Why should you compete in your first bouldering competition? Participating in your first bouldering competition is more than just a quest for victory; it’s a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It’s an opportunity to push your limits, connect with a dynamic climbing community, and venture into uncharted territories of your climbing abilities!
Benefits of Competing
There are many benefits to competing. Winning, of course, is one, but it isn’t the only benefit! Challenging yourself to climb in a timed setting with spectators watching your every move may feel terrifying. Still, it can also push you to perform your best. By entering a bouldering competition, you will learn more about yourself, and who knows, you may start seeking out competitions!
Improved Skill Development
Competing in a bouldering competition pushes your climbing abilities because even though it’s just climbing, a competition is when you want to try your best. Feeling all the eyes on you can be daunting, but to perform well, you must shut everything out and focus on the climb in front of you. If you’re nervous, try to channel that feeling into perseverance to send everything!
The diverse and often unpredictable routes in competitions force you to adapt quickly, enhancing your problem-solving skills. Besides, you don’t have time to reflect on the previous boulder because you must perform, which helps you reset your mind and think clearly about what’s ahead.
Thrilling Challenge!
The adrenaline rush of a bouldering competition is unparalleled. The clock ticking, the crowd cheering – it’s a thrilling challenge that pushes you beyond your comfort zone. If you’ve ever been in a competition or played a team sport, you’re familiar with the exhilaration of trying to be your best in a tense situation. The thrill of the competition is an experience you won’t want to miss..
Try not to focus on being worried during your first climbing competition; it’s completely natural. Even professional climbers competing in national competitions get nervous!
Community and Connections
Bouldering competitions are not just about they climb; they’re about the community. They create a sense of belonging among climbers, forging lasting connections. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner, the competition’s supportive atmosphere nurtures growth, camaraderie, and a shared love for the sport.
It doesn’t matter if you place first or if you place last. Everybody competing is doing so because they enjoy climbing. You all have that in common!
Inspiring Examples
Countless climbers have found inspiration and motivation through competition. Witnessing the achievements of fellow climbers, both beginners and professionals, fuels your aspirations. Every professional competition climber entered their first bouldering competition one day and was in the same boat as you. They made it to where they are now because they took the first step of competing.
The bouldering community is filled with stories of triumph, resilience, and personal breakthroughs that testify to the transformative power of competition. Climbers like Shauna Coxsey, Janja Garnbret, Tomoa Narasaki, or Jakob Shubert are examples of hard work paying off. They all entered their first competition one day!
How to Find a Bouldering Competition
Where to look for a bouldering competition? Check out your local climbing gym and see if any upcoming competitions are scheduled! If there aren’t any, check out these sites to see if you’ll be near any future competitions.
USA Climbing – USA Climbing
Home (ifsc-climbing.org) – International Federation of Sport Climbing
Outdoor Classes, Events & Tours | REI Classes & Events – REI
Each site will have a page dedicated to finding events and competitions.
Go For It!
Take the leap, challenge yourself, and discover the thrill of competing! Your climbing journey is not just about reaching the top of a boulder; it’s about the exhilarating climb. Participating in a bouldering competition is a celebration of your progress and an opportunity to unlock new levels of potential. You’ll only know if you try!
Remember, it’s not all about winning; it’s about challenging yourself to do something new. Regardless of the outcome, the victory lies in the fact that you dared to enter and compete in a bouldering competition. The sense of accomplishment and pride that follows is unparalleled, and it’s a feeling you’ll carry with you on your climbing journey.
Are you ready to enter a competition and experience the excitement, camaraderie, and personal triumph of bouldering competitions? The journey awaits – embrace the challenge and let your climbing story unfold in the vibrant tapestry of the bouldering community!