It's time again for the Phoenix Bouldering Contest, the largest bouldering event in the country and quite possibly the largest outdoor climbing competition in the world. Presented by Overstock.com, Climbing Magazine, The North Face and RockList.com, this year's contest, the 18th, is scheduled for April 6th, 7th and 8th, 2001. Hundreds of climbers from around the world will compete for cash prizes and over $25,000 in merchandize prizes. The 18th PBC is situated at the Oak Flats Campground, just east of the Town of Superior, Arizona. Click here to see a map with directions from Phoenix.

The PBC is for climbers of all ages and talent levels. At first, competitors are classified into four categories: male local, female local, male non-local, and female non-local. Then climbers are further dvided into age categories: 13 or younger, 14-19, 20-29, 40-49 and 50 and older. They compete for five-to-six hours, choosing from over 300 different boulder problems, both unroped and top-roped, using only feet and fingers to probe the rock for possible holds. Coaching is discouraged while climbers are attempting problems. Imagine yourself climbing a boulder problem with Chris Sharma on your right and Tiffany Levine-Campbell to your right!

After the competition, the contestants' scores are based on the problems they complete. Although no limit exists on the number of problems a climber can attempt, only the eight (8) most valuable completed problems are tallied for a total point score. The harder the problem, the more points it is worth. Boulder problems will range from V0 or easier to V10 or harder. In case of a point tie, the tied competitors' final scores will be totaled again accounting for all problems completed and not just the top eight. The competitor with the highest overall total will be ranked higher. After scores are finalized the PBC recognizes and awards prizes to the top overall climbers and winners of the age categories with a wild awards ceremony.

While the competition is keen, it is actually secondary to the event. Keeping with the PBC's long tradition of being held "Just for the Fun of it", many other events will occur both before and after the rock climbing competition. Trivia contests and gear and memorabilia auctions will be happening all weekend. Manufacturers of climbing goods set up vending booths to show off their newest items and offer their goods at remarkably low prices. You can even try out the latest artificial rock holds on portable climbing structures, or visit a stretching or workout clinic and get advice from the pros.

Additional Competitions and Events include the Overstock.com "Dyno" contest, the Sterling Rope "Tug-of-War," and the Superior Challenge all in Oak Flats Campground. Interested PBC competitors will be able to sign up for these events at registration when they check in on site for the main competition. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of these fun events. There is, of course, one wild party and stage show to finish it all off.

Click here for a detailed schedule of events.

The PBC is not only the largest bouldering competition in the country, but also the best organized. Every detail is given attention. Officials, radio-equipped security staff, water stations, and first-aid stations are all the finest. One need only look at a contestant packet (which includes a contest T-shirt, score card, contest area maps, and fun manufacturer's memorabilia) to see that much preparation has gone into planning this event. Speaking of planning, take a look at Marty Karabin's "Helpful Hints" and make sure you don't overlook anything before making your plan of attack.

The PBC has grown so much over the years that we have been limited to a specific number of competitors to help reduce the impact on the boulder field, and Oak Flats Campground. This year's event will be limited to 600 competitors. If you plan on registering, it is highly recommended that you register on-line or mail your entry, including the pre-registration fee, ASAP. The Mail in fee is $52 and the Online fee is $55 his year.

Everyone's registration includes a dinner and beverage ticket, the competition shirt, score booklet and site map, and gifts from our sponsors. An excellent value!!!

Remember the competition is FREE to spectators, The PBC wants to encourage all to come. See you there, and come prepared to party!!!

*Currently our Gold Sponsors are All Terrain Co., Black Diamond, Boreal, C.A.M.R.A., City of Superior, Clif Bar, EntrePrises USA, Excalibur D.M.M., Five Ten, Megalith Mountain Sport, New Belgium Brewing Company, Prana, Spy, Sterling Rope, Venture Up.