Boulder Comp

In the previous post, Ben talked about the climbing festival and how much fun it was.  The part that he didn't mention was that because of his work schedule at the hospital he was really only able to be there for the hard labor and service parts.  On Friday he was able to be there for the entire gear demo and afterparty at Slackwater Pizza (Best hawaiian pizza ever!!! They actually put canadian and real bacon on it making it amazing).  Saturday he was only able to go to the set up and be at the Ogden Boulder Field for the start of the bouldering competition until he had to go to work but he didn't complain a bit about helping out and working hard so everyone else could enjoy the rest of the day. 

The bouldering comp was really neat, I am not a strong boulderer so I decided to be a judge instead.  I ended up judging a few of the more difficult problems so I got to spend the day watching the more advanced climbers working on some tough routes.  One of the coolest things about rock climbers whether it's a comp or not is that they are all more than willing to help each other out.  While climbing your body needs breaks between routes and instead of heading to the sidelines and drinking gatorade, climbers will stick around and watch the next person work on a problem and help give them small suggestions or technical beta or sometimes just to cheer them on.  There's a strange feeling that you get as a climber when someone is able to complete a problem they've been working on because of the encouragement and advice that you give them.

This would be after the competition when Tim (the guy under the jacket behind me in the picture who is actually typing on a laptop and I were busy running totals and scores to determine the winners.  Once again when it comes to competitions, the awards at the end aren't always centered around the very best climbers.  Usually everyone walks away with something if possible and the first place climbers aren't always given first choice of the schwag.  It's not about winning in these competitions, it's about figuring out ways to get your body to stick to the rock in weird ways, it's about pushing yourself to the top, it's about reaching your own potential, and it's about having fun helping others do the same thing.

There was also a slideshow with professional climber Peter Croft followed by an afterparty catered by Roosters that was held at the Front Climbing Gym.  That, for me, is the best part of the weekend.  Delicious food, some climbing, and just hanging out with a bunch of my favorite people including my parents this year!  (of course my #1 favorite person, Ben, was working hard and unable to come even though we both really wanted him to be there).

Sunday was the boulder field clean up and maintenance where once again, after a late night of working, Ben woke up and was at the boulderfield at 10am to help make rock steps, close unofficial trails, and help get the current trails system in better shape.  He had to run to work shortly after and stayed there until 10pm but he did it all with his usual hardworking attitude.  He's always so good at doing what needs to be done and helping out at his own cost.  After it all, we were completely run down and tired from the big weekend so this morning (Monday) neither of us woke up until 11am.  For anyone who knows us this basically hasn't happened for the entire time we've been together.  When we decide we're going to sleep in we usually are awake by about 8:30am.  Oh my did it feel good to catch up on some much needed "Z's".