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 Sunday but they are welcome to try all the new routes as soon as Monday!
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+).
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 raffle 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 Division, the top 3 competitors in each category following the Open Finals are guaranteed to walk away with a prize. For the Recreational Division, at the end of each session, we’ll host a Session Raffle where winners can pick any prize from our prize table, giving everyone a chance to walk away with something they’ll really enjoy.
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!
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!
