Mandurah rock climbers have eyes for first state championships

The squad are hitting the walls at their gym multiple times a week to prepare for the competition, which will feed into the nationals and world tournaments.

Climbing has also recently been officially approved as part of the 2020 Olympics, but the Mandurah based squad is focusing on competing well at the state titles before expanding their range.

“It’s really exciting that we now have a climbing body in WA that means we can compete in state championships,” Mandurah Indoor Rock Climbing director Gayle Capener said.

“For a long time it’s just been a hobby for a lot of people but now there are competitive avenues that everyone can train for and get involved in.”

Climbing is judged on three separate disciplines including lead climbing, bouldering and speed wall climbing.

Competitors are given a time limit and an amount of attempts to complete their climb.

Mandurah’s Zed Colback, who recently climbed in his first competition, is one of the youth squad members training for the state championships.

“I first got into climbing through a friend who did it outdoors, and then I started climbing indoors and just loved it,” he said.

“It’s a real camaraderie thing. The people in the gym are great and it’s a great workout, so to have a competitive avenue now is great for people who want to take it to the next level.”

If the Mandurah climbers compete well at the state championships, they could find themselves donning a WA uniform to represent the state at the national level.

From there climbers are picked to compete for Australia at the world championships, with an Olympic team set to be selected for Tokyo 2020.

Mandurah Indoor Rock Climbing will hold a tryout session for people interested in joining their youth squad this Saturday.

For more information call the centre on 9581 7465, visit mandurahrockclimbing.com.au or find them on Facebook.