Erin Edwards

Member since 2011

How did you start climbing?

Erin: I was dating a guy who was a big climber/aplinist. His pictures of the remote places he climbed were inspiring to me. I wanted to go to those amazing places in Washington and beyond. I went to the gym by myself and signed up for ‘Intro to Climbing‘ with Andy and was hooked! I met a group of new ambitious climbers and never stopped.

Why do you climb at Edgeworks?

Erin: Edgeworks is not only a fun place to climb but it offers so much more. I enjoy the fitness classes, events, and most of all, the wonderful community it fosters. I’ve met so many great people and built strong friendships here.

Where is your favorite place to climb outside?

Erin: Squamish! I love the granite, it gives me confidence like no other place. There are seemingly endless beautiful lines, short approaches, fun routes, and lovely views.

What do you do when you’re not climbing?

Erin: I’m currently training for a marathon, so I do a lot of running. I love traveling and am always plotting my next adventure (Bhutan, Nepal, Nicaragua, Angilla planned so far this year). I also enjoy spending time with my active pup and tall boyfriend.

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

Erin: The giant pacific octopus is the largest octopus species in the world and the largest one is said to have lived under the narrows bridge in Tacoma. Octopuses have three hearts, as well as special pigments and skin muscles that allow them to change color instantly. Octopuses will also change color while thinking hard to solve puzzles or problems. They collect treasures like shells and other objects to keep in their hiding spots. They can also lose arms to escape harm and regrowth them!!

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

Erin: Inside, top rope. I like the movement and option to pause and think about how to solve the problem. Outside, I enjoy the challenge and excitement of leading.

What’s your go-to route grade?

Erin: 5.9 Inside and outside, it’s a fun grade for me. I’m usually engaged but not stressed on good ol’ 5.9.

Nationals Bound! 

Congratulations to Riley Hume, Kohle Andrews, and Brette Hume for qualifying to compete at the USAC National Bouldering Championship in Salt Lake City, UT this month. This is not the first time two of these outstanding competitors have qualified for a National competition. Brette has qualified twice and Kohle an amazing five times! Both Riley and Brette started climbing at Edgeworks in 2013, joining team shortly after. Kohle first came to Edgeworks in 2008.

You can watch the event live at http://lt11.tv.

2017 Sport and Speed Season Schedule

Sport and Speed season is upon us. The full schedule for region 101 and 102 has been published on the USAC website. The following local competitions are recommended as there will be coaches at each of these.

LOCAL:

Region 101:

March 11 – Vertical World, Seattle
April 22 – Island Rock Gym, Bainbridge Island

Region 102:

March 18 – Multnomah Athletic Club – Portland, OR

CHAMPIONSHIPS:

May 13 – Regional – Stone Gardens, Bellevue.
June 17-18 – Divisional – Alaska Rock Gym.

TEAM EVENTS:

February 25 – Bowling and Lock-in, time TBA
April 29 – Vantage, WA – Outdoor Trip
August 11-13 – Leavenworth, WA – Outdoor Trip

NEW!

Team Edgeworks is sad to see Head Coach Jon Manz leaving Edgeworks Climbing to pursue new adventures with Rock Gym Pro in Bend, OR. Please read more here: http://bit.ly/2lgWtMY

Jon Manz

Edgeworks Employee since 2008

Over the past 9 years, Jon has solidified himself as a smart, witty and knowledgeable co-worker, respected route setter, friendly face at the front desk, and valued and appreciated head coach so there’s no doubt that his departure will be felt by the staff, team, and members alike. However, we’re also super excited to see him take on this next adventure and celebrate the fact that, even though he’s leaving Tacoma, his new role at RGP will allow him to maintain a connection to the Edgeworks staff and community. We hope you’ll join us in wishing him all best.

Here are a few words from Jon himself:

“I came to work at Edgeworks in early 2008 by the same path I discovered climbing in 2002, through the help and guidance of good friends. Now, at the start of 2017, I’m moving on to another adventure in the same way. While I’m extremely sad to be leaving Edgeworks, I am beyond excited to announce that I’ll be starting a new position with Rock Gym Pro in Bend, OR.

Rock Gym Pro began as software written for a single gym by a single person, but it has grown into a suite of software that more than 500 gyms worldwide rely upon. As Rock Gym Pro’s offerings have grown, so have their staff, and I’m happy to join their team of awesomely talented professionals as a Customer Support Specialist.

My greatest satisfaction across all of my jobs at Edgeworks has been from providing an environment where new and veteran climbers can build communities around their shared passion. I’m thrilled to start working with gyms around the country, and the world, to help them build those same communities with the help of all of the tools Rock Gym Pro can provide.

I’ll be at Edgeworks for another week, and I’d love it for anyone and everyone to stop in and say hi. I’m going to miss all the fantastic people I see at Edgeworks every day, but I hope you’ll remember, you’re not losing a friend in Tacoma, you’re gaining a friend in Bend!”

Dan Bunch

Edgeworks member since 2012

How did you start climbing?

Dan: I have been in the outdoors to recharge since childhood. I came to climbing from mountaineering. My daughter, Serenity, and I love to camp but don’t like to sit around so we needed a father-young daughter outdoor activity. Unlike crampons, they make climbing shoes in kid size so four years ago it became our “thing”.

Why do you climb at Edgeworks?

Dan: ….Umm, it rains a lot in Western Washington, so in the off-season we needed a place to practice our skills to take them outside. But for me the absolute best part is, being a single father I have always had a hard time finding good female role models for my daughter and Edgeworks is blessed with amazing women for my daughter to learn from . Staff and customers alike I am so glad to have a place for my daughter to learn and grow surrounded by quality people.

Where is your favorite place to climb outside?

Dan: Icicle Creek in Leavenworth by far; we try to spend at least a month every year there.

What do you do when you’re not climbing?

Dan: I am a “shop guy” so I build stuff. For instance, my latest project is repurposing scrap railroad track to make an anvil because I’m getting back into blacksmithing.

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

Dan: I am retired military and worked offshore after that so my entire life has revolved around teamwork and excellence and I see that with the staff here. As a father and climber, I appreciate that more than words can describe.

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

Dan: Lead climbing is my favorite by far.

What is your go-to route grade?

Dan: I would call myself a 5.10-11 climber and a 5.9-10- lead.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Edgeworks’ new Operations Manager yet, here’s a little get-to-know-you interview with James Pope, who joined our staff in mid-December.

He’s new to the PNW, having just moved here from the east coast and Florida, but he’s no stranger to climbing gyms – previously filling the role of Operations Manager at Brooklyn Boulders Somerville (Boston).

How did you start climbing?

My father originally introduced me to climbing but like most Florida natives I started climbing at an indoor climbing gym on the climbing team.

Where is your favorite place to climb?

This is such an unfair question. Which season and what type of climbing? If I absolutely had to pick one area I would say that Rumney in New Hampshire is definitely a favorite!

What do you do when you’re not climbing?

If I can be, you will find me outside. You might see me out on the water fishing, sailing or surfing and if you spot me on land it might be playing a round of golf, tennis or exploring around on a hike. That being said I’m new to the West coast, so sign me up!

Do you have a favorite quote?

The more I learn, the more I learn how little I know. — Socrates

What has been the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

My first job, I was 16 and building docks in Florida. You may not think building docks is very unusual or interesting but that would be before you consider the number of alligators “in my office” everyday!

If you were an animal what would you be?

I would definitely be a Wolf.

Riley Hume has been a part of the Edgeworks community since January 2013, thanks to his mom Nicole Hume. According to Riley she wanted him “spending less time at the house”! He joined Team Edgeworks in September 2014.

In addition to the problem solving aspect of climbing itself, Riley enjoys being a part of the climbing community. He has taken every opportunity to participate in the community at Edgeworks. He was the first place finisher in the first ever Edgeworks 90 day challenge, he spends time climbing outdoors with members and staff of Edgeworks, he even started working at Edgeworks this year as a routesetter, and will be coaching young climbers to crush!

As part of the team, the trip to Leavenworth this year has been his favorite vacation so far. He “made memories and lifelong connections”. He is especially connected to teammate Hal Warren, Riley’s personal hero. “When life gets to me, he’s always there to remind me of everything I have to fight for”. His greatest supporter, former teammate Amy Arnts, has helped him “find happiness in everything that I do. She teaches me to love myself.”

This season marks the last season that Riley will compete with Team Edgeworks. He’s turning 18 next month, and plans to attend college to become a mechanical engineer while staying on as a weekend routesetter and coach at Edgeworks.

Coach Jon Manz says, “It’s been great to work with Riley for the last 3 years, and to help him grow as a climber, but the most exciting thing has been to watch him step into the role of coaching younger climbers as a youth program instructor. I’ve never had one of my athletes become a coach before, and I can’t think of a climber who’s better suited to shape the next generation of Edgeworks climbers.”

Riley is an interesting person with a few stories to tell. Next time you see him ask him about his two week backpacking trip across the Olympics and the Washington Coast.

Divisional Championship

The weekend of January 14 Seattle Bouldering Project is hosting the Youth Bouldering Divisional Championship. Go to their website and sign up to volunteer. SBP gift cards, drinks and snacks will be provided.
Congratulations to the climbers who qualified to compete at Divisionals this year:
MYJ: Riley Hume, MYA: Hal Warren, FYB: Brette Hume, MYB: Kohle Andrews, Ethan Riggle, Austin Elliott, FYC: Sophia Terrill, FYD: Ireland Kress, Kaela Cameron

2017 Sport and Speed Season 

Sport and Speed season is still a few months away, but it’s a good idea to start planning now. Divisionals will be held at Alaska Rock Gym in Anchorage, which means some of you will be flying to Alaska! If you qualified for the divisional bouldering competition it’s a safe bet you’ll qualify in Sport and Speed as well.  If you missed it this year, don’t rule it out yet! By this summer you’ll be bigger, stronger, faster, and even more psyched!

Fundraising

THIS MONTH ONLY: Discounted Clip and Climb passes have been distributed to all team climbers. Hand these out to all your friends, neighbors, relatives, and acquaintances. For every certificate redeemed in January Edgeworks will donate $10 to the team!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Team members will be available on January 7th from 1:00p-3:00p to belay anyone who redeems their discounted Clip and Climb coupon during that time. Sign up at the front desk to be a part of this community event. ALL team members are encouraged to participate, regardless of age or size. Represent Team Edgeworks and wear your Team gear! I know some of you got some cool stuff for Christmas!

TEAM BUDGET: We’ve heard some good ideas about how to spend all this money we’re raising, including a lock-in, bowling, or a bowling/lock-in combo, a pizza party at Dorky’s arcade, and more. Keep the ideas flowing, and we’ll plan on doing something fun mid-February once the bouldering season is over. Bring your ideas to the January PCA meeting on the 12th.

Next PCA Meeting

January 12, 6:30pm – 7:00pm

Give the Gift of Climbing!

November 26, 2016 – January 15, 2017

Buy a GIFT CARD, Get a FREE DAY PASS!

The perfect gift! Gift cards can be used to purchase anything in the gym – day passes, memberships, gear, instruction courses, and MORE.
Starting at $25 | Day pass expires 01/31/2017 | Offer not valid with online purchases

30-Day INTRO PASS w/ gear rental: only $79!

Save 35%! Includes climbing, fitness classes, intro to climbing course and gear rental.
– a $119 value!

Youth PUNCH PASS: only $119!

Give the kids an experience that will help them build strength and confidence!
Includes 10 visits to Edgeworks Climbing Gym.
Transferable between youth | 17yrs or younger | 1-year expiration

CLIMBING GEAR SALE!

Shop small. Shop local. Save BIG!
15% OFF Shoes & Harnesses
20% OFF Carabiners, Slings and Quickdraws
25% OFF Ropes, Rope Bags and Helmets

Offer valid on in-stock items only; excludes special orders.