Thanks for participating in Stout Adventures' 12th Annual ROCKFEST Climbing Competition! We hope you enjoyed "Stout Adventures & the Climbing Factory"!  The event could not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, the amazing Stout Adventures staff and YOU!  Be sure to check out the Results & Photos tab to see the highlights from this years event!  Finally, be sure to join us on March 1st, 2014 for our 13th annual ROCKFEST Climbing Competition! 

General Information:

• Join us on Saturday, March 1st, 2014 for our 13th Annual ROCKFEST Climbing Competition!  All skill levels are welcome!
  
• Participants may register online (beginning in September), in person, or by mail/fax.  Pre-registration is highly encouraged!
  
• The registration fee is $20 for UW students and $25 for all other entrants.
• Those registered on or before Wednesday, February 19^th will receive a free t-shirt.  T-shirts are not guaranteed for those who register after February 19^th.
• This year's theme is TBA. Participants are welcome to come dressed according to the theme. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes!
• There are three divisions: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.  To ensure that the top three finishers in all three adult divisions are accurately represented, all competitors will be placed into blind divisions.
• There are two categories for each division: Male and Female
• All entrants are required to sign a liability waiver to climb our wall.  If you are under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian must also sign. Waivers will be given to entrants upon arrival.
• The competition is open to all: students and non-students alike!  No minimum or maximum age.   
  

Directions:

RockFest will be held at the Stout Adventures Climbing Wall located within the Sports & Fitness Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, WI.  A campus map may be found at: http://www.uwstout.edu/guide/. The climbing wall is located at the south end of the Sports and Fitness Center.

Schedule of Events:

Competition Format and Rules

Format

• There will be routes set specifically for the competition for each division.  The number of routes per division will be based on the climbing ability of the competition entrants
• Each climber is given a score card
• All belaying will be done by staff members. Belayer's will be judging each climb and must sign the score card for a climb to be valid
• A card showing the climb information will be posted next to each route
• Climbers may climb as many routes as they wish, however only the best 4 climbs on the score card will count towards your final score
• This competition is open-format.  Open-format means that climbers may climb whenever they are ready.They must finish all of their climbs within the time allotted

Rules

• Climber must start and end routes on holds marked with a "V"
• Climber must have weight on and be in control* of the final holds to complete the route.  *Control: means climber must have the final hold weighted before releasing. No slapping allowed. A demo of this concept will be provided at the comp.
• For starts, climber must show control on starting holds before moving to the next holds.  For sit starts (indicated on the route's label), climber must start by sitting on the ground.No pushing off the ground with hands or feet.  Once the climber has completely left the ground, the climber's attempt has begun.
• Climber must only use holds that are designated for that route.  Everything else is off limits.Accidentally touching a hold not on your route with your hands or feet is only tolerated if it does not assist in the progress of the climb.  This rule is enforced at the belayer's discretion.  All natural holds are on except when specifically stated for a route.  All bolt holes are off.
• The climber will be lowered upon falling.  The climber then has the option to try the route again immediately or at a later time.  The climber may not climb a route more than 2 consecutive times unless there is no one else waiting to climb that rope.  The climber may attempt a route as many times as desired.
• If a hold spins or moves while you are climbing a route, you will have the option to be lowered and given another chance to climb it without being penalized.
• Neither verbal nor nonverbal help may be given to climbers on the wall from anyone on the ground.
• No loose chalk in the gym.  All chalk must be in a chalk ball and kept in a chalk bag.

Finals

• The finals competition will use a different format than the preliminary competition
• The top 3 finishers in intermediate and advanced divisions will participate
• Separate routes will be used for the finals competition
• In the event of a tie, preliminary competition point totals will be added to the finals point totals.The climbers will be then ranked with the new point totals.

Awards and Prizes:

• Prizes will be given to the top 3 finishers in each division.
• All entrants will receive one prize drawing ticket upon check-in.  Prizes will be drawn during the award ceremony.

Other Information:

• ROCKFEST is part of the Wisconsin Indoor Climbing Series (WICS)!  Check out the WICS tabs for more information.
• Showers and locker rooms are available for all entrants
• Free snacks will be available thanks to our sponsors
• Hotel accommodation may be available for Saturday night.  Please contact us if you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity.
• Climbing for a Cause: TBA

Route Setting Timelapse Video

In 2007, Stout Adventures created a time-lapse video of all the preparation work that goes into a climbing comp.  The video highlights the route setting component.  This is a very unique video in which climbers can appreciate the dedication of the Stout Adventures staff as they attempt to provide exceptional climbing experiences every year!

ROCKFEST 2013 - "Stout Adventures & the Climbing Factory"

• Results
• Photos

ROCKFEST 2012 - "Cave'n It!"

• Results
• Photos
  

ROCKFEST 2011 - "First Ascent"

• Results
• Photos

Stout Adventures' ROCKFEST Climbing Competition is now part of the Wisconsin Indoor Climbing Series (WICS)!  All climbers are encouraged to participate in the series by attending the other competitions, but by no means is it required.  Join us for these awesome competitions:

UW-Superior: February 9, 2013 - Top Rope
UW-Oshkosh: February 23, 2013 - Top Rope
UW-Stout: March 2, 2013 - Top Rope
UW-La Crosse: April 6, 2013 - Bouldering
UW-Stevens Point: April 14, 2013 - Top Rope

WICS format and rules can be found here.  "Like" the WICS Facebook Page!

ROCKFEST Testimonials

“I've attended ROCKFEST three different times.  I'm always very impressed by how organized and professionally run this comp is.  The environment is very positive and encouraging for climbers of all levels.”

“A hell of a good time! Makes me want to push myself to climb more and do better.”

“This was my first comp and I had no idea what to expect.  I found out quickly that the comp was more than worth the money I paid and all the people I met were just awesome people.”

“The comp was two days ago and I'm already looking forward to ROCKFEST 2013!”

“The Stout Competition was laid out very well and allowed for climbers with a vast difference in abilities to participate. I will be looking forward to next year!”

“A great bonding experience with fellow climbers.”

“This was my first competition ever and it was truly a great experience. I was felt welcomed and encouraged, especially for someone who has only been climbing for a few months. It was a wonderful day and it has definitely got me excited for other comps in the future!”

“Best climbing competition I have been to so far!”

“I met a lot of new friends from other colleges and I would totally come back next year!”

“UW-Stout's "ROCKFEST" competition is one I look forward to every year.  Every year, their comp gets better and better!  They set great routes and run the event in a professional and efficient fashion.  Props to the staff and sponsors who continually make "ROCKFEST" such a sick event!”

“Best route setting in Wisconsin”

“ROCKFEST is a complete blast and worth doing for any level of climber”

“The staff at this year's competition was amazing. I'm glad we were all given the opportunity to have a great time and participate in what has become such a fun annual event. We will definitely return next year!”

ROCKFEST is one of the most enjoyable things I have participated in at Stout. The energetic and encouraging community is only improved by the wide range of skill levels involved. And with a blind rating system it isn't intimidating to just throw down on whatever route looks fun.”

“ROCKFEST is run by people who love climbing and want to share their passion with others. They demonstrate a superior knowledge of their craft.”

“This is going to sound cheesy, but I thought the day was inspirational. I loved watching all of the climbers work hard to complete climbs. I also loved the support from teammates and random people.”

It was honestly the most fun competition I have ever done. It was competitive, but it wasn't overly competitive to the point that I felt self-conscious. I love the set-up or how the competition was run.”

“I loved having the open climbing forum where I could climb when I was ready and just hang out with other climbers in between routes! It's a great way to spend an afternoon, no matter what your experience level.”