North Shore Style 2009

Climbing Divisions

The following is a description of the climbing divisions. Please read this whole page to figure out where you fit.

The divisions are:

  • Youth
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • Open

The divisions are defined on what you can on-sight on a regular basis. Below is a basic description of three divisions for male and female (Youth and Open are described farther down):

  • Female
    • Beginner - Anything below 5.8
    • Intermediate - 5.8+ to 5.10a
    • Advanced - 5.10a and above
  • Male
    • Beginner - Anything below 5.9
    • Intermediate - 5.9 to 5.10b
    • Advanced - 5.10c and above
Prizes are awarded to the top three places in Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced divisions for both male and female.

Since how well a person climbs depends on so many factors, trying to define these kind of classifications is difficult. What it comes down to is what you are comfortable climbing, that is, what you can climb without difficulty. Every person with knowledge of the Yosemite Decimal System (climbing grades) can look at a route with a certain rating and think, "I can do that without falling. This route shouldn't be too difficult." If you have never tried or seen this route before and can climb it without falling, it's refered to as "on-sighting." Now, because certain routes don't work with certain people, a route that is rated at a level you feel is within your ability may in fact beat you down. The level at which you can climb is what you can do "on a regular basis."

YOUTH Division
This division is for climbers under the age of 12. Generally, a parent will decide if their child should climb in this division. This division is reserved for those climbers who feel that it would be unfair to compete against other climbers who are more physically mature. This division is both male and female. A prize will go to first place only.

OPEN Division
Technically, this category is for anyone of any ability, male or female. In reality though, this category is reserved for those who feel it would be unfair to the average climber to compete against them. If you are someone who regulary on-sights 5.11c or above, the Open division is for you. This division is both male and female. A prize will go to first place only.

Remember, these ratings are based on what you can on-sight regularly. If someone is climbing above their entered category, we reserve the right to bump that person up into the next division. For example, if someone signs up for the beginner division but on-sights a 5.10, they will probably be bumped up.

If you have already registered but wish to now change your category, please contact the administrator, found in the Contact Us link.