOKNmaNacqSal5GFFpb8aA945ws/s400/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_06.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666922272722773634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHhqyujVmJrPHDSn1L_ocHWvKpBfssgTzcIwbR20-snBcsJ5DFoHDT-kl37sPRybrdeuWHhS90VzcB5ClzzDsErKUMIwqGMxUY6cTvuv7hfvW9LypRVjFwoDyAVF3te4AmNLW9D1EIuQ/s1600/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_07.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHhqyujVmJrPHDSn1L_ocHWvKpBfssgTzcIwbR20-snBcsJ5DFoHDT-kl37sPRybrdeuWHhS90VzcB5ClzzDsErKUMIwqGMxUY6cTvuv7hfvW9LypRVjFwoDyAVF3te4AmNLW9D1EIuQ/s400/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666922281104314898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vk9ZzKnw0TQ7U7tXsv1EnhfDj3JoY9y6f_llXOsmH8pI6F8jQWdzL3yQ-oWK5B4ObWCp-CApRuwF2XyxsGfVREH6_QJXCMBi7o1fLIkX-zwRU4MTb1TzzIA20KkWADXbY-aQVhIoKAc/s1600/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_08.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vk9ZzKnw0TQ7U7tXsv1EnhfDj3JoY9y6f_llXOsmH8pI6F8jQWdzL3yQ-oWK5B4ObWCp-CApRuwF2XyxsGfVREH6_QJXCMBi7o1fLIkX-zwRU4MTb1TzzIA20KkWADXbY-aQVhIoKAc/s400/20111020_agr_worldcup_jlevin_08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666922290796155586" border="0" /></a><br />On the bright side, I did get the opportunity to watch the finals later that night. Getting a chance to see the top 8 men and women in the whole WORLD climb on the biggest stage of professional climbing is not something you get to see every day. Although the American Team generally got destroyed by the incredibly strong European teams, we did manage to get perennial crusher Sasha Digiulian and Boulder's own Matty Hong into finals!<br /><br />The finals routes looked INCREDIBLE. The women's route snaked up the right side of the main wall with some crazy-hard sequences thrown in, while the men's was running up the left wall, looking equally impossible with a huge dyno in the middle and what looked like a no-feet, forced 360º spin in the middle of the roof.<br /><br />Matty barely squeezed into finals in 8th place, meaning that he was the first male competitor to go. As soon he walked out onto the main floor, the entire crowd shook the roof with deafening yells and cheers. I thought I'd heard loud before... I was wrong. It was without a doubt the loudest crowd I've ever heard in my whole life. This is including when I saw Joe Pavelski score the winning goal in overtime in the Stanley Cup playoffs to a sellout crowd of over 17,000 in San Jose. That loud. For over 5 minutes, the crowd yelled itself horse for their hometown hero (myself included) as he pulled through the bottom crux, cruised the giant dyno, and pulled off an amazing rose move through the volumes section. When he came off several moves later, the crowd gave him a standing ovation the likes of which I don't think I'll ever see again.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Matty Hong in Finals.<br /><br /></div>The rest of the finals were incredible too. Sasha did very well, coming off in the same area as everyone else and still putting her in a respectable 7th place. Johanna Ernst of Austria dominated the women's field, coming off within a hold or two of the top. On the men's side, fellow Austrian Jakob Schubert pulled off an unbelievable climb to give himself his 6th consecutive World Cup win in a row. (*This past weekend he won his 7th in a row in Amman, Jordan, which no professional climber has EVER done before. Nice job dude!!) I got the chance to chat briefly with Jakob after the comp, and when I asked him about the final climb, he told me that when he got to the 360º spin, he initially didn't know what he was going to do, but went with his gut instinct and gave the crowd even more reason to cheer him up the wall by completing the spin with one arm. When the president of IFSC, Marco Scolaris, spoke to the crowd after the comp ended, even he acknowledged that the turnout in Boulder was "the hottest crowd on earth!"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPvFb8bFO0eUt9NmC-eu55H2Fg-GloTKoRYZ2uAjp8XbXY7-TdTlSjPBmw48QgS7cMIeRzI11Tq3TVX7yAgG41Y-MBP0B26uxj9xEK5yl7QcUKPLblwpvB9a9T237DW-TAPaSbow3MU8/s1600/Jakob+final+edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPvFb8bFO0eUt9NmC-eu55H2Fg-GloTKoRYZ2uAjp8XbXY7-TdTlSjPBmw48QgS7cMIeRzI11Tq3TVX7yAgG41Y-MBP0B26uxj9xEK5yl7QcUKPLblwpvB9a9T237DW-TAPaSbow3MU8/s400/Jakob+final+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666921198639606610" border="0" /></a><center>Jakob Schubert in Finals<br />Photo: Josh Levin</center><br />After the comp was over, I hung out with Alex, Ben, and the Canadian Team one last time before heading back to my hotel for some sleep. The next day, I shadowed some classes over at CU Boulder, which turned out to be a really good experience. I could definitely see myself going there now for college, although there are many other schools to consider out there as well.<br /><br />With the weekend over, I headed back home. This competition showed me how much fun it is to compete, and how much further I still have to improve to do well in these competitions. I look forward to competing in the next World Cup in the US next year in Atlanta. Until then, I have a lot of training to do!<br /><br />Results:<br /><br />Men:<br />1 - Jakob Schubert - AUT<br />2 - Sachi Amma - JPN<br />3 - Romain Desgranges - FRA<br /><br />Women:<br />1 - Johanna Ernst - AUT<br />2 - Mina Markovic - SLO<br />3 - Momoka Oda - JPN<br /><br /><br /><br />Check out this sick video and write-up from the LT11 Crew of the competition:<br /><br />http://jonglassberg.lt11.com/2011/10/13/2011-ifsc-lead-world-cup-boulder-colorado/<br /><br /><center><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/30415033?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="337.5" width="600"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/30415033">2011 IFSC Lead World Cup - Boulder, CO - Movement Climbing + Fitness</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/louderthan11">Louder Than 11</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-44890953520470080952011-10-04T09:07:00.000-07:002011-10-04T20:53:46.401-07:00CommRow Grand Opening and Tahoe Climbing<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQhOqiRkIz6ys0vB1m9U8KCm9gJp_7lFxP1uoD8Qc6xJSGTo5lAnO_SdZsyQTAAV0Yj_xm-xxITPp0Ov0Ca2i3BTq7xlnAYhi327x5NQjeIVkVHJ9MX_UoQjeJ1i_p6tm4ztAjWC5vQs/s1600/340370_204942136241606_107181562684331_532279_1320511172_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQhOqiRkIz6ys0vB1m9U8KCm9gJp_7lFxP1uoD8Qc6xJSGTo5lAnO_SdZsyQTAAV0Yj_xm-xxITPp0Ov0Ca2i3BTq7xlnAYhi327x5NQjeIVkVHJ9MX_UoQjeJ1i_p6tm4ztAjWC5vQs/s400/340370_204942136241606_107181562684331_532279_1320511172_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659850648429067602" border="0" /></a>photo: Boone Speed<br /><br /></div>This past weekend I traveled up to Reno, Nevada to attend the grand opening of a new gym called CommRow. Boasting one of the best bouldering areas in the country, (thanks to our good friends over at Vertical Solutions) the only official 15 meter speed climbing wall in North America, and the tallest climbing wall in the world, (over 165 feet of vertical climbing) this gym definitely lives up to its expectations as one of the top climbing gyms in the world.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAMVEqnQ-hPnBf7NtgJl2ZX5g_gDDU6lvpWOSQ9i1-xk4cvJ6Egk84OLnAJcCucCyt28_Lj0s4z65tlttpIwSE-YSyNuyoi3-gQLqeo5TrI8nesGfKjtSv9k99MPxDlRw5msWW3Wm4I4/s1600/IMG_20110930_185646%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAMVEqnQ-hPnBf7NtgJl2ZX5g_gDDU6lvpWOSQ9i1-xk4cvJ6Egk84OLnAJcCucCyt28_Lj0s4z65tlttpIwSE-YSyNuyoi3-gQLqeo5TrI8nesGfKjtSv9k99MPxDlRw5msWW3Wm4I4/s400/IMG_20110930_185646%255B1%255D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659849310593714946" border="0" /></a>IFSC Speed wall at night!<br />photo: Boone Speed<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-bNzsjkMHK8zNjHaiyChWOhyphenhyphenjz6Hsllm9DnKYxmYnPxl2DhNcfEwgoebqVRqNhQxhA0FsoTF1_APOyYh785dqjWM8wNdwu11Sf3__-9YdBzidqLAiWkvyCculg6reI6P7pf0mLFXm-E/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-bNzsjkMHK8zNjHaiyChWOhyphenhyphenjz6Hsllm9DnKYxmYnPxl2DhNcfEwgoebqVRqNhQxhA0FsoTF1_APOyYh785dqjWM8wNdwu11Sf3__-9YdBzidqLAiWkvyCculg6reI6P7pf0mLFXm-E/s400/IMG_0037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659684771712971762" border="0" /></a>The bouldering area<br />photo: Alex Johnson<br /><br /></div>CommRow is actually part of a larger “Urban Adventure Destination”, consisting of the two-pitch outdoor climbing wall, the indoor bouldering area, two live entertainment venues, a 136-room hotel, and dozens of small tapa-style restaurants scattered throughout the venue. I first heard about the wall about six months ago, after seeing blueprints for the wall online. Over the summer, I was officially invited to the grand opening by one of the event coordinators, Johnny Blomquist, which I immediately confirmed.<br /><br />The whole day was INCREDIBLE. I drove up with my parents and friend Hannah Donnelly (a member of Zero Gravity Climbing Team) to Tahoe the night before the big day, and drove the rest of the way to Reno the next morning. When I first set my eyes on the wall, I could barely believe it.<br /><br />Situated right in the middle of downtown, CommRow is visible from all directions you could possibly think of. Silhouetted against the beautiful morning sky, the wall curves surreally up into the atmosphere and towers above the other buildings adjacent to it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJat3XTOsPqnJ-mvIJr7J_MYCPx7Q8wJMJHcXsP83l1VtHX9VeFfmrByMYFvgjx73NlGVt7dD4PO9aQadbGugS23qmHbE-KgK0f1CUTm-3fmDsABbSvYwEBwV_UnLW_u4HB0I0CcV-AZo/s1600/301463_10150462713216102_788821101_10870582_1351132671_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJat3XTOsPqnJ-mvIJr7J_MYCPx7Q8wJMJHcXsP83l1VtHX9VeFfmrByMYFvgjx73NlGVt7dD4PO9aQadbGugS23qmHbE-KgK0f1CUTm-3fmDsABbSvYwEBwV_UnLW_u4HB0I0CcV-AZo/s400/301463_10150462713216102_788821101_10870582_1351132671_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659677941714974338" border="0" /></a>photo: Rod Grossman</div><br />I spent the whole day hanging out around CommRow. Alex Johnson, Jon Cardwell, Emily Harrington, and Dave Graham also showed up to the event, and we spent the day climbing on the new bouldering walls, teaching clinics, and eating the bar food from downstairs (the taquito stand was probably the best).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8QVr_2ZR4HlLUIpwsiLqL6XHlbqOCLI74ivKuELxE32lG9OmTxDjbMvtj6CkJA_DBBP02VlktXC00aSp9KdwtYiRdlf6IZPPoT7TFe2pMuBQ2lOD-xDFT6MM6WuZU1RBLBhWHmamM48/s1600/298345_140728962693045_100002678254241_189734_198768146_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8QVr_2ZR4HlLUIpwsiLqL6XHlbqOCLI74ivKuELxE32lG9OmTxDjbMvtj6CkJA_DBBP02VlktXC00aSp9KdwtYiRdlf6IZPPoT7TFe2pMuBQ2lOD-xDFT6MM6WuZU1RBLBhWHmamM48/s400/298345_140728962693045_100002678254241_189734_198768146_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676359771576434" border="0" /></a>photo: Hannah Donnelly<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTiEVrA-NzOf6JVvIY-vrMhegX3SOKBJZNCvFyQiERyusDCCmPSUnELEl8GQKV8ff3QpT5WWxvbSak35RNk9g7d9ovXpn0vfFZXQfTSh1ZXF3SxhnHdySyQmFswaf0ve2e52xcWupjmk/s1600/299143_10150462718186102_788821101_10870651_234560040_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTiEVrA-NzOf6JVvIY-vrMhegX3SOKBJZNCvFyQiERyusDCCmPSUnELEl8GQKV8ff3QpT5WWxvbSak35RNk9g7d9ovXpn0vfFZXQfTSh1ZXF3SxhnHdySyQmFswaf0ve2e52xcWupjmk/s400/299143_10150462718186102_788821101_10870651_234560040_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676364543390306" border="0" /></a>photo: Rod Grossman<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5R5LzTbFSTZ52xfAnM6kYneEry-rMQXS7TrbMUNFQrtOHgZjB_oALh_BCDqE4hF3ufgsrWV0bvs69FPe80jR_JwNb16skS7kDiSHtZGnVynoXUvg6WItIZ1rx80it4akfwCPDt7qxng/s1600/308186_140728679359740_100002678254241_189718_1155187609_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5R5LzTbFSTZ52xfAnM6kYneEry-rMQXS7TrbMUNFQrtOHgZjB_oALh_BCDqE4hF3ufgsrWV0bvs69FPe80jR_JwNb16skS7kDiSHtZGnVynoXUvg6WItIZ1rx80it4akfwCPDt7qxng/s400/308186_140728679359740_100002678254241_189718_1155187609_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676591694557858" border="0" /></a>photo: Hannah Donnelly<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVx4phoGremvokNNOnlEQj-JM8UsBYWrHbGDpd2AP08s4moKxJHsw4J1LlOVI-0vKRxWUd3nz8jfepbUhESimsaFoCEjeiJAcEsiuk6feNyNvR7u45fCL8pdPi_odF-WfHKdMsGzDJcc0/s1600/316982_10150462719351102_788821101_10870671_252410295_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVx4phoGremvokNNOnlEQj-JM8UsBYWrHbGDpd2AP08s4moKxJHsw4J1LlOVI-0vKRxWUd3nz8jfepbUhESimsaFoCEjeiJAcEsiuk6feNyNvR7u45fCL8pdPi_odF-WfHKdMsGzDJcc0/s400/316982_10150462719351102_788821101_10870671_252410295_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676865880291938" border="0" /></a>Running the Speed Climbing Clinic<br />photo: Rod Grossman<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HLW5ZHFMdIWdEC2P91wkxJTcBKi_OGT4Im2z0euueENHVGsm4CmzfO_YA06rbQZTn4paVaSqjiQqqGxlsSHBnwgzzUKfm_YCVkbXSq14GIlnYbJYi2-PODhrVCNPFdaTFmbOjEWNCMg/s1600/300446_10150462721696102_788821101_10870727_573034874_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HLW5ZHFMdIWdEC2P91wkxJTcBKi_OGT4Im2z0euueENHVGsm4CmzfO_YA06rbQZTn4paVaSqjiQqqGxlsSHBnwgzzUKfm_YCVkbXSq14GIlnYbJYi2-PODhrVCNPFdaTFmbOjEWNCMg/s400/300446_10150462721696102_788821101_10870727_573034874_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676578517441426" border="0" /></a>photo: Rod Grossman<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKe6rX789mATKxoNrzfLr4w08cfWCExiRuyA0c7u_Xdjhk5B60W3xLTqwMXXlYwdFektWcWe02daMu-LeYaCTGLRNmmHje2WeT53sCms4y5kzsU4ZMoiIleHTt043jj-VXhZXp0ZuaWtQ/s1600/294002_10150462720621102_788821101_10870695_1316621654_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKe6rX789mATKxoNrzfLr4w08cfWCExiRuyA0c7u_Xdjhk5B60W3xLTqwMXXlYwdFektWcWe02daMu-LeYaCTGLRNmmHje2WeT53sCms4y5kzsU4ZMoiIleHTt043jj-VXhZXp0ZuaWtQ/s400/294002_10150462720621102_788821101_10870695_1316621654_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676356706652466" border="0" /></a>photo: Rod Grossman<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuFhiIh-mE8i0Ax6ov_DrvlTDm-TbTNIHHoP3OIzVpm74Xs0wa1uIM7S3RREbo94v_neZyKvfbz5C4a0dBLnsFcJ4J-oxCS5slFi9XDretCXRBOx_zIxZadkjnd_lR44taLa5VC_T7tE/s1600/305118_10150462721541102_788821101_10870724_74745667_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuFhiIh-mE8i0Ax6ov_DrvlTDm-TbTNIHHoP3OIzVpm74Xs0wa1uIM7S3RREbo94v_neZyKvfbz5C4a0dBLnsFcJ4J-oxCS5slFi9XDretCXRBOx_zIxZadkjnd_lR44taLa5VC_T7tE/s400/305118_10150462721541102_788821101_10870724_74745667_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676582308417138" border="0" /></a>Brian Sweeney trying out the 15m IFSC wall<br />photo: Rod Grossman<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeql8tj7P3SmJB4nPlIEM3923Dc5O7bAcUxZoVb65oit5hhXvhPLZ-kIiKr-Yw-E2r34V-NWJG-TPRwgeAawWf7sgDMHWzMz1rLNQof8AkSDQoM_iSW79gcfyYUgDVe-4HATNnHX64Emg/s1600/301978_10150462723026102_788821101_10870742_41625699_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeql8tj7P3SmJB4nPlIEM3923Dc5O7bAcUxZoVb65oit5hhXvhPLZ-kIiKr-Yw-E2r34V-NWJG-TPRwgeAawWf7sgDMHWzMz1rLNQof8AkSDQoM_iSW79gcfyYUgDVe-4HATNnHX64Emg/s400/301978_10150462723026102_788821101_10870742_41625699_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676583744725154" border="0" /></a>Team 5.10 autograph signing (with Eric Wang)<br />photo: Rod Grossman<br /><br /></div>At the end of the day, “Spiderman” Dan Goodwin got to officially open the wall by climbing up to the top of the multipitch wall and cutting the giant 20-foot ribbon and setting off fireworks that lit up Reno’s night sky. It was quite a sight to see.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ILTPz_U_eUIu1vQzXV67xLZEMff4-IZ0i2DILkPf0eUoyE8BoZz76uQ1EzpBUOt41efYr3GBAEmw5JgUWofYl-mBDKbkfQS3H_Vr3Yx7KZcUIgBCICkxBW5s_RC8MkdS3g8mciUjXkw/s1600/296692_10150392684676079_599446078_9792759_1289633493_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ILTPz_U_eUIu1vQzXV67xLZEMff4-IZ0i2DILkPf0eUoyE8BoZz76uQ1EzpBUOt41efYr3GBAEmw5JgUWofYl-mBDKbkfQS3H_Vr3Yx7KZcUIgBCICkxBW5s_RC8MkdS3g8mciUjXkw/s400/296692_10150392684676079_599446078_9792759_1289633493_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659677944432930146" border="0" /></a>Yes, that small speck on the right wall is a person.<br />photo: Alex Johnson<br /><br /></div>The next day, I headed out to a climbing area called Big Chief for a day of sport climbing with Hannah and some friends from Reno including Lucas Larson, Eric and Jenna Wang, and Hanna Grossman. Lucas and I both sent Totally Chawsome (12c) on our first go, and All Guns Blazing (13a) on our second go! It was great to go outdoors with those guys, can’t wait to get back up to Tahoe and try some harder climbs up there. Steep Climb hopefully soon?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJbVCGUJ8DICzd7m_z31ygf6rrNg-qNGDE9VJ1UtXi7PAzb204Mkq2W0HPeaTi6KlWFg1ik4JLlep9mGMkr8fyjbsi-qTlVVsfmFPOKetl62a25KZsFlyxSJI2JDVJpk801r8nXBwOpg/s1600/299388_140730722692869_100002678254241_189780_163416313_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJbVCGUJ8DICzd7m_z31ygf6rrNg-qNGDE9VJ1UtXi7PAzb204Mkq2W0HPeaTi6KlWFg1ik4JLlep9mGMkr8fyjbsi-qTlVVsfmFPOKetl62a25KZsFlyxSJI2JDVJpk801r8nXBwOpg/s400/299388_140730722692869_100002678254241_189780_163416313_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676363009300978" border="0" /></a>Big Chief<br />photo: Hannah Donnelly<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjKFsq3R-Q5zlf0lCC0LxhYfx_JkR4-7xLMd4ld8gMf72Q73yFQxkXeE5gFYFIVVFqzFuHTftPyWYGISMYZLl_mFM6MFyhUKaqyyvn10473C8ixIF9kPKE-h2t3wV3JVMM8Tw_OONbGs/s1600/335110_10150317174803269_526323268_8158949_125700075_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjKFsq3R-Q5zlf0lCC0LxhYfx_JkR4-7xLMd4ld8gMf72Q73yFQxkXeE5gFYFIVVFqzFuHTftPyWYGISMYZLl_mFM6MFyhUKaqyyvn10473C8ixIF9kPKE-h2t3wV3JVMM8Tw_OONbGs/s400/335110_10150317174803269_526323268_8158949_125700075_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676881381145282" border="0" /></a>Getting the beta on All Guns Blazing<br />photo: Eric Wang<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lRXI-iGn7lDP6EAHVx57n3lKvRNIR6c7nGlL1Qra-hWB-Si18_H5Q12UtpRSDJ_zq52FRuIFttLZrBq4WYgAkhdgWwxAkviI-e7aYFD_tSCqyd-309pxdV2LYT29bSj1FP3muzUxATI/s1600/210994_10150317175053269_526323268_8158952_1826180046_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lRXI-iGn7lDP6EAHVx57n3lKvRNIR6c7nGlL1Qra-hWB-Si18_H5Q12UtpRSDJ_zq52FRuIFttLZrBq4WYgAkhdgWwxAkviI-e7aYFD_tSCqyd-309pxdV2LYT29bSj1FP3muzUxATI/s400/210994_10150317175053269_526323268_8158952_1826180046_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676356414728802" border="0" /></a>Working the first moves of All Guns Blazing (13a)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYT604BprhG2NhA1r4F4OtD1nxSjS5KeMXU_SBo2WRpYxwFQCC-rJrD4QL1ggQlMkNcERGr_nq-kORAc8YdK8hKuDGuhkOxBzEwqgyjEF1JxsRB27Pf2c30_8kBFdvwfnjeTQO-0dgaA/s1600/330919_10150317175148269_526323268_8158954_229178628_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYT604BprhG2NhA1r4F4OtD1nxSjS5KeMXU_SBo2WRpYxwFQCC-rJrD4QL1ggQlMkNcERGr_nq-kORAc8YdK8hKuDGuhkOxBzEwqgyjEF1JxsRB27Pf2c30_8kBFdvwfnjeTQO-0dgaA/s400/330919_10150317175148269_526323268_8158954_229178628_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676875352148834" border="0" /></a>photo: Eric Wang<br /><br /></div>Next weekend, I will head out to Boulder, Colorado for the IFSC World Cup. It will be the first sport climbing world cup held in the US in over 20 years, and I’m pretty excited to be a part of it! Stay tuned, the competition will be broadcast online at http://www.ifsc.tv/ next Saturday and Sunday. Psyched!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-46170588899303193752011-06-22T19:09:00.000-07:002011-07-01T18:41:49.686-07:00Castle Rock/Indian Rock Clean Up DayWhat a week it's been. I am writing this post from the cozy home of Claudiu Videscelu, one of the coaches I've been working with in preparation for the Youth National Championships in Atlanta, Georgia. I just left California on Monday for the rest of the summer, only having spent a total of 6 days of it at home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6O9gq5wKJQDt2_b7Q436V57-zSPk7kJkNS_gZsKaL49VSRBnDIo5jVpHzmZiSb9Ss1zmp_oJ0u9glq_HxAztEUPOxMluvrKKg1Exz8IfsPiD2awFioIb93hR1FTM3IFkFPJq60jiOfyQ/s1600/Map_of_the_USA_highlighting_Metro_Atlanta.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6O9gq5wKJQDt2_b7Q436V57-zSPk7kJkNS_gZsKaL49VSRBnDIo5jVpHzmZiSb9Ss1zmp_oJ0u9glq_HxAztEUPOxMluvrKKg1Exz8IfsPiD2awFioIb93hR1FTM3IFkFPJq60jiOfyQ/s320/Map_of_the_USA_highlighting_Metro_Atlanta.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624544288192678834" border="0" /></a><center>Part 1 of my summer trip: Atlanta!</center><br />During that time, I took a short break from training after the SCS Division 1 Championships (after taking 1st in Sport and Speed). I hung out with some of my friends and prepared for a community service day at Castle and Indian Rock, the two local bouldering crags closest to where I live.<br /><br />I had been planning doing a community service cleanup at Castle for over two months with my friend David Cordero, after originally coming up with the idea about a year previously. My goal for the day was to coordinate cleaning up trash around the crag while getting people involved in the climbing community and getting them out in nature at a beautiful state park.<br /><br />However, about a month ago, I learned that Castle Rock State Park was slated to close in the fall due to state budget cuts. Thankfully, it received federal grants from the US government, allowing it to stay open. This turn of events made me realize how significant these places are, and made it all the more important that our project succeed.<br /><br />Before the event, I coordinated a raffle for the participants of the cleanup to offer an incentive to show up. I would like to give a huge thanks to all of the sponsors involved, including <a href="http://www.marmot.com/">Marmot</a>, <a href="http://www.evolvesports.com/">Evolv</a>, and <a href="http://www.rei.com/">REI</a>, who all donated backpacks, t-shirts, water bottles, and even playing cards. <a href="http://www.planetgranite.com/">Planet Granite</a> donated rental climbing shoes and some shirts for the raffle, <a href="http://www.osh.com/">Orchard Supply Hardware</a> donated trash bags, and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.noahs.com">Noah's Bagels</a> contributed over 15 pounds of bagels for lunch. Thank you so much for helping out!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4Lai3haY6rw9_JAIleG_0jsT7lG3-qQ5I2pCMaXooDJcjx0_45opzEH7TZTOq49PEUZ1NsFgkdo3cs3H1MYOyWNKgN-0awH2niU-_5M_Bh0TrPpY099DM7_b0Gm-EIs3ByqsPEugNGg/s1600/259228_2120655461203_1390293773_32475565_7272325_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4Lai3haY6rw9_JAIleG_0jsT7lG3-qQ5I2pCMaXooDJcjx0_45opzEH7TZTOq49PEUZ1NsFgkdo3cs3H1MYOyWNKgN-0awH2niU-_5M_Bh0TrPpY099DM7_b0Gm-EIs3ByqsPEugNGg/s400/259228_2120655461203_1390293773_32475565_7272325_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624243340842268642" border="0" /></a>Raffle Prizes!<br /></div><br />The day started out well with 14 people showing up at Fremont High School and carpooling over to my friend Kevin Ott's house to pick up crash pads for bouldering later on. We then drove up to the Indian Rock parking lot, arriving at around 9:30AM. At 10 we started cleaning up trash (mostly glass) around the base of Indian Rock for a good two hours, using the bags and gloves provided by Orchard Supply.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">All photos: Cole Carter<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW_WcvHIU33eoK_wvtw0fNj1YbyMqEl_c3cv9cVjOtaTg9fK1C9QdHxGefTQahxjUb4f9mirCfsTgv-S3h9wc8IWlAMHyshcEVOT2LYp8Z9HlphnCxZYzXEw42yMJHsLctRIK7dTUYSo/s1600/_DSC3128.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW_WcvHIU33eoK_wvtw0fNj1YbyMqEl_c3cv9cVjOtaTg9fK1C9QdHxGefTQahxjUb4f9mirCfsTgv-S3h9wc8IWlAMHyshcEVOT2LYp8Z9HlphnCxZYzXEw42yMJHsLctRIK7dTUYSo/s400/_DSC3128.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624222942568701090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdsxgp5PdITjN-nePyozrI0RwwNT821aDl0ClWUCP7XhO8-eZ9NZn4paGM4FZy0ENPLBrwMqdDSO9WQnk_P7EvgtLWm9hqMjFr0L5JvgkRgjCq9deXD1Zd2BCjkoxtoZy5lVEPbdOkLc/s1600/_DSC3113.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdsxgp5PdITjN-nePyozrI0RwwNT821aDl0ClWUCP7XhO8-eZ9NZn4paGM4FZy0ENPLBrwMqdDSO9WQnk_P7EvgtLWm9hqMjFr0L5JvgkRgjCq9deXD1Zd2BCjkoxtoZy5lVEPbdOkLc/s400/_DSC3113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624549980544151938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We started by walking up the hill on the Indian Rock side, only finding minor trash fragments, but cleaning up as many pieces we could find. It wasn't until we got to the main Indian Rock boulder that we really found a lot of broken glass. It seemed like people had been throwing glass bottles off the main rock for a long time; we found countless shards of glass all over the ground in that area, shining on the ground in a rainbow of colors.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The cleanup crew at work:<br />All photos: Cole Carter<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzzQ-JO42Ettv063loo3GzcLEEMlvM_Cg1A8QwAkAjieEzQEu2UAD-R2zGoR2XfKKrwhEvF0WUPD7xoFdIPhd5ZyjIjbsthyphenhyphengHprf2TGZDEw4oUn4JeC5iPu4XD-hxdLbWPJKYedrdPw/s1600/_DSC3123.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzzQ-JO42Ettv063loo3GzcLEEMlvM_Cg1A8QwAkAjieEzQEu2UAD-R2zGoR2XfKKrwhEvF0WUPD7xoFdIPhd5ZyjIjbsthyphenhyphengHprf2TGZDEw4oUn4JeC5iPu4XD-hxdLbWPJKYedrdPw/s400/_DSC3123.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624549987682563714" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6mbGGuXO3GRJlfb9CgrE8iF2mYRJT0Tx8fNJtu7ePld6e2aI52DRWlzci_Yc0nqW4xVVcRSKUBXVei773MrUU69THkIdROMwFRMikfTpDiLIs1RvoVDxt9HwS-Dg9oq0uwECBdWgS6g/s1600/_DSC3138.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6mbGGuXO3GRJlfb9CgrE8iF2mYRJT0Tx8fNJtu7ePld6e2aI52DRWlzci_Yc0nqW4xVVcRSKUBXVei773MrUU69THkIdROMwFRMikfTpDiLIs1RvoVDxt9HwS-Dg9oq0uwECBdWgS6g/s400/_DSC3138.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624222958860985426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QPPrOYa9HofTXIibqy80CdPd72YKOpKobEvtH6ntgY293vydzB7ps-MmLYzO31x8Yv7xH73P1BUyaekn6Trf82js9WpGvFsk72KGkN9cwSKeQMi_sRLkCtnmNRzS883gk2i_XrTbBmU/s1600/_DSC3121.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QPPrOYa9HofTXIibqy80CdPd72YKOpKobEvtH6ntgY293vydzB7ps-MmLYzO31x8Yv7xH73P1BUyaekn6Trf82js9WpGvFsk72KGkN9cwSKeQMi_sRLkCtnmNRzS883gk2i_XrTbBmU/s400/_DSC3121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624222949511425010" border="0" /></a><br />It was sad to see so much trash in such a beautiful area, but it felt good that we were helping bring it back to its natural state. We stayed around there the most, although we did make it down the hill behind the main rock a little ways, finishing around noon.<br /><br />In the end, we picked up over 67 pounds of trash! Some of the more interesting things we picked up included full cans of juice, tennis balls, empty wrappers, intact glass bottles, empty shotgun shells, and even a cell phone battery. The area around Indian Rock was much more clean than when we started, but there is still a lot of trash left over that we didn't have time to get. Definitely coming back next year!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">All photos: Cole Carter<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERWK2_S3oXCjupPy1eholaZ8EqKKUNPPyfWaVNedTye2QFog-CAKDUFSjqoFFERpLE4m9d58MHIrsYK70n92Xgk92HCohGNzQJ2vV26EcSKi3aRrv9ccfxHwnvPYYvXWAeFheqAUTyrk/s1600/_DSC3105.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERWK2_S3oXCjupPy1eholaZ8EqKKUNPPyfWaVNedTye2QFog-CAKDUFSjqoFFERpLE4m9d58MHIrsYK70n92Xgk92HCohGNzQJ2vV26EcSKi3aRrv9ccfxHwnvPYYvXWAeFheqAUTyrk/s400/_DSC3105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624222931810286194" border="0" /></a>Empty shotgun shell<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddtgXvep4lX-HOhjwZckaxtW0L323zttSmFLa6OEWZLhZcArP0-i0p3RzhDO-7sNb12H2phlGCcqhpYQ75tREY_cikOVlW7pUjtiIELfZ913K3kxjszatbSV6i6_1BLqodSde6mATeHE/s1600/_DSC3104.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddtgXvep4lX-HOhjwZckaxtW0L323zttSmFLa6OEWZLhZcArP0-i0p3RzhDO-7sNb12H2phlGCcqhpYQ75tREY_cikOVlW7pUjtiIELfZ913K3kxjszatbSV6i6_1BLqodSde6mATeHE/s400/_DSC3104.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624222925630854034" border="0" /></a>Tennis ball!<br /></div><br />After we finished our cleanup, the group hiked back to the parking lot for the raffle and bagels Noah's Bagels provided for lunch. Around this time, Ranger Edward pulled up and collected our volunteer paperwork and even hung out with us during lunch and participated in the raffle.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">All photos: Cole Carter<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9oySp5JEwu58mw4SUGeqqWaULorHraK46GAFjz4SkTaRv5VO9_gk8udTiPFggQa5DvsUHL8_OCoMFvtGTjAD6ENsiLHdzE_OhtjFqQCLGUPkD5mg8Qkpy8AdcpweGXqWOg79khyphenhyphen2_jc/s1600/_DSC3144.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9oySp5JEwu58mw4SUGeqqWaULorHraK46GAFjz4SkTaRv5VO9_gk8udTiPFggQa5DvsUHL8_OCoMFvtGTjAD6ENsiLHdzE_OhtjFqQCLGUPkD5mg8Qkpy8AdcpweGXqWOg79khyphenhyphen2_jc/s400/_DSC3144.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623468530740114386" border="0" /></a>Starting the raffle!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_3CJSOE7BNOFgUGh_ETZUJ5hLglwa1KaZ0BMDJZaVxArGlmYVNZqGVF9kKGALo1ab4B1Qxz7ypXmduq1GZsdsbOrR4UPN02Rc4vtV1jN2VoXF3nhvFHYoXtOlFQvIbAA1IhFDaE1Xb0/s1600/_DSC3152.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_3CJSOE7BNOFgUGh_ETZUJ5hLglwa1KaZ0BMDJZaVxArGlmYVNZqGVF9kKGALo1ab4B1Qxz7ypXmduq1GZsdsbOrR4UPN02Rc4vtV1jN2VoXF3nhvFHYoXtOlFQvIbAA1IhFDaE1Xb0/s400/_DSC3152.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624226760749526466" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Calling off playing cards, which we used as raffle tickets. Thanks, Marmot!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXDHtR-dJgu7hYWQ0yAJFTBoh9IADDWjcDuR1N75AHLKPU671bvZGV7McU9xddNCNnExwe8qUr2gCQRfrCsB9wLzKuDWaAUMO-saj0UA0VyGITgX_LXFoWYTTpV4n4OaoClS8hdEpdTs/s1600/_DSC3155.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXDHtR-dJgu7hYWQ0yAJFTBoh9IADDWjcDuR1N75AHLKPU671bvZGV7McU9xddNCNnExwe8qUr2gCQRfrCsB9wLzKuDWaAUMO-saj0UA0VyGITgX_LXFoWYTTpV4n4OaoClS8hdEpdTs/s400/_DSC3155.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624232127936508002" border="0" /></a>Group photo!<span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Left to right: Chris Swanson, Josh Levin, Ranger Edward, Stacey Collver, Ricardo Gomez, Ryan Kashi, Omer Hit, Mona Nguyen, Brett Ashton, Vishesh Jaggi, Roy Barnea, Rich Kaercher, Matthew Salmanpour, Jason McCrorie, David Dobervich.</span></span><br /></div><br />When everybody had finished with the bagels, we all went across the street to Castle Rock State Park for some bouldering. Everyone had a great time and got to the top of at least one boulder problem. Brett entertained all of us near the end with his pad-on send of The Spoon (v1), and even Mr. Dobervich (my calculus teacher) sent it after him using similar beta.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRD6AoXj0Tq9-zKM_6HaAs8huVOHiwt60rT2uuIYP_lFB1ZF33FW3i-UsF932-ccpsZRhdpvKZFYnch-Rhf1LBIFsnHoE47aWkEjbEIPKcqrHkGoOwIKlcBvCbtQhtEg95ObowSL2zjA/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRD6AoXj0Tq9-zKM_6HaAs8huVOHiwt60rT2uuIYP_lFB1ZF33FW3i-UsF932-ccpsZRhdpvKZFYnch-Rhf1LBIFsnHoE47aWkEjbEIPKcqrHkGoOwIKlcBvCbtQhtEg95ObowSL2zjA/s400/IMG_0612.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624550351993763618" border="0" /></a>Hiking up to Castle.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_H_KdX4VNjPgrzO-miAUa2E9Jk80bS-KmoMZKHIVVhxBS37kHPBrUwq2QCLLJtAzyd5sa4ZZDEMo1NuSsgSDR8NZXuVsx1N0_LEH25ODViOqVDdSZsUvnK-BRQFhfQz09d3O3N2Wh-k/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_H_KdX4VNjPgrzO-miAUa2E9Jk80bS-KmoMZKHIVVhxBS37kHPBrUwq2QCLLJtAzyd5sa4ZZDEMo1NuSsgSDR8NZXuVsx1N0_LEH25ODViOqVDdSZsUvnK-BRQFhfQz09d3O3N2Wh-k/s400/IMG_0630.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624550361540287554" border="0" /></a>Working a v0 at the Magoo's.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27cmEmACd14s1J0thA_090qzg3fCn8cWBOokmMb8ySapNf1ebK0UuCoELCR-lmtJqvqoY_Rl7d-HsCI-_3KP4oTMq8sTHK9sDfsoP-JBUl0MJGxtMorzQNsc9LP91_7nmb3ku8IcB6eg/s1600/_DSC3163.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27cmEmACd14s1J0thA_090qzg3fCn8cWBOokmMb8ySapNf1ebK0UuCoELCR-lmtJqvqoY_Rl7d-HsCI-_3KP4oTMq8sTHK9sDfsoP-JBUl0MJGxtMorzQNsc9LP91_7nmb3ku8IcB6eg/s400/_DSC3163.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624233589212207842" border="0" /></a>Matthew and Ricardo checking out the moves.<br />photo: Cole Carter<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9m5n5old9KgLUn7lJomvKwixRmakMn_29eFM6gP68mPJrOXUbVd6O8npWBRYA8-1w3K7eLiEZMU8D5DX3gjFc5WS0XLnpqpMvKlPDYV-IUT9JbOgWH52r3K4MghiWCamJ7NorrhLXBM/s1600/Matthew+Castle+V0+edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9m5n5old9KgLUn7lJomvKwixRmakMn_29eFM6gP68mPJrOXUbVd6O8npWBRYA8-1w3K7eLiEZMU8D5DX3gjFc5WS0XLnpqpMvKlPDYV-IUT9JbOgWH52r3K4MghiWCamJ7NorrhLXBM/s400/Matthew+Castle+V0+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624237232754168082" border="0" /></a>Matthew sticking the crux.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeDiHCQh1MwfkXrQ3kmQydj4NJTPdnjw3-9FaTBVLRxlc8hPb3WBKUBBRzCYG7biBAzmpoNQ2PbGRyweoKZsJKNH434Zo9sIM5n7bmzl86v2Xub0P2WFSlYLSixCegrTNbe8lcJaFots/s1600/Roy+Castle+edit.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeDiHCQh1MwfkXrQ3kmQydj4NJTPdnjw3-9FaTBVLRxlc8hPb3WBKUBBRzCYG7biBAzmpoNQ2PbGRyweoKZsJKNH434Zo9sIM5n7bmzl86v2Xub0P2WFSlYLSixCegrTNbe8lcJaFots/s400/Roy+Castle+edit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624237743051126370" border="0" /></a>Roy post-send on another of the classic v0's at the Magoo's.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVU1hagxIoo5x9m8XFc3R1ys0vXMxee2V6gZwsJPLFw7l6vvXMacf-duEMaz_Tn20uL3XKgYuOVJE_svYNKIx39lRkOrNxrqfT7e5q5OvWc9PxmW_AkheQPOnPXYPBRHBJCLy4c217fGM/s1600/_DSC3207.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVU1hagxIoo5x9m8XFc3R1ys0vXMxee2V6gZwsJPLFw7l6vvXMacf-duEMaz_Tn20uL3XKgYuOVJE_svYNKIx39lRkOrNxrqfT7e5q5OvWc9PxmW_AkheQPOnPXYPBRHBJCLy4c217fGM/s400/_DSC3207.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624233091058737106" border="0" /></a>The Crew chillin' in a cave at Castle Rock.<br />photo: Cole Carter<br /></div><br />When we finally returned back to the parking lots to make our way home, I had a moment of reflection on the day as a whole. As a group, we cleaned up almost 70 pounds of trash, had a hugely successful raffle (thanks to all of our sponsors!) and got to eat a great lunch and get kids climbing in a beautiful environment. I am very satisfied with the final result, and can't wait to come back next year!<br /><br />I would like to take one last time to thank all of our sponsors (<a href="http://www.planetgranite.com/">Planet Granite</a>, <a href="http://www.planetgranite.com/">Marmot</a>, <a href="http://www.evolvesports.com/">Evolv</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.rei.com">REI</a>, <a href="http://www.osh.com/">Orchard Supply</a>, and <a href="http://www.noahs.com/">Noah's Bagels</a>) and everyone for coming out and supporting such a great event. We couldn't have done it without you!<br /><br />The rest of my summer is ahead, with one part done. Next stop, US Nationals in Atlanta next week, followed by my trip to Europe for the rest of the summer! On the list are Italy, France, Spain, and Austria for an adult World Cup, the Youth and adult World Championships, and lots of climbing outdoors. Keep posted and thanks for reading!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-59048230643352611262011-05-29T22:50:00.000-07:002011-05-31T15:08:25.575-07:00Update: Adult Nationals, Spring Break, and lots of CompsSo… if you haven’t noticed, it’s been a while since my last post. I have been so caught up in school for the past three months I’ve barely noticed how long it’s been since I’ve posted any of my recent adventures in the climbing world. Now that I’m done with AP testing, prom, and a significant portion of my finals already, I can finally put down everything that’s happened in the last couple months. Bear with me here. I promise I’ll keep the reading light.<br /><br />Back in March, (seems like so long ago now) I traveled out to Boulder, Colorado for the SCS US Open National Championships. I had a really good time with my friends who I stayed with on the trip, including Alex, Michaela, Joe, Shane, and a bunch of other kids who made the trip out to compete. I ended up placing 2nd in speed climbing and 9th in difficulty, putting me on the US Adult National Team for the second year in a row! This year, I earned an invitation to the 2011 Adult World Championships in Arco, Italy for difficulty and speed. I also received an invite for bouldering through a second-round invitation. Congrats to Dana Riddle, Sasha DiGiulian, Carlo Traversi and Alex David Johnson for winning Nationals this year!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4amltZVE6rY8kWsr94FcpId0LPu6_-r5GAVNeLdGgqf074sy4-w7HvFLrw59xUUjAsK4NO_sF4HdYX4Lov787UDD39x52VgnqKzGcoKmnkzUnMzOQHVGqCTMfJosWmMi2F2klvG99_Q0/s1600/191710_10150143225186389_576261388_7046035_4896886_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4amltZVE6rY8kWsr94FcpId0LPu6_-r5GAVNeLdGgqf074sy4-w7HvFLrw59xUUjAsK4NO_sF4HdYX4Lov787UDD39x52VgnqKzGcoKmnkzUnMzOQHVGqCTMfJosWmMi2F2klvG99_Q0/s400/191710_10150143225186389_576261388_7046035_4896886_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612396673232905042" border="0" /></a>Finals Crew<br />photo: Dane Cronin<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFNo5HUSHkVGJeplOjtKWdmnt79Hm1Vt91v53na4Mi3wchyvzIKM6l5QZZtEGiRqCxdwUK4GnQaqzh0BDPv-BjyYCv5NALMm2sWRGIM_-34D2tpPzE22qCpsO5DTqm-JiGDuhyphenhyphenlhfBhY/s1600/220779_10150151919972971_530712970_6590632_7142746_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFNo5HUSHkVGJeplOjtKWdmnt79Hm1Vt91v53na4Mi3wchyvzIKM6l5QZZtEGiRqCxdwUK4GnQaqzh0BDPv-BjyYCv5NALMm2sWRGIM_-34D2tpPzE22qCpsO5DTqm-JiGDuhyphenhyphenlhfBhY/s400/220779_10150151919972971_530712970_6590632_7142746_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612396686052993426" border="0" /></a>Getting psyched for Finals.<br />photo: Tiffany Hensley<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0qnX5wzX1MJFs9w1IWYtZTJYIAn-c0Yd402st2p5d_JPDtEnBPrsT6EJdv81VIHa-zYI2Xeoipl-4R3QfKvshj7VQgPk-UQFyB0pdzkCmq-_Jcje2cm8RzWl7oYZnddURWqczMlPLfM/s1600/Josh-Levin-1%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0qnX5wzX1MJFs9w1IWYtZTJYIAn-c0Yd402st2p5d_JPDtEnBPrsT6EJdv81VIHa-zYI2Xeoipl-4R3QfKvshj7VQgPk-UQFyB0pdzkCmq-_Jcje2cm8RzWl7oYZnddURWqczMlPLfM/s400/Josh-Levin-1%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612385479842471410" border="0" /></a>Finals<br />photo: Dane Cronin<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOwQeDTwPMeUWe6KWDd4jEjjzV9KQaAH4y7_fS3qpfFFkoBgBD_nibhYRSQG6nc9RVxvJqbrdqNTXrfQDJvJpqxUr3aQzmsnIOScZtXhWPKIr-kMjb5O3Esxoj69WRHphkjuKDabsOHM/s1600/Magnus+Q2+edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOwQeDTwPMeUWe6KWDd4jEjjzV9KQaAH4y7_fS3qpfFFkoBgBD_nibhYRSQG6nc9RVxvJqbrdqNTXrfQDJvJpqxUr3aQzmsnIOScZtXhWPKIr-kMjb5O3Esxoj69WRHphkjuKDabsOHM/s400/Magnus+Q2+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612385480223138834" border="0" /></a>Magnus Midtbø on Q2<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmqY6rq01-6WeyigZKMsDt7A9ApDdh4TavYfjwWiKHJIm9U5Yi__qpj2j0LZX2rY6_3kxWJ4Lw4mMvgY72mtuwpD-E1FeZDCYObrrbbDNA9ax1umN6aqwMiuUdOo-nOcTwHLuFyrt7iQ/s1600/Matty+finals+edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmqY6rq01-6WeyigZKMsDt7A9ApDdh4TavYfjwWiKHJIm9U5Yi__qpj2j0LZX2rY6_3kxWJ4Lw4mMvgY72mtuwpD-E1FeZDCYObrrbbDNA9ax1umN6aqwMiuUdOo-nOcTwHLuFyrt7iQ/s400/Matty+finals+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612385475636463282" border="0" /></a>Matty Hong in Finals<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauSlKklVE4pmhAOsahCuafOvCVUPT_Ex901R44smuKe4rPS-WcFfgYME025x6EuBqFm6TGiYp2WLyvKRgkHyjmQ5GgG1Q2sYWE_SbHZ75Ema8OxAJk438azV_xFpHtAK20AaR2feZ0cs/s1600/Carlo+Q2+edit.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauSlKklVE4pmhAOsahCuafOvCVUPT_Ex901R44smuKe4rPS-WcFfgYME025x6EuBqFm6TGiYp2WLyvKRgkHyjmQ5GgG1Q2sYWE_SbHZ75Ema8OxAJk438azV_xFpHtAK20AaR2feZ0cs/s400/Carlo+Q2+edit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612385488588180402" border="0" /></a>Carlo Traversi on Q2<br /></div><br />The World Championships are without a doubt the largest climbing competition in the world, with over 700 of the best athletes in the world coming in for the event. Unless climbing becomes an Olympic sport, this will without a doubt be the biggest competition of my career. I will also be one of only three Americans competing in all 5 different categories: Sport Climbing, Speed Climbing, Bouldering, Team Speed Relay, and All-Around. PSYCHED.<br /><br /><center><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AVNBKgDxGSg" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe><br /><br />Speed Finals<br />Video: Michaela Kiersch</center><br />I also got to compete at the Planet Granite Friction Series in April, which was a fantastic event this year with an added onsight final at the end. The routes and the atmosphere were great, and there was lots of pizza for the after-comp party. I made it to finals with Mike Kerzhner and Brett Ashton, and won the comp by getting to the last clip on a sick arch climb that the PG setters put on for the comp. Thanks PG for putting on such an amazing event! Can't wait for next year for sure. Also, thank you James and Katie for coming to support!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKtDP3Jx-N2UbqJwAlfeUnTVjH8Ijb0D5BcypkTQr3OcykVDhM3iVqg8IAKJwoOQFM6j-bbdlCQLjh_A83i_AebmB2j8IcGZTWF3HlRQBh-LRDkwsxrVluM5aNwL5pVzq4YiOu5jCm5Y/s1600/andrea"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKtDP3Jx-N2UbqJwAlfeUnTVjH8Ijb0D5BcypkTQr3OcykVDhM3iVqg8IAKJwoOQFM6j-bbdlCQLjh_A83i_AebmB2j8IcGZTWF3HlRQBh-LRDkwsxrVluM5aNwL5pVzq4YiOu5jCm5Y/s400/andrea" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612396909667039954" border="0" /></a>Andrea Szekely winning the Women's category<br />photo: Stephanie Ko Pound<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wGqGO37Vc-z52z7C2Reyj9BcQU0CIaDlqWcQGYSR2aM4xrqkXBHe3kwowazojafHeTYlqjtRiOEwK1y5N2ew5yaL5xg__73EXhXMn_V0kP_7ZKpgpKCuZxfEFYvUiNlA-hwDYeOb2Dc/s1600/217168_10150156795174291_274810724290_6393994_7630841_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wGqGO37Vc-z52z7C2Reyj9BcQU0CIaDlqWcQGYSR2aM4xrqkXBHe3kwowazojafHeTYlqjtRiOEwK1y5N2ew5yaL5xg__73EXhXMn_V0kP_7ZKpgpKCuZxfEFYvUiNlA-hwDYeOb2Dc/s400/217168_10150156795174291_274810724290_6393994_7630841_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612396679089462738" border="0" /></a>Finals<br />photos: Stephanie Ko Pound<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2zcZVAOn3FU4XYDs_Plr6D8t0_d6aUdZu602vRbPWjPSAVi8lQT-4P-nkn10_A3Lf7FdOy78YF3Y5t-sUgtq41SIeSqho5hwYYiLp4wJdhesnuYAhbfGSSVVxc55Tucb9z86Xlx8daQ/s1600/208237_10150156795224291_274810724290_6393995_3724330_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2zcZVAOn3FU4XYDs_Plr6D8t0_d6aUdZu602vRbPWjPSAVi8lQT-4P-nkn10_A3Lf7FdOy78YF3Y5t-sUgtq41SIeSqho5hwYYiLp4wJdhesnuYAhbfGSSVVxc55Tucb9z86Xlx8daQ/s400/208237_10150156795224291_274810724290_6393995_3724330_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612396671199471234" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cUu-5ve6RMuBigG6aNpHx-kNYQ0nIFLyts3KinhO7fneFvMiuOpVxwXk8glMNh8voOjREdT2gf6hQnO4vvrZgljY7Yym2IobEB4dD5C-H6V3lhPkbVgF2CO7KfV_Q7oziIyy5FZTVIc/s1600/215308_10150156795494291_274810724290_6393999_3877283_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cUu-5ve6RMuBigG6aNpHx-kNYQ0nIFLyts3KinhO7fneFvMiuOpVxwXk8glMNh8voOjREdT2gf6hQnO4vvrZgljY7Yym2IobEB4dD5C-H6V3lhPkbVgF2CO7KfV_Q7oziIyy5FZTVIc/s400/215308_10150156795494291_274810724290_6393999_3877283_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612398658929524786" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Spring Break consisted of visiting my best friend Charlie down in LA for a weekend of touring college campuses and climbing at his local crag, Echo Cliffs. We both ended up sending State of Grace (.13c) third try, which was probably the most productive I’ve ever been on a hard climb that could’ve easily been project status for either of us. The fact that we were both working on the same thing and could give each other beta worked out amazingly well, which is why it’s always fun whenever I go on trips with him. Can’t wait for this summer, bro!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx7KDETuIJXPtfnYsjAEzlV6PujuCziqctnQuTQjHZ_pMCLSKoDRWjhAzQ6KVH_CEEFAg6yHCR1aIzk63IqXyoj7B-Rnt-_AzLJy3NNbREd42neRY2yGHFP4SkMJkBtIHLCMejz0mVnQ/s1600/Charlie+Echo+edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx7KDETuIJXPtfnYsjAEzlV6PujuCziqctnQuTQjHZ_pMCLSKoDRWjhAzQ6KVH_CEEFAg6yHCR1aIzk63IqXyoj7B-Rnt-_AzLJy3NNbREd42neRY2yGHFP4SkMJkBtIHLCMejz0mVnQ/s400/Charlie+Echo+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612399889229538994" border="0" /></a>Charlie post-send on State of Grace 5.13c<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju16dXK4GUdYlf4qMDbBtMfMoHLSVcJ5waIYP9Syi63LeJftXGyBSqRlrnqtOLUgGiRCaqS3vwZKEVIVxpNHrDiCLnmWjbm8DTpOsBSGvhcgufOC3H0K8ubXkcQqReSvr9zctKvxFKajs/s1600/Sunset+edit.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju16dXK4GUdYlf4qMDbBtMfMoHLSVcJ5waIYP9Syi63LeJftXGyBSqRlrnqtOLUgGiRCaqS3vwZKEVIVxpNHrDiCLnmWjbm8DTpOsBSGvhcgufOC3H0K8ubXkcQqReSvr9zctKvxFKajs/s400/Sunset+edit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612399892622228594" border="0" /></a>PCH at sunset<br /></div><br />More recently, I competed in my first and only local comp of the season at Rocksport (which I always try to get out to every year) in Reno, Nevada. Charlie came up for this comp as well, and we had a great time competing in the comp and in finals afterwards. I won the comp this year by topping out one of the coolest problems they’ve ever put up at the gym. I then competed at the Youth Regional Championships at Rocksport two weeks later and won my category for difficulty and speed, which earned me an invitation to the Youth Divisional Championships in two weeks in Salt Lake City, Utah.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHspP9wTR2xaAea2Sl7L_UGI6H6RWqlLOa6whOmgAUZ3ziWBXwwyi_LQReo4KKQ4Im7qT8-Eu3wTxPPFMy26NK_PT63U8NsQ0PNC0apNFY0cAj9HKbeWnjzdYOapSoD_z_9gz6a2Znak4/s1600/230960_10150294366551102_788821101_9407067_7644459_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHspP9wTR2xaAea2Sl7L_UGI6H6RWqlLOa6whOmgAUZ3ziWBXwwyi_LQReo4KKQ4Im7qT8-Eu3wTxPPFMy26NK_PT63U8NsQ0PNC0apNFY0cAj9HKbeWnjzdYOapSoD_z_9gz6a2Znak4/s400/230960_10150294366551102_788821101_9407067_7644459_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612396909026739682" border="0" /></a>Q2 at Regionals<br />photo: Rod Grossman<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAZ7Bm-aqO2VosIZeggLnGcf6x9GLoMfZ1uxYGgQuj6eTVTkjCYHhwTly4PK8RRhqhWjVR1QD-VFJVh7Cy0HWqjQ1fLnLg4o9gpa83sbqz958SrGdpbsBHK81J-Na7HLVfpwm9HXpAG4/s1600/225460_10150294370286102_788821101_9407141_7013231_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAZ7Bm-aqO2VosIZeggLnGcf6x9GLoMfZ1uxYGgQuj6eTVTkjCYHhwTly4PK8RRhqhWjVR1QD-VFJVh7Cy0HWqjQ1fLnLg4o9gpa83sbqz958SrGdpbsBHK81J-Na7HLVfpwm9HXpAG4/s400/225460_10150294370286102_788821101_9407141_7013231_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612396682646750722" border="0" /></a>Finals route at Regionals<br />photo: Rod Grossman<br /></div><br /><center><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RhckdA7u2JU" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe><br />Regionals Finals Route<br />Video: Richard Levin</center><br />Phew. That was a lot of stuff crammed into one post. Definitely blaming AP testing for this one. I will be posting more over the summer about Nationals and my Europe adventures, so keep posted and thanks for reading!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-49863490117333662312011-02-26T11:55:00.000-08:002011-03-21T14:37:25.988-07:00ABS Youth Nationals 2011<img style="width: 660px; height: 165px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" alt="http://absnationals.org/images/ABS_webBanner.jpg" src="http://absnationals.org/images/ABS_webBanner.jpg" /><br /><br />This past weekend I flew back to Boulder, Colorado for the Youth portion of the 2011 ABS National Championships. After the events from last week’s Open Championships, I felt mentally ready for the competition. However, my ankle was still a bit tweaked from landing awkwardly on the pads on qualifier problem 5 the weekend before and mildly spraining my left ankle. I did some minor training in the couple days of training I had between comps, but the thing I really needed to focus on was my mental preparation going into the competition.<br /><br />I flew into Boulder on Thursday, February 17th, and had dinner with my family before meeting up with a bunch of my friends who flew in from around the country at the host hotel, where we hung out in one of the rooms and played a couple rounds of Jungle Speed. Considering how no one knew about the game before a year and a half ago, it’s really caught on the climbing community.<br /><br />I got to sleep in the next morning, as the category I was competing in, Male A (16-17), wasn’t scheduled to compete in qualifiers until 4:30 that afternoon. It was nice getting to climb later in the day for a change, and I was able to eat a late breakfast and hang out with some of the kids on my team: Jacquelyn Wu, Eric Sanchez, Sera Busse, and Will Roderick.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroyQKnuUqwQQ3n6J0xX_ZRyKSjA_Mt2FvQdCGtLjXKhBLWtRol59DjnV63Nqpfolt5fUJ0GSOrF5E5YILHg7Z7wmK8G7Qnq1Rkla8J9XzlZicyeZ1eHL6szP3YlxnqieP_mTWgQ_Lhsw/s1600/Team+breakfast.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroyQKnuUqwQQ3n6J0xX_ZRyKSjA_Mt2FvQdCGtLjXKhBLWtRol59DjnV63Nqpfolt5fUJ0GSOrF5E5YILHg7Z7wmK8G7Qnq1Rkla8J9XzlZicyeZ1eHL6szP3YlxnqieP_mTWgQ_Lhsw/s400/Team+breakfast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578118154337892882" border="0" /></a>The team at breakfast<br />Left to right: Will, Josh, Sera, Jacquelyn, Eric<br />Photo: George Roderick<br /></div><br />I headed over to The Spot to warm up again like the weekend before. It was really nice climbing wherever you wanted to with the entire gym open to all the competitors. It was definitely the most laid back isolation area I’ve ever been in, compared to the jam-packed isolations in past bouldering competitions. No waiting for hours for your turn to sit in the chair, no crazed coaches frantically scanning the running order, no ten year old girls cutting you off on your warm up. It was pretty chill.<br /><br />After getting decently warmed up, I headed over to the warehouse with one of the coaches and got ready to climb. By this point, I had gotten into my comp mindset and started my pre-comp routine, which included getting out my 5.10 hoodie, rubbing the chalk off the bottom of my shoes, and setting my iPod playlist to “Get Psyched”.<br /><br />The qualifier problems turned out to be in the opposite order from Open Nationals, with problems starting on the left slightly overhanging wall and progressing to the right with the final problem on the slab. The major difference between the two was that there were only four problems versus the six we had in Open qualifiers.<br /><br />The first problem had a pretty cool roof jug section to a slopey topout, but wasn’t too bad overall. Having flashed this one, I moved into the wave section of the wall for problems 2 and 3. Problem 2 was somewhat balancy in the beginning, but had some cool powerful moves at the top, which contrasted the bottom. Probably my favorite climb of qualifiers. Problem 3 consisted of technical crimp moves on the right side of the wave with a difficult cross at the top, but wasn’t overly hard in the long run.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnZBW0mjOP0ILX4FAgZHl_KYYovVKbpeiXxLHfHbLF00FcaZJnQ7ofdfJyav1SEAK_KOOzzYXAC01ZOYOzAI3agDKqFPTNxsJ3bcjeI1O9iZihEEEFEg3V4mv97iq4HjVCDrPrbPy6aI/s1600/Josh+q+p3+crimp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnZBW0mjOP0ILX4FAgZHl_KYYovVKbpeiXxLHfHbLF00FcaZJnQ7ofdfJyav1SEAK_KOOzzYXAC01ZOYOzAI3agDKqFPTNxsJ3bcjeI1O9iZihEEEFEg3V4mv97iq4HjVCDrPrbPy6aI/s400/Josh+q+p3+crimp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578119352215032898" border="0" /></a><center>Problem 3<br />photo: Eric Wang<br /></center><br />After flashing 2 and 3, I moved on to problem 4. This problem was located on the right side of the gym on the slab, and had a desperately hard cross move to a horrible left hand pinch about halfway up. I couldn’t stick the cross, so I bumped my right hand up to the upper hold to get points for control. However, the judge didn’t see me the time I stuck it, so I ended up filing an appeal, owing mostly to the fact that other kids had done the same thing as I had and received points for it. The appeal passed, which was lucky, because two holds separated 7th place from 16th place, which was the cutoff for semifinals. I ended up 9th right behind my friend Charlie Andrews, which meant we would climb back to back the next day!<br /><br />Already psyched just to be in semifinals, I took a bunch of pictures of my friends who climbed after I did and made plans to go out for dinner with Charlie and Jordan Bridgewater and a couple other parents. However, Jordan ended up falling on the last move on her first qualifier and rolling her left ankle in the exact same way I did the weekend before! No one expected her to even be able to walk after the fall, but she came back about half an hour later and completed all of her remaining climbs with a heavily bandaged ankle, even sending the first one. The fact that she actually came back and sent it demonstrated the true meaning of dedication to the sport and proved how much she was willing to go through to compete. Huge props for even having the courage to go back and try to climb again. Seriously.<br /><br />Here's some pictures I took of some of the competitors:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiOTDfYXPz04AIfPPl1k0N0w2y7nOswzb3LU8JsYcoF46sukkFcF-j0KfkNRTT-A_B_4mznZ0Za2IYddfMr8FRkXJmo25MqwFVP2O7Uo4UWSnMP1RnVhTeQWDGGD9ADR0svn9xM3ngGE/s1600/Sam+problem+4+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiOTDfYXPz04AIfPPl1k0N0w2y7nOswzb3LU8JsYcoF46sukkFcF-j0KfkNRTT-A_B_4mznZ0Za2IYddfMr8FRkXJmo25MqwFVP2O7Uo4UWSnMP1RnVhTeQWDGGD9ADR0svn9xM3ngGE/s400/Sam+problem+4+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578116119578734130" border="0" /></a><center>Sam Wolff previewing problem 4</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1W7SJ56oL4A5uQNUmj_MdDsob1gHwWR7Ron8YS-VcYTIvPkL242kmk6sB81OaXoiZ98frLOPFvYXimORs6bErnhcs_O17nGmAGhqH2pTFIR7cW6Mgh5Nui_Hg7klZwcLEyW9tu9G-6M/s1600/Charlie+problem+3+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1W7SJ56oL4A5uQNUmj_MdDsob1gHwWR7Ron8YS-VcYTIvPkL242kmk6sB81OaXoiZ98frLOPFvYXimORs6bErnhcs_O17nGmAGhqH2pTFIR7cW6Mgh5Nui_Hg7klZwcLEyW9tu9G-6M/s400/Charlie+problem+3+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578116101407199394" border="0" /></a><center>Charlie Andrews on problem 3</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQGfrxz16_Jzi9gJ9LLRiM3f5h8WVFeDtLq7Chxjxu1fblcizWoOdTYKEOG5xFYvIfANGYOjW2ydWgCTrwcMgs5Z5K8hgvgSVXnAIXCCnhu8W0r5IbCbHeCIV7bgRLiYUiioJzBSJ8rY/s1600/Alex+Fritz+problem+2+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQGfrxz16_Jzi9gJ9LLRiM3f5h8WVFeDtLq7Chxjxu1fblcizWoOdTYKEOG5xFYvIfANGYOjW2ydWgCTrwcMgs5Z5K8hgvgSVXnAIXCCnhu8W0r5IbCbHeCIV7bgRLiYUiioJzBSJ8rY/s400/Alex+Fritz+problem+2+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578114778733181954" border="0" /></a><center>Alex Fritz on problem 2</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmMWIdZ8udLSDzQEdC4q4D3jJwnQqcbAaLPtVJH_wDx3TqigRMIh9wOR9f7NIV-Z9anD0RoA31OnhnvMnjQpFee0tF__Cb_RzerCEIKzGmBtxVkrUHtCjYms0drrroPr5Oq1lSwpJeSg/s1600/ADJ+problem+4+edit.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmMWIdZ8udLSDzQEdC4q4D3jJwnQqcbAaLPtVJH_wDx3TqigRMIh9wOR9f7NIV-Z9anD0RoA31OnhnvMnjQpFee0tF__Cb_RzerCEIKzGmBtxVkrUHtCjYms0drrroPr5Oq1lSwpJeSg/s400/ADJ+problem+4+edit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578114773420617394" border="0" /></a><center>Alex David Johnson on problem 4. A second later, he jumped for the finish hold. Send.<br /></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTQmYGseplXILCfftm9h2IDtA9semtO6XM-PJ68s9FT33ASsFbdnjUBojbh5HjJNbp8zrf164f7F1_SKj879GVb2XlaxZxG-tsLapbpxMPUIoCR1l5jfbtScJ9LVQnMYxRA2OwCLu_DM/s1600/Jesse+problem+3+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTQmYGseplXILCfftm9h2IDtA9semtO6XM-PJ68s9FT33ASsFbdnjUBojbh5HjJNbp8zrf164f7F1_SKj879GVb2XlaxZxG-tsLapbpxMPUIoCR1l5jfbtScJ9LVQnMYxRA2OwCLu_DM/s400/Jesse+problem+3+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578116109620306786" border="0" /></a><center>Jesse Youngwerth on final problem 3</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgt0FRgHv-NeHVrChyphenhyphenmXp5bDIv9F5ZW9iTATbL1s555y9zwVJ_us7Ak978NN6eFcvFXJ7qwfkPkSnWu2n2VdQsEoKNp55vgEtCiSpd83cYowBKQoMgjNB5zFHJof70aMC_4zxgc-ptxSQ/s1600/Jordan+problem+1+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgt0FRgHv-NeHVrChyphenhyphenmXp5bDIv9F5ZW9iTATbL1s555y9zwVJ_us7Ak978NN6eFcvFXJ7qwfkPkSnWu2n2VdQsEoKNp55vgEtCiSpd83cYowBKQoMgjNB5zFHJof70aMC_4zxgc-ptxSQ/s400/Jordan+problem+1+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578116117329505762" border="0" /></a><center>Jordan Bridgewater on problem 1. It was inspiring to watch her come back and finish this climb.</center><br />After a quick dinner at Noodles and Company (which was actually founded in Boulder), I went back to my hotel to get ready for semifinals the next day. After placing 9th that day, I knew I had to really step my game up for semis, considering only the top 8 from the next day advanced to the final round.<br /><br />The next day, I got to sleep in again and take my time eating breakfast since my climbing time was at around 5:30pm. Charlie and his mom picked me up from my hotel before lunch so we could tour the University of Colorado at Boulder, and we had a lot of fun walking around downtown boulder and the campus as well.<br /><br />Heading into semis, I felt a lot more nervous than the day before. If I wanted a shot at making finals, I knew I would need to not hold anything back on any of the climbs, and climb much smarter to use fewer attempts. I got into my zone again, and warmed up with Charlie and Sam Wolff from Seattle, mostly focusing on slab climbs just in case we were stuck with another problem like the day before.<br /><br />As I walked out into the comp, I knew immediately that it was a really good thing that we practiced slab in iso. The first semifinal problem was a really sick route in the middle of the wave that involved a Mission Impossible-like rose move to a powerful finish. When I sat down in the chair after sending, however, the judge pointed me to go over towards the slab area – where we had another two problems waiting for us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlY0TY90Xv3xFjJwcwX3M1L5lZjjiNjwABgJN3N69nH7Tlsp8rSV2w8LGrUSegRD8_49kgik-oAZjca3_D2wXggWbhuYZPx63K75OHm7HEKLNaGmOq2EpuUVRMTWjmnG_YJpwT1ZKY_U/s1600/Eric+s1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlY0TY90Xv3xFjJwcwX3M1L5lZjjiNjwABgJN3N69nH7Tlsp8rSV2w8LGrUSegRD8_49kgik-oAZjca3_D2wXggWbhuYZPx63K75OHm7HEKLNaGmOq2EpuUVRMTWjmnG_YJpwT1ZKY_U/s400/Eric+s1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578135440402380706" border="0" /></a><center>Eric Sanchez on semifinal problem 1<br />photo: George Roderick</center><br />Problem #2 was insane. Just saying. When I turned around to look at the problem, I immediately noticed two things: there were only four or five real holds going up the almost blank 15-foot face. Also, I noticed that the moves were gigantic. I would definitely have to come up with something pretty good in order to do this climb. As I got on the first moves, I couldn’t help thinking to myself how Charlie, who is over 6 feet tall, would be able to reach each of the moves easily.<br /><br />After several dismal attempts on the problem, I noticed a foot off to the right, which had gone unnoticed until then. I checked the clock, only to realize that I had less than 30 seconds left on the problem. As I began panicking inside my head, I ran to the base of the climb and pulled out to the foothold before the last hold before the finish. As I reached up, I heard the automated time warning of “10 seconds”, and I knew I had to go fast. I grabbed up at the huge feature – and found a small crimp on the side. Climbing as fast as I could, I bumped both hands on top of the feature and hesitated for a moment before jumping for the finish. I caught it, matched it as fast as I could, and looked at the clock. There were three whole seconds left!! With that send, I pulled off the wall and breathed a sigh of relief. I don’t think it could have come down to it any closer than that.<br /><br /><center><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tDSIY_ic-XQ" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="480"></iframe><br />Semifinal problem 2<br />Video: Richard Levin</center><br />As I sat in the chair for problem #3, I saw out of the corner of my eye Charlie casually sending the last problem and heard the crowd cheer as he topped it out, and I couldn’t help smiling – that was totally his style of problem. Problem 3 turned out to be pretty similar to problem 4 from the day before, with a hard move going around the corner on desperate pinches. I got my farthest on my first go, and tried a bunch of different variations going around the corner, none of which worked. I knew I had tried my best, and all I could wait for were the results to see if I had made finals.<br /><br />After a couple hours of waiting, the results were posted, and I came in 7th after semifinals! Charlie made it as well in 5th with his flash of problem 2, and we went and celebrated at Turley’s for dinner and prepared for finals that night by having an icing party with Jordan. Jordan and I iced our ankles and Charlie iced his shoulder, which was still recovering from his recent tendonitis. We all got pretty psyched for the next day and went to bed decently early to make sure we had a good night’s rest.<br /><br />The next morning I didn’t get to sleep in like the two previous days, but that only meant that I got to climb at an earlier time. After a quick breakfast and warm up, I headed out of iso right behind my friend Zan Bode from Portland, who was probably the most psyched I’d ever seen him at a comp. We both got each other pumped up while sitting in the chairs for the finals problems.<br /><br />The first problem started out on the far left side of the gym to the right of where our first qualifier was, and had some big moves on slopers before a big sideways deadpoint to a pinch rail and a jump to the finish jug. Pretty cool and powerful moves overall. I got it with some effort going to the pinch rail on my first try and moved on to problem 2.<br /><br /><center><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ywzNOh-8b-0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="480"></iframe><br />Final Problem 1<br />Video: Richard Levin</center><br />The second climb was right next to it, a little to the right of where our first qualifier had been. The moves consisted of some interesting roof tension moves with a huge stalactite hold protruding just before the final face, then some technical sloper and crimpy moves up the face to the finish. Since Charlie and I placed 5th and 7th the day before, it meant we climbed at the same time on adjacent problems, which was pretty cool and got me psyched up to hear people cheering for both of us at the same time. The crux on this problem turned out to be the very last move, with a horrible left hand and a horizontal right hand crimp going to a huge cross to the finish, but I was able to pull it off on my first go and knew I only had one more problem to go as I went to sit in the final chair.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRg1AtYG7JjvUOUlIeLtge-6CRZXVyiMplkPvRXkxQPxsqlf_J-XpbyT-vD44c5EnT4JUX9Fbcb5jNeJHY4dbpIs52BVwMriPMTjpswF7VnjDw5f3NwO50mwL0sjqxNUf5Ym1QzhAVj8/s1600/Josh+f+2+cross.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRg1AtYG7JjvUOUlIeLtge-6CRZXVyiMplkPvRXkxQPxsqlf_J-XpbyT-vD44c5EnT4JUX9Fbcb5jNeJHY4dbpIs52BVwMriPMTjpswF7VnjDw5f3NwO50mwL0sjqxNUf5Ym1QzhAVj8/s400/Josh+f+2+cross.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578152704555743698" border="0" /></a>last move of final problem 2<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSzJ6eHqsQPKM46gsntOZg58Lg0h_H3eDV1D9SPevCYVjzYrj6cZD67r30h8ivPR_U9ito1_pQF4syOY6kCa18Q7QNTNVrzWPqVIfKMPAgq7RrQ4PWFJX0svJBx3Xcl3ZVhUbOf32R2A/s1600/Josh+f+2+finish+hold.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSzJ6eHqsQPKM46gsntOZg58Lg0h_H3eDV1D9SPevCYVjzYrj6cZD67r30h8ivPR_U9ito1_pQF4syOY6kCa18Q7QNTNVrzWPqVIfKMPAgq7RrQ4PWFJX0svJBx3Xcl3ZVhUbOf32R2A/s400/Josh+f+2+finish+hold.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578152697983814578" border="0" /></a>send.<br />Photos: George Roderick<br /></div><br /><center><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2zKuiKIeVlc" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="480"></iframe><br />Final problem 2<br />Video: Richard Levin</center><br />The third and final problem of the competition was probably one of the coolest problems I’ve ever climbed in a comp. It started out with a huge horizontal one-handed dyno out right to an upside-down jug on feature, then had a bunch of burly moves and a sick rose move to a pinch before a couple more giant moves to the finish. It took me at least five or six goes to stick the dyno, but I got to the second to last hold on that go. When the clock timed out about a minute later, I felt exhausted but excited that I had done my best.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANm6UrGAq7JXq2mb3bDc_4r1L6Uqa7jlNXMVRGqIi7Wt7Zr7uK9qDFzdFaAPd040J_r11SjaCdy6ApmZx4UCDu0Z2gffB676VfRJf-ZAoNJbQjnxkBAR8ybIVJ7lkt1Olx6NVcrLK5Ww/s1600/Josh+f+p3+dyno.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANm6UrGAq7JXq2mb3bDc_4r1L6Uqa7jlNXMVRGqIi7Wt7Zr7uK9qDFzdFaAPd040J_r11SjaCdy6ApmZx4UCDu0Z2gffB676VfRJf-ZAoNJbQjnxkBAR8ybIVJ7lkt1Olx6NVcrLK5Ww/s400/Josh+f+p3+dyno.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578114247351816098" border="0" /></a>Photo: Eric Wang<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn9660DDND4ba3aT64oUqPth9d_HXz8dOVmpdeX75Vf2I9nFvui6GeKViUo1pToX4vOja8Mkf6VYALM2yWMjDsKH7ciZ-soekgP6xVY7BjM8lI5vC8QeTTiaOYb2q9MPYXftnO_D07W8/s1600/Josh+f+3+campus.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn9660DDND4ba3aT64oUqPth9d_HXz8dOVmpdeX75Vf2I9nFvui6GeKViUo1pToX4vOja8Mkf6VYALM2yWMjDsKH7ciZ-soekgP6xVY7BjM8lI5vC8QeTTiaOYb2q9MPYXftnO_D07W8/s400/Josh+f+3+campus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578152689716644706" border="0" /></a>Photo: George Roderick<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSzUxrJ5X3Gdt4lD21Dpsx5HZISF-DQ8I6jnHuM_UkTXEm3phL7XO60KSRbP2yGOf2Jl4T5EG_XTy4W2c7s1NlNq1FPslC7Dlheq8vUgOJDqoKOx3no24qopCttxQcAMXqmfr1H7hlaY/s1600/Josh+f+p3+rose.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSzUxrJ5X3Gdt4lD21Dpsx5HZISF-DQ8I6jnHuM_UkTXEm3phL7XO60KSRbP2yGOf2Jl4T5EG_XTy4W2c7s1NlNq1FPslC7Dlheq8vUgOJDqoKOx3no24qopCttxQcAMXqmfr1H7hlaY/s400/Josh+f+p3+rose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578114253167860066" border="0" /></a>Photo: Eric Wang<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_0Q-GJtg4gqQocIL7fTRk1ioKiENTg0FSm-pxSCcqa0V1mHNSqde9aH_aH8LUGHUjJpc0nmyaQ7YUwz1sMWfQVaYbryY7d6fw35xrWdYw_vZ_jNOfY3pCNT-BhMQcQ7jHbs_o41QJQw/s1600/Josh+f+p3+heel.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_0Q-GJtg4gqQocIL7fTRk1ioKiENTg0FSm-pxSCcqa0V1mHNSqde9aH_aH8LUGHUjJpc0nmyaQ7YUwz1sMWfQVaYbryY7d6fw35xrWdYw_vZ_jNOfY3pCNT-BhMQcQ7jHbs_o41QJQw/s400/Josh+f+p3+heel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578114245560892226" border="0" /></a>Photo: Eric Wang<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitxpyGsxspp7_0zEufkBIjPWXt7laEXszS0xAR-h0rG-MqqE2M5HgZcxKgHXDU77Leb8p2YjXUsWZVJj29dPvBgEpUpe8rLM2jAPWOVZdx18auaYuL9x9Lp6vPrELSSSiWNuawArGU6E/s1600/Josh+f+p3+yell.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitxpyGsxspp7_0zEufkBIjPWXt7laEXszS0xAR-h0rG-MqqE2M5HgZcxKgHXDU77Leb8p2YjXUsWZVJj29dPvBgEpUpe8rLM2jAPWOVZdx18auaYuL9x9Lp6vPrELSSSiWNuawArGU6E/s400/Josh+f+p3+yell.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578114764402073890" border="0" /></a>Photo: Eric Wang<br /></div><br /><center><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/24uNGOMZqvU" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="640"></iframe><br />Final Problem 3<br />Video: Rod Grossman</center><br />In the end, I finished in 3rd place behind Andy Lamb and Joe Gifford, who got one hold higher than me on the last problem. Coming from 7th place out of semifinals and 9th out of qualifiers, I didn’t really expect that much, but I’m definitely happy with how I placed. In addition to placing 3rd, I also made the 2011 US Youth National Team, which was a huge goal of mine this year, considering how tough the competition was this year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OqyGCWDw-gvz1rJYlgf-3dDxPhICor19mxpZUIbJtqbKfxLmVUhQnB8QO6r2dLcNvgI27P_U_HM7kk1yGdP6mALUkDIcevqCaJS_mX6RgTira8nYF9zdh36eQhtI-G9r-y84MZmZJI0/s1600/Josh+podium+full.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OqyGCWDw-gvz1rJYlgf-3dDxPhICor19mxpZUIbJtqbKfxLmVUhQnB8QO6r2dLcNvgI27P_U_HM7kk1yGdP6mALUkDIcevqCaJS_mX6RgTira8nYF9zdh36eQhtI-G9r-y84MZmZJI0/s400/Josh+podium+full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578114763427167666" border="0" /></a><center>left to right: Zan Bode, Charlie Andrews, Asher Shay-Nemirow, Michael O'Rourke, Joe Gifford, Andy Lamb, Josh Levin<br />Photo: Rod Grossman</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw51D7nhHYpuPzanmBp9E3KS6DhDZcxJWkTQ78RiPNLm7BlcPspH_IeanH2h4yAc0EYgdT5KoTO-WgS92CJ5co4DwqA4VkzoMYGHPuoqNLZb5B7kZjIFhTcH5R-S2xTlDqfa5Isv4o2AE/s1600/Podium.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw51D7nhHYpuPzanmBp9E3KS6DhDZcxJWkTQ78RiPNLm7BlcPspH_IeanH2h4yAc0EYgdT5KoTO-WgS92CJ5co4DwqA4VkzoMYGHPuoqNLZb5B7kZjIFhTcH5R-S2xTlDqfa5Isv4o2AE/s400/Podium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578156172765127010" border="0" /></a><center>Photo: Eric Wang</center><br />Looking back on the weekend, it was one of the best Nationals I’ve been to in a long time. Huge thanks to the guys at USA Climbing for putting on the event! It was really well run, other than a couple injuries from competitors falling from the top of the wall.<br /><br />I would also like to congratulate Charlie Andrews, Alex Fritz, Nathan Hadley, Dana Riddle, and Francesca Metcalf for being nominated for the North Face Young Gun award, which is given out bi-annually to climbers in the community who demonstrate leadership, strength, dedication to the sport, and outstanding sportsmanship. This is probably the biggest honor in our sport, and to even be a finalist for the award is a prestigious accomplishment in itself. Congrats to Francesca for the win!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgottjK8mhfXfIsEw92RQ3GH7ZZ1LGy1Ys2EuPyxpoq4W52SG2zO6fSopNsRVheW3epkbwvlMJZzEl3jcvUaJQBzSt73kgkg1rKRy2zXhWxnWp5dlaUQNbw54qMlNGQn3LfKZXWE2L3Y0c/s1600/Young+gun.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgottjK8mhfXfIsEw92RQ3GH7ZZ1LGy1Ys2EuPyxpoq4W52SG2zO6fSopNsRVheW3epkbwvlMJZzEl3jcvUaJQBzSt73kgkg1rKRy2zXhWxnWp5dlaUQNbw54qMlNGQn3LfKZXWE2L3Y0c/s400/Young+gun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578157022149635650" border="0" /></a><center>Young Gun Finalists: left to right:<br />Claudiu (Francesca), Alex, Charlie, Nathan, and Dana<br />Photo: Shannon Russell<br /></center><br />Now it’s time to train sport climbing for the 2011 SCS Open Nationals in April. Thanks for reading! Get psyched.<br /><br />I would also like to give a huge thanks to my sponsors, <a href="http://www.fiveten.com/" target="_blank">5.10</a> and <a href="http://www.friksn.com/" target="_blank">Friksn,</a> and to my parents and brother for coming out as well! Thank you for all the support, I couldn't have done it without you guys!<br /><br />For full results, click <a href="http://www.absnationals.org/08/news/index.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739397238678630507.post-69607256998579966502011-02-15T22:41:00.000-08:002011-02-26T23:59:28.501-08:00ABS Open Nationals 2011<img style="width: 660px; height: 165px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" alt="http://absnationals.org/images/ABS_webBanner.jpg" src="http://absnationals.org/images/ABS_webBanner.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">This past weekend I competed at the 2011 ABS Open National Championships held in Boulder, Colorado. I had a great time competing and hanging out with my friends, and placed fairly well as well.</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br /><br />Coming into the competition, I felt I had trained as hard as I could for the event, given that I had taken about a month and a half off in the fall to focus on school and keep my grades up. I also had reasonably high expectations of myself, considering I placed 17th the year before and was able to make it into the finals and compete at the Bouldering World Cup in Vail, Colorado.</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br /><br />Here's a preview of the comp with video clips from last year's nationals. See if you can spot me in there somewhere!<br /><br /><center><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/19506063" frameborder="0" height="540" width="720"></iframe></center><br />This year was different than previous years for several different reasons. First of all, instead of being on the East Coast like the year before, the comp was in Boulder, which anybody will tell you is the bouldering capital of the world, producing enough v12 climbers that I don’t think I can even count that high. Also, the competition was held on brand new custom-built walls fit for World Cup competitions, located inside a giant warehouse that had the capacity for several thousand spectators. Looking back on the event, I don’t think the location or facility of the comp could have been any better.</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br /><br />Here's a video of the walls going up from John Stack and Vertical Solutions:</span><br /><br /><br /><center><iframe style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/19688929" frameborder="0" height="540" width="720"></iframe></center><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I arrived in Boulder on Thursday, February 10th, and met up with a bunch of my friends from Texas who I was going to be staying with, including Joe Gifford, Owen Graham, Shane Puccio, and Addison Kim. We all went to dinner to a really good pasta place with Alex Puccio and her boyfriend, Chris Webb-Parsons. We all had a good time at dinner and felt ready for whatever the comp would throw at us the next day.<br /><br />The next morning before qualifiers, we all went over to The Spot Bouldering Gym to warm up before heading over to the warehouse where the comp was being held. I was going first out of all the guys I was staying with, so I got a little shorter warm up than everyone else, but I still felt pretty strong as I headed over to the venue. As I warmed up, I got to see a bunch of my friends who live in Colorado, including Ian Dory, Matty Hong, and Alex David Johnson. We all talked about school, climbing, and life, and got each other pretty psyched up for the comp ahead.<br /><br />When I turned around to face the 1st qualifier, I instantly knew this competition was going to be one of the hardest I’d ever competed in. First of all, the format was 6 problems for qualifiers with only 4 minutes of climbing time per problem, as well as using zone scoring where competitors only got points for getting halfway up the problem or the top. I checked out my problem, which was a pretty cool run and jump start to a couple big slab moves on slopers to the top, but I couldn’t help glancing to my left to where the rest of the problems were.<br /><br />The gym was orientated so that all the walls faced the crowd, with a slab on the far right, another slightly overhanging wall divided by a short roof on the left, and a massive reverse S shaped wave wall in the middle that was clearly the master wall of the entire comp. SICKKK.<br /><br />I was able to send the first two slab problems, the second one with a little more effort than the first, but felt pretty confident heading into the wave wall. However, I got completely shut down on these, not even getting zone hold on either one. I knew that with such a strong field of competitors this year, I needed to really step it up on problems 5 and 6.<br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj331ybR4esDuSprJ0T4CLSyKFFVTWbdDFuF8Tb1hHdtg37q7DwckhbnFynbGTC2tsuJjyvQ3Q0mSoFpvDOezLRbXlEvSGo5ajD-uGad9wvzye9S8o6nx2W5CWeXeSCYw_zISvv8ZJbbmI/s1600/problem+2+bonus.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj331ybR4esDuSprJ0T4CLSyKFFVTWbdDFuF8Tb1hHdtg37q7DwckhbnFynbGTC2tsuJjyvQ3Q0mSoFpvDOezLRbXlEvSGo5ajD-uGad9wvzye9S8o6nx2W5CWeXeSCYw_zISvv8ZJbbmI/s400/problem+2+bonus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577809128380431522" border="0" /></a>Bonus hold on problem 2<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFKpxLB8tIs_VhapZAhlopN8LdqgPFghGCVXyoFuCcZwgQAv30NNJsDXNEGks9ev_sqzPKLNFb0Svgjzvg6kOvlW6dLIN3ROYTJRtOM5fLAd1WdXKkJBl5tJJJ-M-7fza_1_MHS2zFRk/s1600/problem+2+top.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFKpxLB8tIs_VhapZAhlopN8LdqgPFghGCVXyoFuCcZwgQAv30NNJsDXNEGks9ev_sqzPKLNFb0Svgjzvg6kOvlW6dLIN3ROYTJRtOM5fLAd1WdXKkJBl5tJJJ-M-7fza_1_MHS2zFRk/s400/problem+2+top.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577809123445837506" border="0" /></a>Topping out problem 2<br /></div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniIJX6FBuroPsYvXmu4khiwhjR1bnBilA1ALYcO2bDhXy9J1JkzkfWVAksGhRUd0Y8H7lUGYHAkKTCmvVi7hkct1QHGAxwDFm6fR4q2W6JQdIofjOA2c942__P_v7FYHFYYSgmEZaTQw/s1600/Josh+and+Ian.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniIJX6FBuroPsYvXmu4khiwhjR1bnBilA1ALYcO2bDhXy9J1JkzkfWVAksGhRUd0Y8H7lUGYHAkKTCmvVi7hkct1QHGAxwDFm6fR4q2W6JQdIofjOA2c942__P_v7FYHFYYSgmEZaTQw/s400/Josh+and+Ian.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577809117603856706" border="0" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Team 5.10!<br />Me and Ian Dory waiting to climb<br /></div><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAIuEKWX3QTndcIbU5DhDaBM5-4LYLrNBPc5xQsfQuiUKeEVyJh0-XZfXyCSQvTZKpHFJhvMpPvE44t0hk0j2Pag36kRtmdJ7p4SYDr3ldF-wzvEkbgLPT8HgE7Xk2aioP33Gvto79L4/s1600/problem+4+preview.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAIuEKWX3QTndcIbU5DhDaBM5-4LYLrNBPc5xQsfQuiUKeEVyJh0-XZfXyCSQvTZKpHFJhvMpPvE44t0hk0j2Pag36kRtmdJ7p4SYDr3ldF-wzvEkbgLPT8HgE7Xk2aioP33Gvto79L4/s400/problem+4+preview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577809113386035810" border="0" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Previewing problem 4<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_b4Z3YY4P-qgw1QfqI27kwRT1p1SK-olsxAcbLgO5kWrANwfeW9Ytu9UYWi_w-6zriT15p79FBobPfwQ94A4t5vj07N1tZgEaYUZCnMC7hebR8XIfrYGsv6Bx3MC2eDSOhqd31C7e0o/s1600/problem+4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_b4Z3YY4P-qgw1QfqI27kwRT1p1SK-olsxAcbLgO5kWrANwfeW9Ytu9UYWi_w-6zriT15p79FBobPfwQ94A4t5vj07N1tZgEaYUZCnMC7hebR8XIfrYGsv6Bx3MC2eDSOhqd31C7e0o/s400/problem+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577809110271750050" border="0" /></a>First crux on problem 4<br />all photos: Tiffany Hensley<br /></div><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Problem 5 was a pretty cool combination of powerful roof moves with delicate slab crimps at the top of the wall, and I had a good feeling about it when I first saw the problem. I pulled through the roof and the bonus hold fairly easily, but fell going for the finish pinch after attempting to get my foot too high to stick the move. This time, I fell far away from the wall and at an awkward angle, and landed on a pole brush at the far edge of the pads. Then I heard my left ankle pop and I knew something was not good.<br /></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfNgKLnhueD-7h-pAuGOSXTxZ5z0IKRlX1vOaDHei-DDd_MZ5mDRzqvPNOqoU5nvsd6_hUewhOQ7h8jDNm2g-GzjG1EbqrAyzcid7pyFl2roRu6g-GX9HiWDCwx1I9sQtkGfad8tIDtk/s1600/problem+5+bonus.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfNgKLnhueD-7h-pAuGOSXTxZ5z0IKRlX1vOaDHei-DDd_MZ5mDRzqvPNOqoU5nvsd6_hUewhOQ7h8jDNm2g-GzjG1EbqrAyzcid7pyFl2roRu6g-GX9HiWDCwx1I9sQtkGfad8tIDtk/s400/problem+5+bonus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577811001166180866" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Sticking the bonus hold on problem 5<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMVu1owM4g21KMuacRfwtTq7rKLV6mGjwWCVKDG8FsKbMQSsbpPCy5zd2tGt-tBTWqioFpnQz5U4xlqVLdkL_mz9YiNhyphenhyphenNgd8aoqVW8v2hH2nkM7BflHUIUub72kvnCQMzo3zAPuCbs0/s1600/problem+5+fall.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMVu1owM4g21KMuacRfwtTq7rKLV6mGjwWCVKDG8FsKbMQSsbpPCy5zd2tGt-tBTWqioFpnQz5U4xlqVLdkL_mz9YiNhyphenhyphenNgd8aoqVW8v2hH2nkM7BflHUIUub72kvnCQMzo3zAPuCbs0/s400/problem+5+fall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577810996389638450" border="0" /></a>The fall...<br /></div><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I lay on the pads holding my ankle and knew I had done something pretty bad to it. I tried to stand up, but fell over, realizing there was no way I could get back on the problem anytime soon. Luckily, there was a physical therapist working the comp who bandaged up my ankle as soon as everyone watching recognized that I was injured in some way. The head judge then told me that my falling on the brushes at the base of the climb meant that I could call a technical on that specific problem, but I would have to climb problem 6 in my designated climb time before receiving any more medical treatment.<br /><br />My hurriedly bandaged ankle was hurting pretty badly by the time I got on problem 6, and I barely got a couple holds in before I had to give up entirely. I went over to the medical tent and got my foot iced by the physical therapist for about 20 minutes, then went back over to sit in the chair for another 2 minutes on problem 5, which was the time left over when I injured my ankle. Fortunately, most of the foot moves were key right foot moves, and I was able to stick the finish on my second try. Psyched!<br /><br />In the end I took 30th place, but sending the 5th problem didn’t matter, since the cutoff for semifinals (top 24 competitors) was sending at least 4 problems. However, I was definitely happy to have sent the 5th one after it kicking my ass the first time. Owen, Joe, Shane, and Addison did about the same as I did, Owen coming the closest to making the cutoff with 27th place.<br /><br />That night, I iced my ankle as much as I could, and stayed up late hanging out with the guys and writing my english paper that I had to turn in online by midnight California time. Probably shouldn’t have procrastinated on that one. Oh well.<br /><br />The next day, I got my foot bandaged up by the physical therapist again and watched semifinals in the warehouse. It ended up being really hard to make finals, with Daniel Woods missing out on finals by a spot and Sean McColl from Canada making the only send of problem 3 to put him in first place heading into the final round. I got some good pictures of some of my friends in semi’s, and was really psyched when I found out that one of my good friends, Alex David Johnson, made the last spot into finals! Way to go buddy!</p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Here are some photos I took of the competitors throughout the weekend:</p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokEhnRCkU6qO5aVg6tFs_AAEmuEljPNjpIDD3aWEVusqSleJ2rbPOc3uHwSI1j-GWvCzsTbo3ptCljGAlGoIwZMeC99MTySgKmHKmgQ5cJsNWepZU4CAzf63qjV7Q06KoFBUkXlm5-Kw/s1600/Addison+problem+3+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokEhnRCkU6qO5aVg6tFs_AAEmuEljPNjpIDD3aWEVusqSleJ2rbPOc3uHwSI1j-GWvCzsTbo3ptCljGAlGoIwZMeC99MTySgKmHKmgQ5cJsNWepZU4CAzf63qjV7Q06KoFBUkXlm5-Kw/s400/Addison+problem+3+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577815970090366146" border="0" /></a>Addison Kim on Q3<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgs7kibdwI8pYviPXwkk3pgQQAQuKHKCgKDH5zXvcDDViO2pRGC4HOJG5os8OJe5VZYquXjiSCjrxrqKkaz39O1jdYsBMaFxI5WFD1iHz9hmv63lWQTzIeuHFTw80CAgPJEbuwtCZL-Fg/s1600/Angie+semi+2+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgs7kibdwI8pYviPXwkk3pgQQAQuKHKCgKDH5zXvcDDViO2pRGC4HOJG5os8OJe5VZYquXjiSCjrxrqKkaz39O1jdYsBMaFxI5WFD1iHz9hmv63lWQTzIeuHFTw80CAgPJEbuwtCZL-Fg/s400/Angie+semi+2+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577815965669918466" border="0" /></a>Angie Payne on S2<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpd5xOrl8ahwxdRMcyUtM6qcsR9RdLTykf56hkqgspDap5xqzcNu0bYEPMj2O2UexxY_Vwo2wzJ1c10RlsoQsbOeNy-cot3PXHFQtBbSUKhVgStNgDfJMUSWxlv-EoPhh4c-ORLVFbkvI/s1600/Mike+problem+3+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpd5xOrl8ahwxdRMcyUtM6qcsR9RdLTykf56hkqgspDap5xqzcNu0bYEPMj2O2UexxY_Vwo2wzJ1c10RlsoQsbOeNy-cot3PXHFQtBbSUKhVgStNgDfJMUSWxlv-EoPhh4c-ORLVFbkvI/s400/Mike+problem+3+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577815502748082386" border="0" /></a>Mike Abell on Q3<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41tZQOyvwdt5dKA18GczvrwSkG6EITXHwQvxhw-jpCYFMGuKd1h1KDldvzStJwRJO7beJ5bSFKizd-Q6FbT8ia9NLEpSEOgOaaZ0Vs-Ypjj3Oh-3XRAWKl8VMcBWp5hv_i8b_tsXDSm8/s1600/Tyler+semi+3+edit.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41tZQOyvwdt5dKA18GczvrwSkG6EITXHwQvxhw-jpCYFMGuKd1h1KDldvzStJwRJO7beJ5bSFKizd-Q6FbT8ia9NLEpSEOgOaaZ0Vs-Ypjj3Oh-3XRAWKl8VMcBWp5hv_i8b_tsXDSm8/s400/Tyler+semi+3+edit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577815495920955922" border="0" /></a>Tyler Youngwerth on S3<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVKETHvq-EszJF0KkIHxwHpOXN49yoMEO2RhAZyOl7eI-3-gUTMJVV3oCNrxn2ehKuuZhQe3tCZzd465wn5W5nSmctqiuV7znPFCneiE9a8RQAqqjJd47feyoTfPYe-ckLSP9kPjt4Wc/s1600/Leslie+semi+2+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVKETHvq-EszJF0KkIHxwHpOXN49yoMEO2RhAZyOl7eI-3-gUTMJVV3oCNrxn2ehKuuZhQe3tCZzd465wn5W5nSmctqiuV7znPFCneiE9a8RQAqqjJd47feyoTfPYe-ckLSP9kPjt4Wc/s400/Leslie+semi+2+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577815487540428722" border="0" /></a>Lesley Ladlad on S2<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LgJTeD7iDFlihYhdcqyzzbH16vjhZFIFiWBFrq7l_tKMyOzuPzzcZsAwH0ybMw8fBtiFKz-14WbfLZZs5MhIgDtKgWkAr6j0QQRgDxDjeURp3HbfiS1K0qS-XC_TmRtYMUN2DWwFSPM/s1600/Ian+semi+1+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LgJTeD7iDFlihYhdcqyzzbH16vjhZFIFiWBFrq7l_tKMyOzuPzzcZsAwH0ybMw8fBtiFKz-14WbfLZZs5MhIgDtKgWkAr6j0QQRgDxDjeURp3HbfiS1K0qS-XC_TmRtYMUN2DWwFSPM/s400/Ian+semi+1+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577815485306896658" border="0" /></a>Ian Dory on S1<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI3YPut9NYOIUwX26ubQop26GDcXzS6jXbzF1VPQV5rGpc2IZ0MuaK_jTUa0xs2Rl-9qlG1CDL9fU5QxAaDW5oeGgb0MTOnP7HcfIdszM_XHtugB_QYKEeghp0JCUNI2nFk-w2TA_Hew/s1600/Andrea+semi+2+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI3YPut9NYOIUwX26ubQop26GDcXzS6jXbzF1VPQV5rGpc2IZ0MuaK_jTUa0xs2Rl-9qlG1CDL9fU5QxAaDW5oeGgb0MTOnP7HcfIdszM_XHtugB_QYKEeghp0JCUNI2nFk-w2TA_Hew/s400/Andrea+semi+2+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577815477569377538" border="0" /></a>Andrea Szekely on S2<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSrxydMHQbkDZAYKUsYQE45hc0-ztk2OPlxehMcMtQ6awh4vhvydc4Tet0ITxaz1JQRYnDfhaZy8fVR1vXArDZ-JdLniZd05EMEA7d2293k0MGgYO2ffZMY22o1rJIRMwy_QyRTLSjJk/s1600/ADJ+semi+2+%25281%2529+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSrxydMHQbkDZAYKUsYQE45hc0-ztk2OPlxehMcMtQ6awh4vhvydc4Tet0ITxaz1JQRYnDfhaZy8fVR1vXArDZ-JdLniZd05EMEA7d2293k0MGgYO2ffZMY22o1rJIRMwy_QyRTLSjJk/s400/ADJ+semi+2+%25281%2529+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577812875902316322" border="0" /></a>Alex David Johnson on S2<br /><br /></div><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap_Pj2Ctn2o4vvgK6XrSePuOq9e2VJrJ-4S09kkOJimdT75dDj4RM31RF-iTC1ecgT2aroFfd4zhEnB2CDJ2UafWgDYcxljN21c5j2L5hqXJRQ_my1TTtvY3iuORPBQLdohskvF3I2io/s1600/ADJ+semi+2+%25282%2529+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap_Pj2Ctn2o4vvgK6XrSePuOq9e2VJrJ-4S09kkOJimdT75dDj4RM31RF-iTC1ecgT2aroFfd4zhEnB2CDJ2UafWgDYcxljN21c5j2L5hqXJRQ_my1TTtvY3iuORPBQLdohskvF3I2io/s400/ADJ+semi+2+%25282%2529+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577812871833574098" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJv3H77h7kBYA9ncXtawKFLq7tFBPYLeesE1vyqzqzMxi-Ef3UssjADSkBMsQdwfi90Bhn1rqVe2JryrTP2KsQTMBby3seSefqoscBKgHA52hj_7VTeRHhfGNsmM6OnmIk5BgCNTHv8M/s1600/ADJ+semi+2+%25283%2529+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJv3H77h7kBYA9ncXtawKFLq7tFBPYLeesE1vyqzqzMxi-Ef3UssjADSkBMsQdwfi90Bhn1rqVe2JryrTP2KsQTMBby3seSefqoscBKgHA52hj_7VTeRHhfGNsmM6OnmIk5BgCNTHv8M/s400/ADJ+semi+2+%25283%2529+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577812865841606018" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vehB_OlQ-wuwDAjIiHOyKyxRt_ZBL8_ilgb6CDFI1Ju-wfJIEMljrqbUPvpmlCN4UrsiIWK5hLE0Vrldb0UN79CUROAcO8mO4pZKoUaL_qj2dPojXzNY6phXT-BfFBUt1daEDHZtefo/s1600/Francesca+semi+3+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vehB_OlQ-wuwDAjIiHOyKyxRt_ZBL8_ilgb6CDFI1Ju-wfJIEMljrqbUPvpmlCN4UrsiIWK5hLE0Vrldb0UN79CUROAcO8mO4pZKoUaL_qj2dPojXzNY6phXT-BfFBUt1daEDHZtefo/s400/Francesca+semi+3+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577812858303382482" border="0" /></a>Francesca Metcalf on S3<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3Zdyur7BIhOpHF2P1WwqwUYYkSmP3bSUwppCGpYLrJ2nT54SYGQvMd9ltYQs4DrpX728Mf6rgSXZYBvruKdrJYDs31eZXchSe6nKzE-lzZeHrJmu30h4wLs5HepCqg4E0BBj7aAhNIc/s1600/Alex+Puccio+semi+3+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3Zdyur7BIhOpHF2P1WwqwUYYkSmP3bSUwppCGpYLrJ2nT54SYGQvMd9ltYQs4DrpX728Mf6rgSXZYBvruKdrJYDs31eZXchSe6nKzE-lzZeHrJmu30h4wLs5HepCqg4E0BBj7aAhNIc/s400/Alex+Puccio+semi+3+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577812848906352050" border="0" /></a>Alex Puccio on S3<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Finals that night were incredible. The atmosphere was just like the World Cup I was at last year in Vail, and I got to see some amazing climbers beast up the problems like they were nothing. I was rooting for Alex and Ian in the men’s division, and my friend Francesca Metcalf in the women’s. All three of them did exceptionally well, with Alex placing 2nd after Sean McColl (Canada) and earning himself the title of US National Champion! Ian and Francesca did amazing as well, with Ian coming in 4th and making the US National Team and Francesca placing 2nd after Alex Puccio, who won the comp by flashing the last problem in her own style by dynoing past the crux.</span><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6k7NUdadaOAsfIEbwylrnqNU_xNtERqHDHYhH4SUx0J9__dvApa0Kmc0mNqt_QNh5aEgWfv8ZTgaiOfap1PCewL9dWLdcus8lZUmT8_83YB6FphyphenhyphenBc3LIIQbMpYD-g2KbCnoSCAUMmc/s1600/IMG_0224.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6k7NUdadaOAsfIEbwylrnqNU_xNtERqHDHYhH4SUx0J9__dvApa0Kmc0mNqt_QNh5aEgWfv8ZTgaiOfap1PCewL9dWLdcus8lZUmT8_83YB6FphyphenhyphenBc3LIIQbMpYD-g2KbCnoSCAUMmc/s400/IMG_0224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577817642040706802" border="0" /></a>Me with the new US CHAMPION!!!<br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">It was great to see everyone climb their strongest that night, and the weekend as a whole. Huge congrats to everyone who competed, it’s an honor to just watch you all climb. Now, time for a week of foot icing and school before I head back to Boulder for Youth Nationals next weekend. Let’s do this.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeE_bl480CdO70YhZOoM0TjOhuY7NHP7dlwmLG1u33tmn_jj5j3bz3KToDA2vKv7UUgQ9X8pG0XrMXdOjEr-Z9rpM245ouatZerPbbkErmaascvjIiyncIHC2HR5ELdcS446dhzm1-5A/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeE_bl480CdO70YhZOoM0TjOhuY7NHP7dlwmLG1u33tmn_jj5j3bz3KToDA2vKv7UUgQ9X8pG0XrMXdOjEr-Z9rpM245ouatZerPbbkErmaascvjIiyncIHC2HR5ELdcS446dhzm1-5A/s400/IMG_0231.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577817633640518850" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><center>going home.</center><br />To view complete results, click <a href="http://www.absnationals.org/08/news/index.htm" target="_blank">here</a></span>.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Video coverage of the event:</span><br /><br /><center><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/19962834" frameborder="0" height="405" width="720"></iframe></center><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0