ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 20, 1997 TAG: 9702210013
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ANDREA GIBSON/STAFF WRITER
HAVE you got a case of the winter blues? Has this unpredictable weather got you climbing the walls?
Maybe you need to get a grip.
Rock climbers from around the region plan to do just that at the Star City Climbing Crank, an indoor climbing competition set for March 1-2 at Rocwood Indoor Climbing Facility on Reserve Avenue.
The event is open to men, women and children in several divisions and doesn't require extensive climbing experience, said Nick Harris, Rocwood coordinator for Roanoke City Parks and Recreation.
``We encourage novices to come,'' Harris said. ``And we encourage anyone who has an interest in rock climbing to come out and watch and see what it's all about. The atmosphere is great.''
Spectators can cheer on competitors - who are secured with harnesses and ropes - as they attempt to scale different routes on the wall, which is 22 feet high and 44 feet wide. Dotting the wall are simulated pieces of rock, called holds, which are bolted into pre-drilled holes. The holds can be moved and manipulated to create different routes.
``It's almost limitless as to what you can create,'' Harris said.
The competition, now in its fourth year, is divided into categories for junior, recreational and elite climbers. The recreational and elite categories feature separate contests for men and women. Junior girls and boys compete together but there are two age divisions, 6-10 and 11-15.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. on March 1, followed by the first round of competition: qualifying for junior climbers. During qualifying, each climber will tackle four predetermined routes on the wall. Judges score climbers by assigning points for each hold that is mastered, taking into account control and effort. The five climbers with the highest cumulative scores advance to the final round.
Climbers can study the routes, which are rated according to difficulty, in advance and watch their competitors in action during the qualifying round. But that doesn't mean there isn't suspense involved: One fall can end it all. Climbers aren't given a second chance if they fall from a route.
``Most people understand that that's the standard for competition,'' Harris said. ``And that's why the qualifying round has at least four routes. If you mess up on one, you can make up for it on one of the other routes [and still score well].''
No matter what the level of competition, climbers can expect the level of difficulty to crank up a notch in the final round, which features three or four routes that are kept secret until the round begins.
Climbers are kept in isolation and brought out one at a time to attempt the routes.
``It's good to have because you have no knowledge going into that final climb,'' said Buzz Easterling, a senior at Patrick Henry High School who plans to compete in the men's recreational division. ``It puts everybody that's in the final round on the same ground.''
Several variables are taken into account when designing a route, Harris said, including the height, strength and flexibility of the climbers. For example, a route set up for junior climbers will feature bigger holds spaced closer together, while elite climbers require more of a challenge.
``With elite climbers, the holds will be smaller and harder to hold onto,'' Harris said. ``The route will involve more strength, technique and endurance.''
The final round also adds a new twist to the competition: a route through the bouldering cave, a semi-enclosed feature that was added to the Rocwood facility in 1995. The cave has a steeper terrain and requires short, powerful moves. Climbers don't use harnesses or ropes, but have mats underneath in case they fall.
The bouldering cave is the only place where a climber is given a second chance if he or she falls. The goal is to climb as far as possible in the allotted five minutes.
Harris said most of the climbers who participate in the Climbing Crank are from the Roanoke area, but some travel from around the region to compete. Prizes donated by sponsors - which range from T-shirts to expensive climbing gear - are awarded for first, second and third place in each division.
``Some people will come and compete just to pick up some gear if they can win it,'' Harris said. ``Some folks are very serious and are here to win, but for the most part the atmosphere is more fun and light.''
Noah Hicks, 12, who has been climbing indoors for two years, plans to make the Climbing Crank his first competition.
``I'm doing it for the fun of it,'' said Hicks, a seventh-grader at Madison Middle School. ``Rock climbing is good physical exercise, and it builds muscles. It makes me feel like I've passed another challenge and succeeded in what I set out to do.''
The event has seen a small growth in participation each year, with about 80 climbers competing in October 1995, the last time it was held. Harris said good weather for outdoor climbing was thought to be keeping some people away, prompting officials to move the event to March.
Participants can register the morning of the competition or in advance at the Parks and Recreation office at 210 Reserve Ave. The cost for juniors is $20 in advance, $25 on site. For adults, it's $25 in advance, $30 on site. The price includes a T-shirt and a $2 donation to The Access Fund, an organization that works to preserve climbing resources.
All junior events will take place March 1. Qualifying for elite and recreational divisions will be March 1, with the finals on March 2. For more information, call 853-6807.
LENGTH: Long : 102 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: DON PETERSEN/Staff. Jon McClure (left) and Pete Lustigby CNBtackle the climbing wall at Rocwood Indoor Climbing Facility on
Reserve Avenue. color.