Kayla McCue
Member since 2017
How did you start climbing?
Kayla: Before I moved from Boston to Seattle a little over 2 years ago, I knew I needed a new hobby to take up since I didn’t know anyone on the west coast. I bought shoes and a chalk bag and a membership to SBP in my first week out here. Then my handsome new co-worker (now beloved partner), James, said he would take me outdoor climbing sometime. We haven’t stopped since.
Why do you climb at Edgeworks?
Kayla: James and I moved from Seattle to Tacoma in February of 2017 and Edgeworks was the first place we wanted to check out. I love all the classes and the tangible sense of community here, the staff is super friendly and I’ve learned and grown a ton as a climber here, and made wonderful friends in the process.
Where is your favorite place to climb outside?
Kayla: We went out to Red Rocks in Las Vegas in October and I was *enamored* with the sandstone faces and feel of the rock. Everything about those canyons is so inviting, just begging to be climbed. It was my first time in the Southwest, but I can’t wait to go back and get more climbing in. I’m actually writing this from a plane on my way to LA to climb Devils Punchbowl now.
What do you do when you’re not climbing?
Kayla: Probably throwing a tennis ball for my dog Jackson, my time at the gym is actually the only time of the day we are apart. He’s with me all day at work, helping me manage a 25 acre dog camp. (A heckin good crag dog, too.)
Which do you prefer: top rope, lead, or bouldering?
Kayla: Leading outdoors is my absolute favorite, it’s the terrifying thrill I’ve been looking for my whole life.
What are some interesting facts that you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?
Kayla: I’ve seen the band Umphrey’s McGee 39 times, it would be a lot more if climbing didn’t completely take over my life.
What’s your go-to route grade?
Kayla: In the gym I always head for the 5.12 range, outdoor is anything in the 5.10 range and flirting with 11’s.
4863 | posted at May 31st, 2018 in Member Spotlight
Spring has arrived!
by Andrew Powell
We can’t let these longer, warmer days of sunshine go to waste and the Edgeworks Guides have been out making the most of it – climbing and guiding at our local PNW crags and beyond! It is the “beyond” that this month’s trip report will focus on. More specifically, rocks colored “Red” and called “Smith“.
Because while mountainous states like Washington and Colorado are experiencing finicky weather with cleansing spring showers, other areas are getting warm and dry sunshine, springtime in the desert and high desert areas of the western US are amazing for climbing.
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RED ROCK:
In early April, Andrew met up with Edgeworks’ patron, Neil, for a couple of days of training in the “alpine” like areas deep within the canyons of Red Rock State Park in Nevada. They climbed some stellar classic routes, including Crooked Crack, and had great success exploring unknown climbing deep in Pine Creek Canyon. It was a fun couple of days moving in the warm dry environ!
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SMITH ROCK:
2 weeks later, Edgeworks all-stars, Erin and Ryan, joined Andrew at Smith Rock State Park for two days of climbing and got the full tour of the park located in Central Oregon. They climbed a handful of classic routes such as Cinnamon Slab, and some lesser known classics like Trezlar.
With Andrew as their guide, Erin and Ryan, enjoyed 2 full days exploring the park and climbing in areas that most people never visit.
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This is the time to get out to the dry parts of the world, like Vantage, to hone your skills and brush up for the fast approaching season. Edgeworks guides have expertise in the climbing areas we visit and can show you a place like you have never seen it before!
Upcoming Rock Trips:
– Vantage Crag Day w/ Andrew & Jayden – May 26
– Weekend Crag Day at North Bend w/ Berndt & Corey – June 23
MORE INFO
Upcoming Summit Climbs:
– Mount Rainier w/ Tod & Andrew – July 15 – 18
– Mount Baker w/ Andrew & Tod – August 5 – 8
– Mount Shuksan w/ Andrew & Tod – August 19 – 21
MORE INFO
4825 | posted at May 31st, 2018 in Climbing, Uncategorized
The Petzl Sirocco – Guide Approved!
by Abbie Madlem
If you find yourself in need of a new helmet this season, look no further: the Petzl Sirocco is here!
It’s ultralight design is made to be the perfect combination of protection and comfort. The new design offers increased protection against lateral and rear impacts, and carries Petzl’s top and side protection product labels.
Our most handsome and well read guide, Andrew Powell, has this to say about the Sirocco:
“I use the Petzl Sirroco helmet for my ice, alpine, and rock climbing objectives because of its excellent lightweight durability. The majority foam exterior prevents the cracks, dents, and dings that other helmets acquire, and still provides adequate protection. Its lightweight construction is easy on my neck when looking up, day in and day out on the long climbing pursuits that I love.”
Tech Specs:
– Weighs in at only 170 g!
– Hybrid construction with a shell in EPP (expanded polypropylene) foam and a rigid crown injected with EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam
– Fully adjustable with magnetic buckle closure
– Two hooks and rear elastic for attaching a headlamp
4816 | posted at May 31st, 2018 in Tech Tips, Uncategorized
Earn your peaks!
February 1 – April 30, 2018
Put your membership to good use and receive a FREE t-shirt with our 3rd annual members only 90-day challenge!
The Objective:
Earn points by completing a list of challenges including over 100 different activities – from climbing, fitness and check-in challenges to attending socials, interacting with staff, fun games, hula hooping and more.
As points are achieved, 3 different levels of “peaks” are awarded and added to your FREE member challenge t-shirt. It takes 175 points to earn all 3 peaks; with over 300 points available!
First Peak: 50 points | Second Peak: 100 points | Third Peak: 175 points
The List:
We’re pretty stoked on this year’s newly expanded list of challenges! You can check it out for yourself HERE or pick up a copy at the gym.
In addition to more fitness, climbing game and skills based challenges, the distribution of points has been adjusted to entice both the over and under achievers among us. We predict that it is possible to earn all 3 peaks in one day (IAD) but there are also plenty of really fun challenges that are accessible to all skill levels and will keep you coming back for more points and peaks!
The Shirts:
Points will be tallied once a week by Edgeworks staff and T-shirts will be distributed upon achievement of the first peak (50 points). T-shirts will be labelled with the member’s name and added to a rolling cart located in the back hallway near the bathrooms.
*Current stock/availability may delay the delivery a t-shirt by 1-2 weeks.
Note: Feel free to wear and wash your shirt during the challenge but please refrain from using fabric softener until after your peaks have been added.
Earning/Adding Peaks:
Iron-on peaks will be made available at the front desk along with simple to follow DIY instructions.
Or you can bring your shirt to the monthly Climbers Socials in March, April and May, when we’ll have staff available to add the peaks for you.
Progress:
Members are responsible for tracking their progress and checking the boxes on their challenge sheets as items are completed. To entice those of us with an extra competitive spirit, we will update a public Challenge Board with everyone’s individual points – you know, just in case you want to see how you match up to the achievements of others.
4662 | posted at April 30th, 2018 in Climbing, Uncategorized
Springtime at Vantage
with Andrew Powell
Spring has arrived!
Or at least it has hinted at its arrival which makes this the perfect season for climbing at Vantage.
On March 26th, Andrew lead our first outdoor rock climbing trip of the season.
The destination: the freestanding basalt columns of Frenchman Coulee (also known as Vantage)
The goal: to tune-up their skills on crack climbs and trad routes and also have a good time.
The routes: ‘Party in your Pants (5.8 trad)’, ‘Easy Off (5.10c sport)’; then ‘Pony Keg (5.9 trad)’, ‘Crossing the Threshold (5.8 trad)’, and finally ‘Air Guitar (5.10a trad)’.
The outcome: A great day on dry rock with awesome people – success!
If you’re looking to get outside for the first time this season, our group climbing trips are the perfect introduction to climbing at Vantage, North Bend, Mt. Erie, and Smith Rock.
Upcoming Edgeworks Group Climbing Trips:
– Trad Lead & Multi-Pitch: April 27th-28th, 2018
– Vantage Crag Day: May 25th, 2018
Regardless of your experience level, our guides and instructors are available to assist with expertise and knowledge – from navigating climbing areas and finding the right routes for you to climb, to offering that additional level of confidence to help take your outdoor sport, trad, or alpine climbing to the next level.
Our personal guiding options can open the door to new adventures and new places including Leavenworth, Darrington, Morningstar Peak, Castle Rock, Smith Rock, Boston Basin, Forbidden Peak, Glacier Peak, Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, Terror Basin and the North Cascades.
Contact Andrew for more details: programs@edgeworksclimbing.com
4768 | posted at April 30th, 2018 in Adventure, Climbing, Uncategorized
Tony Tran
Member since 2017
How did you start climbing?
Tony: It was early 2017 and I wanted to find an alternative to LA Fitness because I’ve always preferred functional fitness vs the classic weightlifting/cardio routine. After I climbed my first route at Edgeworks, I was hooked!
Why do you climb at Edgeworks?
Tony: Convenience since it’s only a few minutes from my home, variety of routes for both top-roping and bouldering, and of course, the staff and members are super cool and are always willing to share tips to help me improve my climbing!
Where is your favorite place to climb outside?
Tony: I’ve only climbed at Vantage so far so that would be my default but will try different places this year. I’m actually heading to Red Rocks Easter weekend for some bouldering!
What do you do when you’re not climbing?
Tony: Most of my days are spent at work as a physical therapist, but in my free time I enjoy hiking, cooking, and checking out new restaurants/bars around Tacoma!
Which do you prefer: top rope, lead, or bouldering?
Tony: Tie between top rope and bouldering.
What are some interesting facts that you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?
Tony: I’m a level 3 Muay Thai kickboxer and my instructor is fellow Edgeworks member Chris Pascual!
What’s your go-to route grade?
Tony: Lately 5.10 because it’s a good transition point where I actually have to incorporate more technique instead of muscling up routes.
4794 | posted at April 30th, 2018 in Member Spotlight
Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes
by Abbie Madlem
Black Diamond’s Momentum climbing shoes have arrived at Edgeworks! This comfortable, entry-level model is perfect for the gym or the crag, finding that sweet spot where all-day comfort meets performance climbing. Don’t let the flat-last fool you! The Momentum won’t slow you down.
Check out some of the tech specs:
Knit Uppers: The knit fabric means that the Momentum requires less break-in time than its counterparts. The fabric is designed to stretch and breath where you most need it, which means less sweaty feet and easy on-off!
Microfiber Liner: The microfiber liner in the front of the shoe minimizes stretch, which means how you buy them is how they should continue to fit.
Neutral, Flat Last: The neutral, flat last of the shoe allows your toes to lie in a neutral position. This is more inviting to newer climbers (your feet won’t be killing you at the end of your session!). They’re also great for more experienced climbers that are looking for a high performance, high comfort shoe (perfect for long days of cragging and long gym sessions)!
Durable Rubber: The rubber on the Momentum is unique in that it’s molded instead of cut from one sheet of rubber. This was inspired by the way that BD forges their carabiners, and is their engineered solution to optimize the shoe’s rubber and rands for weight, consistency, and comfort.
This shoe is unlike any other beginner shoe out there. If you’re curious (we know we were!), don’t take our word for it. Come in and try a pair out!
4753 | posted at April 30th, 2018 in Climbing, Tech Tips, Uncategorized
Team Fundraiser
On March 17, Team kids took several hours out of a beautiful Saturday and committed to making a contribution to the Edgeworks community by belaying anyone who asked; even some who didn’t ask! I’m proud of the way they represented Edgeworks Climbing, and they exceeded expectations for a lot of guests and members in the gym. Way to go Team!
This event was part of a fundraiser that ran for the month of March. The team distributed coupons for discounted Clip and Climb passes, and for any that were redeemed Edgeworks Climbing donated $10 to the Team. This resulted in a $290 windfall! Thanks for supporting our crushers Edgeworks Climbing!
All work and No Play…
Training for comps isn’t all work and no play. Recently Coach Josh took advantage of April Fool’s Day, albeit a day or two late. A few times a year, the Team will do a classic CrossFit workout called a “Murph” which consists of a one mile run, 100 Pull-Ups, 200 Push-Ups, 300 Air Squats, and another one mile run; all modified to fit the ability of the athlete. On April 2nd and 3rd, Coach Josh added a double “Murph” to the workout board, which all the kids are accustomed to checking as soon as they arrive at the gym. Thinking that the kids would complain or rebel, we were prepared to enjoy the looks on their faces when we revealed the joke. The joke was on us. Almost every kid was enthusiastic, or at the very least, resigned to digging in and doing the work, even going so far as to be disappointed when we called it off! Gotta give it to the kids who are willing to put in hard work every day with a smile on every face!
Upcoming Events
– April 7 Local comp @ Redmond Vertical World
– April 21 Local comp @ Island Rock Gym, Bainbridge Island
– April 28 Local comp @ ClubSport, Tigard, OR
April Birthdays
Maya: April 6 | Gabriel: April 10 | Grace: April 17
Social Media
Check the lobby bulletin board, Facebook and Instagram for Team Edgeworks news and information.
Next PCA Meeting
April 16, 6:30p in the upstairs lounge.
Contact Info.
Lisa Ferazza, Team Manager
Phone: 253-564-4899
E-Mail: lisa@edgeworksclimbing.com
4776 | posted at April 30th, 2018 in Team
