What is Blacklight Bouldering?
This is a neon-themed bouldering competition held under blacklights, creating a fun and unique climbing experience. Climbers of all skill levels are welcome to participate, and the event is filled with exciting challenges, prizes, and a lively atmosphere.
Who can compete?
Almost everyone! Youth climbers ages 7-17 and Adults 18+ are welcome to compete. We’re expecting up to 80 competitors per session. For their safety and that of others around them, climbers younger than 6 cannot compete on Saturday but they are invited to attend our Member Blacklight Event on Sunday, October 26.
Can parents compete with their kids?
No. Sessions are category specific this year. All Youth competitors are in Session 1 separate from Adult competitors in Session 2 and 3.
Is this a USAC-sanctioned event?
No, this competition is not USAC-sanctioned, so results won’t count towards USAC rankings or records.
Instead, this event offers a great opportunity to compete with or against others, regardless of age, in a fun, low-stress environment. Youth competitors can choose their category based on ability, and our youth non-binary category provides a welcoming and inclusive space for all athletes. Youth participants are also eligible to win prizes in their respective categories!
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 category should I choose?
Categories are based on ability levels. When selecting your competition category, it’s important to be honest about your skill level to ensure a fun and fair event for everyone. Our scoring system is designed to identify and prevent "sandbagging" (when stronger climbers compete in lower categories). Here’s how it will work:
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Route Difficulty and Points: Each climb is assigned a point value based on its difficulty. Climbers in each category are expected to perform at a level consistent with their abilities.
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Scoring: If a climber consistently completes high-difficulty routes that are well above their category level they will be moved into a higher, more appropriate category to ensure fair competition.
This system helps maintain fairness and ensures that everyone competes in a category that matches their skill level.
What should I wear?
Wear your climbing shoes and neon gear! Dress in bright colors that will glow under the blacklights for an extra fun experience. The more neon, the better!
How many people can compete?
We’re planning to have up to 80 competitors per session, so register early to guarantee your spot.
Are there prizes?
Yes! The top 2 competitors in each category are guaranteed to walk away with a prize. Additionally, all competitors are entered into a raffle for a chance to win even more prizes, regardless of their placement.
Can I attend if I'm not competing?
Absolutely! Spectators are encouraged to come and cheer on the competitors while enjoying the blacklight atmosphere. It’s a fun event for everyone, whether you’re climbing or just watching.
Why are you guys so awesome?
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. Plus, who doesn’t love neon under blacklights? We do our best to make every event an unforgettable experience!
