AZR Ascenders Youth Climbing Team
Welcome to the AZR Ascenders Climbing Team. The AZR Ascenders are a youth climbing team based out of the best climbing gym in Arizona – AZ on the Rocks. Our climbing team develops well rounded competitive climbers with an emphasis on good sportsmanship and climbing etiquette.
About Our Team
If you are looking to get your child involved in a great sport, then climbing might be the perfect fit. Our climbing team offers many different team levels for boys and girls age 8 to 19. Our youth climbing team has many nationally ranked climbers and fosters a great environment for physical and mental development and team camaraderie . Climbing has recently become an Olympic Sport.
The AZR Ascenders have produced a World Champion, 5 National Champions and multiple US Team Members. As a team, we have ranked Nationally in the top 10 for several years. We have also been ABS Regional Champions in 2008 and 2009; as well as SCS Regional Champions 2008, 2009, and 2011. Additionally we have multiple USAC Regional Champion awards and produce National level athletes each Sport and Speed and Bouldering season.
The team is headed up by our team manager Nick V. We also have wonderful assistant coaches that each bring unique skills and coaching styles to the team. Our team can accommodate all ages from 8-19, as well as all ability levels. We have multiple levels of competitive team options that cater to all youth climbers from new young competitors, all the way to seasoned elites. We also have team options for those who just want to improve their skills and climb for fun with our recreation teams. We will be able to find the right fit no matter what your young climbers goals are.
WHO CAN JOIN THE TEAM?
Anyone age 8 to 18 can join the youth climbing team.
DO YOU HAVE TO BE GOOD AT CLIMBING?
No. Any child age 6 to 19 can become a member of the climbing team. However, kids are required to climb a grade of 5.7 to be on the team. This is an entry level climbing grade.
If your child cannot climb this level then they can take some introductory Kids Klimb classes to improve their skill.
WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT?
Like any sport the level of commitment is dependent upon the expectations of the climber. Our climbing team offers multiple levels of training and competition. Your child will be placed on a team based on his or her ability level and commitment to the sport. Our team has many national level competitors as well as many recreational team members that do not compete.
IS TRAVEL INVOLVED?
Yes or No. It really depends on the skill of your child and your desire to travel. Each year there are multiple “local” competitions offered through-out the state of Arizona. You have the option to travel to some of these if you wish. If you child progresses and begins to compete at Regional or National level then travel will be required to attend those higher level competitions.
IS CLIMBING AN OLYMPIC SPORT?
Yes, climbing will be a Olympic sanctioned sport in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. There is a great video in the video galley below that provides details on what to expect for climbing in the Olympics.
SEE YOUTH CLIMBERS IN ACTION
The videos below provide some great perspective and insight on youth climbing. The first two videos are of highlights from Youth Nationals and the third is of an AZR Ascender that was highlighted by ABC 15. The AZR Ascenders typically have 8 to 15 competitors competing at Nationals each year.
What More Information?
If you would like to find out more about our youth climbing team please complete the form below. Your request will be sent directly to our team manager who will get you all the information you need about the team and how best to get started. We will even provide your son or daughter with a free day pass do they can experience a day of climbing.