Stone-A-Versary

The climbing community has a way about it that keeps people feeling supported. Every award winner was cheered for and honored as if they were a friend of Stone since the beginning.

Let the climbing commence.

Over the past few months, we have been daydreaming about the moment when our gym would be packed with climbers anticipating the start of our first competition. 

On September 10, 2022, at 10:00a, that moment finally came. One hundred twenty-one climbers filled the gym with additional friends and family ready to cheer them on. The excitement was almost tangible. 

At 10:30a the climbing began, and with no hesitation, the climbers set out to send the hardest routes they could. Some came prepared with notes decorating the side of their score sheets, while others were determined to just have fun. Because that's what climbing is about — the fun. 

And he sticks it!

As the hours passed many climbs were sent and almost sent, beers were had, and laughs were exchanged. Stories were traded about the first year in the Rock Palace of Stoke, and our Stone family continued to impress us by demonstrating how much they've grown over the past year. Other guests traveled from all over Florida, with some of the best climbers in the state showing up in hopes of leaving with a cash prize. 

2:30p approached quickly and climbers started to hand in their score sheets. As the judges and crew tallied the scores, guests looked through the vendor market outside. Thanks to our vendors and Real Peel Pizza, contestants were able to enjoy a break and a quick bite to eat before heading back in for awards. The climbing community has a way about it that keeps people feeling supported. Every award winner was cheered for and honored as if they were a friend of Stone’s from the beginning.

The fun wasn't over yet though, as on-sight finals were about to begin. Our setting team powered through resetting like a NASCAR pit crew. The music was bumping, the crowd was buzzing, and the climbing stage was set for an epic on-sight final.

The group, consisting of four men and four women, came downstairs to all study the boulders that had been set for them. Knowing that once it was their turn to come down and climb they would only have four minutes on the wall. As a group, they returned to the training area to await their turn to attempt the climbs.

Our setting team powered through resetting like a NASCAR pit crew.

Men's Finals Highlight

The excitement was high as John Dilullo approached the wall. We had watched his other competitors reach the zone on the first climb but had yet to see it finished. Dilullo approached the boulder the same way he had every other climb this day — calm and collected. It seemed as though the beta came naturally to him. His flash included cutting feet on heinous pinches. A truly impressive climb. With two minutes still remaining, he was the only competitor to top the route leading him to win the Men's On-sight final.

Women's Finals Highlight

Hannah Yore was a standout on the wall this weekend as she competed in the on-sight finals. The second problem in the women's set seemed to have most competitors in the palm of its hand. Yore, however, was able to break through. After three attempts Yore was able to hit the zone hold, the only competitor at this point to do so. She was confident and, after two more attempts, completed the climb. The crowd erupted as she placed both hands on the finish. Yore was the only competitor to complete the problem, which helped earn her the first place title.

A massive thanks to all of our volunteers, competitors, and spectators! Also a huge shout out to the setting crew who nailed it. We are forever grateful for you and can’t wait to do it again next year!