Good news for any of you that missed it, any of you that loved it, or any of you that were hoping that there would be more of it...The TBS Series WILL be returning in July. That's right, it was so fun, and so successful the last time around, some changes have been made.

Here is some more information that just came down the grapevine into my ear. Check it out:

Due to the unbelievable success of both the Touchstone Bouldering Series and the Touchstone Roped Series, Touchstone has decided to shift the schedule of these two series. The TBS series will now run during the fall and the TRS will run during the spring. By shifting the TRS to the spring, this will allow Touchstone to use these comp routes to host USA Climbing event for local kids.

Thus the TBS will return in July and run through November and the TRS will start up in January and run through May. We look forward to another exciting comp season and we hope to see all of you in July.

So, start getting ready, training and practicing...we'll see you all in a few months!

Labels: Competition, Events, How To Fall, p, TBS, Touchstone Bouldering, Touchstone Climbing, Touchstone Roped Series

The new year always brings a lot of new faces in the gym and as such, we thought it would be a good time to remind everyone of some basic bouldering safety. The main thing you need to know, right off the bat before you start climbing, is the easiest to learn: How To Fall. That's right, many people get injured by falling, and landing improperly while bouldering.

Here are the basics:

1. Hit the ground feet first, toes facing forward, with your knees bent.
2. Absorb shock by collapsing like an accordion.
3. Roll backwards to disperse force.
   

The article mentions that you should always scout out your landing area before beginning any bouldering problems. Keep this extra little tip in mind:

"Except in cases where an obstacle looms immediately behind you (e.g. a wall, person, etc.), there is seldom a reason to remain on your feet. Posting your arm behind you can potentially dislocate or break your elbow, wrist, or shoulder. Also take care when rolling forward, as whacking your head on your knees or the wall will reduce your debonair appearance."

Labels: Bouldering, climbing, How To Fall, New Members, Safety