Race to the Top

Published 10:25 am Friday, April 10, 2015

Since it opened in September 2013, Island Rock Gym has become Bainbridge’s go-to spot for all things vertical.

Island Rock Gym owner and manager Michele Lang said she is thankful to the community for its support since the gym’s opening and recently announced her plans to host the second annual Sendfest rope climbing competition Saturday, April 18.

“We had an amazing turnout for our first Sendfest last year,” Lang said, “and we’re hoping to replicate that for Sendfest 2015.”

The competition is the only indoor climbing competition on the west side of the Sound, she said, and this year’s Sendfest will join the ranks of official U.S.A. Climbing sanctioned competitions.

IRG’s climbing team Head Coach Michael Barker said he looks forward to Sendfest as not only a way to engage with the experienced climbing community, but also as a way to reach out to the broader community as well.

“Sendfest is not only a fun competition, but a great way for those curious community members to stop by and get a feel for who we are and what we can offer,” Barker said.

Participants will have three hours to climb any route of their choosing and the top three scores will be recorded. IRG will provide volunteer belayers at each rope, so climbers just need to show up and climb.

Climbers are divided into three sessions for the competition. Session 1 (Male Youth/USAC Male Jr/A/B/C/D) registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and climbing starts at

9:30 a.m. Session 2 (Female Youth/USAC Female Jr/A/B/C/D) registration opens at 11:30 a.m. and climbing starts at 1 p.m. Session 3 (Community Comp – Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced/Open/Masters) registration begins at

3:30 p.m. and climbing starts at 4:30 p.m.

Climbing categories within Session 3 include: Beginner: for climbers who comfortably climb 5.9 and below; Intermediate: for climbers who comfortably climb 5.10 grades; Advanced: for climbers who comfortably climb 5.11 grades; Open: for climbers who comfortably climb 5.12 grades; Masters: for climbers 45 and older.

Gear and prizes awarded for each category of Session 3.

For a complete schedule and list of rules, visit www.islandrockgym.com.