Hopkins hosts intercollegiate climbing competition

Hopkins hosted its annual bouldering competition this past Saturday, Mar. 10. As part of the Mid Atlantic Collegiate Climbing Competition Series, the bouldering competition attracted students from Hopkins, Slippery Rock University, Towson University and University of Maryland, College Park.
The Mid Atlantic Collegiate Climbing Competition Series holds five competitions throughout the year, inviting climbers to qualify for larger competitions and earn championship titles.
Hopkins's competition was held in the newly renovated bouldering cave at the Ralph S. O'Connor Recreation Center. Competitors were anxious to test out the revamped facility, which re-opened to the public on Feb. 14 of this year.
Construction efforts were made possible largely due to the money raised through hosting climbing competitions. Hopkins replaced the old flooring, comprised of small rocks that absorbed force, with gymnastics-quality cushioning. In addition, all remnants of the old squash court walls were concealed with bright blue paint.
The Outdoor Pursuits Climbing Wall Staff organized the bouldering competition this past Saturday in conjunction with several sponsors, including REI, Carma's Caf??, One World Caf?? and Cold Stone Creamery. The sponsors generously donated a range of great prizes, such as gift cards, titanium water bottles and a neon green portable camping chair.
Between the awesome prizes, the newly refurbished cave and the promise of a day full of climbing, this year's bouldering contest attracted an unprecedented number of 26 competitors. Senior Anne Hobson, the General Manager of the Climbing Wall Staff, was pleased with the turnout of both competitors and spectators.
"This year's bouldering comp was especially exciting because we had over three times the amount of competitors than last year. It was exciting to see all our efforts as Wall Staff pay off," Hobson said.
What distinguished this competition from other athletic events at Hopkins was the inclusive atmosphere. The three different levels - beginner (V0-V2), intermediate (V3-V5) and advanced (V6 +) - made the competition accessible to any student with an interest in bouldering.
A sense of energy captivated the bouldering cave, as spectators encouraged the competitors to stay strong and work through the problems set by the Wall Staff. It was nice to witness students from different schools coming together in such a supportive environment.
"It had a great atmosphere, everyone cheering each other on and so forth," junior Kielan Crow, the winner of the men's beginner division, wrote to The News-Letter in an email.
Crow discovered bouldering two years ago; however, he had prior experience top roping. Bouldering differs from top roping in that the climber cannot exceed 12 feet. Since climbers do not wear harnesses while bouldering, the climbers are forced to pay greater attention to their technique.
"Bouldering is good for me because I'm a horrible technical climber, and so it forces me to complete moves by myself without help from the rope," Crow wrote.
Sophomore Miura Hawkins, who won the women's advanced division, appreciates bouldering for the freedom of movement that it allows.
"I like top roping better, but bouldering is cool because there are interesting moves you can do because you're not constrained by a rope," Hawkins told The News-Letter.
While some people, such as Hawkins, started climbing during their childhood, most of the competitors discovered bouldering and top roping at their respective universities.
Hopkins's spring bouldering competition proved successful. Both competitors and spectators, alike, enjoyed themselves. Hopkins also raised proceeds from competition fees to go towards maintaining the climbing facilities in the Rec. Center.
This semester, the Rec. Center has expanded the hours for the bouldering cave; the cave is open from 6-10 pm on Monday through Thursday. Students do not need to attend a class or take a test to start bouldering. Students are only required to sign a waiver to use the newly renovated bouldering cave.