There has been a long battle about a proposed development close to Red Rock Canyon, a stunning climbing and state recreation area not far from Las Vegas. The region is as characteristic of the southwest as a landscape can be and draws rock climbers from around the world to its trad, sport and big wall routes. Read More…

Recently I began learning more about nutrition and the essential role it plays not only in general health but in physical fitness as well. Fortunately, I have for a long time been a fan of eating healthy, such as eating organic foods, eating a ton of vegetables and fruits every day, etc. But as I learned more, I realized that I needed to learn what my body needs in order to stay fit, and most importantly in order to be a strong climber. When coupled with a solid training program, eating properly can help you make significant performance gains. Read More…

This week someone asked me why I love to climb. They didn’t understand what was so appealing about it. So I’ve been thinking all week about that question and keep coming up with more and more reasons why I love to climb. So I thought I’d list a few here. I’d love if you would add to this list in the comment section!

The Adrenaline Rush

One of the things I seek out in life is new, exciting experiences. Every time I climb, I get that feeling that I am doing something new and exciting and I love the adrenaline rush it gives me as I move up the cliff. I have learned to turn fear into excitement!

The Challenge

I’m always looking for new challenges, and with climbing, there is a limitless lifetime of challenges awaiting me.

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Last weekend I was able to spend a day climbing back in my home state of Pennsylvania. Most climbers living outside of Pennsylvania aren’t aware of the phenomenal climbing that exists in that state! I thought I’d take a moment to write a bit about climbing in PA and highlight some of the locations. Hopefully every climber who reads this will take a trip there some day and check it out! Read More…

Raleigh NC based climbing guide company Ascent Adventure Consultants has officially expanded it’s services into Asheville NC by offering their Climb Outside Rock Climbing Classes to climbers in Western NC

Raleigh based rock climbing and ice climbing guide service and climbing school has expanded it’s climbing class offerings to climbers in Western NC by offering their Climb Outside Rock Climbing Class on September 26-27, 2009 at Looking Glass Rock NC. These classes give people the knowledge, skills, and understanding they need to begin rock climbing outside. Read More…

I read this morning on the Access Fun website that they have launched a multi million dollar campaign aimed at providing loans to local climbing organizations as well as assistance negotiating with land managers to help preserve, maintain, and obtain climbing areas. This is a great program and I am proud to be a supporter of the Access Fund. Take time to read about it on their site: Land Conservation Campaign. Read More…

This weekend I was climbing at Cathedral Ledge in New Hampshire, on a route called Recombeast (5.9+). The crux of the route is on pitch 3, where you have to make a traverse onto a flake, with nowhere to put your feet except for smearing on the rock. This day, the area for my feet was wet! So it made it quite a challenging task. It took me a while to make the proper moves, but ultimately what got me through it was by standing still and remembering past experiences I had.

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Our first of what we all hope to be annual Climbers Brew, held at Carolina Brewery in Chapel Hill NC, took place on Sunday night July 12! It was a huge success. We had a good crowd in attendance, a ton of great beer from Carolina Brewery, and great food as well. Climbers from all over the area showed up. People met new climbing partners, and were able to reconnect with old friends! We had a TREMENDOUS amount of gear donated to support the raffle for the Carolina Climbers Coalition. Read More…

From Katie, Table Rock Climbing Trip participant:

Brandon is a true professional when it comes to guiding climbs. He’s an excellent teacher, and his problem solving ability is extraordinary. During the first hour of my first outdoor climb, I encountered an obstacle I didn’t think I could overcome. After twenty minutes of attempting to negotiate the obstacle, I shouted, “Brandon? I don’t think I can make it across this gap to scale that overhang the way you just did. How do we get down?” Read More…

It’s amazing to see how many articles have been popping up all over the internet and in print media lately about how having a wilderness experience, whether its climbing, hiking, camping, kayaking, backpacking, etc., can greatly impact your life for years to come. I read another article this morning, this time out of Austrailia, on how having a wilderness experience gives a new perspective on life. They theorize that it’s because when out in nature, you realize how small you are and that you are part of something far bigger. Check out the article here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/03/2616497.htm.

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