Last weekend was buzzing with climbing events. While the NKBV hosted youth competitions and top climbers impressed at the Tokyo Sessions in Monk Amsterdam, we chose the Catch040V in Boulder Veldhoven, an intimate local comp with a friendly vibe.
A welcoming and inclusive concept
Catch040V is a competition designed for climbers of all skill levels. Participants choose from four difficulty categories, each featuring ten boulders that contribute to the final score. Flashing a climb earns bonus points, with scores conveniently tracked in the Toplogger-app.
. Despite its competitive nature, the event feels like a fun bouldering session with a hint of rivalry. Its approachable format makes it ideal for everyone, from beginners to seasoned climbers.
A one-of-a-kind venue: Boulder Veldhoven (set in a church)
The location of Boulder Veldhoven is unique: a bouldering gym in a former church. Our expectation that it would be cold turned out to be wrong. Underfloor heating beneath the large tiles ensured a comfortable temperature, so the warm sweater came off quickly.
The setting is truly striking, with its towering ceiling and original pillars adding to the charm. As a newer gym, the holds are still rough, providing excellent grip but leaving your fingertips rosy after an extended session.
My competition experience
After a solid warm-up, I tackled the first boulders, flashing the initial six with ease. Things got trickier after that, but with a few attempts, I managed to complete boulders 7 and 8, leaving just two more. The routes were packed with slopers and pinches - holds that play to my strengths.
Boulder 9, a tricky black boulder, required patience and effort. I missed the flash but managed to send it on my second attempt after refining the moves. Boulder 10, however, was a tougher nut to crack, with a demanding shoulder move in the roof. Despite multiple tries, I couldn’t get past the zone.
More than just the competition
With just ten competition boulders, I filled the rest of my time tackling easier problems from other categories and helping out my girlfriend. Some of easier boulders turned out to be unexpectedly fun and occasionally challenging, making the evening both competitive and very enjoyable.
Final Results
With 9 tops and 1 zone , I secured first place in my category, winning a pair of knee pads - practical, though I’m still figuring out how best to use them. More than the prize, I look back on an amazing evening filled with fun and bouldering.
Boulder Veldhoven offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Are you planning to visit this remarkable gym? Stay tuned to our website, as we’ll soon publish an in-depth article exploring climbing and bouldering in churches throughout the Netherlands.Don’t miss out!
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