Archive for the ‘Team’ Category

Team Tryouts | 2024/25

Friday, August 16th, 2024

Interested in joining our youth climbing team? Here’s your chance! Team tryouts will be held this summer and climbers between the ages of 7-18 are invited to tryout.

ABOUT TEAM EDGEWORKS

Our competitive climbing team is focused on cultivating elite climbers who have demonstrated a commitment to climbing. Team Edgeworks focuses on structured drills designed to enhance performance and increase climber strength, knowledge, motivation, effort, and teamwork. Team members have the opportunity to compete at local, regional, and national competitions.

Ages: Up to age 18
Prerequisites: TRYOUT
Practices: 
• Monday – Friday: 4pm – 7pm
• Younger athletes: 4pm-6pm
• All athletes select at least two days/week to attend
Edgeworks membership included! Gear rental provided during program only.

TRYOUTS

We’re looking for youth climbers who want to improve their skills and are willing to work hard to do it! Remember, attitude is more important than age or present ability, so don’t be scared to come and try out for the team.

Who should try out?

  • Must have previous climbing experience
  • Must be ready to commit to at least 2 regular days of practice per week
  • Must be ready to commit to at least 2 competitions in the Fall Boulder season and at least 2 competitions in the Spring Rope season.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Registration is required and tryout participation is free for members.
The cost is the same as a day pass for non-members. 
Participants are welcome to choose any 1 of the available tryout locations and dates listed below. To do sosimply click the preferred location name and follow the links as provided.

LOCATIONS + DATES:

Bellevue – Friday, August 2 2024
Tacoma – Friday, August 9 2024
Seattle – Friday, August 16 2024

  • C/D Session: 9am-11:30am
  • A/B/Jr Session: 1pm-3:30pm
  • All Categories Session: 4:30pm-7pm
Birth Year Category
2006 or 2007 Junior
2008 or 2009 Youth A
2010 or 2011 Youth B
2012 or 2013 Youth C
2014 or Later Youth D

FAQs:

What if I can’t make the tryout sessions at my home gym?

Please attend a tryout session in another gym – there are no alternate/late tryouts available.

How much does it cost?

Tryouts are free for members! The cost to non-members will be $18 at the TAC and SEA locations, and $24 at the BEL location.

Should I bring my own gear?

If you have your own shoes or harness, you’ll probably feel more confident and comfortable using them! If you need to rent gear, we will have rental gear available. You can “reserve” rental gear as part of the signup process, and if you turn out to need some day-of, we can handle that at the desk. Rentals cost $7 for shoes and $5 for harnesses.

When do I find out if I made it on Team?

We plan to notify everyone who tried out (regardless of which gym/session) after the final tryout sessions are over. We plan to send this out no later than 8/21/24.

If I make it on Team, what happens next?

The head coach for the gym you plan to have as your home base for practices will send you the Team membership registration form, as well as  a way to sign up for practices. Practices for the 2023-2024 Season will begin the first week of  September. 

If I don’t make it on Team, what happens next?

Our coaches may recommend a different youth program option for some climbers that will be more in line with their prior experience, goals, and interests.

USAC Youth Onsight QE

Saturday, April 15th, 2023

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

April 15, 2023 | USAC Qualifying Event at Edgeworks Tacoma

Competitor registration is available on the USAC website. Competitors must have a USA Climbing membership to register. Please register as soon as possible as this helps our facility and coaches plan appropriately for the correct number of climbers.

DETAILS:
Session 1: 8:00am – 11:00am | Male B + D, Female Jr
Session 2: 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Female B + D, Male A + C
Session 3: 4:00pm – 7:00pm | Female A + C, Male Jr

This will be an onsight format and we will host three sessions of youth climbing on Saturday, April 15. The entire gym will be closed to everyone except competitors and spectators during this time.

In order to qualify for Regionals, each competitor will need to compete in at least one qualifying event. Your best results from one event will be used to determine your ranking points. The more competitions attended offers the best chance at qualifying.

_________________________________________________________________________

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

WAIVERS:
When in doubt, fill one out! All climbers must complete a signed waiver or have one on file with Edgeworks in order to participate. Waivers must be renewed each year. Click here now!

WHEN DOES REGISTRATION CLOSE?
Registration will be available through the USAC website until Wednesday, April 12 at 10:59PM (PST).

WILL RIBBONS BE HANDED OUT?
Yes, ribbons will be awarded to the competitors that place.

WHAT IS THE FORMAT
This will be an onsight competition.

For more information, check out the USAC QE Registration Information & Instructions.

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WALL + GYM CLOSURE SCHEDULE

In preparation for this full-day of youth competition events, our setting team will need to kick things into high gear and temporary closures will be necessary.

It is our goal to work as efficiently as possible to keep all necessary wall and gym closures to a minimum. Thank you for your patience!

Wednesday, April 12 – Friday, April 14 | WALL CLOSURES: All Day

Wall closures will begin as competition setting takes place; closed areas will include:

  • Beginning April 12, all sections of the EAST BAY ROPE WALLS will be CLOSED for route removal and setting.
  • If you have projects to send in on the tall rope walls, now’s the time to get after them!
  • Ropes and boulders in the WEST ROOM will remain OPEN to members and guests throughout the week.

Saturday, April 15 | GYM CLOSED: 8am – 7:30pm

Because the USAC event will run as an onsight competition format, the gym will be CLOSED to non-competitors from 8am – 7:30pm, including: 

  • All climbing walls, weight area, upstairs lounge, yoga and instruction rooms. 
  • All youth programs, climbing school courses and fitness classes will be canceled. 
  • Our parking lot will be full so please plan ahead! 
  • Spectators are welcome in the competition area.

Saturday, April 15 | GYM RE-OPENS: 7:30pm – 10pm

We will re-open to members only for post-comp climbing and access to all areas of the gym. 

Sunday, April 16 | Return to normal operations!

Climbing will fully reopen with a selection of all new competition style rope routes for everyone to try!

Head Coach | Tacoma

Thursday, March 9th, 2023

LUKAS ANDERSON

I am excited to announce that I was offered and have accepted the position of Team Head Coach here at Edgeworks Tacoma. It has been a pleasure working with the team thus far, and I have sincerely enjoyed getting to know all of your athletes better. I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for your support of Team Edgeworks, as well as the consistent support you provide your athletes.

A bit about myself.

I started as an assistant coach at Edgeworks in August 2022, and had been climbing for about twelve years before that. I began my journey with climbing right here at Edgeworks Tacoma when I was sixteen years old, and have kept at it to varying degrees since. A Tacoma native, I graduated from Stadium High School in 2012, and went on to receive my Bachelors in International Studies at The University of Washington in 2016. 

In 2017, I moved to Japan to work as an English Teacher as part of the Official Jet Program USA. I spent four years as an Elementary and Junior High school teacher, and one year working at a private tutoring institution. My fiancé and I moved back to the Pacific Northwest in June of last year, and were married in mid-July. It has been an incredibly exciting couple of years, with many perspective changes and important life lessons learned. 

My time teaching in Japan left a lasting impression on me, and cultivated my passion for youth education. Upon my return to the US, I decided to do whatever I could to combine this passion for education with my own passion for climbing, and found myself extremely lucky to land a job here at Edgeworks Tacoma.

The assistant coach position has provided me the perfect space to begin applying my teaching skills in a much more physical and competitive environment. While I have a lot to learn as head coach, I am super excited to focus on a few things moving forward: I am incredibly excited to be working as head coach, and look forward to giving my all to help our team be the best it can be.

Team Newsletter | Feb 2023

Tuesday, February 21st, 2023

Boulder Season and Divisional Recap

Congrats to all of our competitors this season! We had awesome performances by every climber and will be sending two athletes to the Youth National Championships this July.

Our focus has shifted to ropes in preparation for the first competition in March. If you are a parent interested in belaying at competitions, please see below for info about a belay clinic this weekend at Vertical World North.

Items in this newsletter:

  • Practice Registration Links
  • Competition Belay Clinic Info
  • Summer Camp Opportunities!! (Highly Recommended)
  • Competition Schedule / USA Climbing Membership Information
  • Try-Outs & Summer Schedule
  • Team Lock-In!!
  • Family Contact Form
  • Team Handbook

As always, feel free to email the coaching staff at your location with any questions.

Practice Registration Links:

Thank you to everyone for using the practice registration system! This has been a huge help in managing the Team and ensuring our practices are staffed appropriately.

Please check your email for registration links.

Competition Lead Belaying Clinic

If you have been interested in belaying at competitions, please check out the clinic happening this weekend at Vertical World North. USA Climbing Chief Belayers Laura Domoto and Don Mason, will conduct this instructional clinic covering all aspects of lead belaying for competition. Clinic participants will participate as both climber and belayer.

Registration is required; please check your email for more info.

NEW! Adventure Rock 5 – Overnight Summer Camp

Designed for young adults, Adventure Rock 5 offers an overnight format. Campers will enjoy FIVE DAYS CLIMBING OUTDOORS at various locations in western Washington and four nights of car camping under the supervision of our professionally trained guides. Your climber will tour a handful of climbing areas, develop camping skills, and learn about outdoor leading and multi-pitch climbing.

Campers should be able to top rope belay, lead climb at least 5.9 in the gym, and have general experience outdoors.

Ages: 14 – 17
Skill Level: Advanced
Outdoor Days: 5 days | 4 nights
Price: $1098 members | $1220 non-members

Dates:
August 7 – August 11 (departs from Edgeworks Bellevue)
August 14 – August 18 (departs from Edgeworks Seattle)

Click below for more information and to register!

USA Climbing Competition Schedule

The rope competition schedule has been posted. Please be sure to register as soon as possible as these events will fill up fast!

In order to qualify for Regionals, each competitor will need to compete in at least two competitions. Your best results from two competitions will be used determine your Ranking Points. I strongly recommend attending as many competitions as possible to have the best chance at qualifying.

Mar 11: Summit, Everett – (Registration Opens Saturday!)
Mar 18: Insight Climbing & Movement, Bainbridge
Mar 25: Vertical Word North, Lynwood
Apr 1: Riverfront Rock Gym, Wenatchee
Apr 8: High Steppe Climbing Center, Yakima
Apr 15: Edgeworks Tacoma!!
May 13: Riverfront Rock Gym, Wenatchee (Regional Championships)
Jun 10 – 11: Alaska Rock Gym, Anchorage (Divisional Championships)

IMPORTANT! Competitor Membership

In order to compete in a USA Climbing event, all athletes will need to obtain a competitor level membership. This membership will be $105 and covers the entire 2022-2023 competitive season. Follow the link below and complete your membership as soon as possible.

Team Edgeworks Overnight Lock-In!

You asked and we listened! Team Edgeworks will be hosting overnight lock-ins at each of our facilities on May 5, 2023.

These events will be held from 10pm to 7am the following morning and will consist of open climbing, games, instruction, and movies. Registration is now open and Team members are welcome to attend any location.

Please check your email for registration links.

TEAM EDGEWORKS Try-Out Dates & Summer Schedule

Try-Outs: (registration will open May 1st)
July 21st | Tacoma
July 28th | Bellevue
August 4th | Seattle

No Practice:
July 4th | All locations: early gym closure due to holiday
July 9th – 16th | All locations: summer break for National Championships and admin
July 21st | Tacoma only: try-outs during the day
July 28th | Bellevue only: try-outs during the day
August 4th | Seattle only: try-outs during the day

Team Newsletter | Oct 2022

Wednesday, October 12th, 2022

TEAM NEWS + UPDATES

A big thank you to everyone who was able to make it out to the first Team Edgeworks potluck! I had a blast and I hope you all did too.

Please take some time to read through all of the important info below. Team newsletters will arrive bi-weekly throughout the rest of the season so please keep a lookout for these moving forward.

Items in this newsletter:

  • Practice Registration Links
  • Edgeworks Tacoma Competition Info
  • Riverfront Rock Gym Competition Info
  • Competition Schedule / USA Climbing Membership Information
  • Bake Sale Sign-Up Form – Volunteers Needed!
  • Team Apparel Order Form – Place Order ASAP!
  • Team Pro-Deals
  • Family Contact Form
  • Team Handbook

Edgeworks Tacoma Competition!

Registration is open for the Edgeworks Tacoma competition, but space is limited! The event is filling up, so please sign-up asap to secure your spot if you are planning on attending this comp!

This is our home gym–allowing familiarity with the terrain and therefore a home field advantage, so I expect a strong Team Edgeworks presence there!

You can find registration links and more info in the email version of this newsletter.

Riverfront Rock Gym Competition

Our first qualifying event is this Saturday, October 15th, at the Riverfront Rock Gym in Wenatchee! We will have four coaches there to support the athletes and I look forward to seeing all of you.

If you have any questions, please refer to the “Parent Guide” and “Info Sheet” included in the email version of this newsletter or reach out to your coaching staff. The info sheet contains the times climbers need to be at the facility based on their category.

USA Climbing Competition Schedule

Registration is now open for Riverfront Rock Gym, Edgeworks Tacoma, and Uplift competitions. Please register as soon as possible. This helps the host facility to plan for the correct number of climbers and helps us staff coaches appropriately, thanks!

In order to qualify for Regionals, each competitor will need to compete in at least two competitions. Your best results from two competitions will be used determine your Ranking Points. I strongly recommend attending as many competitions as possible to have the best chance at qualifying.

For more information on how ranking points and qualifying for Regionals is handled, see section 17 &18 of the official rulebook or the parent guide.

Oct 15: Riverfront Rock Gym, Wenatchee
Oct 29: Edgeworks Climbing, Tacoma – Sign up today!
Nov 5: Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym, Spokane
Nov 19: Uplift Climbing, Seattle
Dec 3: Seattle Bouldering Project, Fremont

IMPORTANT! Competitor Membership

In order to compete in a USA Climbing event, all athletes will need to obtain a competitor level membership. This membership will be $105 and covers the entire 2022-2023 competitive season. Follow the link below and complete your membership as soon as possible. If you have any questions, reference the “Member Handbook”, email info@usaclimbing.org or talk to your head coach.

TEAM EDGEWORKS Bake Sale!

Volunteers Needed!!

We will be hosting a bake sale to benefit Team Edgeworks at the Edgeworks Tacoma competition and we need your help! If you are interested in donating some baked goods or volunteering to work the table, please sign up with the link provided in your email.

TEAM EDGEWORKS Apparel

ORDER FORMS ARE HERE!

All new Team Edgeworks members will receive one practice and one competition shirt for no charge. You will have the option of purchasing more shirts as well as hoodies and tanks.

Returning this year are “Parent” team shirts. If you want to represent Team Edgeworks at comps or around town, you can now purchase a team shirt for yourself!

This round of ordering will close on October 17, so please follow the link in your email to place your order today! If you do not wish to purchase additional clothing, please still fill out the form so we can get the right size apparel for your athlete.

Team Tryouts | 2022/23

Friday, August 12th, 2022

Interested in joining our youth climbing team? Here’s your chance! Team tryouts are being held next month and all climbers between the ages of 7-17 are invited to tryout.

TEAM EDGEWORKS

We recently finished our first season as a unified team and it was a blast! Team Edgeworks placed 2nd in the Region and 4th in our Division. As the new season approaches, we’re looking forward to continuing the growth and development of the Team and we need your help!

We’re looking for youth climbers, ages 7-17, who want to improve and are willing to work hard to do it! Remember, attitude is more important than age or present ability, so don’t be scared to come and try out for the team.

REGISTER TODAY!

Registration is required and tryout participation is free for members; $16 for non-members.  
Participants are welcome to choose any 1 of the available tryout dates + locations.  
To do sosimply SELECT YOUR PREFERRED LOCATION + DATE and follow the links provided.

LOCATIONS + DATES:

TACOMA: Friday, July 15
BELLEVUE: Friday, August 5
SEATTLE: Friday, August 12

MORNING SESSIONS:
9:00am – 11:30am
Categories C+D

AFTERNOON SESSIONS:
1:00pm – 3:30pm
Categories A, B + Jr

CATEGORIES:

All athletes must fill out a WAIVER prior to attending

If you have any questions, please contact Head Coach, Michael Madison, at michael.m@edgeworksclimbing.com or feel free to contact your respective gyms directly.  We look forward to seeing you at tryouts!

Team Newsletter | June 2022

Monday, June 13th, 2022

End of Season Recap & Try-Out Registration!

A round of applause to all of our amazing climbers this season! The Edgeworks Climbing Team has grown significantly this year and it has been an honor to see everyone come together. Thank you for an awesome season of improvement and growth!

A huge congratulations to Austin Elliot, Robyn Avis, and Em Lion, who qualified for the Youth National Championships in Chicago. Team Edgeworks is very proud of all our competitors and we hope you will tune in to cheer them on while they compete in July!

We are continually working on ways to improve our program and want to hear from you. Please follow the link in your email to fill out an end of season survey. We appreciate everyone’s feedback and are excited for what the next season holds for Team Edgeworks!

Team Try-Out Registration!

Try-outs for 2022/23 season are now open for registration! We ask that all current and future Team members participate in tryouts each year.

If your climber is unable to attend tryouts at your home gym, they are welcome to register for a different location on a different day. There will also be more opportunities to tryout for any athletes who are unable to make one of the scheduled times.

Please follow the links provided in your email to register. Registration will open to the public at the end of this week, so reserve your spot today!

Summer Practice Schedule

We are keeping it cool this summer with a summer break and a few days of no practice.

We will continue to practice throughout the summer and into the start of the new season, on September 1st. This is a great time to improve and work on skills that are hard to focus on during the regular season.

Please see the dates below and reach out if you have any questions, thanks!

Practice Cancelled:
July 4th | All locations; early gym closure due to holiday
July 15th | Tacoma only; try-outs during the day
July 25th – 29th | All locations; summer Break for National Championships and Admin
August 5th | Bellevue only; try-outs during the day
August 12th | Seattle only; try-outs during the day

USAC Climbing C/D Youth Festival

This season’s C/D Youth Climbing Festival will be held from July 22nd to July 24th at the brand new First Ascent – Arlington Heights gym in Chicago!

The Youth Climbing Festival will combine fun, skills-based competitions and convention-style presentations and workshops for athletes, coaches, and parents from top climbers, industry leaders, experienced coaches, and other experts.

All C and D category climbers who qualify for and compete at Regional Championships will be eligible to attend the Festival regardless of their qualifying status for Youth Nationals. The Registration Fee for the 2022 Festival will be $200 and will open on June 13th.

If you have not done so yet, please follow the survey provided in the email to let me know if you will be attending., thanks!

Team Newsletter | March 2022

Thursday, March 17th, 2022

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

March 26, 2022 Qualifying Event at Edgeworks Tacoma.

Please register as soon as possible as this helps our facility and coaches plan appropriately for the correct number of climbers.

In order to qualify for Regionals, each competitor will need to compete in at least one qualifying event. Your best results from one event will be used to determine your Ranking Points. The more competitions attended offers the best chance at qualifying.

Additionally, the Tacoma event will be run as an onsight format event which will give athletes an opportunity to experience a “mock” regional championship. Registration links were included in the email version of this newsletter.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

It takes a lot of work to put on these events and we are grateful for the volunteers who help make it all possible. In appreciation, volunteers will earn 2 free day passes to use at any Edgeworks location

Available volunteer opportunities include:

  • Competition Judges
  • Competition Belayers
  • ISO Monitors/Runners

PRACTICE SHIRTS

As a reminder, please be sure to wear your gray Team Edgeworks shirts to practices!

Representing as a team during practices helps us build rapport with other members in our facilities while also working to build team unity, identity, pride and confidence.

Black or orange shirts and tanks are for competitions. Thank you!