Risk 2

To dig deeper into the mechanics & philosophy of our setting program, we wanted to share a tool known as the RIC Scale (Risk, Intensity, Complexity). Routesetters everywhere use this scale, either consciously or unconsciously, to make direct assessments regarding the niche a route fills in their gym. Climbers benefit as a result, receiving a holistic and varied experience at a gym when all of these elements are present across all grade levels.
Risk refers to movements where the climber is asked to commit, and does not refer to physical danger. These are moves that you can’t back out of once you’ve begun, such as jumps, smearing on a slab/volume, etc. Intensity is likely the most familiar element, as it pertains to the aspects of trying hard - hard pulls, explosive movements, etc. Complexity is our bread & butter at ASCEND, and it typically refers to the minutia of both movement and sequences. Complex movement requires the climber to properly read a sequence, position their hips just right, move just the right speed.
In the three videos below, we’ve highlighted a few recent boulders that exemplify each category of the RIC scale. Future posts will be shared soon, with a deep dive on each part of the scale, as well as some helpful tips to recognize and succeed within them.