Here are some helpful hints for getting the most out of the PBC. Marty Karabin has been involved with the contest for years as a competitor and most recently as an organizer and has put together these lists to help with your planning.

• The earlier you arrive to sign-in on Friday April 6th, the better campsite you will find.
• Plan on camping until April 8th. The Awards Ceremony is great fun and can sometimes run late.
• Bring money and check book. Vendors sell their goods at discounted rates. Also, the Access Fund has a memorabilia auction.
• Fill out the PBC evaluation form that is provided in the contestant packet. It is a free chance to win a prize. You will also be able to fill out the evaluation form on the PBC web site after the Event.
• Prepare for both cold and hot weather. The nights in April can dip down into the 40's and the days up to the 100's.
• Bring a blanket or a folding chair to sit on during the Awards Ceremony. The ground gets cold.
• Bring a flashlight or headlamp. The area surrounding the Oak Flat Campground is dark, and the cactus in Arizona are unforgiving.
• For those who are planning a vacation, Queen Creek Canyon sports 650 routes and over 1200 boulder problems. Think about an extended stay.
• The on-site food for spectators is cash-only (except for the free contest meal).
• The Oak Flat Campground does not have water. Bring what you need.

• Small daypack. The contest is spread out over a ¼ - ½ mile area. A small daypack makes carrying personal items easier.
• A harness, belay device, and a locking carabiner are needed for the top-rope problems.
• Bring a sun hat or baseball cap to keep the sun off your head.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses.
• Water-Even though water stations are scattered throughout the Contest site, they are not located next to every boulder problem. Remember: 5% water loss = 30% muscle loss.
• Energy bars or other munchies. The contest usually runs 5 hours.
• Carpet patch to wipe the dust off your shoes. If you get tired and need to rest the carpet makes a good seat on a rock.
• Brushes to clean holds. You may want these on an extension stick.
• Crash pads-many problems are "highball" or have rocky/uneven landings.
• Athletic tape in case you pull a muscle or tendon.
• Skin kit or band-aids. You never know when you will scrape the rock accidentally.
• Wristwatch. You can pace yourself thru the contest if you know how much time is remaining.
• Extra pen for signing score booklets.
• Camera to take pictures of your friends climbing.
• Dogs on a leash are allowed in the contest area; however, make sure there is somebody to watch your pooch while you are competing.