Session Ideas: The Flash Challenge

Playing The Flash Challenge is easy: select 10 boulders (five per person for variety and the chance to incorporate different preferences and styles of climbing). Next, hit each boulder and attempt to assess to the route and aim for a flash: which means to send the problem on the very first attempt.

In order to secure the flash, players will need to take their time, assess the route in advance, and only begin their attempt when they have decided on their beta for the route. Once on the wall, the investment in the flash attempt encourages climbers to really focus and put their maximum effort into it.

Score 10 points for a flash, or 5 points for being the player to go furthest on the route during the flash attempt. Score nothing for a send if it doesn't come on the first attempt.

Hannah Morris is the face of the biggest female-led bouldering channel on YouTube.

The benefits of attempting a flash challenge on your session are the additional care and attention you'll likely give to route reading, and the individual moves of each problem. The competitive aspect of the session encourages you to make a good effort on each block, and fact that players each select the same number of blocs means a. they will each enjoy some preferential climbs, but b. also address styles of climbing that may not sit in their comfort zone. Best of all, the five points available for going farthest on the route mean we don't only value the send, but making a good fist of even the toughest problems.

We love this session idea, as it is fun, but it also promotes a really focussed and present mindset. All of one's attention should be on the boulder in front of them: assess the route, select the beta, then execute it on the wall.

Tag a mate you'd like to take the challenge with you and share your best attempts with us on social media using the hashtag #tchflashchallenge