Here is an update from Andy White on Day 1 of Rock the Blocs Boulderfest in Kelowna, BC
Day one at the Third Annual Rock the Blocs Boulderfest in The Boulderfields is in the books. Once again, the competition day of the event was a resounding success. With over 165 participants, and over 110 competitors, The Fields were abuzz yesterday.
The Rock the Blocs Bouldering Festival was created as a way to showcase the world-class bouldering in The Boulderfields. Yesterday saw participants from Mexico, Austria, Germany, numerous states in the USA, Ontario, and all over Alberta and BC. The vibe in the boulders was electric and the climbing community showed its true cohesiveness. At times, it was easy to forget that a bouldering competition was underway.
Climbers wandering the fields. Photo courtesy of Ava Aslani ©
Photo courtesy of Ava Aslani ©
In the end, the competition was terrific and after a solid day, the men’s and women’s open titles were defended by Miles Adamson and Staci White respectively. Here are the category winners for each gender:
Here are the winners from Saturday’s outdoor competition
Men’s Open: Miles Adamson
Men’s Intermediate: Nikita Taylor
Men’s Beginner: Jonas Scheid
Women’s Open: Staci White
Women’s Intermediate: Kay Nguyen
Women’s Beginner: Aletha Rice
Youth: Evan Johaneson
Photo courtesy of Ava Aslani ©
Day two of the festival starts this morning with many participants staying to enjoy a day of climbing, guided tours, and clinics all hosted by local Okanagan boulderers and developers.
This festival is definitely growing each year, and with statements like “This is a world-class destination,” and “This is better than (insert your choice of North American destination here),” it seems like the festival is having the desired effect of exposing climbers to the amazingness of The Boulderfields.
Thanks Andy for organizing such an event! Squamish Climbing Magazine will keep you posted on the festival!
Photo courtesy of Ava Aslani ©
Photo courtesy of Ava Aslani ©
Photo courtesy of Ava Aslani ©
