Kilter Showdown at Bruut in Breda

As more climbing gyms in the Netherlands install Kilterboard , new and creative competition formats are emerging. Last weekend, I participated in the Kilter Showdown at Bruut Boulderhal in Breda, local bouldering competition held entirely on the Kilter Board.

I often train on the Kilter Board at Bossche Boulders, especially when I’m craving an extra challenge. This weekend’s Kilter competition was held simultaneously at two locations: Boulderstation Enschede and Bruut Breda .Due to travel time, I chose Breda - a gym with always great atmosphere.

The Competition Format

The setup was simple but clever: boulders ranged from level 5B to 7Cand were programmed through the app. A fall earned you a red card next to your name, but you could still continue to the next round. Two red cards meant elimination. One of the great things about a Kilter Board competition is that the gym setup remains untouched.

Only ten climbers participated, creating an intimate vibe rather than a crowded event. With a really nice DJ setting the tone, we got started on the first boulders.

How It Went?

At first, I was mostly worried about slipping a foot, but the initial problems were manageable - everyone topped them with ease. As the difficulty increased, the real battle began. On the 6A problems, the first competitors started to struggle, and red cards began to appear on the scoreboard.

There was also a strategic element to the competition. After topping a problem, you could choose your starting position for the next one. In the easier rounds, this didn’t matter much, but in the harder rounds, I preferred starting later so I could observe the others first.

At 6C, we said goodbye to the first climbers. Eventually, only Tijmen and I remained on a tough 7A+. My first attempt failed, but on the second try, I managed to top it. That was the end of the event for Tijmen.

The final boulder was 7B+ with a brutal“off the wagon”move: a footless cross that I always struggle with. Luckily, there was an alternative beta, though it also demanded a lot of power. After using that sequence, I simply had no energy left for the final two moves.

Still, my score was enough to secure the win, making me the first-ever winner of the Kilter Showdown at Bruut. My prize? The book Beastmakingperfect for getting even stronger ahead of the next competition. Afterward, I stuck around to enjoy the rest of the boulders in the gym. I’m already looking forward to the next edition. Thanks, Boulderhal Bruut, for the great vibe and an original Kilter Board competition!