The final round of the 2009 Series was held last week at The Ice Factor in Kinlochleven A Full Report can be found on the STS site HERE
Scottish ‘Tooling Competitions:
2009 Tooling Comp
The Scottish Tooling Series
(Incorporating the Scottish Mixed Masters)
Supported by Glenmore Lodge and the MCofS
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Indoor competitions using ice axes were set up some years ago by Scott Muir as the ‘Scottish Mixed Masters’ as a result of the growing interest in sport mixed climbing across the world and the interest in Ice Climbing Competitions held by the UIAA in Europe.
They have gone from strength to strength, with a growing band of followers eagerly awaiting the following year’s tool-fest.
In this respect Scotland is unique in the UK in having a number of climbing walls with the experience and ability to run such competitions – and of course the Ice Factor offering some real ice as well.
What are they like?
The competitions entail bouldering and top-roping routes using ice axes and are always held indoors at a selection of the main climbing centres.
They originally involved climbing on the artificial rock walls and some free hanging logs which gave a certain amusement to the proceedings. They are organised in a similar manner to normal ‘rock climbing’ competitions with height gained giving an increasing number of points.
But these are not just for the hard core tooling fraternity. If you rock climb a little then you have the basic skills and the series will give you a great opportunity to have a go and be inspired by seeing others do it well. It’s also a great way to try the styles needed for winter climbing!
Each host venue will operate its own very different style for setting the challenges, which is what will make this competition so exciting.
A growing number of climbers in Scotland are now gaining interest in the European ice competitions as a result and a Scottish Series will acknowledge and support what is possibly the fastest growth competition sport in the UK!
What Gear do I Need to Take Part?
Competitors can use their own ice axes, although the adze/hammer needs to be removed if possible or made safer with padding. Helmets and gloves must be worn. Helmets with face guards are optional but eye protection is required. Competitors are required to wear outdoor mountaineering boots although youth competitors are exempt at some walls and can wear shoes (NOT rock shoes) when possible. Crampons will be required at some of the competitions (Glenmore Lodge and The Ice Factor) but at Glenmore youth competitors can use boots or shoes instead.
Scottish Tooling Series 2008 Results and reports can be viewed HERE