2020 Paraclimbing National Championships

Saturday, March 28 & Sunday, March 29

Mesa Rim Mission Valley

We are honored to host the 2020 Paraclimbing National Championships at Mesa Rim Mission Valley. This year marks the first time the event is held on the west coast and we’re thrilled to provide the space for these amazing athletes to test their skills and compete to earn an invitation to the IFSC World Paraclimbing Championships.

Information will be added to this page as it becomes available. Please check back as we get closer to the competition.

COMPETING

The Paraclimbing National Championships are open to any climber with a disability. Competitors are required to have a current Paraclimbing membership with USA Climbing and to register under one of the established categories (see below). Climbers are not required to participate in any other competitions in order to qualify for Nationals and for many competitors Paraclimbing Nationals is their first climbing competition. This event fields competitors ranging from social climbers to world champions, and everyone is welcome. Any potential competitors are encouraged to contact Rachel Owens, USAC Paraclimbing Series Manager, with any questions (rachel@usaclimbing.org).

USAC Paraclimbing Categories:

Seated
Upper Limb Amputee
Lower Limb Amputee
Visually Impaired
Range of Power or Neurological
Youth

More specific information on paraclimbing categories may be found in section 11.3 (page 83) of the USA Climbing Rulebook.

To find more information on USAC memberships, or to purchase your membership, visit the USAC Membership Overview page.

A note for all competitors who plan to belay: All belayers are required to have a top rope belay certification at Mesa Rim. Belayers must be able to tie a figure 8 knot and use the PLUS/PBUS method or an approved adaptive belay method. All belayers on the competition floor are required to use an assisted braking device, such as a grigri, pilot or jul. We encourage belayers to test out on Friday to alleviate lines and crowds. If you are unsure whether you have a valid top rope belay certification at Mesa Rim, you may reach the front desk at 619-908-1611.

SPECTATING

Spectating is open to the public and free. For those who can’t make it to Mission Valley in person, we will also live stream finals. The livestream link will be posted here during the week of the competition.

REGISTRATION

Registration is now OPEN until 11:59:59 on Sunday, March 23! All registration for Paraclimbing Nationals must be completed through USA Climbing. Mesa Rim is unable to register competitors or assist with registration. Visit the Paraclimbing Nationals registration page for more information, or to register.

FORMAT

For the first time ever, the Paraclimbing National Championships will consist of two rounds–a qualifying redpoint round and onsight final round. All routes will be top rope.

Extensive changes were made to all Paraclimbing competition rules and categories in the updated USAC rule book published on November 30, 2019. Mesa Rim encourages all competitors and coaches to review the changes before the start of the competition.

Read the rule book HERE. All updates and revisions are in blue font.

WAIVERS

Everyone who will be inside the facility is required to have a current waiver on file. This includes family, friends, and any children who may be spectating. If you are not sure whether you have a current waiver on file, contact front desk staff at the number below. You can fill out a waiver online by clicking HERE.

Mission Valley: 619-908-1611

VOLUNTEERING

Mesa Rim and USAC are looking for volunteers to fill a number of positions! Sign up HERE to volunteer!

A note for all belay volunteers: All belayers are required to have a top rope belay certification at Mesa Rim. Belayers must be able to tie a figure 8 knot and use the PLUS/PBUS method or an approved adaptive belay method. All belayers on the competition floor are required to use an assisted braking device, such as a grigri, pilot or jul. We encourage belayers to test out on Friday to alleviate lines and crowds. If you are unsure whether you have a valid top rope belay certification at Mesa Rim, contact the front desk at 619-908-1611.

EVENT SCHEDULE

The official Preliminary Schedule has been published! For more information, visit the dedicated USAC Paraclimbing Nationals page.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Competitor Check-in
Belay Testing for competitors and volunteers
Gear Swap
Eat Your Heart SD Food Truck
Brews Garden featuring Serpentine Cider, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages (TBA)

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Competitor Check-in
Redpoint Qualifiers
Gear Swap

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

Onsight Finals
Brews Garden
Mesa Rim BBQ (veggie options available)

HOTELS

USAC has partnered with three San Diego hotels. For more information on the hotels, or to book a room, visit the USAC Accommodation page for Paraclimbing Nationals.

In addition, the following hotels are located on Camino del Rio South and within one mile of Mesa Rim Mission Valley. Please note that there are no reserved room blocks; these hotels are are listed for convenience only.

TRAINING CAMPS

Mesa Rim is offering a two-day training camp after Paraclimbing Nationals for any athletes who are interested in learning to create structured training plans or improve their focus at competitions.

Curriculum for the training camp will include:

Competition recap
Mock competition redemption round on competition routes
Competition strategy & route reading
Introduction to training equipment, including hangboards, moon boards, rings, etc.
Creating long-term structured training plans
Iso warm up technique

Monday, March 30: Mission Valley
10am-4pm

Tuesday, March 31: Mira Mesa
10am-2pm

TRAINING CAMP REGISTRATION

2020 Paraclimbing National Championships