Last weekend I competed in my first ABS national competition. This was the first national bouldering competition I had attended.   Going into this competition, I knew that it would be a great experience. I also learned about what I need to improve for next year.

The qualifying round as well as semi-finals went fairly well. I was trying to conserve as much energy as I could. This strategy seemed to work since I made finals with plenty of skin and energy.

The finals problems were amazing. The first boulder problem was a technical slab climb. Every hold on this boulder problem was a volume. The time leading up to nationals I spent a lot of time training for slab. This training paid off when I topped the first boulder problem.

The second boulder problem was pretty much vertical. This climb was a little more powerful. I completed this boulder problem on my second try after slipping on a move during my flash attempt. 

The third boulder problem was on a very steep angle. This boulder problem was very powerful. After topping the first two boulder problems, I was too pumped to finish the third. The route setters did a very good job setting every different style for finals. The boulder problems were some of the best boulders I have ever climbed on.

In conclusion, I really think all of the time I have spent training for nationals paid off. I ended up taking second place at the competition. I was psyched to have made the podium during my first trip to nationals. I am very thankful to all of the coaches who have helped me train for this competition. I’m also thankful for Five Ten for providing me with high performance climbing gear.