What is Team Inner Peaks?
Team Inner Peaks is an opportunity for members ages 7-18 to join a friendly community and learn how to rock climb in a structured environment both recreationally and competitively.
Our teams operate year-round and are designed to be coached for overall team and athlete’s individual goals. Our various teams welcome climbers of all levels – from casual first-time climbers to elite competitive athletes. The Inner Peaks Youth Teams offer climbers an engaging and consistent way to develop team spirit, emotion regulation, mental and physical strength, work ethic, body mechanics, and self-esteem by overcoming challenges and fears with the support of their teammates and coaches.
Our youth programming includes everything from basic risk management to advanced competition climbing, which has enabled Team Inner Peaks to be USA Climbing Regional, Divisional, and National champions in bouldering, lead climbing, and speed climbing, as well as champions at the International Federation of Sport Climbing World Cup and Paraclimbing World Cup. All of our coaches hold First Aid, CPR, and USA Safe Sport Certifications. All of our competition team coaches also hold USA Climbing Level 2 Coach Certifications and some have USA Climbing Route Setting Certifications.
Team Highlights from 2022 Nationals:
For the 2022 USA Climbing Nationals, Team Inner Peaks was represented by seven of our climbers who qualified for Lead/Top Rope, four who qualified for Bouldering, and two who qualified for Speed.
Are you interested in competitive climbing? Here is some helpful information: Interested in Competitive Climbing
Interested Team Inner Peaks participants who would like to climb recreationally or do not have prior competitive climbing experience will begin on our Discovery Team. Prior to making the decision to join, a team trial must be scheduled! Our trials are scheduled 1-3 months in advance and are a great opportunity to experience teams!
*We do offer a 10% discount on team dues for each additional sibling that joins Team Inner Peaks.*
*Team Trials are currently unavailable at our South End location due to Teams being at max capacity.*
DISCOVERY/DISCOVERY+ (Recreational Team)
Team Discovery is our introductory team designed to teach each child the climbing skills they’ll need to be successful and advance in our climbing program. Climbers will learn fundamental climbing skills through climbing drills and instruction. Discovery practice meets once a week for 1.5 hours, and like any sports team each climber must be able to follow instructions during practice to ensure safety.
Practices are designed to instill good climbing habits while teaching new climbers about climbing movement on the wall. Coaches use games, climbing drills, and positive reinforcement to facilitate learning. Emphasis is to prepare climbers to move up in the program and begin competition climbing
Prerequisites and Team Requirements: Tryout- Must complete Team Trial first. All climbers must have their own chalk bag.
Price: $59/month + monthly membership to IP is required
Discovery Team Practice Times (Must choose reoccurring practice times. Team members may not attend practice outside of their chosen practice time):
South End: Wednesdays 4pm-5:30pm
Matthews: Wednesdays 5pm-6:30pm | Thursdays 4pm-5:30pm | Saturdays 9am-10:30am & 10:30am-12pm
Team Discovery+ is our introductory team offered for newer climbers who are 10+ years old or older. This team is similar to Discovery Team with the intention introducing the sport of rock climbing but has more of a focus on peer connection! This team also practices 1x per week for 1.5 hours.
Prerequisites and Team Requirements: Tryout- Must complete Team Trial first. All climbers must have their own chalk bag.
Price:$59/month + monthly membership to IP is required
ELEMENTS 1
ELEMENTS II
Elements I is for climbers who have a clear understanding of climbing movement and are ready to start competing at a local level. Each climber must know how to belay with an ATC and must pass an aged-based try out before joining Elements I. Practice is once a week for 2 hours.
Practices are more structured than Discovery and includes strength training and more advanced technique drills.
Climbers are encouraged to participate in local climbing competitions.
One practice a week.
Prerequisites: Invite Only. Climbers must have their own shoes + harness.
Price: $69 per month + a monthly membership to IP is required.
Elements II is for advanced climbers who are interested in competing in Championship level events. Climbers will gain valuable competition experience and are training to move up to Paragon, our elite climbing team. Elements II practice meets twice a week for 2.5 hours.
Practice is designed to prepare climbers for the current competition season.
Participants are required to compete.
Two practices a week.
Prerequisites: Invite Only. Climbers must have their own climbing gear.
Price: $125 per month + a monthly membership to IP is required.
PARAGON (Competitive Team)
Team Paragon is our competitive climbing team. Tryouts or invitation only.
- Structured practice twice a week, and challenging workouts. Attendance Required for both practices.
- Membership in USA Climbing is required, and all Team Paragon members are required to attend at least two sanctioned local events per season.
- Ideal for Ages 10 & up
- Session dependent on division. Session hopping is not allowed.
Prerequisites: Invitation only. Climbers must have a USA Climbing membership.
Cost: $145 per month + monthly membership to IP is required
**Contact: [email protected] for more information
TEAM PERKS
As a team member, you are eligible for special team member only events!
Bring a Friend to Team: All team members are encouraged to bring a friend to a practice during the announced “Bring a Friend!” Team practices. These are typically held bi-annually, and parents will be notified ahead of time! Friends of Team Members can climb free of charge with rental gear included!
Top Rope and Lead Climbing Proficiency: All Team Members will have the opportunity to obtain their Top Rope and Lead (age-dependent) proficiencies!
In-House Team Competitions: Team Inner Peaks members will be encouraged to participate in fun in-house competitions with fellow Team Members! The climbing routes set for these competitions will be designed for youth climbers, and these competitions will likely be held during practice times!
Pro Shop Discounts: All Members are eligible for 10% off all climbing gear and discounts on other retail items.
FREE Gear Rental: All Team Members will have access to FREE gear rental, including harnesses, shoes, belay devices, and ropes!
Quarterly Team Newsletter
Coaching at USA Climbing Competitions
To join a team, we require that all team members be Inner Peaks members. Why? The skills your child will learn are to be taken seriously. To solidify these skill takes practice, practice, practice. We strongly encourage you to climb often. As memberships include equipment rental, your child can come and climb anytime to work on his/her skills and technique. You can sign up for a membership here.