Endless Summer Climbing Camps

Summer break isn’t over yet for Tacoma Public Schools.

More Summer + More Climb Time = More FUN!

Edgeworks’ “ENDLESS SUMMER” climbing camps are a fun way for young climbers of all abilities to stay active & engaged during this extended school break.

Campers will spend time with our youth instructors and coaches learning the basics of climbing with a mix of activities and games keeping them engaged and learning. Each day is unique and will offer adventures that your child will never forget!

Sign up for 1 day or multiple days. Camp offerings and registration will remain open until the district negotiations are settled and the kids head back to school.

Details:

 •  Age Groups: 7 – 12 yrs  -or-  12+ yrs
 •  Times: Monday – Friday;  8:30am – 12:00pm  -or-  12:00 – 3:30pm
 •  Skill Level: No Experience Necessary!
 •  Cost: $40 per day
 •  Starting: September 7th – ??

Ages: 7-12 Sign Up Now             Ages: 12+Sign Up Now

Cancellations:
Payment is non-refundable.
In the event of the negotiations settling and school resuming, all subsequent camp days will be cancelled and fully refunded!

 

Member Spotlight: Aug 2018

Bonilla-Franklin Family

Sam, Aleksa, Anora & Ember | Members since 2017

How did you start climbing?

Aleksa: We all started light rock climbing while living in Boulder, Colorado. It is a fun and challenging activity for all of us!

Why do you climb at Edgeworks?

Aleksa: Our family climbs at Edgeworks because it is so family friendly, easily accessible, and also has a wonderfully fantastic and positive atmosphere.

What do you do when you’re not climbing? 

Aleksa: When we’re not climbing, we can be found hiking, park hopping, biking, occasionally Geo-Caching or running. Aleksa, Anora and Ember also enjoy participating in karate 3 to 4 times a week.

Which do you prefer: top rope, lead, or bouldering?

Aleksa: Top rope and bouldering have been top on our list so far.

What are some interesting facts that you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?

Aleksa: Interesting facts about the family include Anora’s ability to whistle a variety of songs, especially Star Wars themed; Ember is an aspiring artist, with a focus on animals; Aleksa loves to cook anything vegetarian or vegan, and Sam enjoys long and grueling bike rides, and consuming any pork product he can get his hands on.

What’s your go-to route grade?

Aleksa: Sam’s go to routes are 5.10 to 5.11, Aleksa works on 5.8 and 5.9, Anora can handle 5.7-5.9, and Ember will climb anything from a 5.6 to a 5.10!

 

Guides of Edgeworks

Trip Report: Mt. Rainier | July 2018

by Andrew Powell

On July 15, 2018, Edgeworks’ head guide, Tod Bloxham, 4 guests, and I gathered at the gym to prep gear and drive out to the White River Ranger Station to begin our journey up Mt. Rainier.

Day 1
The forecast was good, if a bit too hot. We knew the sky would be clear and that there would be a lot of sunscreen in the coming 4 days. What we didn’t know, is that the standard Emmons-Winthrop route was rapidly falling apart.

The first day was an approach hike into Glacier Basin. The views of the route and mountain on the way to this camp are phenomenal and it serves as a means to ease into the 10’000ft gain of our trip. We enjoyed each-others company, told stories, and spent the evening generally relaxing and appreciating the views.

Day 2
Day two was allocated for snow skills training and the push to Camp Schurman. After a hearty breakfast and a casual start, we moved up the mountain and dialed in some essential climbing skills, like self-arrest and efficiency in snow travel.

As we continued up the mountain, we began to receive reports from other groups who were on their way out of hazardous conditions on the route, including collapsing snow bridges and at least one crevasse fall that required climber extraction. This news was a bit ominous, but Tod and I remained optimistic. Upon reaching Camp Schurman, the climbing rangers on sight gave us a run down on conditions. The standard route was no good and success would require a much more challenging and steeper route.

Day 3
Due to the daytime heat, we opted to rest and use the day to acclimate before having an early dinner and setting out for a 9pm start toward our objective. This allowed everyone to recuperate their energy reserves, and to mentally prepare for the big day. It also gave us the best possible snow conditions for the climb and descent of Mt. Rainier. We were roped up and ready to climb by 8:40pm and climbed through the night.

Day 4 – The Climb
We started out onto the Emmons Glacier via the standard bridge crossing out of camp. This was straight forward and the crossing over to “The Corridor” at 10,200’ was simple. This is where the reports of hazardous conditions and weak bridges were coming from. The climbing rangers advised us that staying climbers right in the more exposed terrain was the best path, as opposed to the typical “up the middle” path.

Part way up The Corridor, I checked my altimeter and realized that we were going to make it. The team had ample time to rest and everyone was climbing strong. We were moving up the mountain faster than expected while maintaining a sustainable pace.

At the top of The Corridor, the standard route leads climbers right to the “The Alpine Meadow”. The heat of the previous two weeks had obliterated this path, and it was in a right state. The alternate was to head climbers left into a large, steep bowl. This proved straightforward, but steep and icy. The cramponing was excellent, but the grade was unrelenting. For hours, we toiled upward; traversing and climbing slopes that make the standard route look easy. We trended far right at the top of the bowl to cross the final bergschrund, and reached the summit at about 5:30am.

We had climbed through the night, seeing both an amazing sunset and a glorious sunrise on route. The descent took us a fair amount of time, as the slopes were so steep. After some food, rest and packing up camp, we headed out to the parking lot and the Edgeworks van.

The trip was a great success and we are super excited for next season!

Gear Review: August 2018

Metolius Upshot Belay Glasses

by Abbie Madlem

Our newer, taller walls bring better endurance training, new styles of routes, and all new projects! Unfortunately, this can also mean serious neck pain for your belayer.

Feeling the strain of the new wall and looking for a little relief?

Metolius’ Upshot Belay Glasses have got your back! These belay glasses are an updated take on the original, with a field of vision that aims higher on the wall, sports-style temples with low profile nose pads that fit better over glasses/sunglasses, and increased peripheral vision. They also come with a durable case that will protect them when you throw them in your bag for a day of climbing in the gym OR at the crag.

Next time you’re in the gym, ask about trying them out. Your neck will thank you!

 

Member Spotlight: July 2018

LaCrystal Wooten-Wisse

Member since 2016

How did you start climbing?

LaCrystal: I started climbing when I was younger at various camps however it wasn’t until two years ago when I decided that I wanted a new hobby that I returned to climbing.

Why do you climb at Edgeworks?

LaCrystal: I climb at Edgeworks because of the community. I love how friendly everyone is at Edgeworks. It really helps that Edgeworks is close to home so it makes it convenient.

Where is your favorite place to climb outside?

LaCrystal: I really enjoy climbing at Exit 32. Little Si was already one of my favorite places to go hiking for a quick hiking trip with my friends and family but climbing there has made it even more special.

What do you do when you’re not climbing?

LaCrystal: I’m often doing yoga; especially hot yoga because I love the warmth. I also really enjoy going hiking and reading in my spare time.

Which do you prefer: top rope, lead, or bouldering?

LaCrystal: I prefer top rope but am currently trying to push myself into leading more.

What are some interesting facts that you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?

LaCrystal: I’ve been a vegetarian for the past 13 years.

What’s your go-to route grade?

LaCrystal: It depends on the day but I really enjoy the 5.11 range normally.

 

Members Only Access | June 26

Members Only Access | June 26

Taller | Larger | Newer

It’s been 14 years since we had a set so fresh as this!!

New roof. New walls. New holds. New floors… And our members get to enjoy first access to it all. Join us Tuesday, June 26, for an ALL DAY “members only” access event.

This is our way of saying thank you. Thank you for your patience during construction. Thank you for helping us build these awesome new walls. Thank you for being a part of the Edgeworks community.

When: Tuesday, June 26 | 9am – 10pm
Who: Edgeworks Members & their guests (standard guest passes apply)
What: All access to new and old climbing walls; as well as regularly scheduled fitness classes

Guests of members are also welcome, so bring your friends!
Guests who sign up for EFT memberships will receive 50% OFF the Start-Up fee and a free Edgeworks silipint* for themselves and one for their member buddy too.

This is a day dedicated to our members.
You must be a member, or the guest of a member, to receive access to the facility on this day. (Hint: this could still be you; head to gym and sign up today!)
The gym and all new climbing walls will open to the general public on Wednesday, June 27.

Sorry, no day pass, punch card or walk-in customers on this day.
*While supplies last. One day only. June 26, 2018.

 

Tuesday Crag Nights!

Tuesday nights at the crag!

$25 for members; $50 for everyone else.
Reserve your seat today!

FACT: Climbing on real rock makes someone 77% more likely to become a lifelong climber than someone who does not.

So why not join us for Tuesday Crag Nights? 3 weekday evenings this summer we’ll gas up the Edgeworks van and head out to North Bend to enjoy the long summer evenings only the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Transportation is included but you can drive separately if you would like. Sorry, 16+ ONLY!!!

Dates:
– Tuesday, June 26, 2018
– Tuesday, July 24, 2018
– Tuesday, August 28, 2018

SIGN UP ONLINE to reserve your spot.

Trip Itinerary:
– 4:00 pm: Leave Edgeworks
– 5:30 pm: Depart the Exit 38 parking lot
– 6:00 pm – 9:00pm: Climbing
– 10:00 pm: Return to Edgeworks

Want more outdoor climbing options?
We also offer full-day outings with our North Bend Crag Day, Women’s Crag Day and featured climbing trips to Vantage, Mt. Erie and Smith Rock.

Important Notes:
Signed liability waivers and outdoor program consent forms are REQUIRED for ALL climbers so be sure to complete yours before joining us at the crag; edgeworksclimbing.com/waiver.
– Items to bring: shoes, harness, helmet, warm clothes (layers), headlamp, food and water.
– When registering online, be sure to let us know if you need shoes, a harness and/or helmet.
– We provide all the additional climbing gear needed for outside top rope climbing.
– Due to the nature and timing of the event, we ask that all participants are 18 years of age or older.

 

Member Spotlight: May 2018

Kayla McCue

Member since 2017

How did you start climbing?

Kayla: Before I moved from Boston to Seattle a little over 2 years ago, I knew I needed a new hobby to take up since I didn’t know anyone on the west coast. I bought shoes and a chalk bag and a membership to SBP in my first week out here. Then my handsome new co-worker (now beloved partner), James, said he would take me outdoor climbing sometime. We haven’t stopped since.

Why do you climb at Edgeworks?

Kayla: James and I moved from Seattle to Tacoma in February of 2017 and Edgeworks was the first place we wanted to check out. I love all the classes and the tangible sense of community here, the staff is super friendly and I’ve learned and grown a ton as a climber here, and made wonderful friends in the process.

Where is your favorite place to climb outside?

Kayla: We went out to Red Rocks in Las Vegas in October and I was *enamored* with the sandstone faces and feel of the rock. Everything about those canyons is so inviting, just begging to be climbed. It was my first time in the Southwest, but I can’t wait to go back and get more climbing in. I’m actually writing this from a plane on my way to LA to climb Devils Punchbowl now.

What do you do when you’re not climbing?

Kayla: Probably throwing a tennis ball for my dog Jackson, my time at the gym is actually the only time of the day we are apart. He’s with me all day at work, helping me manage a 25 acre dog camp. (A heckin good crag dog, too.)

Which do you prefer: top rope, lead, or bouldering?

Kayla: Leading outdoors is my absolute favorite, it’s the terrifying thrill I’ve been looking for my whole life.

What are some interesting facts that you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?

Kayla: I’ve seen the band Umphrey’s McGee 39 times, it would be a lot more if climbing didn’t completely take over my life.

What’s your go-to route grade?

Kayla: In the gym I always head for the 5.12 range, outdoor is anything in the 5.10 range and flirting with 11’s.