The Summer State Games of Oklahoma
Recently, I registered for the Summer State Games of Oklahoma. Woohoo! It’s being held at Climb UP gym in here in Norman at the end of August. I’m excited because this will be the second climbing related competition I’ve participated in.
My first competition was held this past January at the Winter State Games of OK. This was the most chill competing event I’ve ever attended. I’ll explain more about the winter games in a future article because these comps appear to be formatted differently from each other.
This is New
From what the Climb UP website says about the summer State Games of OK event, it “is a hybrid-Olympic format style competition, the first of its kind.” This looks exciting. It will combine “three disciplines of climbing; speed, bouldering, and top-rope/lead for a combined final score.” All of this in an open format ("redpoint style") where competitors can select the climbs they wish to attempt (from a pool of climbs), and the order in which they wish to attempt them.
Oh, Crap
Confession, I thought this was going to be just like the winter games where the main event was bouldering when I registered. I didn’t read the description all the way though. There will be 3 activities, not just one to compete in. Wow.
Look at the Positives
Okay, one way to look at this is I’ll be participating in something completely new. Which if you think about it, it’s kind of cool. I’m up for trying new stuff. I do feel kind of like a human guinea pig right now but it could be something to look forward to.
Another way to look at this is, when the registration form asked what category to sign up for, I picked recreational. Recreational is the “easiest” out of the adult categories and I’m glad I chose that one. Participates are expected to at least climb V0 to V2 for bouldering and 5.7-5.9 for toprope and/or lead. Those I know for sure I can do.
I considered registering as intermediate but now it’s wise I didn’t. Intermediate is V3-V4 for bouldering and 5.9+ to 5.11 for toprope and/or lead. I haven’t attempted V4’s and recently I’ve finally have a few 5.11s under my belt. I don’t know if I would have the energy and strength to do those in a timely manner. However, I do somewhat wish you could pick different skill categories for the event. I would have picked recreational for bouldering and intermediate for roped climbing.
What to Look Forward To
Earlier in the event description, it said the comp is in “open format”. That means I can choose which problems and routes to climb. Plus, I can choose when to do them. That eases my mind a little. I might switch it up during the comp so I don’t get too tired on one group or the other.
Train, Train, and More Training
Looks like now I’ll need to start training somehow. The comp is Saturday, August 26th. That gives me a little over a month to practice and train. Definitely doable. I’ve recently started having sessions three times a week instead of two. I’m happy I’m doing that now.
Not only will I have to train for bouldering but also for the roped climbing. I don’t know if I will do all the routes toprope or switch to lead. I’m slowly starting to get comfortable with lead again. That may depend on where I’m at with it but I might stick to toprope for the time being. I have no idea what they mean by speed climbing. I guess I’ll find out as time gets closer to the event.
Wish Me Luck
During these upcoming weeks, I’ll keep you updated with my training and progress. Future articles will mostly focus on this but I will try to stick in climbing related topics too on the website. May the odds be ever in my favor throughout this duration of sessions. Until next time, happy bouldering!