Category: Uncategorized

A few weeks ago, GRIP hosted a test event for the Pro Climbing League (PCL) — a brand-new competition format where professional climbers go head-to-head on identical boulders. The first athlete to reach the top wins; if no one tops, the win goes to the athlete who reaches the highest hold first.

GRIP was chosen as a test venue due to our setting team and unique facilities. As the only gym in Europe with two adjustable Lemur x Kilter Slab walls, we were able to create mirrored boulders for the athletes to compete on side by side!

Preparation and testing

The test event ran for five days: four days of preparation and filming, followed by one day of competition simulation.

During preparation, the GRIP setting team worked closely with Kilter setters to create and refine mirrored boulders. This setting process differed significantly from regular setting, using tools such as rulers, templates, and markers to ensure the boulders were completely identical. Once the boulders were ready, the team focused on efficient resets. This was a crucial element of the competition format, since boulders had to be removed and replaced with new, identical problems between rounds.

The preparation phase also brought several high-level athletes into the gym. Shauna Coxsey, multiple World Cup winner and Olympian, and Erin McNeice, one of the UK’s rising competition climbers. They helped testing the boulders and creating footage for the event. Much of the week was captured by a Red Bull media crew, so there was a lot going on with all the cameras and athletes.

Competition simulation

The competition simulation took place on December 18, with both a men’s and women’s category. The knockout format included qualification rounds, semi-finals, a third-place match, and a final. Athletes had up to four minutes per boulder, unless the boulder was topped earlier or their opponent finished first. Because competitors climbed simultaneously, the format introduced a clear strategic element. Athletes had to balance speed with efficiency, deciding when to push, when to rest, and how to respond to their opponent’s progress on the wall. This head-to-head structure created a different dynamic from traditional competition formats — both for athletes and spectators.

Test event results

Men

1. Paul Brand
2. Briq Middelburg
3. Simon Kunneman

Women

1. Bibi Hamers
2. Nuria Brockfield
3. Amber Schiffeleers

Thank you to everyone involved in making this test event possible. The first official Pro Climbing League event will take place in London on February 28. Keep an eye out for more content from the PCL test event on YouTube and Instagram.

We’re open every day through the holidays! Plenty of time to boulder with friends and family, just keep an eye on the adjusted hours. Happy holidays!

What a fantastic day! From the packed qualification round to an unforgettable final at the Wave, the atmosphere in the gym was incredible. Every year, the level of climbing seems to rise, and this edition was no exception.

A big thank you to all the talented and passionate climbers who took part and made the day so special. We also want to thank everyone who came by to watch, cheer, and support — your energy truly made a difference. And of course, congratulations to all the finalists for delivering such an exciting show.

You can find all the photos from the event on our Facebook page.

On November 14th from 19:00 to 21:00, we’re hosting a special guest workshop focused on how to train effectively during the different phases of your menstrual cycle. The workshop is for women who want to better understand their bodies and tailor their training for improved performance and overall well-being. Men are welcome too, perfect if you want to learn alongside your partner.

Here’s what you can expect:
• Practical insights to adapt your training to your cycle
• Tips to recognize patterns in energy and strength
• A supportive environment to learn and share experiences with other women

The workshop costs €20. Sign up below!

Register

First-ever Slab Fest — and what an introduction it was!
We couldn’t have wished for a better debut. A massive thank you to everyone who came out and showed just how strong the love for slabs is. The energy in the gym was electric, and the commitment on the walls was next-level.

The finals brought together some of the biggest names in the Dutch climbing scene, and they did not disappoint! The top 6 men and top women battled it out on our adjustable Black Boards, all climbing the same boulders. With 1.5 hours to top as many problems as possible, it was action-packed from start to finish.

Congratulations to the winners:
Men
🥇 Paul Brand
🥈 Mattis Eisenkolb
🥉 Tijn Exalto

Women
🥇 Bibi Hamers
🥈 Amber Schiffeleers
🥉 Geke Havermans

Want to relive the day? Check out all the pictures and videos on our social media.

• Instagram
• Facebook

We’ve expanded our rental selection with even more options for your next bouldering adventure! You can now rent:

• Three different crashpads and a top mat
• Extendable brushes
• Climbing shoes from various top brands

Check the table below for full details and pricing.

Ready to rent?
Call us at 024 737 0460 or drop by the gym to book your gear!

Open as usual during Pentecost with setting on Monday!

We’re excited to share our new merch! Two differet designs, both ready to keep you stylish and comfortable on and off the wall!

First, our clean boulder t-shirt with backprint. The print is from our very own spray wall, giving it that unique GRIP touch. It comes in 3 different colours and is available in sizes XS–XL.

For the second shirt, we went hard! This metal-inspired shirt fits just as well at a local concert as it does on the climbing wall. From S-XL.

Check it out in the store!