BOULDERMAX

Bouldermax, hosted as the climbing element in the Mountain Sports Festival was a great event -- thank you sponsors, competitors, and spectators.

The event began with an open redpoint format bouldering competition. Competitors mingled, climbed hard, tried hard, spotted, and cheered each other on for 3 hrs, on 50 new problems ranging from V0 - V9. People really seemed to being enjoying themselves and giving it their all.

The route setters watched the field during the open competition, and then quickly set 3 finals problems on an outdoor wall constructed for the event. Their performance on these 3 problems would determine the results for the top 6 finishers in the advanced category, and the top 3 in intermediate. Each climber would be given 4 minutes to try to crack all 3 problems.

With a crowd forming the climbing began. The crowd grew quickly and let themselves get drawn into the climber's efforts. Before long the courtyard in front of Climbmax was filled with screaming spectators.

Here's a short vidoe of some highlighted climbing:

Bouldermax 2010 from climbmax nc on Vimeo.

A big thank you to all our sponsors, first and foremost: Black Dome --Asheville's full-service outfitter and core climbing store. Also a special thanks to: Mountain Hardwear, REI, Native, Patagonia, and Evolv.

Bouldermax

May 29th, Bouldermax: A redpoint bouldering competition that will climax with a spectator friendly outdoor finals for the top placing men and women. Bouldermax is hosted as the climbing part of the Mountain Sports Festival. Its big! Its fun! You've got to come!

We will have LOTS of great prizes and a cash purse for the winners, as well as ample gear to raffle off. Winners will also grace the podium at the MSF Event center at Carrier Park.

All ages and abilities are welcome; we will have youth divisions, an old geezers division (40+), as well as beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Mark the date, start training, don't miss it!

NO TRANSPORTATION CARBON FOOTRINT FOR CLIMBMAX TODAY

This sounds a bit more grandiose than it actually is. David rode his bike to work, Stuart rode his bike to work, and they are both happier for it I'm sure.

Spring is here!

And that means lots going on at Climbmax... To start with, there was April fools. Imagine my surprise when I couldn't get behind the desk to work.

And, the After school programs are off to a great start. Here are few photos of Bronson, Cole, and Claire bouldering, as well as Matt on his first lead of the outdoor wall. Keep it up yall!




The turret has been reset with a full range of new problems from 2 dots to 9 dots. Here are some bright clean holds, and Cole using his monkey momentum on a new 2 dot problem.





With the clear weather, ClimbMax Mountain Guides have been out leading trips at our beautiful local climbing areas. Here are a few photos of regular ClimbMax climber Hannah Nash climbing with CMG on 'Second Coming' at Looking Glass in the Pisgah Forest. This is a great time of year to be climbing outside. Our SUMMER CAMPS are an exciting way for youth to transition from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing. And reservations for all ages and abilities can be made on a private basis.

New Holds!

....and new routes! We just hosted a Youth Competition for the Climbmax Climbing team and the Brevard Rock Gym's team and, wow, these kids can crank! I was impressed not only by their ability but by how well they work together and support each other to crack boulder problems. Any competition means new problems for everybody else -- about 20 from v0 - v5 -- and fresh new holds.

Check out this big sloper:


And, we have new pinches for the system training board. The system board is a powerful tool to increase your finger strength and core strength. It involves isolating specific grip positions and timed rests. Just ask for tips on how to use it. Here is ETSU climber Chris Noga making it look easy:

Rock and Ice Season

It has been a cold winter in Asheville, but over the past 2 weeks the sun has been out, allowing for climbers to take advantage of both rock climbing and ice climbing. The WNC area certainly offers spectacular opportunities for both so you may find yourself sharpening your pics one day, then packing up the crash pad the next day.

For those of you who have been climbing at Rumbling Bald, don't forget to donate to the Carolina Climbers Coalition. They recently bought a significant tract on the west side, hosting some of BEST boulders in the area. The boulders are secure, now WE need to help pay the bills.

Check out this little video of ice climbing on the Whitesides Mountain classics: Mother Russia and Starshine. If you haven't tried ice climbing, ClimbMax Mountain Guides offers fun instruction.

Competitions

We just hosted our annual competition for local High Schools. This is a fun event where climbers meet new friends and compete for their school title! Congratulations to this year's winners: Asheville School.

Next up: Youth Competition Thursday March 11, 5-7pm. This event is open to all climbers 5 to 16 years old. Our team and club will be there, we hope to see you as well.