April 29, 2009
Rock/Creek Helps Disabled "Climb Higher"
If you entered into Urban Rocks Gym in Chattanooga, TN within the time frame of March 16 through April 20th, you witnessed personal achievement. Rock/Creek partnered with Chaco, along with Urban Rocks Gym, Outdoor Chattanooga, and Therapeutic Recreation Services for Chattanooga Parks and Recreation, to host a program called "Climbing Higher" an adaptive climbing program for individuals with a variety of cognitive and physical disabilities in the area. The program occurred at Urban Rocks Climbing Gym, on Monday evenings, starting at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Click on the video below to watch an evening at Urban Rocks, during a Climbing Higher Program session.
Urban Rocks News explains in further detail,
"The 'Climbing Higher' Adaptive Climbing program is being held with the purpose of providing a unique outdoor opportunity for individuals with a variety of cognitive and physical disabilities to showcase what Ability is all about. The goal of the "Climbing Higher" Adaptive Climbing Program is to provide participants with an opportunity to learn basic climbing skills, provide socialization with peers, and enable them to participate in rock climbing independently in their leisure time. The First Session is designed for individuals with cognitive and/or intellectual disabilities. This three-week session will run: March 16, March 23, and March 30. The Second Session is planned for individuals with physical disabilities. This three-week session will run: April 6, April 13, and April 20."
Chris Gibson, co-owner of Urban Rocks Gym reports, "the program went very well with a turnout of about 10-12 individuals each week. During the first week, you can tell a few participants are apprehensive with climbing, and it seems by the third week, they were ready to clip themselves in and go climbing!"
This program offered the opportunity for diverse communities to unite and share their love for adventure. Rock/Creek and Chaco have a long standing relationship with community involvement. Chad Wykle from Chaco and Dawson Wheeler, co-owner of Rock/Creek, both heavily emphasize its importance.
"We had the means to be a support through money set aside from fundraisers. Each year we raise money with Rock/Creek promotions and pool the profits to give back to the community. Both Rock/Creek and Chaco were approached by Outdoor Chattanooga and Therapeutic Recreation with this unique opportunity in mind and portions of the funds were distributed toward the program's needs" Chad says.
Dawson states, "It was not a difficult decision when it came to supporting Climbing Higher. We heard about the need, and agreed on the importance of extending out to all forms of community needs."
Elaine Adams, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, and Jessica Crowe, Therapeutic Recreation Intern, organized the assistance of UTC Physical Therapy student volunteers. The students' qualifications aided in a safe and meaningful experience for every participant. Elaine testifies to the inspiring stories from parents and caregivers about personal achievements. "The greatest part about this program is the opportunity for our participants to do something like this. Of course the concept of climbing is about getting to the top and it's a success, but why else do you climb? It's about physical fitness, hanging out with your friends, and that part about it is huge. To have that ability to come and have fun is therapeutic in itself."
The positive experiences will not stop with this program. Every purchaser of a pair of promotional Rock/Creek Chaco sandals contributed to these programs. Rock/Creek consumers can walk with pride, knowing a portion of their purchases will undoubtedly be given back to the community.
For more information about the recreation opportunities provided by the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit https://www.chattanooga.gov/PRAC/30_255.htm
For more information about Outdoor Chattanooga, visit http://www.outdoorchattanooga.com/
View Chaco inventory in Rock/Creek stores, or online at http://www.rockcreek.com/chaco-sandals/
To see more photos from Climbing Higher, visit
http://www.flickr.com/people/rockcreek/
Posted by Rachel Tucker at 2:00 PM | Comments (0)
April 10, 2009
10% Off Chacos + We'll Donate $5,000 for Access
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Photo: "Southeastern Climbers' Coalition board member Gus Fontenot many years ago on the Steele classic Monopoly Arete."
Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)
April 9, 2009
Rock/Creek and Chaco Commit to Raise $5000 to Reopen Climbing Area
Chattanooga, TN (PRWEB) April 9, 2009 -- Independent outdoor retailer Rock/Creek and specialty footwear manufacturer Chaco have partnered with the Southeastern Climbers Coalition to raise $5,000 toward the purchase of a long-closed climbing crag in Steele, AL. A portion of the proceeds from every Chaco Performance Sandal sale at Rock/Creek from now until Earth Day will be donated to this effort. Talented filmmaker Josh Fowler and photographer Andrew Kornylak donated their time to produce a video introduction to the Steele story. The film is currently posted online: www.rockcreek.com/steele/.
Historical photo of Gus Fontenot, Southeastern Climbers Coalition board member, climbing the Monopoly Arete in Steele, AL, over 20 years ago.
"We've been working on this project for a little over 8 years now without much success... luckily this past fall, we talked to the right landowner at the right time," explains Southeastern Climbers Coalition president Brad McLeod. "We have 120 days to raise all the funds, so we're teaming up with Rock/Creek and Chaco to make that happen."
Chad Wykle, Chaco Sandals sales rep and long-time defender of climbing access, elaborates: "As soon as we found out about this project, both Chaco and Rock/Creek literally jumped at the chance to work again with the SCC. Chaco as a company, has had a long 20 year history of making incredible footwear for the outdoor consumer. In that 20 years, we have also been committed to the core, to protecting and preserving our natural resources."
Rock/Creek co-owner and Signal Mountain resident Dawson Wheeler explains why Rock/Creek would take on a project like this: "Rock/Creek has taken a position a number of years ago that we want to leave a legacy behind. What we want to be able to look back to is our neighbors. 'How did we impact our neighbors and how did we impact our community at large? ' and you can look back and go, 'See this area; Chaco paid for this area to be here.' This is building ownership and it's also what we should do."
About Rock/Creek:
Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, travel and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek, visit www.rockcreek.com/media/.
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Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:47 AM | Comments (0)
April 7, 2009
Join us in the Summer of Steele
Chaco and Rock/Creek - Summer of Steele from Andrew Kornylak on Vimeo.
For over 20 years, the spectacular cliff line near Steele, AL has been closed to climbers.
Rock/Creek has committed to raise $5,000 for the acquisition of this climbing area in order to re-open it to the community.
A portion of every Chaco Performance Sandal sale through Earth Day goes toward this goal.
Join us in “The Summer of Steele”
Shop for Chaco Sandals >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:25 AM | Comments (2)
February 17, 2009
Five Ten Project Shoe Exclusively at Rock/Creek!
For a limited time, Rock/Creek will offer you the ability to get the PROJECT, a brand NEW climbing shoe from Five Ten, at an awesome discounted price. The Project is an exclusive offer only through Rock/Creek, so get yours before anyone else on the block, but hurry or you won't get the 10% off!
So what are you ordering?
The Project Shoe by Five Ten is a new addition to their already super popular climbing shoe line-up. The Project has been designed to be used on overhanging rock, be it the boulders of Rock Town or the roofs of The Obed.
The Project has been designed with Five Ten's Pretensile Technology that performs around the idea of climbers needing to pull with their feet and use them like hands, and with the Project's use of the new Stealth Mystique rubber you can grab with your feet like never before. Couple that with the Project's downturned soles that are thinner than most all other shoes, and you get a seriously sensitive, "other hand" to grab shelves and small footholds while dangling upside down.
Constructed with one hook and loop closure across the top of the foot giving you the ability to tighten as needed without all the bulk of two straps.
A great shoe for hard ascents, so it is likely the Project will be the shoe you grab when trying that route or problem for the nth time.
Features:
Maximum sensitivity
Pretensile Technology
Stealth rubber
Only one hook and loop closure for a less bulky feel
Downturned soles are only 2mm thick - while other shoes are usually 4mm
New Stealth Mystique rubber
Rubber:
Stealth
Upper:
Leather
Closure:
Hook and loop closure
Already have the Project from Five Ten? Be the first to review it online >
Purchase the Five Ten Project Climbing Shoe at Rock/Creek >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:27 PM | Comments (0)
February 13, 2009
Telluride MountainFilm on Tour in Chattanooga
What: Telluride MountainFilm on Tour. Consisting of seven to eleven videos from the Telluride MountainFilm Festival.
When: Thursday, February 26. Expo 7 p.m. :: Movie 7:30 p.m.
Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre
Cost: $10 at the door
Who: Ticket sales to benefit Southeastern Climbing Coalition, Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, and Appalachian Voices.
More About Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour: The Mountainfilm on Tour is dedicated to educating and inspiring audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving, and conversations worth sustaining.
"Mountainfilm on Tour inspires us - it informs us; it challenges us; it makes us laugh; it even makes us cry; it makes us mad as hell and, above all, it shows us the power of film to change the world."
1st Annual Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour in Chattanooga Trailer from Sam Silvey on Vimeo.
In 2000, the Mountainfilm in Telluride festival embarked on a new journey - Mountainfilm on Tour. Each year, a selection of films from the international film festival are taken on the road to reach audiences who otherwise wouldn't have a chance to experience the festival. Those films display themes of adventure, mountaineering, remarkable personalities and important environmental and social messages.
For more information about the three non-profit organizations that we are benefiting, please visit their websites.
Click Here for Seclimbers.org
Click Here for Sorba.org
Click Here for AppVoices.org
This event was made possible by the Weldon F. Osborne Foundation and the sponsors listed on this page. Thank you very much for your help!
For more information on this event, or if you are interested in sponsoring this event, email Sam Silvey at samsilvey@lookoutdoornews.com.
To get more info about MountainFilm on Tour, visit MountainFilmonTour.com
Posted by Mark McKnight at 8:13 AM | Comments (0)
January 17, 2009
Stone Fort Bouldering Comp Wrap-Up
Triple Crown Bouldering Series
Stone Fort Recap
Words By Kevin Jorgeson
Photos by Sarah Gale
For those unfamiliar, The Triple Crown Bouldering Series is presented by Rock/Creek and has three stops: Horse Pens 40 in Alabama, Hound Ears in North Carolina, and The Stone Fort (formerly Little Rock City) in Tennessee. The goal of these events is twofold: First and foremost, the mission is to raise funds for the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Carolina Climbers' Coalition. Secondly, these unique events provide the vendors to promote the sport of bouldering. These two goals go hand in hand as access is sensitive in these areas. As the number of climbers that practice bouldering grows, education and awareness of responsible land use is key.
Thanks in large part to the work done by the event directors, Chad Wykle and Jim Horton, in conjunction with the SCC, CCC and Rock/Creek, a strong community has been developed in the South, access to many areas has been secured and positive relationships have been developed with private land-owners, BLM, and National Forest management alike. The night before the comp, Rock/Creek hosted the premiere of Andrew Kornylak and Josh Fowler's new movie, Heart of Stone. Over 400 people came out to watch the film, which focuses on the past successes and present challenges to climbing access in the Southeast. Lisa Rands, Tommy Caldwell, Beth Rodden-Caldwell, myself, and other regional activists also spoke out at the premiere in an effort to raise funds and awareness.
Departing for my first Triple Crown event, I was planning on being a spectator due to the nature of my recently injured finger. However, it only took 5 minutes at the bouldering area to realize that my injury was no match for a little tape and determination.
In its sixth consecutive year, The Triple Crown Bouldering Series has been growing in popularity. Over 480 climbers registered to compete in the last stop of the 2008 tour, enough to require 4 school buses and a Uhaul truck to transport everyone and their crash pads!
Conditions were prime, with the temperatures hovering just above freezing most of the morning and evening. To stay warm, I only needed a Power Stretch Full Zip Jacket and the TR6 Jacket. The Power Stretch provided the perfect balance of warmth, comfort, and flexibility. The TR6 was light enough to pack into my carry on baggage and the synthetic insulation kept me plenty warm between climbs.
Despite having so many climbers in one area, it rarely felt crowded. The long stretch of boulders spread out the crowds so that you could enjoy yourself on the problems. The sheer diversity of style and difficulty that Stone Fort provides is amazing. With grades for all levels and angles for every style, you were bound to find climbs that not only suited you, but also left you smiling long after you topped out.
I spent the first half of the day cruising around, climbing as many easy classics as I could find. Let me say, there are a lot! Despite the event technically being a competition, it didn't feel like it. There was the occasional stressful moment for climbers when an important climb did not come together, but on the whole, the atmosphere was that of a day out bouldering with A LOT of friends.
As the day progressed, I was psyched to see some of the hard climbs the area had to offer, in particular, The Shield. This beautiful wall is made possible by an intricate series of seams and edges up an otherwise blank sandstone wall. Despite my finger, I could not resist a few attempts. I did all the moves pretty quickly, but in the end did not link it all together. After not bouldering for over two months, it felt good to try really hard again. Here is a picture of my friend Max coming close.
Moving on from this line, I returned to a nice 30' wall that we had walked past on the way to The Shield. What makes Stone Fort so unique is the features the rock provides. Sandstone is typically blank in nature, with sloping features dominating the landscape. At Stone Fort however, you see the features typical of volcanic rock (pockets, knobs, and perfect edges) but with the texture of sandstone. This wall in particular was riddled with knobs, creating a puzzle of holds to sort through from start to finish.
Overall, the 2008 Triple Crown Bouldering Series was a great success, raising over $20,000 for local access initiatives. A big thank you goes out to Rock/Creek as the driving force behind the event, Marmot as the title sponsor, the SCC, the CCC, and all the companies that supported these events. Access to climbing is a privilege, not a right, and the work done in the South has set a great example for how to approach, negotiate, secure and respect land for climbing on.
Marmot has been a long-time supporter of the Triple Crown Bouldering Series and 2008 marked Marmot's second year as Title Sponsor. Kevin Jorgeson has been a Marmot Athlete for several years and has climbed at the Triple Crown, Yosemite, England and more in the past year. Learn more about him on marmotpro.com.
Watch Heart of Stone, a new film by Andrew Kornylak celebrating rock climbing in the Southeastern United States which debuted at the 2008 Triple Crown during a special event hosted by Rock/Creek Outfitters.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:13 PM | Comments (0)
January 14, 2009
Urban Rocks Climbing Gym Grand Opening Saturday
Urban Rocks Gym, the city's first indoor climbing gym, will celebrate its grand opening on January 17 at 1007 Appling Street.
The grand opening will feature raffles, outdoor vendor booths, and refreshments. Free belay lessons will be available all day offering a great chance to learn the skills necessary to rock climb. Special introductory membership rates will also be available.
A ribbon cutting, which is being arranged by the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 2 p.m.
Urban Rocks is providing Chattanooga residents with a world-class climbing facility with 10,000 square feet of indoor climbing built by the country's leading wall designer and builder, Rockwerx Inc.
The facility offers lead climbing, top rope and top out bouldering, with over 100 routes and an unlimited number of bouldering challenges. With rock-like structures soaring 35 feet to the ceiling peak and multi-colored holds littering the wall's surface, the gym is a unique addition to Chattanooga's fitness and outdoor oriented lifestyles.
Owner Chris Gibson says he hopes the gym will foster a positive atmosphere that is welcoming to newcomers and energizing for its members. Urban Rocks will also offer programs for children, a wide range of classes, birthday parties and a training area. With a helpful and knowledgeable staff as well as a full rental gear shop Urban Rocks provides all the tools necessary for a fun day on the ropes.
Mr. Gibson has been climbing for over 20 years and is proficient in all types of climbing, including traditional climbing, sport climbing and bouldering. "One of climbing's addictive elements is the personal sense of accomplishment attained after succeeding on a route that has been thwarting your previous attempts," said Gibson. "It also creates an insatiable drive to travel to new places to climb. While Chattanooga has always been my home base, climbing has been a wonderful opportunity for me to travel and see new places - something that many traditional sports don't provide."
Gibson and co-owner Rebecca Robran spent three years traveling and working to save the funds for the gym. "It was a long process of scrimping and saving, finding a location for the gym and getting a bank to realize this was a viable business." said Robran.
"We feel we're bringing something special to Chattanooga. The gym will provide a chance for everyone to experience rock climbing in a safe and non-threatening environment. It's an amazing sport and we are very excited to share our passion with the area's residents."
Urban Rocks will employ eight to ten employees and rock climbing instructors. Hours of operation will range from noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information contact Rebecca Robran at 423 475-6578 or send an email to contact@urbanrocksgym.com.
Join the Urban Rocks Gym Facebook group >
Visit the Urban Rocks Gym Web site for more videos and information >
Directions to the gym from Rock/Creek at Two North Shore:
Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:55 AM | Comments (0)
December 11, 2008
"Heart of Stone" Climbing Access Film (Watch the Full Version!)
This is the full, high-def version of Andrew Kornylak & Josh Fowler's new movie. As Climbing magazine noted, "Heart of Stone debuted at Rock/Creek in Chattanooga, TN, during the Triple Crown - Stone Fort Finale on December 5th and 6th, 2008 to crowd of close to four hundred and the crowd response was nothing short of amazing." Word has it the film will also be picked up by a rock climbing film series, so it might show on the big screen in a town near you soon. We'll post details here as we have them.
Heart of Stone - HD from Andrew Kornylak on Vimeo.
It's no secret that the Southeastern US has some of the best rock climbing in the country. Grassroots organizations like the Southeastern Climbers Coalition and the Carolina Climbers Coalition are gaining and preserving access to this treasure in a unique way - by buying it. the annual Triple Crown Bouldering Competition - the largest outdoor climbing competition in the world - is at the center of this access revolution. This new film celebrates what many are calling a Golden Age of discovery and stewardship in the South. It's a look at the miraculous mix of activism, generosity and respect for tradition, in the Heart of Stone.
"Heart of Stone is the first film that takes the focus away from superstars, grades and the glory and puts it back where it belongs, on the local community, retailers and climbers that work tirelessly to keep the crags open and open the ones closed. Rock/Creek needs to take some of the credit here even though they won't ask for it; because it's the local businesses that make it happen in each of these SE communities.Jim Horton and Chad Wykle have created a competition series that is the pride of the industry and one that needs to be taken to the rest of the nation so that others may carry the torch in their region. It blows me away at each of these comps, just how many people will open their wallets in order to open more crags and protect the ones we have here in the SE. I had a 10 year old boy empty his piggy bank at this last comp to buy raffle tickets for Yellow Bluff. The rest of the nation needs to learn what is happening here and how to duplicate the banding together of community, local business and land managers/private land owners for the sake of preserving our open spaces for all to use.
Access is the holy grail of climbing and the SCC, CCC, NRAC and Access Fund have done a tremendous job over the last 10 years to secure more new climbing here in the SE than anywhere in the US."
--Kurt Smith
Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:01 PM | Comments (2)
November 25, 2008
Heart of Stone Climbing Film Premieres at Rock/Creek
Heart of Stone Climbing Film Premieres at Rock/Creek Friday December 5th
November 25, 2008 (Chattanooga, TN) - Rock/Creek and The Triple Crown Bouldering Series proudly present an exclusive premiere showing of the highly anticipated climbing access film-- Heart of Stone-- a film by Andrew Kornylak and Josh Fowler. Rock/Creek invites the general public to their retail location at Two North Shore in Chattanooga, TN for the premiere. The store will close at 7:00 pm on Friday, December 5th and doors will open at 7:15. The show will start promptly at 7:30 PM EST.
Heart of Stone investigates a critical point in rock climbing history in the southeast, while celebrating the many fantastic rock climbing resources that the Southeast has to offer.
As Kornylak explains, "the film celebrates what I think is the beginning of a golden age of discovery and stewardship of the amazing treasure of rock we have in the Southeast. The grassroots climbing community here is a miraculous mix of activism, generosity and respect for tradition: the Heart of Stone."
After the presentation of the film, acclaimed climbing athletes/activists Tommy Caldwell, Beth Rodden-Caldwell, Lisa Rands, and Kevin Jorgeson will speak with the audience about the current state of climbing access in the southeast and across the country.
It's no mystery that the Southeast holds some of the best rock climbing in the country. From uncountable fields of immaculate sandstone, granite, gneiss and quartzite boulders, to fantastic buttresses of steep, single pitch crags, to valleys filled with giant multi-pitch granite domes, the South simply has it all for the rock climber.
However, unlike the Western United States, most of the land of the Southeast is privately owned, with much of the remaining property being managed by State and National Parks. Rock climbing in the Southeast has become a matter of relationships between the climbing community and land managers.
Historically, climbers as a group have been known to the general public as conservationists...and simply excellent stewards of land. The number of rock climbers participating in the sport has increased dramatically over the last ten years, however. This increase in the number of climbers and the popularity of some of the rock climbing resources has placed a strain on some of the natural environments where climbers recreate, and as a result have placed the relationship between climber and land manager at risk.
Active local non-profit climbing organizations like the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition, the Carolina Climbers' Coalition, and regional activists are struggling to find a common voice for the entire climbing community--a voice that is steeped in the historical tradition of respect for the environment and the private landowner, but also one that advocates a spirit of adventure.
Please join us at the debut of this film at Rock/Creek's Two North Shore location. For directions and more information on our stores, visit: http://www.rockcreek.com/customer_service/locations.asp
A trailer for the film can be viewed online:
http://blog.rockcreek.com/archives/heart_of_stone_a_film_about_climbing_access_in_the_southeast.html
If the link is broken, try:
http://tinyurl.com/5eu24k
For more information on the Triple Crown Bouldering Series, visit:
http://triplecrownbouldering.org/
High-res photography available upon request.
Contact:
Mark McKnight
423.643.1528
mark@rockcreek.com
About Rock/Creek:
Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to enacting positive change in the community and for our environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.
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Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)
November 6, 2008
Chris Sharma Photos and Slideshow Report
Chris Sharma made it to Rock/Creek last night for the final stop of his southeast slideshow tour. Beginning with his early ascent into climbing at the ripe age of 14, Chris talked about his life as a full time rock climber with incredible photos and videos of his proudest and most memorable achievements. The crowd was audibly amazed while watching Chris on some of the hardest boulder problems and sport routes which Chris climbed with amazing ease and grace.
With ascents like Mandala (v12) in the Buttermilks, or a young ascent of Necessary Evil (5.14a) where he easily stops mid send to take off his sweatshirt, Chris shows us that we are far from his caliber of climbing. Chris is nothing but humble and soft spoken about his achievements, a fact which made each climb he showed us more inspiring, and even tangible. The audience was in awe of the beautiful pictures taken by some of the best photographers in the world. The photography and video clips portrayed Chris in some exceptionally beautiful places- deep water soloing in Mallorca, Spain, hard sport climbing in Ceuse, France, and the first ascent of a new route at the amazing Clark Mountain, California.
The highlight of the slideshow was towards the end. Chris showed us his new route, Jumbo Love, located in Clark Mountain, CA. This new, super long, intimidating route in the Mohave Desert is now more than likely the hardest route in the world (5.15a) and after seeing the pics, believably so. Jumbo Love is a monster of a pitch, climbing 250 feet up a sweeping, blank wall of limestone with numerous hard cruxes along the way. Sharma explained that for a number of bolts, stopping to clip was too difficult, so he would skip them while routinely taking 60-100 foot falls.
Chris finished with shots of climbing in his new home in Spain and photos of his girlfriend Dila who climbs 5.14a consistently, and is a sweet and very strong woman climber. The slideshow was great, the photos were world class, and Chris did a great job taking us through his amazing life as a sponsored climber.
Chris recently signed on with Evolv to be a part of their shoe development and to create his own series of shoes, and just signed on with Sterling Rope as a new member of their team. Chris is an absolute climbing ambassador with his quiet demeanor, humble attitude and of course his incredible talent that inspired us all while we watched the show. Rock/Creek is proud to have had Chris here and we look forward to the next time he will be back in town.
See the photos from the Chris Sharma Slideshow >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:18 PM | Comments (0)
October 24, 2008
"Heart of Stone" a film about Climbing Access in the Southeast
Heart of Stone, a film about Climbing Access in the Southeast from Rock/Creek on Vimeo.
Check out the 'Heart of Stone' trailer....a production from Andrew Kornylak and Josh Fowler. See the full feature release at the Triple Crown finale at The Stone Fort/LRC. The focus of the film is Climbing Access in the Southeast. In addition to the release, attendees will have an opportunity to listen to discussions lead by top climber/activists Lisa Rands, Tommy Caldwell, Beth Rodden-Caldwell, Kevin Jorgeson, and other regional activists regarding the state of rock climbing access. Come join us for a full viewing of the film and candid discussions about the future of climbing access.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:06 PM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2008
Chris Sharma Coming to Rock/Creek November 5th
Rock/Creek Presents World Class Rock Climber Chris Sharma's Signature Slide Show Tour, Sponsored by Evolv and Sterling Rope
Free admission; tickets available now at any Rock/Creek location
Date/Time:
Wednesday November 5, 2008
Poster signing 6:30pm EST
Show starts 7:30pm EST
Location:
Rock/Creek at Two North Shore
301 Manufacturers Road,
Chattanooga, TN 37405
You need to meet Chris Sharma! And why not? He is the most recognized, skilled, inviting and friendly figure in rock climbing. Chris's life has allowed him countless experiences during his travels from one edge of the globe to the other and on Wednesday November 5th you can experience them with him as he recounts these moments LIVE at Rock/Creek's Two North Shore location! Admission is free, tickets are available at any Rock/Creek location.
Sharma's recognition comes not only from his groundbreaking ascents but also from being such a character and genuine athlete. Chris is involved with his community wherever he is, whether he's in his new home in Spain or his old stomping grounds of Northern California.
Join Chris on November 5th as he shares recollections and photos from trips such as recent climbing expeditions off the Spanish island of Mallorca, where Corey Rich took iconic photographs of Sharma hanging precipitously over the ocean as blue waves crash against the shore below.
Chris started rock climbing at age 12 and by the time he reached 14 he won the Bouldering Nationals and completed Necessary Evil (14c). Also on Chris' resume: his groundbreaking ascent of the Mandala, solidifying the first ascent of a 5.15 with Realization, the first ascent of Dreamcatcher, and the monumental send Pontas Arch!
Since the show is LIVE it will not only be better than any other show you have attended before but also different every time he gives it. This is not only the first Tour Chris has ever given in the South but also is exclusively presented by Evolv dealers. With this show, Chris is going to be showcasing his Sharma Signature Series, his personal line of shoes developed in coordination with Evolv Footwear. Rock/Creek and Evolv will also have a raffle for a free pair of Chris' new Signature Series rock climbing shoes. Check out the Optimus Prime, Optimus Slipper, Pontas, and Pontas Lace-up.
So be sure to load up the van with all your climbing amigos and show up for a romping, stomping good time with Chris Sharma.
Photography available on request
Contact:
Rock/Creek
423-265-5969
www.rockcreek.com/sharma/
About Rock/Creek:
Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including rock climbing, kayaking, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. With a dedicated staff of outdoor enthusiasts and gear experts, Rock/Creek offers only the very best outdoor apparel and equipment from top brands like Evolv, Sterling Rope, Mammut, Patagonia and others to ensure that customers are comfortable and safe in the outdoors.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:06 PM | Comments (0)
October 15, 2008
AAC's "Chattanooga on the Rocks" Event Oct. 18th
Come join the American Alpine Club for a gathering that will include climbing, beer and prizes. Chattanooga on the Rocks: Strikes Back will be happening in Chattanooga on Saturday, October 18th. The event will be a day of climbing at The Stone Fort (formerly Little Rock City) and an evening hanging out at the Market Street Tavern. Come on down to socialize with current AAC members as well as the local climbing community at large. If that's not incentive enough, there will be drink specials, discounted memberships, climbing movies playing in the background, and tons of prizes (both a cheap raffle and a silent auction, all with tons of great gear and tchotchkis). To participate in the climbing portion, please show up to Rock/Creek for a 10:00AM departure. To participate in the after-party, please show up at the Market Street Tavern at 7:00PM. See the attached poster for more details. If you have any questions regarding the event, please email me at max.poppel@gmail.com.
(Click on the image to the left for a larger version of the poster)
Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:31 PM | Comments (0)
September 15, 2008
Urban Rocks Gym Under Construction
Indoor climbing is coming to Chattanooga with the construction of Urban Rocks Gym. About a month ago, ground was broken for Chattanooga's first full service rock climbing facility. The gym, designed by Rockwerx Inc., will have 35 ft heights and 10,000 square feet of varying climbing terrain. With close attention to customer service, ever changing routes and a helpful staff, Urban Rocks hopes to become a great tool for bringing the Chattanooga climbing scene together.
For the last two years Chris Gibson and Rebecca Robran have been steadily working on bringing indoor climbing to the city. "It's been a long, tiring process with raising our own capitol, planning, and finding the right bank for financing, but we're very excited to see this project finally break ground" Gibson explains.
The facility will be located off of Amnicola Hwy. and will house over 10,000 sq. feet of climbing wall surface, which will include lead climbing, top ropes, top out bouldering, a teaching/kids wall, and a training area. The gym will cater to all abilities, from the professional climber to the complete novice. "We really hope to help bring the climbing community together, and to aid in fostering a really positive scene in the community of climbers and non climbers alike" Robran explains.
Climbing is among the fastest growing sports in the country. Anyone who has been climbing for the last ten years can attest to the remarkable surge in popularity and one of the fundamental focuses of the facility will be education. A wide variety of specialized classes ranging from Intro to climbing, to Leading, to Self Rescue, will be offered. Gibson hopes for the gym to contribute to the overall safety and experience level of the Chattanooga climbing community: "One of our goals is to provide ample opportunity for beginners to learn how to climb safely and smartly with others"
The gym has a projected opening date of mid-December with a grand opening scheduled for the beginning of the New Year. It's shaping up to be a great event with vendors, slide shows and raffles. Check out the website Urbanrocksgym.com for updates as the gym progresses.
The diagram at the top of this page shows the overview of the gym plan created by Rockwerx. The photo shows another Rockwerx-designed gym in Boston. We'll post more details here as they come, so stay tuned.
Shop at Rock/Creek for climbing gear, outdoor clothing, and travel gear >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:19 AM | Comments (1)
