What is level?

Climbing Level is basically how hard you consistently climb. Kaya tracks and awards Level badges for three dimensions:

Flashing first try
Sending “Hard” Intensity projects fast
Sending “Limit” Intensity or lifetime projects at your cutting edge

Progressing at climbing demands development of many movement skills: strength, mobility, and on-the-wall tactics. While you can see wins in all these areas that are not reflected by your top grades, ultimately your Climbing Level is reflected by your climbing, not your 20mm max weight hang or your side splits. Your ability to Flash, send climbs in your “Hard” Intensity Zone, and reach for a breakthrough at your Limit, reflect your present form—your climbing “level” right now.

FLASH BADGE

What is a Flash?

“Flashing” means sending a climb on the first try. Some consider this the purist style of climbing and evidence of mastery of a climbing style or grade. To improve your chance of flashing a climb, when you approach a new climb the first time, imagine how the moves might go, how the holds will feel in your hands, and the body positions needed to make the holds usable. Then go for it with everything you have and try hard to send your first attempt!

How do you earn the Badge?

The Flash Badge is earned by flashing 5 climbs of a grade.

SOLID BADGE

What is “Solid”?

The Solid Badge reflects your ability to project hard climbs and send them fast. While Limit intensity sends are rare achievements, strength and capacity gains are made when you can send Hard intensity climbs in three or fewer sessions. Difficult but quickly attainable with the right training, Solid climbs build patterns of success and should yield high Tops Rate and fast Velocity.

How do you earn the Badge?

The Solid badge is earned by climbing 10 of the hardest grades you can climb in an annual season.

Limit Badge

What is a “Limit” climb?

Limit sends are breakthrough achievements that express your top level. Sending a climb at your limit requires the right training, peeking, finding beta that works for you, patience, perseverance, and good conditions. When everything comes together, you can celebrate one of these rare achievements.

How do you earn the Badge?

Limit Badges are achieved by sending 3 of a grade, the hardest climbs you can send over the annual season.

Seasons

Badges are earned for the year and reset annually on December 31.

Your past year’s badges are stored in the trophy case found in your profile so you can see how far you’ve come, and track your form year over year. Of course, this trophy case can keep growing, so every new year you can look forward to the challenges ahead!