Mmmm fall… the smell of petracore, warm tree colours, start of JTree & Bishop… and competitions! Ive grown stronger as a climber every year, out of my 2 years climbing experience. I’m a natural competitor, so I thoroughly enjoy the vibe & psyche of climbing competitions. Competitions are a fun scene, its like a gigantic gym sesh; bumping DJ, all your friends are there, everyone is psyched, and you get claps for finishing a project (even if you didnt ask for it). Everyone is supportive of each other and is willing to help spot or beta… free stuff also is radtasic. Sure! I can use more chalk bags! (ebay here i come)

I would encourage those to participate in local climbing competitions:

• If you never attempted a competition, try it out… why not? You never know if you will do good and have fun!
• If you don’t want to compete, come and attend. Your friends really appreciate you being there and cheering them on.
• When they give out prizes most competitions usually just throw random tshirts/chalkbags/chalk out into the crowd. Longer arms the better!
• Bunch O’ Photographers, get some sweet FB DEFS bru!! Make sure you have your pretty climbing face on game. (I on the other hand, look very constipated when i’m pulling a hard move.)
• There’s usually awesome food, free samples, one time there was even a live demo of beer being brewed!
• If you somehow desire to be a sponsored athlete, competing and placing is a great way to get exposure by companies. Representatives of climbing companies attend comps to promote their products. Be social, create a conversation and make your face memorable.

I mean yea there are some things about comps that are not that appealing.

• Sometimes it can get wayyyyy too crowded. To the point where you have to herd people standing around when you want to attempt a climb.
• Lots of people sweating doesnt smell too good. Sweaty feet doesnt help either. More people = more body heat & people breathing in the good AC.
• Shiz gets stolen/lost. Its a gym, so there isnt a place where you can stash your stuff well. Things get grabbed out of confusion or on purpose, and you can loose items easily.
• Too much DUBSTEP. Getting hyped for 3hrs straight usually doesn’t do well to the body.
• Bad strategy. You have to come into a competition knowing your limits and what your able to climb. So just observe the point system, try to apply the points to the “V scale” and work on that. Warm up on a few problems. Then quickly try to get the quota climbs done on problems you know you can flash or get the redpoing on the first couple goes. Once you get those 3-5 climbs done, pick a couple harder climbs to project to boost your score to its highest. Take breaks often, drink water, keep a steady pace, and don’t burn yourself out within the first hour!
• Waste of money. Especially ABS comps. Where the entry fee can get up to $50… ABS is where strongest climbers in the area come compete. BUT if you intend to crush and win you can obtain some sweet gear. If you win gear you already have, try selling it on ebay/craigslist/friends! Cash prize for winners at comps are the best way to get your money back and more!

BUT speaking of comps… I competed at Vital Climbing Gym in Carlsbad tonight: I placed 1st overall women! pretty rad.

I have to thank Callus for sponsoring my entry fee. If Nick didn’t encourage me on competing I would have probably been in JTree ha.