Inclusive Comps

With comp season in full swing, we've loved seeing more climbing comps becoming inclusive for paraclimbers. A common question we get asked is what exactly does an inclusive comp look like and how can walls better support disabled climbers to compete.

A great example of an inclusive paraclimbing comp is UK Paraclimbing Collective's annual bouldering competition with HarroWall. This comp is in it's 4th year, and over the years it has developed to meet the needs of the paraclimbing community. Whilst no competition is perfect, it's a great place to look if you want ideas for making your local comps more inclusive.

A4 binder with laminated paper with briefing information written on it.

Briefing docs & Route Images

All briefing information shared in the pre-comp briefing was also printed into a folder. There were also photographs of each climb for people to see. This can be particularly helpful for people with visual impairments to prepare for their climb.

BSL Interpreter

Have a BSL interpreter present during the briefings and medal ceremonies. UKPC had the wonderful Mischa interpreting!

Briefing Demo

During the pre-competition briefing, UKPC demonstrated how to start and finish a comp boulder and how to score each boulder. This quick and easy demonstration can be really helpful for people who are competing for the first time.

Categories

There are a few different options for para categories when hosting a paraclimbing competition.

UKPC use self-devised categories, which have been developed alongside the paraclimbing community to create a community event which is as accessible to disabled and neurodivergent climbers as possible. They allow people to self-identify into each category, allowing people to choose which category best represents their body. We think this is a great idea for community level competitions. For more information about these categories, check out our Access Guide

If you don't want to create many categories, or only have a small number of paraclimbers competing, you may wish to have a single 'open para' category.

Point-based scoring

Laura, white paraclimber with prosthetic leg on a blue slab climb. Cards with numbers representing points scored are stuck next to some of the holds.

The HarroWall x UKPC comp have a scoring system based on multiple zones going up in 5s. points. A bonus 5 points was awarded for flashing a climb. There were no other penalties / bonuses for how many attempts it takes to complete a climb. Blocs are marked with points from 5 - 25 (5, 10, 15, 20) with 25 marking the finishing hold.

Stripped Walls

Make sure walls are stripped, with only the comp blocs on the walls. Where possible, make sure the blocs are contrasting colours to the wall.

Down time

Plan time within your day for people to have downtime and rest.

Fun routes at all grades

Make sure climbs are fun, varied and creative at every grade. Just because a climb is a lower grade, doesn't mean it should be boring!

Alt: Reserved parking space sign

Parking

If your centre has parking, allocate some spaces for disabled parking. HarroWall and UKPC encouraged people who needed a parking space in order to attend the event, to contact them beforehand so they could reserve specific spaces on the day.

Accessible venue

HarroWall is a great venue for accessibility - with parking outside, disabled toilets and space to move around the centre. Whilst there are some less accessible areas, like the cafe upstairs, HarroWall are great at sharing information about their accessibility in advance. They also offer to bring food and drink downstairs for people who want it.

Quiet Music

Throughout the day HarroWall kept the music quiet and calm.

Downclimbs

When we say downclimbs.... we mean it! HarroWall ensure there is a down climb next to every route which goes to the floor. They were also on hand on the day to add additional downclimbs to routes when requested.

Podiums & Prizes

Wooden medeal with UKPC logo and a rainbow ribbon.

Paraclimbers deserve podiums too! UKPC always celebrate each category (no matter how many entrants) and award medals & prizes to the top 3 climbers within each category.

These are just a handful of the things UKPC and HarroWall do to create a successful and accessible comp year after year. We hope it will inspire other climbing centres to consider their own competitions and what changes they will make to make their events more accessible.

Thank you UKPC & HarroWall!

Group photo of participants at the UKPC x HarroWall competition