Headline News
UClimb Announces 2008 Schedule for Introductory Rock Climbing Events
If you've always thought rock climbing looks fun, UClimb could be the ticket you're looking for to introduce you to the sport. UClimb weekends allow you to learn to climb in a comfortable small-group setting with other novice climbers. Professional instructors guide you through the basics of climbing, safety and conservation.
The weekend-long adventure is an ideal introduction to the world of rock climbing. You'll learn climbing techniques, how to use climbing gear, voice commands, knot tying, belaying and etiquette. And each event takes place in areas reknown for rock climbing, as well as for spectacular scenery.
Events are scheduled in the following locations:
• Joshua Tree, Calif.: April 12–13, 2008
• New River Gorge, W.V.: June 21–22, 2008
• Donner Summit, Calif.: July 19–20, 2008
• Estes Park, Colo.: Aug. 23–24, 2008
• Exit 38, North Bend, Wash.: Aug. 30–31, 2008
• Red River Gorge, Ky.: Sept. 12–13, 2008
All UClimb packages include professional climbing instruction, camping on Friday and Saturday, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. Register for the "Weekend with Gear" package for $329 and you'll also be provided with the basic equipment you’ll need to get up on the rock—helmet, harness, carabiner, belay device, chalk bag and shoes—and you get to keep it after the event (the gear is valued at almost $300, but it's yours to keep for $130, which is included in the registration price). If you already own gear, registration is $199. The "Youth Weekend with Gear" package for ages 10–17 costs $289; with your own gear, cost is $159.
UClimb is the brainchild of Spokane-based outdoor shop Mountain Gear and sponsored by Metolius Climbing, Mountain Hardwear, Black Diamond, Omega Pacific Inc., Climbing Magazine, Outside, Urban Climber Magazine, Alpine Skills International, Osprey, Colorado Mountain School, Five Ten, Trango, Outdoor Research, Podclimber, Petzl, La Sportiva, Patagonia, Red River Outdoors, New River Mountain Guides, and Marmot. The event beneficiary is The Access Fund, a national non-profit organization dedicated to keeping climbing areas open and to conserving the climbing environment.
For more information and registration, visit UClimb's website at www.mountaingear.com/uclimb or call toll-free (800) 829-2009. For more information about The Access Fund, go to www.accessfund.org.