Speed
Speed is exactly how it sounds: Climb the wall as fast as you can.
While the idea is simple, there are few things to consider....
The route which speed climbers climb is the exact same route no matter where they compete. It is a route designed and certified by the international federation of sport climbing (IFSC). The route itself is depicted here, with there being a modified 10 meter version for youth C and D athletes and a full 15 meter version for all other athletes.
In speed, climbers will follow the same procedure and format every competition...
1. The climber will be allowed two practice runs that are timed but not counted as their official times.
2. The climber will have two qualifier runs. The faster of the two times will be used to seed them in the next round.
3. If the climber's qualifier time is fast enough to advance to the next round (typically top 16 but could be less if there are less registrants), they will begin racing against other climbers (which is why there are two lanes).
4. If the climber loses, they are knocked out and there competition is done. If the climber wins they progress and race against the next climber until they lose, or they make the semi-finals.
5. In the semi-finals, a loss means you face the loser in the other semi-final for the bronze medal. A win means you face the other winner for the gold and silver medal.
NOTE: The only speed walls in Alberta are a 15m wall at CCC - Rocky Mountain in Calgary, and a 10m wall at Elevation Place in Canmore.
