Round 3 (Clayton) is now available to book.
We've heard your feedback and will be introducing a leaderboard, as well a coaching workshop between session 2 and 3.
Workshop prices: $60 non-member / $50 member for anyone who is not doing the Clayton series.
If you have a challenger ticket (Clayton), workshop prices are: $35 non-member / $25 member
In order to access these prices, make sure you log-in on the purchase page under the account you hold your ticket on.
You can book in to workshops below:
Ever wondered what it feels like to step into a World Cup–style bouldering round?
Your chance is here - introducing the Challenger Series: a group of competition simulations aimed at providing a rare opportunity to challenge yourself in the style of international competition. Experience the 5-on-5-off format, a round style used in World Cup qualification, with judges on station to track your scores. Our first round begins at Brunswick on the 7th of February.
4 rounds, 4 gyms.
Brunswick. Ferntree Gully. Clayton. Heidelberg.
Live Scoring Link
What is a competition simulation?
Competition simulations are often seen as the gold standard of preparation for climbing athletes. Competition simulations, as the name implies, seek to emulate the environment and conditions you might expect to encounter in a real climbing competition. In this case, simulating a World Cup qualification round.
Who is this for?
If you're curious and interested about competition climbing, and have been climbing regularly for a while, then you can probably give it a go! You'll notice there are no gendered categories - this series is about individual progression and pushing boundaries, not comparison. Pick the difficulty that best reflects your level of experience and give it your best shot!
What will the day look like?
Morning
9:00 - 11:30am
(15 min buffer)
Midday
11:45am - 2:15pm
(15 min buffer)
Afternoon
3:45 - 6:15pm
Arrival and Warm-up
Please arrive at the gym at least an hour before your scheduled start time so you have enough time to check in and warm up. Please let the front counter staff know you're there for the simulation and you'll receive a scorecard. The competition area will be cordoned off on the day. At a real competition, competitors would proceed into an isolation area where they can warm up without viewing the competition area. Since this is a simulation, there will be no hard-enforced isolation so it's up to you to self-impose rules - for the most accurate experience, please refrain from viewing or approaching the competition area so you don't see the climbs or competitors on them. We recommend using the upstairs area or the front islands for warmup.
Marshalling Zone
There will be a marshalling zone TBA: please present to the marshalling area 10 minutes before your scheduled start time. If you miss your time, we cannot allocate an additional slot due to fixed scheduling. If you arrive late, you will be permitted to climb with whatever time you have left on the clock.
Rotation Periods and Timing
Between each 5 minute period, there will be a 5 second rotation period. This time allows climbers to get to where they need to go or off the field of play. During this time, brushing and interacting with the wall is not permitted.
The timer will beep to signify certain phases:
- Once at the start of the 5 minute phase
- At one minute remaining
- With 5 seconds left, on each second.
- During each second of the 5 second rotation period.
Scoring will be done as per current World Climbing Boulder ruleset.
Example Scheduling
How should I prepare?
Climbing a 5-on-5-off circuit demands versatility, fitness and strategy. You'll be required to climb 5 boulders in a short amount of time - this means that you'll have to approach with a strategy to expend your energy, skin and time. It's helpful to try this in your own time - see if you can replicate the format by timing yourself!
If you haven't experienced competition climbing before, there are a few tidbits to learn! If you've got questions on the day, feel free to ask our staff or if you're in the middle of the round, you can ask your judge.
Basic Competition Rules and Markings
Each boulder is marked with tape, designating specific points and positions. The start position will be marked with 4 pieces of tape - one for each limb. You are required to start the boulder by only using the marked holds and establishing contact with each limb on the marked holds in a controlled manner before moving on. A 'zone' hold will be marked with another piece of tape - if you control this hold you will be awarded additional points. If you reach the 'top' marked hold and control it, you have finished the boulder.
Challenger Series