Trango athlete Marcus Garcia is bringing competitive youth mixed climbing to North America on December 30-31, 2014. North America’s first-ever UIAA-style youth mixed competition will take place in Durango, CO and will include both speed and lead categories for competitors from 15 – 20 years old.
A competitive climber himself, Garcia recently competed in the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup during the annual Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival. As a longtime climber, coach, and now the owner of Durango’s Rock Lounge climbing gym, he enjoys the instructional aspect of climbing as well.
“Climbing really helps me escape from my daily life challenges for a moment of relief. It recharges my soul and body. Also, I find tons of satisfaction when one of my climbing students obtains their goals as a climber”, says Garcia, who is the current coach of the USA Youth Indoor Climbing Team.
To pull off the upcoming competition, Garcia will construct a 32-foot climbing structure in his hometown of Durango. He hopes to use this competition as an opportunity to grow the sport of mixed climbing in North America and to share his passion of climbing with others.
“I enjoy teaching others what climbing can really give to a single person or to a whole family. Climbing is a lifelong adventure that can be shared with others for years”, says Garcia.
For more information on the competition, visit: http://www.theuiaa.org/news-173-Youth-mixed-climbing-competition-UIAA-style-to-be-held-in-Colorado.html
