Event details
- Organiser: Boulder Co.
- Eligibility: Open to all — no CNZ licence required
- Spectating: Free
- Registration: boulderco.co.nz/bloc-fest-2026
Bloc Fest is a full-day festival bouldering competition at Boulder Co. Hamilton, open to climbers of all levels.
Categories
- Open A – Elite (male/female)
- Open B – Intermediate (male/female)
- Open C – Beginner/developing (male/female)
- Youth – Under 14 (male/female)
Competitors are placed into a category automatically based on their total qualification score. Cash prizes on offer.
Competition format
Competitors tackle up to 30 boulder problems across three 2-hour qualification sessions (max 70 per session). Problems range from V0–V11.
- Flash (1st attempt): 10 points
- 2nd attempt: 7 points
- 3rd attempt: 4 points
- 4th attempt or more: 1 point
A hidden cutoff score determines which competitors advance to finals.
Finals
The top six male and top six female from each category advance to finals. Finalists compete on 3–4 dedicated boulder problems in a timed rotation format (5 min 15 sec per problem). Finals run in order: Open C → Open B → Youth → Open A.
The festival
Beyond the comp, expect live music, shoe demos from leading climbing brands, food and nutrition booths, workshops, physio and mobility sessions, and café and bar specials.
Looking forward to seeing you at Boulder Co. Hamilton!