Recent Event - TBS4 @ GWPC

November 21, 2008

A couple of weeks ago we participated in the TBS 4 bouldering competition at the Great Western Power Company climbing gym in Oakland. We had a blast. The gym was packed to the brim with people all trying their skills on the new bouldering routes. Eric, Kenneth, and I all competed under the beginner category, although Kenneth might have been fibbing a little. He's slightly better than a beginner.

Some roped problems were replaced with bouldering problems.

Eric and I attempted most of the VOs and a couple of V1s. I've never seen so many people crammed into that tiny gym. The entire bouldering wall had been replaced with new routes for the competition, and everyone was eager to climb. Eric finished most of the VOs with little trouble, but I only finished a few. Eric struggled with a few V2s, and Kenneth conquered some of the harder routes that were above our level.

The new routes on the GWPC bouldering wall.

I fought with a VO in the corner about five times without ever finishing it, but the next time I went to the gym to try it, I completed it. I did try a V1 that night, and finished it the first time I tried it! Did I mention the flow of pizza and beer? That alone can make the competition well worth a shot. This competition was my first, but probably not my last. I was a little sore the next day, but it was worth it. Competitions are a great way to test your level of climbing, and to enjoy a fun night out trying to out-climb your friends. I may have come in last place, but I had a great deal of fun doing it, and that's all that matters. Here are the results of the competition.