Lynn Woods Boulder Bash 2019! Updated Comp Info, Directions, and Rules!

SEE THE FIRST PAGES OF LAST YEAR’S GUIDEBOOK HERE: SNEAK PEAK AT COMP GUIDEBOOK.pdf 

For women and men competition categories, we have tiers for BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE, and ADVANCED.

If you haven’t signed up to compete yet, REGISTER HERE for our first big fundraiser on Saturday, Nov 9th (we have rain dates for Nov. 10th or the following weekend, cross your fingers for good weather). Competing and volunteering helps support all our great projects and future work in the region.

Looking for all the great comp details? We have LOTS of info here for you. 

We have multiple zones of climbing, spread across the Lynn Woods Reservation. With 75 boulder problems on the score sheet, and a full 135 problems available in the Gunks App guide. Problems from V0 up to V10+!!!

This is a fun selection of some of the best problems in Lynn Woods. Advocates for Lynn Woods say there are over 1000 boulder problems up to 20 feet in height on at least 450 boulders in the area that can range from very short to 30 minute approaches, making Lynn Woods one of the largest climbing areas in the New England area. You can learn more on Mountain Project about the area.

–Categories–

The top 3 climbers in all 6 categories will win prizes and gear! Top climbers in Women and Men in Advanced categories will go home with a CASH PRIZE. Check out all the awesome companies supporting local outdoor climbing and generously sponsoring this fundraiser on our Sponsor page.

Womens:

    • Beginner (V0-V2)
    • Intermediate (V3-V5)
    • Advanced (V6+)

Mens:

    • Beginner (V0-V2)
    • Intermediate (V3-V5)
    • Advanced (V6+) 

Not sure what category to compete in? That’s fine, take your best guess! The climbing and socializing are fun no matter what category you are in too!

–Schedule Saturday, Nov. 9th–

7:00- Check-in OPEN

8:30 – Open remarks and kick-off

9:00 – Climbing starts (competitors can start anytime between 7:15 and 10:00)

10:00 – Check-in closes.

1:00 – “Jar” Raffle and Vendor Village begins

2:30 – Scorekeeper begins scoresheet collection

3:00 – Scoresheets DUE to Scorekeeper

4:00 – Raffle Ends, Raffles pulled

4:30 – Award Ceremony

4:30 – Sunset Closing remarks, invite to post-party

4:56 – Last light, park closed

–Directions–

Haven’t been to Lynn Woods before? Directions and parking are really simple!

Set your GPS for the Great Woods Rd Playground (the location here, NOT the lot on Pennybrook Rd). There’s a big sign at the entrance that says Lynn Woods Reservation. 

The parking lot is large, with more space in the golf course lot. You’ll see signs and a bunch of psyched climbers at the Base Camp there to greet you bright and early! 

Registration opens at 6:15am for you early birds, comp and climbing officially starts at 7am. Don’t sleep in too late, registration closes at 10am!

 
 

–What to Bring–

Lynn Woods is a forested park with rugged topography, steep slopes, rocky outcroppings, wetlands, swamps, ponds etc. The network of trails is extensive, but not always well marked. Everyone entering park is responsible for their own safety. This is not a comprehensive list. Everyone must evaluate their own needs for the day. This list can be used as a guide and/or starting point as you prepare for your day in the woods. SNECC will have extra water on hand.

  • Crash pad. Every attempt during the comp must include the use of a crash pad. If you do not have one, there will be a very limited number to borrow.
  • Weather appropriate clothing. November can be cold, especially in the early morning. Layers are recommended no matter the weather conditions.
  • Terrain appropriate footwear. Hiking Boots with ankle support are recommended. Rugged trail sneakers are also appropriate for the experienced hiker. Flip flops won’t cut it folks!
  • Water. A good rule-of-thumb is one (1) litter for every few hours you plan to be out.
  • Food. If you plan to be out all day, bring high energy, easily transportable foods with you.
  • Headlamp. Just in case you get stuck out there when the sun goes down. A headlamp is always a good thing to have in your day pack no matter what outdoor activity you’re participating in.
  • Sunblock. Even though it is November, sunblock is a good idea on a sunny day.
  • Pencil or pen. You will need to fill out and submit a scoresheet when you are done climbing or by 3pm. You’ll need something to write with.
  • Personal Bouldering gear. There won’t be any gear for purchase at the event. Shoes, chalk, brushes, etc. Wire brushes are not allowed. Non-plastic bristles are preferred.
  • If you are under 18, you’ll need to bring a parent or guardian to sign a waiver in order to participate.

–Rules for Lynn Woods Boulder Bash–

Points will be summed from each participant top six (6) hardest problems to serve as the total score.

  • To get points, a competitor must “send” one or multiple boulder problems listed on the Score Sheet and in the Bash Guide.
  • If a climber has less than six (6) sends, their score will be based on the number of sends they completed
  • Points will not be awarded for repeat sends. (ie. only the first one counts.)
  • Points will only be awarded for sending a problem.
  • In the event of a tie, the 7th hardest climb will be the tiebreaker, if those are the same, the 8th hardest, and so on.
  • In the event of a flat-out tie the Lynn Woods Boulder Bash Committee will determine the winner with a pull-up contest

Sending a Climb – The problems in the comp are either Sit-Starts, or Stand-Starts.

  • A send will only be counted if:
  1. It is done with both a spotter and a crash pad in the climber’s fall zone
  2. It is witnessed by 1 other competitor or Zone volunteer.
  • Sit-starts begin from a sitting position on either the ground or a maximum of one (1) pad. Your feet must not touch the ground.
  • Stand-starts begin from a standing position on either the ground or a maximum of one (1) pad. Top-out the climb without touching the ground or any other obstacles as directed in the guidebook (other boulders, crash pads, trees, spotters, etc.). Topping out means climbing to the top of the boulder.
  • If a climb is an eliminate, traverse, forced variation, etc. it will be clearly indicated in the Bash Guide.
  • Any confirmed reports of fraudulent scoring will result in disqualification and refund of admission for the competition.

Other Rules for Competitors, Visitors, Spectators, and Volunteers:

  • Adhere to Leave-No-Trace ethics while in the park.
  • Lynn Woods is a municipal park. Be respectful of the park environment and all persons using the park for recreation not related to the Lynn Woods Boulder Bash.
  • Follow all posted park rules.
  • No distracting competitors before or during a send attempt.
  • Support other competitors through spotting, encouragement, and positive attitudes.
  • Remain on trails and footpaths when traveling between boulders.
  • Do not disturb live vegetation.
  • Do not use wire brushes. All of the boulder problems in the competition are well established. The holds can be dusted with a hair or nylon brush without damaging the rock.
  • Clean off tick-marks and excess chalk before leaving the boulder.

  REMEMBER this is a fundraiser and the goal for competitors is to have FUN! Let’s all be considerate, good sports, help each other out, and have a great time 🙂  

–Sponsors–

–FAQ–

Question: What happens if the forecast is rain?

In the event of forcasted rain, we will review conditions on the afternoon of Friday, November 8th and the Comp Committee will decide if we should reschedule to the following day, or the following weekend. We will
try to make this decision as early as we can since we understand folks are traveling for the event.

Question: What if my height limits my ability to reach the start holds according to the Comp Rules?

If a competitor feels they are significantly put at a disadvantage due to their height, then that climber may begin the problem from a position that mimics the motion of a traditional sit-start. Climbers that are a bit shorter are at an advantage in general at Lynn Woods. Many of the sit-starts are compact and require short fulcrums.

Question: Do you have to bring your own pad?

Each competitor is responsible for their own safety. The contest rules indicate that for a send to count, the competitor must have at least one spotter and one well placed pad. Pads will not be for rent; however,
SNECC takes no exception to sharing and coordination amongst competitors. There will be limited pads to
borrow the day of the event, so please coordinate with your crew or gym to borrow a pad for the day. All sends
require one (1) witness. We recommend teaming up with another competitor or volunteer to get your points
counted.
Question: I’ve never climbed outside before, is it OK I enter the competition?

Yes, but remember you are responsible for your own safety. Many of the boulders and problems
selected for the comp are in the beginner range. The problem list is designed so folks of differing abilities can
navigate the park and climb together. SNECC recommends participating in the comp with at least one other
person who has enough outdoor experience to help you navigate your day.

Question: If I am not competing, can I still get the GunksApp Guide?

Yes! On the day of the comp only registered competitors will receive a one-week free subscription to
the GunksApp guide. Day-of registrants and all others may purchase the guide at GunksApp.com.

Question: Is there a cash prize? Are there any other contests besides a typical point
contest?

For first prize in the Men’s and Woman’s Advanced categories will receive $500 in cash. Second place, $300, and third place $200. In total, there is over $6,000 in prize value. There is an Endurance Contest which
will award a prize for the most problems sent in the day. There will be a Photo Contest, and a Trash Pick-up Contest as well. During the score tally period there will be games and a raffle as well as a vendor village where
some of our sponsors will table.

Question: I don’t have a car, can I still get there?

Yes, but plan accordingly. Lynn has MBTA bus service from Salem Station. There is also a carpool page set up where you can coordinate rides.

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