Olympia Bouldering Competition Grows In Reputation

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By Tom Rohrer

Puget Sound EnergyIt was a race to the top for climbers and boulderers across the region in Olympia this weekend.

On Saturday, Oct. 20, the Warehouse Rock Gym in downtown Olympia held the sixth annual South Sound Pull Down Bouldering Competition, which featured a variety of contests covering several categories and ability levels throughout the day.

The gym was packed to the brim from 11 a.m. to the early evening, as climbers from as close as Seattle and as far away as Oregon and Utah, attended and competed in the event.

Now over half a decade old, the event is considered by many who compete in it to be one of the premier contests in terms of level of competition in the region.  Event organizer Sierra Blakely says the sport’s growth in popularity has helped turn the Olympia area into a hotbed for the sport.

“I think the skill level of climbers and boulderers has increased, especially in the Olympia area,” said Blakely who is the Gym Manager at the Warehouse Rock Gym. “I have heard professional, elite level athletes says, this is one of the, if not, the most competitive contest they have participated in.  We take pride in that, especially since its such a beneficial activity.  It’s a good thing for people to try and participate in.”

“This is intense in terms of competition,” said Olympia native Wes Tooley, now living in Seattle.  “There are contests like this in Seattle, but this one has a different feel.  It’s more competitive, but there is more friendliness, more unity than others, and that’s something that makes it appealing to participate in.”

The growth of climbing and bouldering can be traced to a high level of participation in children, teenagers and early twenty year olds.

“With bouldering, you’re always going to see sort of a youth movement,” said Bob Keranen of the Olympia Mountaineers, who had a booth at the event. “But that area of climbing is growing more popular amongst the younger age groups, which is great. That means there is that talent and participation base that won’t forget or quit (the sport).  Word of mouth helps, and so does living in this area.  Thurston County has terrific bouldering opportunities, and you won’t find a better place than Washington in terms of all areas of climbing, whether it be mountaineering or recreational bouldering.”

Blakely was pleased with the turnout of the event and says there is potential for future growth.

“It’s great to see the event grow,” Blakely said. “We have more sponsors that want to be involved, and that’s encouraging.  It’s not really about the money or profit by holding this competition.  It’s about spreading awareness of the sport and allowing people to have a little competition at the same time.”

“What’s great, is that we think the competition can keep growing, and can become a staple of this community, something everybody can be proud of while also trying it out.”

For more information on the Warehouse Rock Gym, visit warehouserockgym.com.  For more information on the Olympia Mountaineers, visit www.olympiamountaineers.org.

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