What?
The Wall Brawl is a Wilson Climbing Center tradition, originating in the original U of A Climbing Gym space (circa 2013 - shout out to those old enough to remember the "Butterdome Crag"). Comprised of 50+ boulder problems, Wall Brawls are a unique opportunity for U of A students, staff, alumni, and public patrons to try out brand new routes in a "scramble" format, while connecting with our wonderful U of A climbing community.
Wall Brawls embody a recreational climbing competition, whereby points are awarded based on the number of attempts required to complete a boulder problem. While there are prizes awarded for the top 3 competitors in each category, Wall Brawls rely on the honesty system for score distribution - a fellow climber must witness you complete a problem (and initial your score sheet) in order for you to reap the points from a successful route ascent.
Why?
Our monthly Wall Brawls are a fun, low-stress way to meet other climbers in the U of A Climbing Community - although our staff tally up points of all participants at the end of the night, the only spectators are your fellow climbers (who are also attempting to ascend the same routes), points are patron awarded and self-monitored, and there are no judges, no eliminations, and no pressure to climb difficult routes - YOU get to determine the routes you want to attempt, and everyone involved is encouraged to exchange "beta" (e.g. information about how to ascend the route) with one another. Enjoy fresh problems, clean holds, and good company in a laid-back, encouraging environment!
Who/When?
We hold two Wall Brawls every month, as well as a Youth Only Wall Brawl at the beginning of each school year. You'll want to arrive at the start of each event, as our climbing gym instructors will provide specific instructions about scoring, rules, etc.:
Students: Student Only Wall Brawls are held on the last Friday of every month (September 27, October 25, and November 29) from 2:00 - 5:00PM. To participate in this event, you must be enrolled in classes during the Fall 2019 term, and come to the event bearing a current One-Card.
Staff, Alumni, and Public: Community Wall Brawls are held after Student Wall Brawls (September 27, October 25, and November 29) from 6:00 - 9:00PM; children are welcome to attend these events (with 6-13 year old's requiring direct adult supervision at all times). Students are also welcome to attend the Community Wall Brawl.
Youth: Our Youth Only Wall Brawls are restricted to individuals between the ages of 6-19 (with 6-13 year old's requiring direct adult supervision at all times).
How?
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged for the Student and Community Wall Brawls, and required for the Youth Wall Brawl. You can register in person at the front desk of the Wilson Climbing Center, over the phone via our Customer Service Center (780-492-2231), or online through our activity registration portal: www.activityreg.ualberta.ca
Fees:
Youth Wall Brawl: FREE (for 6-19 year old's)
Student Wall Brawls: $5.00 (for current U of A students with valid One-Card)
Community Wall Brawls:
Public: $20.00
Alumni/Staff: $15.00
Students: $5.00