What began as a family friend’s outing to a local gym has turned into a competitive sport and a future in coaching for Red Deer’s Colton Bowes, who has been named the Strand 360/Sunny 94’s Athlete of the Month.
“Well, we have a local gym in Red Deer, it’s called Trailhead Climbing and Fitness, and a family friend of ours just took me and another kid. I think I was about 12 or 13 years old at the time just to try it out, and I really enjoyed it,” he said. “So, they started putting me into classes and stuff, and it just kind of went on from there to me eventually joining a competitive team.”
Bowe’s coach, Karmen Clews, nominated him for the award, praising his strong work ethic and determination. The young climber said it was Klews who first recognized his potential.
“It was actually Karmen that noticed me and told my parents about the competitive team and how it might be a little bit more of a challenge,” he said. “It was super fun, and the community was amazing. I met a bunch of great friends there and I just really enjoyed the sport.”
This summer, Bowes competed at the national level in Richmond, B.C.
“I went to Richmond for lead nationals. For my category, which was Junior, there were 23 people for junior male,” he said. “I did well. I would say I was a little bit disappointed. I made it to the semifinals, but then kind of ended it there.”
While he has tried climbing outdoors, Bowes says most of his training is at the Trailhead gym, which features both rope and bouldering walls. Safety, he added, is always a top priority.
“You have to get a license to be able to lead belay somebody on the rope. So, it’s super safe, super technical. You’re in good hands,” he said.
Looking ahead, Colton hopes to remain involved in climbing beyond competition.
“I actually do see a future with coaching. I’ve been talking to Karmen, and I might help her coach this development team that they’re starting at my home gym,” he said.
Bowes says he would recommend climbing to kids of all ages, especially at his Red Deer gym.
“It’s something that’s fun, but it’s also going to put you in some great shape,” he said. “It feels like a home. So, I would 100 per cent recommend it.”
If you would like to nominate someone for the Strand 360/Sunny 94 Athlete of the Month, click here.