EL SWAMPITAN JULY 20 - 26
TOP-ROPE LEAGUE
El Swampitan has a new look this year! Join us for our first ever top-rope league from July 20th - 26th.
Climbers will compete in teams of two for a chance to win cash, membership, and National Park passes in this week-long top-rope competition.
How does it work?
Find a friend and sign up! Climbers will compete in teams of two and earn points by successfully sending top-rope routes. To count toward your score, a route must be completed without any falls. Each route can be logged up to five times per climber.
All routes will be randomly numbered, and grades will remain hidden throughout the competition. At the end of the league, route grades will be revealed and team scores will be calculated.
Like Boulder League, each competitor will have a "max" - the highest-grade route they successfully send during the competition. Your max determines how many points you earn for the routes you complete and which routes count towards your score. Max sends are worth 100 points. For more details on scoring, check out the rulebook linked above.
Points can only be earned during the competition week, July 20 - 26. All scorecards must be submitted by 6:00 PM on Sunday, July 26. Scores will be compiled and winners announced that evening.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. First place will receive annual National Park passes. Additional prizes may include cash and free memberships.
t-shirt pre order
Want to rock our league shirt but don't feel like competing? Pre order your El Swampitan shirt now! Available for pre order until 7/10.
Additional shirts will be available for purchase on 7/25. Sizes limited.
Shirts are included with competition registration. Sizes will be first come first serve for competitors that sign up after 7/10.
Schedule: July 20 - 26
-
The gym will be open from 7am - 10pm every day. Top-rope routes can be sent & logged during any of our open hours.
-
Saturday, July 25
NIGHT CLIMBING 10:00PM - 4:00AM
--
We'll be open extra-late for a midnight climbing on Saturday! El Swampitan competitors get free entry. All other climbers will need to purchase entry.
--
10:00 PM Regular climbing ends. All climbers coming in after 10PM must be current members or be accompanied by a current member.
12:00PM - 4:00AM Lights out climbing - All competitors must wear a head lamp. We have a limited supply that can be used but we recommend bringing your own.
--
MORE INFO COMING SOON!
-
Sunday, July 26
LAST DAY TO LOG YOUR SENDS!
--
6:00PM Turn in your scorecards! Any scorecards turned in after 6PM will not be scored.
8:00PM Winners announced and prizes awarded.
NIGHT CLIMBING
Registration & more info coming soon...
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can compete?
All competitors must be at least 13 years old and hold a valid belay certification and membership at The Knot Climbing Gym.
If you are not already checked off to belay at The Knot, we recommend attaining your belay certification prior to the event. If you choose to complete your belay check-off during the competition, it will be included in your time for the comp. All belay check-offs are pass/fail and The Knot staff are not able to teach you any of the skills required for belay certification outside of a scheduled belay class.
How do we log our sends?
We'll have scorecards available for pick-up starting on July 20th. Teams will self-report their sends on their scorecard and turn them in by 6pm on July 26th for scoring.
Will there still be a fundraising portion?
Although El Swampitan does not have a fundraising portion this year, we'll be hosting a Night Climbing event to raise money for Climb For Cancer. Proceeds raised from t-shirt preorders & Night Climbing pass sales will be donated to the foundation.
Will I be allowed to climb in the gym if I'm not competing in the rope league?
Yes! The gym will remain operating as normal.
Will the top-rope walls be closed leading up to rope league?
We'll be changing some of the rope routes and adding a few more in the weeks leading up to El Swampitan. It won't be much different from our typical setting schedule.
We will not be adding route grades to any of the new rope routes until after the conclusion of rope league.
What are the prizes?
The top three teams with the highest scores will win prizes from our prize pool. Prizes may include cash, free memberships, and merch from our gear store.
First place will also win annual National Park passes.
How hard are the rope routes going to be?
Routes grades will be hidden from competitors, but grades will range from 5.6 to 5.12+.
Climbers anywhere in the 5.8 - 5.12 range are encouraged to sign-up!
Do I get anything for signing up?
All competitors will receive an El Swampitan t-shirt. Sign-up before 7/10 to reserve your size! For competitors that sign up after 7/10, shirt sizes will be first come first served.
When will I know if I’ve won something?
We will announce all the winners by 8PM on Sunday, July 26th. If you're not in the gym at that time, we will notify you via text or email and you can pick up your prizes at the front desk of the gym at your earliest convenience.