
The Sportrock Climbing League isn’t just a competition series—it’s a mix of friends, fun, and figuring out how to hang on to plastic holds without falling off. For three epic competitions a season, at the Sportrock Performance Institute (SRPI), the Sportrock routesetting crew covers the wall with creative boulders for every skill level, the music is pumping, and climbers cheer each other on, whether they're sending hard or hilariously flopping off the first move. It’s less about crushing and more about connecting—with your team, the community, and your own climbing journey.
This recreational team bouldering series welcomes climbers aged 16+ of all skill levels. Whether you're psyched about your first V2 send or projecting your latest V8, Climbing League is here to shake up your routine, challenge you in new ways, and remind you that climbing is always more fun with friends. The format mixes redpoint rounds (aka: climb as much as you can, as hard as you can) with the drama of onsight finals (cue the heart-pounding, nail-biting excitement). But really, it's about the laughs, the high-fives, and the "did-you-see-that?!" moments.
The Evolution of Expectations


Meet Medium Expectations, a team that started with, well, low expectations—literally. Back in 2022, they kicked things off as Low Expectations, a name born from a bar trivia night joke between Raymond and Kayla. It was a cheeky nod to their humble climbing goals. But here's the twist: they weren’t just having fun, they were getting better. Fast.
Season after season, they kept leveling up. From Team Low Expectations to Team Medium Expectations, and now standing tall as league champions last season! So, what's next? Maybe Team High Expectations? (No pressure, team.)
More Than Just a Competition
For Kayla, the league is about more than topping out problems. "I love hanging out with and cheering on my fellow teammates and competitors. It’s a fun, competitive environment that feels different from regular gym sessions." It's not just about sending hard; it's about noticing how your technique has improved, realizing you're braver than you thought, and laughing at that one ridiculous fall you definitely meant to do.

Frank adds, "It's an extra fun addition that shakes up our usual climbing sessions. Competing in an onsight environment? That adrenaline rush is unmatched."
Team Traditions and Camaraderie
What makes Medium Expectations more than just a team? Friendship, inside jokes, and yes… temporary dinosaur tattoos. Yep, they slap on dino tats for every comp. Why? Who knows. But it stuck (literally and emotionally). As Tori puts it, "They take a while to come off, so many of us wore our team unity long after the competition was over."
And after battling gravity? They refuel with post-comp feasts. Raymond sums it up: "It’s a way to hang out with friends, meet new climbers, and enjoy the awesome community that Sportrock fosters." Turns out, food tastes better when you’ve earned it by flailing off dynamic moves all night.

Why SRPI is the Perfect Stage
The Sportrock Performance Institute (SRPI) isn’t just a bouldering addition to Sportrock Alexandria. It’s a climber’s playground filled with creative, boulder problems that you won’t find anywhere else. "There isn’t really anything quite like the routesetting at SRPI," says Frank. "It lets me experience the thrill of competition climbing without the pressure you sometimes feel at other gyms."

Kayla agrees: "It’s special to climb where national-level athletes train. The setters really go wild here, and we get to enjoy their creativity with every new problem."
Who Should Join the Climbing League?

In a word: Everyone.
Whether you're a seasoned crusher or still learning the difference between crimps and slopers, the league is for you. Tori started in the Beginner Division in 2023 and moved up to Intermediate in 2024. "If you can get over that first comp jitters, it’s such a rewarding experience. You'll surprise yourself with what you can do."
Frank nails it: "Climbing League is one of the best ways to experience comp climbing in a fun, supportive environment. You don’t have to be elite—just show up, try hard, and have a blast."
Ready to Join the Fun?
At the end of the day, the Climbing League isn’t about who climbs the hardest. It’s about community, growth, and creating memories that stick around longer than those dino tattoos. Whether you're chasing sends, friendships, or just a good excuse to wear a ridiculous team name with pride, there's a spot for you.