On the morning of September 9th, one hundred thirty-two climbers filed in through the front doors, eager to get on the wall. Nerves were high, but the stoke was higher. This event was months in the making and the setting crew worked tirelessly the week before to perfect the sets. To see everyone’s hard work come to fruition was beyond fulfilling.

Once the clock started running, climbers wasted no time getting to the wall. With only 4 hours of climbing time, every single minute was accounted for. Tagalong friends and family established themselves on the sidelines with their resounding ovations.

It's almost like there was no competition, that this was just another Friday night gym sesh.

Competitors cheered and encouraged each other by offering chalk and tape when needed and throwing out the occasional celebratory high-five. It's almost like there was no competition, that this was just another Friday night gym sesh. Any climber will tell you the best thing about the sport is the community, but to see it for yourself is truly remarkable. The climbers from South Florida mingled with the North Florida climbers like they’ve known each other for years.

In the meantime, County Road Provisions, Real Peel Pizza, and Sprout Kitchen worked hard to keep competitors fueled in between sends. BBQ was smoked, pizzas were flipped, smoothies were blended, and the climbing continued.

One by one, climbers retired from the wall and began to turn in their score cards. Once their time officially ran out, things started to get lively. With only 30 minutes until awards were scheduled to be presented, judges worked quickly to get everyone’s scores calculated. Meticulously adding up each climber’s points and referencing the number of attempts made, this wasn’t a job for the weak. Chris Fabra kept spirits high by filling Stone with upbeat jams as the setters rushed to get the walls stripped and reset for the on-sight final.

As the on-sight final began, spectators claimed their spots on the matts, stairs, and catwalk. Everyone was waiting in anticipation as each new contestant was ushered from the isolation room to the wall and got their first real looks at the problems ahead.

Spectators cheering on Hannah Yore as she crushes the on-sight finals. Photo by Megan Soto.

All eyes were on Reagan Lewis and Nicholas Linder, who not only had simultaneous sends, but ended up placing first in the men’s and women’s category.

Looking back from day one, we could not have imagined the community, impact, and curiosity we foster today. We’re so grateful for everyone who walks through the doors of our gym- either as a newbie, member, or visitor.

Final scores and images from the event are available to view below. Huge shout out to Megan Soto for perfectly capturing the day.

final scores

Comp photos