My First Bouldering Competition (by Rydra Wong, aged 35 and 3/4)

[rydra_wong]

As promised, the write-up.

Okay, context. Two things you should know:

*The Arch is a small bouldering wall, which is noted for creative route-setting and a chilled-out and friendly atmosphere.

*I hate sporting events and competitions. I have never taken part in one except under duress, by which I mean school.

And I didn't plan on doing this one -- I don't like pressure, and I like being able to spend ages working quietly on a bouldering problem. And given my Asperger's and sensory issues, crowds and noise are not my friends.

But I was talked into it at the last minute by one of the Arch staff, who knows my issues and nevertheless thought it'd be manageable and I might enjoy it. He promised me that there'd be lots of easy problems, and that I didn't even have to turn in my scoresheet if I didn't want to.

I decided that I'd count it as an achievement if I participated at all, and that if I joined in, did one problem, and didn't run out of the door screaming, I'd declare a victory.

( Cut for length )