Seattle Bouldering Challenge
Our highly anticipated bouldering comp returns this November—come be part of the action!
This year, we’re bringing you two sessions of redpoint climbing, local vendors, and an exciting onsight-format Finals round in the evening. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just curious to try something new, we’ve got routes for every skill level!
Come challenge yourself and have a blast, or stop by to cheer on the climbers and catch the thrilling finals. Grab your climbing shoes and your crew—it’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss!
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Location: Edgeworks Seattle
Pre-registration: $50 members, $65 community | ends Tuesday, Nov 19
Registration: $80 everyone | Nov 20-23, or as space allows
Format: Redpoint
Add T-Shirt w/ Pre-Registration: $22 | ends Sunday, Nov 3
The best way to guarantee a t-shirt in your size is to purchase one during early bird sign-ups!
Pre-orders close Sunday, November 3. A limited number of shirts will be available for purchase on the day of the comp, but will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis—and we expect them to sell out quickly.
WAIVER
All climbers must complete a signed waiver or have one on file with Edgeworks in order to participate. Waivers must be renewed each year and are available online.
REGISTRATION
Pre-registration by November 19 guarantees access to our exclusive swag bags including an extra raffle ticket and bonus chance at walking away with an incredible raffle prize at the end of the night.
CATEGORIES & DIVISION
Open Division with Onsight Finals (Ages 14+)
Top 6 in each category qualify for the finals round.
- Open to All Category
- Women and Non-Binary Category**
Recreational Division (Ages 14+)
Rec divisions are not eligible for the finals round.
- Open to All Category
- Women and Non-Binary Category**
Note: **Welcoming all who identify as a woman in a way that is significant to them (cis, trans, genderqueer + non-binary)
SESSIONS + SCHEDULE
Sessions are capped at 100 competitors each, don’t wait to register!
**Open competitors need to sign up for session 1**
SESSION 1: 9am – 12pm
- Judges Meeting: 8:15am
- Competitor Check-in: 8am
- Competitor Rules Meeting: 8:45am
- Climbing: 9am – 12pm
SESSION 2: 1pm – 4pm
- Judges Meeting: 12:15pm
- Competitor Check-in: 12pm
- Competitor Rules Meeting: 12:45pm
- Climbing: 1pm – 4pm
OPEN FINALS: 5:30pm – 7pm
- ISO check-in: 5pm
- Competitor Rules Meeting: 4:30pm
- Climbing: 5:30pm – 7pm
AWARDS
Raffle Prizes: 4:30pm
Recreational Division Awards: 5:00pm
Open Division Awards: 7:30pm
CATEGORY WINNERS
Competitors will self-select into one of the four categories at the time of registration:
- Open | Open to All Category
- Open | Women and Non-Binary Category
- Recreational | Open to All Category
- Recreational | Women and Non-Binary Category
For the Open Divisions, the top 3 competitors in each category following the Open Finals are guaranteed to walk away with a prize.
For the Recreational Divisions, prizes will be awarded as follows:
- After the competition, competitors in each category will be ranked by overall performance. Each category will then be divided into flights, and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 competitors in each flight.
- The number of flights and competitors per flight will be determined by the total number of competitors in that category.
- Click the following link to see how that played out last year
Raffle Prizes
Beyond that, our raffle prize system ensures that every competitor has a chance to win something too; competitors must be present to win.
Prize Sponsors:
Black Diamond • YETI • Rhino Skin • Tenaya/Trango • Arc’teryx • Friction Labs • Joshua Tree Skin Care • Butora • Metolius • Stanley and MORE!
Vendors:
Lighthouse Roasters • Yoka Tea (Boba Tea) • Base Chiro
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Seattle Bouldering Challenge?
The Seattle Bouldering Challenge, or SBC, is a community focused bouldering competition designed to bring out the best climbing in everyone! This annual competition has been running strong for over 20 years! Climbers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, and the event is filled with exciting challenges, prizes, and a lively atmosphere.
Who can compete?
Almost everyone! All climbers 14 years and older are welcome to compete. We’re expecting up to 100 competitors per session. For their safety and that of others around them, climbers younger than 14 cannot compete on Saturday but they are welcome to try all the new routes as soon as Sunday!
Can parents compete with their kids?
Yes! Sessions are to open to all ages, genders and categories allowing parents to register and compete alongside their kids (ages 14+).
Is this a USAC-sanctioned event?
No, this competition is not USAC-sanctioned, so results won’t count towards USAC rankings or records.
Instead, this event offers a great opportunity to compete with or against others, regardless of age, in a fun, low-stress environment. Youth participants are also eligible to win prizes in their respective categories!
How do I register?
You can register online through our website. Popular sessions fill up quickly, so we recommend registering as soon as possible to secure your spot.
Which division and category should I choose?
Divisions are based on ability levels, while categories are based on gender identity. If you’re aiming for the excitement of onsight finals and prizes, the Open Division is for you! This division is recommended for our strongest competitors and those who thrive in front of a crowd. If you’d prefer to challenge yourself and compete for prizes without the pressure of finals, the Recreational Division is a great fit.
Competitors should register in the category that best represents their gender identity. The Women and Non-Binary category welcomes anyone who identifies as a woman (cis, trans, genderqueer, or non-binary). The Open to All category is inclusive of all gender identities.
How many people can compete?
We’re planning to have up to 100 competitors per session, so register early to guarantee your spot.
Are there prizes?
Oh, there are a lot of prizes! Thanks to our sponsors including Black Diamond, Rhino Skin, Trango/Tenaya, YETI, Patagonia Seattle, and many, many others, there are some really awesome prize packages. For the Open Divisions, the top 3 competitors in each category following the Open Finals are guaranteed to walk away with a prize. For the Recreational Divisions, the top 3 competitors within each flight will be awarded a prize. Additionally, all competitors are entered into a raffle for a chance to win even more prizes, regardless of their placement.
Can I attend if I’m not competing?
Absolutely! Spectators are encouraged to come and cheer on the competitors, enjoying the competition atmosphere—it’s a fun event for everyone, whether you’re climbing or just watching. Please stop by anytime and stick around for Finals starting around 5:30PM! There will be coffee available throughout the day, along with local vendors in the afternoon, so come join us!
Where should I park?
Parking at the gym will be limited — in addition to our lot and the gravel road behind the gym, there’s parking at the Hiram Chittenden Locks a hundred yards west, and on-street parallel parking on the streets and avenues north of the gym (28th through 32nd Avenues, 54th through 58th Streets).
Why are you guys so awesome?
Well, shucks. We try our best! For us, it’s all about community and passion! We love climbing, we love our members, and we go all out to create fun, inclusive events where everyone can enjoy the sport. We do our best to make every event an unforgettable experience!
WALL + GYM CLOSURES:
Tuesday, November 18th – Friday, November 22nd:
Rolling wall closures will begin Tuesday morning as competition setting begins to take place; closed areas will include:
- Tuesday: Walltopia
- Wednesday/Thursday: Back Realm (Overhanging Crack, Cardiac and New 45)
- Friday: Front Realm (Old 45 and 30)
FACILITY CLOSURE:
Full gym closure ALL-DAY Saturday, November 23rd (Competition Day), including
- All Roped Climbing Areas
- Moon Board + Kilter Board
- Weight Room
Everyone is welcome to participate in the competition and/or spectate.
Climbing will fully reopen on Sunday, November 24th with a large selection of all new competition style boulder routes for everyone to try!