competition routesetting

Thread’s depth in the competition routesetting world is unparalleled; Chris and Brad bring together decades of climbing experience from different pathways. Chris is an IFSC Chief Routesetter and has set over 50 major National and International events, ranging from IFSC World Cups and World Championships, to National competitions, international exhibition style events like adidas ROCKSTARS, and local gym events. Specializing in Bouldering over the past decade, in recent years he has worked as the IFSC Chief Routesetter for World Cups in Munich (2019), Tokyo (2017, 2016) and Toronto (2014), the adidas ROCKSTARS in Stuttgart (2014 – 2017) and many USAC competitions, National Championships and Cup Series, since 2005. With a passion for new ideas and collaboration, Chris also works closely with facilities around the US on non-sanctioned competitions, routesetting and advising on organization and formats. Adding to this depth of competition experience, Brad is also a Level 5 USAC Routesetter, an IFSC Chief Routesetter, and comes from having managed the routesetting program at Stone Summit for nearly 10 years. He has run countless in-house events and works at other gyms for USAC Championship and independent competitions like Hotter than Chicken. Brad has worked at each National Championship competition in the past decade, adult and youth, bouldering and lead, and is widely regarded as one of the most prominent young routesetters in North America.

We see competition climbing as an invigorating force, constantly breathing energy into climbers, the gym industry and the broader climbing community. As the comp environment breeds the excitement of newness and doubt, it fosters young athletes to push themselves - different than in the outdoors - but still in uniquely inspiring ways. And competition routesetting is the special craft that fuels it all. The unknowns of trying to gauge what will happen in the field of play we create, plus the emotional energy of athletes sparking with an audience, are the perfect cocktail for obsessed creative problem-solvers.

And this is what Thread Climbing is all about… presenting and considering diverse ideas, assessing all the possibilities, finding solutions, and all the while driven by a fundamental passion for climbing movement. This is the constant.

Working at the highest level of international events, developing professional standards, and exploring new ideas, we are always exploring what’s next.

Introducing the 100-point scoring system at Stone Gardens’ classic Seattle Bouldering Challenge then bringing it to life around the world with USA Climbing; Organizing a unique team invitational at Sender One’s Grand Opening; developing the first adult US National Team Training Camp; Creating boulders, from decade-old, still unclimbed problems on the renowned CATS training wall, to the adidas ROCKSTARS and IFSC World Cups.

And staring at climbing walls filled with holds, visualizing, mentally refining the possibilities… we love it all and we’re up for everything.

Want to talk comps?  Give us a shout!