Hueco Rock Rodeo facts for kids
The Hueco Rock Rodeo is a big bouldering competition. It happens every year in February. The event takes place at Hueco Tanks State Historic Site near El Paso, Texas. Many professional rock climbers from all over the world come to compete. The money raised helps protect the climbing area.
This competition was not always meant to be so intense. But as climbing became more popular, it grew into one of the toughest events to win. After more than 20 years, it is still a major event for climbers. It is both a fun festival and a serious competition.
Contents
History of the Rock Rodeo
The Hueco Rock Rodeo started in 1989. The El Paso Climbers Club (EPCC) created it. Back then, there were no strict rules at Hueco Tanks.
One of the early organizers, Dave Head, remembers those times. He said they gave out Croakies (straps for glasses). Soon, everyone at Hueco was wearing them. The early events were simple. Winners got trophies and even Elvis posters.
For six years, the Rodeo attracted many climbers. About 150 people joined each year. Famous climbers like Dale Goddard and Hans Florine took part.
Changes and Pauses
Over time, the Rodeo's rules changed. This was because of problems with too many people using the area. Some ancient pictographs (rock drawings) were also damaged.
In 1995, the competition had to stop for a while. This was due to ongoing issues. But it started again in 1996. That year, it was called the 7th Rock Rodeo. The 8th and 9th Rodeos happened before new rules came in.
In 1998, the Public Use Plan (PUP) was put in place. This plan set new rules for the park. Because of these rules, the Hueco Rock Rodeo paused again. It did not happen in 1999, 2000, 2001, or 2002.
In 2003, Rob Rice asked the park if the Rodeo could return. He was allowed to host the 10th annual event. This was the first time the Rock Ranch hosted the Rodeo.
How the Competition Works
The rules for the Hueco Rock Rodeo have changed over the years. But since 2012, the way it works has been pretty much the same.
Each year, the people who organize the event choose a different climbing area. This is where the different groups of climbers will compete.
Climbing Categories
There are usually four main groups, or categories, for climbers:
- Recreational: For climbers who can do V0 to V4 difficulty climbs.
- Intermediate: For climbers who can do V3 to V7 difficulty climbs.
- Advanced: For climbers who can do V5 to V10 difficulty climbs.
- Masters (ages 40 and up): For climbers who can do V0 to V14 difficulty climbs.
- Open: This is the hardest category, for V7 to V14 difficulty climbs.
The "Open" category used to be called the "Mutant" category in earlier years.
Scoring the Climbs
Competitors get a scorecard with a list of "boulder problems." These are specific climbing routes. To get points, climbers must successfully finish a problem without falling. Two witnesses must sign their scorecard.
The points for each climb are based on the "V-Scale." For example, a V7 climb might be worth 700 points. If a climber gets 6000 points, they might have climbed six V10 boulders.
If there is a tie, the number of tries it took to complete the climbs is used to decide the winner. Only the top 6 problems a climber finishes count towards their total score.
The Open category is very competitive. Winners get a special belt buckle, money, and are recognized by climbers worldwide.
Men's Results
| Year | Location | Winner | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | ? |  Matt Wilder |
6870? |
| 2007 | ? |  ? |
? |
| 2008 | North & East | Kevin Jorgeson |
7200 |
| 2009 | North | Paul Robinson |
7700 |
| 2010 | East | Daniel Woods |
? |
| 2011 | East | Daniel Woods |
7400 |
| 2012 | Spur | Daniel Woods |
7600 |
| 2013 | East | Paul Robinson |
7780 |
| 2014 | Spur | Daniel Woods |
8115 |
| 2015 | West | Daniel Woods |
7170 |
| 2016 | North |  Jakob Schubert |
7710 |
| 2017 | North | Daniel Woods |
7,295 |
Women's Results
| Year | Location | Winner | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | west buttress | Ana Burgos |
5342? |
| 2007 | ? | ? |
? |
| 2008 | ? | ? |
? |
| 2009 | North |  Thomasina Pidgeon |
? |
| 2010 | Spur | Alex Puccio |
? |
| 2011 | Spur | ? |
? |
| 2012 | Spur | Katha Saurwein |
5900 |
| 2013 | East | Angie Payne |
2960 |
| 2014 | Spur |  Jule Wurm |
6100 |
| 2015 | West |  Maria Sandbu |
3800 |
| 2016 | North | Alex Puccio |
6510 |
| 2017 | North | Kyra Condie |
3,910 |
Masters' Results
| Year | Location | Winner | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ? | Ty Foose |
3,360 |
| 2015 | West Mtn | Ty Foose |
? |
| 2016 | North Mtn | Jay Bone |
46 |
| 2017 | ? | Ty Foose |
? |
| 2018 | ? | Jason Syesta |
? |
| 2019 | East Mtn | Ty Foose |
12,489 |
