In the Olympic Games, sport climbing consists of three disciplines: speed climbing, lead climbing, and bouldering. Athletes compete in all three disciplines, and their combined scores determine the overall winners. Lets have a look at the disciplines:
The aim of Speed climbing is to be the fastest to reach the top of a 15m wall. Competitors race in pairs on identical routes. Speed Climbing walls are 15m high with a continuous 5 degree overhang. There are 20 large holds and 11 smaller foot hold. This is powerful and energetic – and additive to watch! The world record is set by Sam Watson with an incredible time of 4.79 seconds.
In Lead Climbing, athletes climb one at a time on an overhanging 15m route. The athlete who reaches the highest point wins. Athletes have a limited time (usually 6 minutes) for their attempt and there are different routes for men and women. Competitors can preview the route for a specific time but cannot attempt the route beforehand. These routes are technically demanding and require endurance, strength and problem-solving skills.
The aim of the Bouldering Event is to climb short, powerful problems (routes) without rope in a set time limit (usually 4 minutes). On the 4 metre high walls there is a designated top hold and a halfway zone hold. Points are awarded based on the number of tops and zones reached. Bouldering problems require strength, agility and often dynamic movement and complex sequences.
In Tokyo in 2021 Sports Climbing combined all three disciplines, however in the Paris 2024 Olympics, the format has been adjusted. Speed climbing will be a separate event, while lead climbing and bouldering will be combined into a single event. This change aims to allow athletes to specialize more and showcase their skills in each discipline more effectively.
The Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) is a government initiative that aims to provide healthy food and enriching activities during school holidays, primarily to children and young people who are eligible for free school meals. It is funded by the Department for Education (DfE). At Summit Up we are offering 4 days over the Christmas Holidays as HAF Sessions.
Book your Christmas Climbing Experience at Summit Up!
December 21, 22, 23 and 24th
Don't miss out - book early to avoid disappointment
As the nights draw in, it’s good to have something to look forward to! Organised by the Rucksack Club, the Winter Lecture Series are taking place from December to March at Summit Up Climbing.
The shows are open to EVERYONE and are FREE OF CHARGE regardless of whether you are a Rucksack Club member. There will be a raffle at each event and all PROCEEDS going to charity. The Rucksack Club and Summit Up look forward to welcoming the whole of the North West and Peak climbing, mountaineering and outdoors communities, so come along and join in the fun!
