Competitive climbing and climbing teams has existed since the mid-1980s, with the first competition held in 1985 in Italy and the first World Championships (Climbing World Cup) formally held in 1989. Bouldering would not be incorporated alongside the lead and sport climbing disciplines until 1998. The competition scene would later take root as less of a mainstream and more of a counter-cultural sport in the US in the late 80s.

 

While the American Alpine Club (AAC) and UIAA would organize events at the World Cup in the late 80s, the American Sport Climbers Federation (ASCF, now known as the Junior Competition Climbing Association or JCCA) would not hold the first Junior National Championship in the US until 1994. In 2002, the organization expanded to include adult competitors, becoming the United States Competition Climbing Association. (USCCA), which was then renamed to USA Climbing in 2003.

Climbing in its Infancy When Compared to Traditional Sporting Activities

In the grand scheme of things, rock climbing is a relatively young sport. When competitive climbing began developing to resemble its current form, big names like Chris Sharma, Tommy Caldwell, Beth Rodden, and Tori Allen in the 90s. They would establish a high bar of athleticism for competitive climbing, pushing the boundaries of everything that was thought possible. These are the names that made the headlines and inspired an entire generation of youthful climbers.

ABC Climbing in Boulder became a hub for youth climbers and coaching. Didier Raboutou, the founder and owner of the gym, competed in the first International Climbing Competition in 1985. A 5-14 climber, he retired from competitive climbing in 1992. A skilled carpenter, he built the ABC facility in Boulder. ABC Kids Climbing is dedicated to training youth athletes and has its roots in the Boulder Rock Club. The team was created for his children—Brooke and Shawn Raboutou. Shawn is now a professional outdoor boulderer (one of the strongest in the world). Brooke, as we mentioned above, just took home America’s first medal in the women’s boulder and lead climbing Olympic event.

Youth Competitive Climbing Clubs and Teams Produce Strong Climbers

The ABC Kids Climbing Club in Boulder is a great example of how getting children interested in a sport early can be beneficial. Three of the four American climbers who went to Paris for the Olympics were members of the club—Natalia Grossman and Colin Duffy trained with the ABC Kids Climbing Club in their youth, as Brooke did. Margo Hayes, the first woman to climb 5-15, is also a former club member. 

What is clear is that an early start in the sport provides climbers with an advantage and that proper coaching within a youth club environment and the right amount of dedication by the youth athlete yields success. Building finger strength and muscle memory early, much like other sports, younger climbers build a better strength and fitness base for the sport at an early age, and this is a serious advantage.

Get Your Kids Involved with Your Local Climbing Club or Team

Local to the Manassas or Tysons Corner area in Northern Virginia? Vertical Rock Climbing and Fitness offers a host of youth climbing clubs and teams appropriate for children of all ages. If your child is interested in rock climbing, getting them involved with a climbing club or youth team early will give them the opportunity to not only interact with peers who share common interests but will provide them access to invaluable guidance from experienced climbers and coaches.

Here, kids can focus on learning techniques and building climbing strength and skills that will help them achieve their goals, regardless of whether they have Olympic dreams or just want to achieve a level of climbing in the gym or outdoors. The club and climbing team environment is appropriate for children with small and big climbing goals alike. 

Are you interested in youth climbing clubs and teams? Visit our website to learn more about our youth programs.