Yep, it rained, but in keeping with our Lucky theme, it didn't really matter. We all got three great climbing days, got rained on in the evening for a spell, but finished off each evening under clear skies. No worries! The vibe this year was everything we hope for: fun, relaxed, happy, psyched, cooperative, appreciative...we thank all of you for bringing your great energy with you and spreading it around. Hooray for all of us. Come back for Crazy 8. 2009 Highlights
Aerial View of the NRG Rendezvous by Harrison Shull
WHAT IS THE RENDEZVOUS ALL ABOUT?
The Rendezvous is the annual fundraising gig for the New River Alliance of Climbers. It's a fun and friendly three-day celebration of climbers, climbing and the New River Gorge. Gather with friends, relax, compete, play, laugh and climb here in the laid back atmosphere of Southern West Virginia--America's best kept secret! The program includes:
Dessertapalooza
Fancy Coffee Break
Slide shows
Stretch and Stroll Breakfast
Climbing and Bouldering Comps
Dinner
Dyno Comp
Sumo Pad Wrestling
Slacklining
Dance Party
Midnight Snack
Pancake Breakfast
Clinics galore
Camping at Burnwood--the best event venue ever!
OUR EVENT PHILOSOPHY: We have structured this event for maximum participation. Obviously, we want you to show up, but that ain’t enough. We are convinced you’ll have even more fun if you jump in with both feet. Sign up for a clinic, sumo wrestle, dominate the dyno comp, do something silly to win some Darn Tough socks. So what if you aren’t some hardbody, high number rad climber—compete anyway. Our Climbing Comp has a Top Rope division, for crying out loud! Compete and you will climb better. We guarantee it. Plus, it is the only sure way to get an event shirt!
WHY WAS THE RENDEZVOUS STARTED? Because the New River Alliance of Climbers needed to generate an operating budget and East Coast climbers needed a gathering to rival what the West was offering. But it is one thing to have a reason for an event and another to have the wherewithal to pull it off. The New River Gorge provided three critical components for making the Rendezvous happen:
A central location with amazing rock to make it easy to attract large numbers
A strong climbing shop, Water Stone Outdoors, with industry ties to help gather event sponsors
A capable, cohesive, friendly climbing community able to make it happen
RAIN or SHINE
Yes, it rains a lot here. We all know it. But you know what? It just doesn't matter! Ask the folks who signed up to compete in the pouring rain at the first year's event. They had a great time and put together high point days that anyone would be proud of. The event will go on Rain or Shine. Fun will be had no matter what! So, forget about what the Weather Channel is telling you, pack your outerwear and come! You won't regret it.
