Edgeworks’ climbing camps are a fun way for young climbers of all abilities to stay active & engaged during winter break.
Campers will spend time with our youth instructors and coaches learning the basics of climbing with a mix of activities and games keeping them engaged and learning.
Each day is unique and will offer adventures and challenges that your child will never forget!
Where did you grow up and how did you end up in the Pacific Northwest?
Ben: I grew up in the suburban outskirts of North Seattle, prior to it becoming modern day Shoreline. There was no World Wide Web. We played outside constantly.
What’s the story behind your becoming a climber? How did you end up at Edgeworks?
Ben: My roots in climbing began late 1994 after visiting the UW Rock, armed with only wrestling shoes and curiosity. It was there that I chanced upon an enthusiastic 14 year-old kid from Mercer Island looking for a partner with wheels. In short order, we were all over the Cascades from alpine routes & glacier slogs, to splitter Index cracks and knobby faces. We had several close shaves summer of 95’.
If you had to choose between bouldering, top rope or lead climbing as the only form of climbing you could do from here on out, what would you choose and why?
Ben: As for disciplines, I prefer the complexity of rope climbing. I’m equally comfortable climbing sport or traditional routes, whether single or multi-pitch.
What type of music are you jamming out to lately?
Ben: Music preferences: I’ve been listening a bit to Junge Junge lately. When time allows I enjoy playing Chopin on the piano.
What is one lesson you’ve learned as a climber that you would teach to your younger self who’s just starting out climbing?
Ben: The best advice I can offer to new climbers is to have fun, explore, and don’t take things too seriously. Embrace adventure and dare to get a little uncomfortable. Know the difference between real and perceived risk—as one keeps you alive while the other leads to stagnation. When it comes to pushing limits…the road to success is often paved with failure. Check your knot!
Best part about Edgeworks?
Ben: Best part of Edgeworks… is the climbing of course! EW is on my way home from work and helps me stay healthy and balanced.
Could you tell us something about you that our community members might not know? What’s your jam outside of Edgeworks?
Ben: Other odds and ends about me: I’m happily married with 2 small children. I work as a full time PT at Harbor Physical Therapy in Gig Harbor; and enjoy helping climbers, whether they are trying to recover from an injury, or seeking to balance the muscle and movement system to optimize their potential and ward off future injury. This past year I received a WARP grant to update all the ancient hardware on the Sport Wall at Index, and am nearly finished. It has been an honor to give back to the climbing community in this way, and I’ve learned much in the process. Climbing highlights over the years include: sending 5.14b sport, establishing a 5.13+ roof crack in Zion, and swinging leads with Alex Honnold up El Cap before he became famous.
What’s your goal for the months ahead as far as climbing and fitness go?
Ben: Goals in 2020 are to get outside, scrub, bolt, smile, and give some of the ole’ try hard.
Join us ALL DAY for Treats, Clinics, Fitness Classes, and MORE.
Friday, December 6, 2019
Why? Because we really, REALLY like our members and want to say THANK YOU!
Stop by the gym for the 1-DAY MEMBERSHIP SALE and stay for the fun activities.
WAKE-UP with Edgeworks
Our new early morning hours offer a great way to jump start your day!
6:15 am
Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga with Sarahlynn! Ommm ♡
6:30 am
FREE Coffee, Mimosas & Donuts: YUM!
FREE! Climbing Clinics
Designed to give you a glimpse into the possibilities, skills and progress that our Climbing School courses have to offer. Space is limited; sign up online!
5:00 pm – and –
6:00 pm
MULTI-PITCH EFFICIENCY – 45 mins When swinging leads on a multi-pitch route, the belay transitions are often the biggest time suck. Learn how to make swapping leads on a multi-pitch fast, efficient and fun.
(2) 45 minute sessions at 5:00 and 6:00 pm with 2:1 student/instructor ratios.
SPORT ANCHORS – 45 mins Know how to lead but not how clean your anchor? Take this clinic to learn how to clean sport anchors. This course will teach you how to get your gear back and avoid potentially dangerous mistakes.
AVALANCHE AWARENESS – 90 mins Designed to give you a basic understanding of avalanche hazards in back-country travel. If you play in the snow in any capacity, this is a good program for you to take!
LEAD FALLING – 90 mins Learning how to take lead falls and catching them are some of the most important aspects of leading. Come to this clinic to become a better leader and belayer! Must be lead certified to attend.
An awesome way to sample a selection of the FREE fitness classes included with your membership. Try out a new class, meet a new instructor, or simply add a bonus class to your week.
6:15 am
SUNRISE VINYASA YOGA w/ Sarahlynn– 1 hr Join Sarahlynn for an invigorating early morning yoga session to build strength, flexibility and concentration while cleansing the body and calming the mind.
YOGA for CLIMBERS w/ Heidi K. – 1 hr Heidi specializes in alignment based yoga instruction with a strong influence of the Iyengar, Vijnana, and Ashtanga tradition, perfect for climbers!
DURABILITY w/ Lyra – 1 hr Focusing on a variety of functional movement patterns for climbers, this class will help you collect tools to stay healthy, happy, and mobile enough for your next “send”.
HIIT Training w/ Tina– 30 min
If you’ve never tried high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, it’s worth serious consideration. Why? In short, HIIT, which involves bursts of high-intensity cardio and strength exercises interspersed with brief periods of recovery, is a great way to get a big workout with multiple benefits in a small amount of time.
YOGA for CLIMBERS w/ Erica– 1 hr Erica’s vinyasa sessions are a blend of athleticism, dance and spirit. She crafts an intense flow-based practice rich in yoga philosophy, sweaty with hard work, and celebratory in tone.
WARM UP for CLIMBING w/ Lyra– 30 min This 30 minute class will introduce you to various movement patterns and appropriate types warm up activities for climbing. (hint: not stretching)
ACRO YOGA w/ Samitha– 1 hr Join Samitha for the FUNdamentals of dynamic partnering and acrobatic balancing that is Acro Yoga. Beginners welcome and individual sign ups are encouraged!
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”.
Being both an AMGA Rock Guide and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Lyra is uniquely qualified to design fitness classes and training programs that specifically target the needs of climbers.
The exercises she creates come from her careful study of movement, developed through academic study as well as observations of her own movement and that of her clients—from over a decade of guiding in the mountains.
Durability for Climbers | Tuesdays at 6:00pm
Focusing on a variety of functional movement patterns, this class will help you work on your posture and neuromuscular control—subtle but challenging work. This class will help you identify and focus on your areas of need—during class and in your everyday life—and collect tools to keep you healthy, happy, and mobile enough for your next “send”.
Participating in 5 consecutive sessions is recommended before expecting any changes or results.
Warm-up for Climbers | Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 5:30pm
Competitive athletes, dancers, and other movement artists don’t dare hit the field or stage without a careful warmup. This 30 minute class will introduce you to various movement patterns and appropriate types warm up activities for climbing. (hint: not stretching)
Additionally, this class will cover a exercises to aid in your cool down routine and help enhance recovery. Ultimately helping you cultivate a warmup and cool down routine that best suits your needs.
Join this class weekly to learn new movement techniques and adopt tools to improve performance, reduce risk of injury, and most importantly have more fun in each and every climbing session.
Where did you grow up and how did you end up in the Pacific Northwest?
Deb: I grew up in the Bay Area, and first moved to the PNW after living on the Big Island for 4 years with my husband Jeff. We left the PNW for a couple years to live in Oslo, Norway, but came back to stay in 2000.
What’s the story behind your becoming a climber? How did you end up at Edgeworks?
Deb: The first time I came to Edgeworks was with Jeff, our sons and their Scout troop. Of course I was clueless on what I was doing, but I had a blast doing it! It wasn’t until January of last year that a friend of mine suggested we join EW to stay active in the winter. I’ve been coming ever since!
If you had to choose between bouldering, top rope or lead climbing as the only form of climbing you could do from here on out, what would you choose and why?
Deb: If I had to choose one form of climbing, it would be lead. I love the challenge it presents, and the total focus it requires.
What is one lesson you’ve learned as a climber that you would teach to your younger self who’s just starting out climbing?
Deb: In the two years I’ve been climbing, I’ve learned the importance of warming up before climbing hard, and not letting the route ratings dictate what I attempt, at least while on top rope!
Best part about Edgeworks?
Deb: Best part of Edgeworks is the people, of course. I love how friendly and laid back everyone is, both the employees and members. I am always impressed with the creativity and diversity of the routes – EW route setters do a great job keeping things interesting!
Could you tell us something about you that our community members might not know? What’s your jam outside of Edgeworks?
Deb: Something people might not know about me: I used to fly helicopters over active lava flows on the Big Island, and spent a summer flying over and landing on glaciers in Southeast Alaska.
What’s your goal for the months ahead as far as climbing and fitness go?
Deb: To become more experienced and confident in trad, learn multi pitch, and climb outside as much as possible. I had the chance to climb for a day in Joshua Tree in April, and would love to go back there next year and spend a lot more time exploring. I used to have the goal of climbing harder and harder routes in the gym, but now I realize that it’s not the number that counts the most, it’s enjoying whatever challenge the route has to offer.
Since 2004, Edgeworks has been incorporating the CHALLENGE and MOTIVATION of a climbing competition with the CREATIVITY, STOKE and FUN of black lights. Our stellar team of route setters craft 55 of the best problems of the year and our creative team of staff and volunteers decorate the walls to make them glow. No matter your skill level, you can’t help but feel the EXCITEMENT when the lights go out.
From the route setting, black light tape decor, costumes and DJ; to the pre-registration swag bags, awards and raffle prizes, each year keeps getting better because we never stop looking for new or different ways to mix things up.
Edgeworks Members: $25 ($40 after 10/23) Community: $35 ($50 after 10/23) Pre-registration closes at 12pm, Wednesday, October 23rd IN-PERSON day-of registration opens at 9:30am, Saturday, October 26
Registration Includes: BEST ROUTES of the year • Black light FUN • AWARDS •RAFFLE PRIZES (Adult & Youth) COSTUME CONTEST• After PARTY (21+) BLACK LIGHT Tee or Tank (add’l $15, must register by Oct. 9th)
Call to be added to the waitlist for Session 1. (253) 564-4899
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – * Competitors must register for the assigned session for their category; i.e. youth in Session 1, adults in Session 2. * Youth under 18 who wish to compete in session 2 must sign up for OPEN categories; no youth under 16 allowed to compete in the Adult session. _______________________________________________________________________
AWARDS and 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 ADULT category are guaranteed to walk away with a prize. Beyond that, our raffle prize system ensures that every competitor has a chance to win something too. Competitors must be present to win. Raffle prizes will be given out after the Adult Awards (approx 7pm) and will include a sweet Grand Prize drawing!
COSTUME CONTEST – 6:30pm Compete dressed as your favorite super hero, celebrity or animal; or just decorate yourself in the best glow imaginable and be entered to win a fun prize in our Costume Contest.
MUSIC/DJ(all day) and FOOD TRUCKS(11am-4pm) Enjoy the musical stylings of DJ Johnny Devine and grab a bite from the Sirius Wood Fired Pizza food truck between sessions. There’s a lot going on, we want make sure you stay fueled and entertained.
FREE AFTER PARTY! 6PM – 8PM Once the competition ends, everyone 21+ is invited to join us upstairs for FREE beer/cider. Comp registration not required.
Prizes: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place competitors in all Adult Categories will receive a sweet product prize from one of our event sponsors.
USAC Credit and OPEN Category: USAC Competitors CANNOT get credit for the comp if they compete in the OPEN Category. In the event that a USAC participant wants to compete for BOTH USAC credit AND prizes they must register for and climb in both sessions. Yes, that means they have to pay twice.
Climbing Time: Climbers will be allowed EXACTLY 3 hours to climb. All climbing will end at the 3 hour mark.
USAC Membership/Number: All youth competitors must have a current USAC membership or purchase a USAC Introductory Membership ($30) to compete. Memberships must be purchased online before the competition begins. Introductory Memberships can be used at multiple local events; you do not need to purchase a new one for each local event.
Waivers: When in doubt, fill one out! All competitors must have a current waiver on file and any waivers completed for last year’s comp are now expired. Click here now!
Wednesday – Friday, October 23rd – 25th: Wall closureswill begin as competition setting takes place; closed areas will include all of the bouldering walls as well as most of the top rope walls in the West Room. The top rope and lead walls in the East Room will remain open to members and customers throughout the comp!
Saturday, October 26th | Gym Hours 10am – 8pm The entire right side of the gym will be open to competitors only (including ALL of the climbing walls in the West Room, weight area, upstairs lounge, yoga and instruction rooms). The cardio area and all climbing walls in the East Room will remain OPEN to members and customers throughout the day!All youth programs, climbing school courses and fitness classes will be cancelled. Our parking lot will be full so please plan ahead! Spectators are welcome in the competition area.
Even better news is the gym will fully reopen on Sunday, October 27th with a HUGE selection of brand new boulder problems for everyone to try!
Where did you grow up and how did you end up in the Pacific Northwest?
Anna: Born & raised in the PNW. I grew up north of Seattle in suburb called Brier & moved to Tacoma when I met Nick.
Nick: I am from Southern California & moved to Arizona in highschool. I came to the PNW in 2000 when I joined the ARMY & love everything about it here.
What’s the story behind your becoming a climber? How did you end up at Edgeworks?
Anna and Nick: We both teach & practice yoga @ Expand Yoga & most of our fellow instructors are climbers & members of Edgeworks. We knew after the first time we came that we were hooked! We love that Edgeoworks is family centered and that we can bring our children.
If you had to choose between bouldering, top rope or lead climbing as the only form of climbing you could do from here on out, what would you choose and why?
Anna: I haven’t taken the plunge into lead climbing yet- I am still working past that fear! I am hoping to dive into that soon. So i would have to say top rope!
Nick: Lead climbing-for sure.
Tell us your favorite music as of late. Who should we be listening to?
Nick: Old school hip hop-always is always my jam. Lately I have been into Little Dragon-check em out.
Anna: Lately I have been listening to a lot of Alabama Shakes & James Blake.
What is one lesson you’ve learned as a climber that you would teach to your younger self who’s just starting out climbing?
Anna: Climbing is the first thing that I have done as an adult that I was completely scared of & that didn’t come naturally that I have stuck with. It has given me the courage to step outside of my comfort zone & I am learning to trust myself, my breath/body and the equipment! I would tell myself just to breath, its all good! Stick with it- you feel empowered!
Nick: Just to go for it! Trust the process & set your feet up first lol!
Best part about Edgeworks?
Anna and Nick: That we can bring our family! We love that we can bring our 1.5yr old & 4 yr old. Its been so cool to watch our son learn to be in his body & challenge himself. We love how welcoming the community & staff is. Bonus is that all of our best friends are members and we climb with them!
Could you tell us something about you that our community members might not know? What’s your jam outside of Edgeworks?
Anna: I have been teaching yoga for 6 years in Tacoma & practice as often as I can!
Nick: I retired from the ARMY after 18 years and now I am a full time student @ TCC getting ready to apply to nursing school. I also delivered our 2nd baby with the midwife over the phone!
What’s your goal for the months ahead as far as climbing and fitness go?
Anna: I would love to take the lead climbing class and continue to move past limitations that are brought on by fear.
Nick: Nick would like to successfully start lead climbing 5.12s and learn how to do multi-pitch routes.
A fitness based approach to yoga with a focus on linking conscious breath and a vigorous and mindful asana sequence. Students will build strength, flexibility and concentration, while cleansing the body and calming the mind.
Join certified yoga instructor, Sarahlynn Etta, for an invigorating early morning yoga session and enjoy these 5 benefits of an AM practice:
1. Improved focus for the day ahead 2. Boosted energy levels 3. Reduced stress levels 4. Awakened metabolism 5. Increased immunity
Details:
Starting Wednesday, September 11th, 2019 Wednesdays and Fridays | 6:15 – 7:15am
Set your alarm and join us!
Cost:
FREE for Edgeworks Members Drop-In Rate: $20/class
