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USAC Youth Onsight QE

Saturday, April 15th, 2023

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

April 15, 2023 | USAC Qualifying Event at Edgeworks Tacoma

Competitor registration is available on the USAC website. Competitors must have a USA Climbing membership to register. Please register as soon as possible as this helps our facility and coaches plan appropriately for the correct number of climbers.

DETAILS:
Session 1: 8:00am – 11:00am | Male B + D, Female Jr
Session 2: 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Female B + D, Male A + C
Session 3: 4:00pm – 7:00pm | Female A + C, Male Jr

This will be an onsight format and we will host three sessions of youth climbing on Saturday, April 15. The entire gym will be closed to everyone except competitors and spectators during this time.

In order to qualify for Regionals, each competitor will need to compete in at least one qualifying event. Your best results from one event will be used to determine your ranking points. The more competitions attended offers the best chance at qualifying.

_________________________________________________________________________

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

WAIVERS:
When in doubt, fill one out! All climbers must complete a signed waiver or have one on file with Edgeworks in order to participate. Waivers must be renewed each year. Click here now!

WHEN DOES REGISTRATION CLOSE?
Registration will be available through the USAC website until Wednesday, April 12 at 10:59PM (PST).

WILL RIBBONS BE HANDED OUT?
Yes, ribbons will be awarded to the competitors that place.

WHAT IS THE FORMAT
This will be an onsight competition.

For more information, check out the USAC QE Registration Information & Instructions.

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WALL + GYM CLOSURE SCHEDULE

In preparation for this full-day of youth competition events, our setting team will need to kick things into high gear and temporary closures will be necessary.

It is our goal to work as efficiently as possible to keep all necessary wall and gym closures to a minimum. Thank you for your patience!

Wednesday, April 12 – Friday, April 14 | WALL CLOSURES: All Day

Wall closures will begin as competition setting takes place; closed areas will include:

  • Beginning April 12, all sections of the EAST BAY ROPE WALLS will be CLOSED for route removal and setting.
  • If you have projects to send in on the tall rope walls, now’s the time to get after them!
  • Ropes and boulders in the WEST ROOM will remain OPEN to members and guests throughout the week.

Saturday, April 15 | GYM CLOSED: 8am – 7:30pm

Because the USAC event will run as an onsight competition format, the gym will be CLOSED to non-competitors from 8am – 7:30pm, including: 

  • All climbing walls, weight area, upstairs lounge, yoga and instruction rooms. 
  • All youth programs, climbing school courses and fitness classes will be canceled. 
  • Our parking lot will be full so please plan ahead! 
  • Spectators are welcome in the competition area.

Saturday, April 15 | GYM RE-OPENS: 7:30pm – 10pm

We will re-open to members only for post-comp climbing and access to all areas of the gym. 

Sunday, April 16 | Return to normal operations!

Climbing will fully reopen with a selection of all new competition style rope routes for everyone to try!

Youth Program Scholarships

Friday, March 31st, 2023

Edgeworks is committed to increasing equity and inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience; working to build a culture where difference is valued, innovation thrives and adventure is accessible to all.

As part of this commitment we’ve developed a scholarship program for participation in the following Youth Programs:

  • Mini Rockers (6 weeks)
  • Beginning Climbers (6 weeks)
  • Junior Climbers (1 year)
  • Club Climbers (1 year)
  • Team Edgeworks (1 year)

4 scholarships are awarded per location, each one includes:

  • 100% of program fees
  • Rental gear during program: shoes, harness, belay device
  • Edgeworks membership benefits for the duration of the program

Click the link below to learn more about the application and selection process.

Team Newsletter | Feb 2023

Tuesday, February 21st, 2023

Boulder Season and Divisional Recap

Congrats to all of our competitors this season! We had awesome performances by every climber and will be sending two athletes to the Youth National Championships this July.

Our focus has shifted to ropes in preparation for the first competition in March. If you are a parent interested in belaying at competitions, please see below for info about a belay clinic this weekend at Vertical World North.

Items in this newsletter:

  • Practice Registration Links
  • Competition Belay Clinic Info
  • Summer Camp Opportunities!! (Highly Recommended)
  • Competition Schedule / USA Climbing Membership Information
  • Try-Outs & Summer Schedule
  • Team Lock-In!!
  • Family Contact Form
  • Team Handbook

As always, feel free to email the coaching staff at your location with any questions.

Practice Registration Links:

Thank you to everyone for using the practice registration system! This has been a huge help in managing the Team and ensuring our practices are staffed appropriately.

Please check your email for registration links.

Competition Lead Belaying Clinic

If you have been interested in belaying at competitions, please check out the clinic happening this weekend at Vertical World North. USA Climbing Chief Belayers Laura Domoto and Don Mason, will conduct this instructional clinic covering all aspects of lead belaying for competition. Clinic participants will participate as both climber and belayer.

Registration is required; please check your email for more info.

NEW! Adventure Rock 5 – Overnight Summer Camp

Designed for young adults, Adventure Rock 5 offers an overnight format. Campers will enjoy FIVE DAYS CLIMBING OUTDOORS at various locations in western Washington and four nights of car camping under the supervision of our professionally trained guides. Your climber will tour a handful of climbing areas, develop camping skills, and learn about outdoor leading and multi-pitch climbing.

Campers should be able to top rope belay, lead climb at least 5.9 in the gym, and have general experience outdoors.

Ages: 14 – 17
Skill Level: Advanced
Outdoor Days: 5 days | 4 nights
Price: $1098 members | $1220 non-members

Dates:
August 7 – August 11 (departs from Edgeworks Bellevue)
August 14 – August 18 (departs from Edgeworks Seattle)

Click below for more information and to register!

USA Climbing Competition Schedule

The rope competition schedule has been posted. Please be sure to register as soon as possible as these events will fill up fast!

In order to qualify for Regionals, each competitor will need to compete in at least two competitions. Your best results from two competitions will be used determine your Ranking Points. I strongly recommend attending as many competitions as possible to have the best chance at qualifying.

Mar 11: Summit, Everett – (Registration Opens Saturday!)
Mar 18: Insight Climbing & Movement, Bainbridge
Mar 25: Vertical Word North, Lynwood
Apr 1: Riverfront Rock Gym, Wenatchee
Apr 8: High Steppe Climbing Center, Yakima
Apr 15: Edgeworks Tacoma!!
May 13: Riverfront Rock Gym, Wenatchee (Regional Championships)
Jun 10 – 11: Alaska Rock Gym, Anchorage (Divisional Championships)

IMPORTANT! Competitor Membership

In order to compete in a USA Climbing event, all athletes will need to obtain a competitor level membership. This membership will be $105 and covers the entire 2022-2023 competitive season. Follow the link below and complete your membership as soon as possible.

Team Edgeworks Overnight Lock-In!

You asked and we listened! Team Edgeworks will be hosting overnight lock-ins at each of our facilities on May 5, 2023.

These events will be held from 10pm to 7am the following morning and will consist of open climbing, games, instruction, and movies. Registration is now open and Team members are welcome to attend any location.

Please check your email for registration links.

TEAM EDGEWORKS Try-Out Dates & Summer Schedule

Try-Outs: (registration will open May 1st)
July 21st | Tacoma
July 28th | Bellevue
August 4th | Seattle

No Practice:
July 4th | All locations: early gym closure due to holiday
July 9th – 16th | All locations: summer break for National Championships and admin
July 21st | Tacoma only: try-outs during the day
July 28th | Bellevue only: try-outs during the day
August 4th | Seattle only: try-outs during the day

Support Racial Justice

Wednesday, December 14th, 2022

* A summary of social media messages distributed by Edgeworks in Summer 2020. *

Edgeworks stands in solidarity with those speaking out against systemic racism in our country, demanding justice and change.

In the days, weeks and months following George Floyd’s murder, Edgeworks staff and management took time to pause, read, listen, watch, learn, discuss and plan. Understanding that in order to instill the changes we want to see for Black people in our country, we must first explore and embrace the work of anti-racism ourselves. Work that is not always externally visible but critically important.

Accountability through visibility is also important.

For that reason, we began to share our action based initiatives on our website and social media. Additionally, we committed to continuing the use of our platforms to amplify BIPOC voices and representation in both the climbing community and outdoor spaces.

Our initiatives include: (updated 12/2022)

1. Share our DEI statement
2. Establish a staff-led DEI Advisory Committee
3. Provide staff education + resources
4. Review + update hiring practices
5. Support our community partners via collaborations: Climbers of Color all POC lead rope comp, BIPOC climb nights and free memberships for group organizers/volunteers.
6. Support our community partners via donations: Climbers of Color, Na’ah Illahee Fund, Wing Luke Museum, El Centro de la Raza
7. Support our community and partners via scholarships: Youth Programs, Summer Camps, BIPOC Guide Development Program, CoC BIPOC reduced rate membership
8. Promote inclusion through messaging, program development + representation
9. VOTE!

Stand Against Hatred: March 2021

In 2020 we marched, held signs and posted our DEI statements. Now, we will continue to hold ourselves accountable. 

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been an unprecedented number of violent attacks against Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our communities, throughout the country and beyond. We can no longer stay silent. Help us to unite and rise above racism by calling out these injustices and bringing attention to them.

Additional information and resources can be found here.

Justice, Equity, Diversity + Inclusion

Diversity fuels the spirit of our staff and community. Our commitment to equity and inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience builds a culture where difference is valued, innovation thrives and adventure is accessible to all.

Our job as staff is to stay grounded in these initiatives and hold space for them through implementation, conversations and adaption. Perfectionism is not the goal; our work in these areas is ongoing.

If we misstep along the way, we invite you to correct us. Please feel free to reach out to our leadership staff here.

Member Appreciation Day

Friday, December 2nd, 2022

An ALL DAY Event! Friday, December 2, 2022

Featuring treats, clinics, fun challenges, evening social and our 1-Day Membership Sale.

We value our members and designed a special day just for them!

Morning, afternoon, and night, we’ve put together a schedule of fun featuring all the best Edgeworks has to offer. Stop by the gym for the 1-DAY MEMBERSHIP SALE and stick around for the fun activities.

Click the link for your home gym to view what they have planned for you!
Space is limited so be sure to sign up early.

WAKE-UP with Edgeworks

Featuring FREE coffee, mimosas & donuts! 

Starting at 6:00am, we’re kicking things off with fun morning treats for all of our early bird members.

FREE! Climbing Clinics

Clinics are for members only. Space is limited; sign up online!

From afternoon to evening, we’ve created another line-up of FREE climbing clinics designed to help improve your technical skills and offer a glimpse into the possibilities that our Climbing School courses have to offer. 

Each location will feature a different schedule so be sure to click the link for your home gym to view what they’ve planned for you!

  • Better Lead Belaying
  • Crack Climbing
  • Knots & Hitches
  • Anchors 
  • Rappelling … and more!

SPECIAL FITNESS CLASSES

Friday fitness classes? Yes, please!

Here to help you finish your week strong and roll into the weekend ready for whatever life throws your way, a few of our favorite fitness instructors will be here to offer a special Friday line-up of classes and clinics.

Members only. Space is limited; sign up online!

FUN CHALLENGES + PRIZES

Test your skills and speed against those of other members and staff. 

ROPE COILING: See how fast you can coil a 60 meter rope. The fastest time will win a free rope from our Pro Shop!

KNOT TYING CHALLENGE: Tie as many different knots as you can in 60 seconds while wearing a bandana over your eyes. The most correctly tied knots will win a free cordelette and prusik cord from our Pro Shop!

MEMBER SOCIAL!

Community is the thing that keeps people coming back to Edgeworks. It happens naturally among climbers and through the monthly events, clinics, socials and meet up groups that help bring everyone together. 

We invite you to come find “your people”… because they’re also “our people”.

The social begins 7:00pm and will feature free drinks, friendly climbing banter and plenty of smiles. Please bring your best climbing gym etiquette and join us for the celebration!

Outdoor Gear Rentals

Thursday, December 1st, 2022

Rent the gear needed for your next outdoor climbing adventure!

Check out our ALL NEW outdoor gear rental program, including:

  • Climbing Shoes
  • Crash Pads
  • Climbing Helmets (adult + youth)

For more details, stop by the front desk or give us a call.

  • Bellevue: (425) 644-2445
  • Seattle: (206) 781-9828
  • Tacoma: (253) 564-4899

Tacoma Boulder Challenge

Sunday, October 30th, 2022

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30

Building on the ENERGY, STOKE and FUN of our previous October bouldering competitions, Edgeworks Tacoma is excited to introduce the TACOMA BOULDER CHALLENGE!

A Redpoint-style citizen comp designed to build community, ignite the joys of climbing and reimagine your climbing ability on a stellar selection of competition style boulders. 

While this year’s comp will not be black light, we remain committed to delivering many of the same essentials as before, including:

  BEST ROUTES of the year     AWARDS + RAFFLE PRIZES   •   DJ DEVINE     AFTER PARTY (21+)

Please note our full weekend comp schedule and see below for planned wall closures:
• Saturday, October 29 | USAC Youth Qualifying Events
• Sunday, October 30 | TBC Community Comp

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

TBC | COMPETITION DETAILS:

Location: Edgeworks Tacoma
Date: Sunday, October 30, 2022
Session 1: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Session 2: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Awards + After Party: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Climbing Discipline: Bouldering
Format: Redpoint, no finals

Categories:
Female/Male: Recreation | Intermediate | Advanced | Open | Masters (45+ yrs)
Non-Binary: All climbing abilities

Ages: Competitors must be 16 years or older
Cost: Sign up early to save!
• Pre-registration: $45/members or $55/ non-members, before 10/26
• Day-of registration: $60/everyone 

Prize Sponsors: 

Deuter • Patagonia • Metolius • Sterling • Asana • Petzl • Scarpa • Butora / 8b+ • Yeti • Rock Junkies • Outdoor Research • Friction Labs • Mammut • Pusher Holds • Comfortable Adventures • Stoked

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

TBC | COMP DAY SCHEDULE:

SESSION 1: 11:00am – 2:00pm

Categories: Non-binary: All | Beginner: Men | Intermediate: Women | Advanced: Men | Open: Men
*Both sessions are open to all competitors, though these categories are recommended.

Competitor Check-in: 10:30am
Competitor Rules Meeting: 10:50am
Climbing: 11:00am – 2:00pm

SESSION 2: 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Categories: Masters: All | Beginner: Women | Intermediate: Men | Advanced: Women | Open: Women 
*Both sessions are open to all competitors, though these categories are recommended.

Competitor Check-in: 2:30pm
Competitor Rules Meeting: 2:50pm
Climbing: 3:00pm – 6:00pm

AWARDS + AFTER PARTY: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Beverages, Fun + Games:
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Raffle Prizes: 6:15pm
Awards
: 7:00pm
After Party (21+): 6:00pm – 8:00pm

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

WAIVERS:

When in doubt, fill one out! All climbers must complete a signed waiver or have one on file with Edgeworks in order to participate. Waivers must be renewed each year. Click here now!

AWARDS + RAFFLE PRIZES:

Instead of cash prizes, we choose to invest that money into some pretty sweet swag that everyone has a chance to win! The top 3 competitors in each category are guaranteed to walk away with a prize. Beyond that, our raffle prize system ensures that every competitor has a chance to walk away with a prize; competitors must be present to win. Raffle prizes will start at 6:15pm and continue throughout the awards!

FREE AFTER PARTY! 6pm – 8pm

Once the competition ends, competitors and guests who are 21+ are invited to join us for the after party! Please note: all climbing will shut down at the conclusion of the community comp; post-comp climbing sessions will not be available during this time.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

Who can compete?

All climbers age 16 or older are welcome to compete. We will have up to 60 competitors in each session, a total of 120 competitors throughout the day.

What is a Redpoint format?

A Redpoint format provides many different climbing routes. Each route has a different level of difficulty and a unique point value commensurate to the level of difficulty. Points are gained only if the route is completed. If you can not complete a climb, you may return your scorecard to the queue and try again. Climbers are given 3 hours to complete as many routes as desired; with a climber’s top 5 adding up their final score. Falls will be used to determine tie-breakers. 

Do you need help?

Yes, we’re looking for volunteers for both sessions. Find out more about what is needed and how you will be rewarded your for your time here. Volunteering is the best way to get a front row seat to all the action!

How much does it cost?

Sign up early to save! Presale prices are $45 for members and $55 for guests; ends Wednesday, 10/26.
Day-of registration cost is $60.

Can I watch but not compete?

Yes! Spectators are welcome throughout the day or you can volunteer to help with competitor queues and judging, giving you a front row seat to all the action!

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WALL + GYM CLOSURES:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24th – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30th:

WALL CLOSURES

Competition setting will begin to take place Monday evening; closed areas will include all of the bouldering walls as well as some of the top rope walls in the West Bay.

The top rope and lead walls in the East Bay will remain open to members and customers during this time.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2022 | ALL DAY:

LIMITED CLIMBING AVAILABLE.
CLOSED areas include:
• ALL of the climbing walls in the WEST BAY; including all boulder and lower level rope walls.
• Weight + Cardio areas; including Campus Board
• Upstairs area; including lounge, yoga studio and Kilter Board

OPEN areas include:
• The EAST BAY will be OPEN for rope climbing.

All youth programs, climbing school courses and fitness classes will be canceled.
Our parking lot will be full so please plan ahead! Spectators are welcome in the competition area.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022 | ALL DAY:

LIMITED CLIMBING AVAILABLE.
CLOSED areas include:
• ALL of the climbing walls in the WEST BAY; including all boulder and lower level rope walls.
• Weight + Cardio areas; including Campus Board

OPEN areas include:
• The EAST BAY will be OPEN for rope climbing Sunday, October 30.
• Upstairs area; including lounge, yoga studio and Kilter Board

All youth programs, climbing school courses and fitness classes will be canceled.
Our parking lot will be full so please plan ahead! Spectators are welcome in the competition area.

Team Newsletter | Oct 2022

Wednesday, October 12th, 2022

TEAM NEWS + UPDATES

A big thank you to everyone who was able to make it out to the first Team Edgeworks potluck! I had a blast and I hope you all did too.

Please take some time to read through all of the important info below. Team newsletters will arrive bi-weekly throughout the rest of the season so please keep a lookout for these moving forward.

Items in this newsletter:

  • Practice Registration Links
  • Edgeworks Tacoma Competition Info
  • Riverfront Rock Gym Competition Info
  • Competition Schedule / USA Climbing Membership Information
  • Bake Sale Sign-Up Form – Volunteers Needed!
  • Team Apparel Order Form – Place Order ASAP!
  • Team Pro-Deals
  • Family Contact Form
  • Team Handbook

Edgeworks Tacoma Competition!

Registration is open for the Edgeworks Tacoma competition, but space is limited! The event is filling up, so please sign-up asap to secure your spot if you are planning on attending this comp!

This is our home gym–allowing familiarity with the terrain and therefore a home field advantage, so I expect a strong Team Edgeworks presence there!

You can find registration links and more info in the email version of this newsletter.

Riverfront Rock Gym Competition

Our first qualifying event is this Saturday, October 15th, at the Riverfront Rock Gym in Wenatchee! We will have four coaches there to support the athletes and I look forward to seeing all of you.

If you have any questions, please refer to the “Parent Guide” and “Info Sheet” included in the email version of this newsletter or reach out to your coaching staff. The info sheet contains the times climbers need to be at the facility based on their category.

USA Climbing Competition Schedule

Registration is now open for Riverfront Rock Gym, Edgeworks Tacoma, and Uplift competitions. Please register as soon as possible. This helps the host facility to plan for the correct number of climbers and helps us staff coaches appropriately, thanks!

In order to qualify for Regionals, each competitor will need to compete in at least two competitions. Your best results from two competitions will be used determine your Ranking Points. I strongly recommend attending as many competitions as possible to have the best chance at qualifying.

For more information on how ranking points and qualifying for Regionals is handled, see section 17 &18 of the official rulebook or the parent guide.

Oct 15: Riverfront Rock Gym, Wenatchee
Oct 29: Edgeworks Climbing, Tacoma – Sign up today!
Nov 5: Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym, Spokane
Nov 19: Uplift Climbing, Seattle
Dec 3: Seattle Bouldering Project, Fremont

IMPORTANT! Competitor Membership

In order to compete in a USA Climbing event, all athletes will need to obtain a competitor level membership. This membership will be $105 and covers the entire 2022-2023 competitive season. Follow the link below and complete your membership as soon as possible. If you have any questions, reference the “Member Handbook”, email info@usaclimbing.org or talk to your head coach.

TEAM EDGEWORKS Bake Sale!

Volunteers Needed!!

We will be hosting a bake sale to benefit Team Edgeworks at the Edgeworks Tacoma competition and we need your help! If you are interested in donating some baked goods or volunteering to work the table, please sign up with the link provided in your email.

TEAM EDGEWORKS Apparel

ORDER FORMS ARE HERE!

All new Team Edgeworks members will receive one practice and one competition shirt for no charge. You will have the option of purchasing more shirts as well as hoodies and tanks.

Returning this year are “Parent” team shirts. If you want to represent Team Edgeworks at comps or around town, you can now purchase a team shirt for yourself!

This round of ordering will close on October 17, so please follow the link in your email to place your order today! If you do not wish to purchase additional clothing, please still fill out the form so we can get the right size apparel for your athlete.