Last night, Ground Up Climbing Centre, in Squamish, BC, hosted their first ever Sport Climbing BC sanctioned bouldering competition. With 140 competitors from across the province participating in the event, the scene was set for a showdown in the Open Category for both men and women.
Women’s field previewing problems. Photo courtesy of Thomas Burden ©
Men’s field previewing problems. Photo courtesy of Thomas Burden ©
On the men’s side, Elan Jonas McRae from Victoria held first place going into the finals and continued to dominate, flashing all four problems with ease. On his heels was Tim Catcher, who had not competed in four years. Tim came out of the gate swinging with a quick flash of the first and second problems, taking second for the night. Despite valiant efforts from the rest of the field, the moment of the night went to Tosh Sherkat, who stoked the crowd as his time ran down on Problem #4 only to fall and then get back on the wall for a ‘beat the clock’ finish.
Tim Catcher finishing #3. Photo courtesy of Thomas Burden ©
On the women’s side, the longstanding rivalry between Climb Base Five Open Team members continued, with Maria Celkova, Tiffany Melius, and Alannah Yip all making finals along with Sophie Buitendyk, who has impressed us all season with her smooth style. In the finals, it came down to the leaders, Alannah Yip and Tiffany Melius, both coming off breaks in their training schedule after a trip to Bishop, CA. With both women flashing problems #1 and #2, the top of the podium was decided when Tiffany Melius’s foot slipped on problem #3 followed by a flash of the problem by Alannah Yip moments later.
Tiffany Melius on #2. Photo courtesy of Thomas Burden ©
Alannah Yip on #4. Photo courtesy of Thomas Burden ©
Special thanks goes out to the Ground Up team and Sport Climbing BC for putting on a very smooth competition and surely the first of many. This competition also saw a few new faces on the route-setting team lead by Simon Parton, including Tim Doyle and Judith Hirsch. Finally, thanks to the photographers on the floor who put in their hours all day including Ken Chow, Shane Murdoch, and Thomas Burden.
Setting team at work. Photo courtesy of Thomas Burden ©
Final Results
Men’s Open
1. Elan Joas McRae
2. Tim Catcher
3. Kyle Murdoch
4. Jesse Taplin
5. Tristen Gosselin
6. Tosh Sherkat
7. Kin Wah Lai
8. Braden McCrea
Women’s Open
1. Alannah Yip
2. Tiffany Melius
3. Sophie Buitendyk
4. Allison Stewart Patterson
5. Maria CelKova
6. Thomasina Pidgeon
7. Mika Hosoi
8. Hannah Block
First place winners topping out in unison. Photo courtesy of Thomas Burden ©
Special thanks to Thomas Burden for the photos. Check out his stuff here.
