New Sponsors for 2010: SANUK, NUTRIEX,and FOX MOUNTAIN GUIDES Welcome to Team and Thanks!
Best Sponsors on the Planet!
Just check out the following all-star line up of outdoor industry bright lights. There would be no New River Rendezvous without the support of these companies. These folks don’t just write a check, send some product and hope for the best.They are partners in every sense of the word.They each “own” a component of this event and they each have input about how we produce that component. They are an integral part of the success of this event
We thank them and we hope you will too. It is because of their generous support that we are able to keep the cost of this event to a minimum. Representatives from every company will be at the event having at least as much fun as you are.So high five ‘em on the dance floor or smile at them before you knock them down in the sumo wrestling ring, or simply stop by their booth for a chat and a look at some new products.
Our Local Sponsors are Critical to our Success: Hats Off to... We hope you will support these outstanding local business that do so much to support our event--year after year!
Opossum Creek Retreat: best cabin rental biz around, choc macadamia nut cookies. Hooray for Geoff! Class VI River Runners: wash station, coolers, equipment galore. Thanks Doug Cathedral Cafe: Wendy has been behind us from the get go. best pancakes in the state... Mattie's Mountain Mud: the reason this event has the best coffee going Pies & Pints: The best pizza on the planet...Thanks Dave and Kim New River Mountain Guides: Elaina's time, talent and energy Hard Rock Climbing Service Thanks to Erin Yakim and her guides for huge support
We're super psyched to have a great partnership with DPM as our official media sponsor. They've changed the climbing media paradigm and consistently produce a quality issues month after month. This year they'll be holding a poker tournament that will raise money for the Access Fund scantily clad chicks and all! AND they'll be bringing in DJ Mon
Voyage Neon for your entertainment pleasure on Friday night.
Poker N Access Texas Hold 'em
Tournament all proceeds to benefit the Access Fund Saturday, May 15, 8:00
Buy in: $250 Maximum players: 8 Sponsors have first
dibs!
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Donates the Signature Event T and brings back the Tug 'O War: Pros vs. Joes Mountain Hardwear, makes some of the most technologically advanced products in the outdoor industry, and is our first and biggest sponsor. Their Wicked Tee event shirt has become a signature part of the Rendezvous and getting your hands on one gets harder every year.Remember, the surefire way to get one is to compete. Last year the Hardwear team debutted their Tug O' War idea and it was a hit. Anyone who watched Pat Goodman about blow a gasket trying to out-tug the Patagonia team (we were sure Lynn Hill would win it all by herself...) knows it is great entertainment. The pros beat the joes last year. This year we predict an upset... In fact, we predict that Lynn Hill will kick Pat Goodman's ass!
PATAGONIA Feeds the Tribe
Once again dinner on Saturday night is on Patagonia and to keep things fresh and interesting, we are coming up with an entirely new menu for Ocho Loco--yes, we listened to your feedback. Don't forget to bring your own reusable dinnerware! We aren't providing any plates, forks, etc in an effort to keep the level of garbage down. Thanks to all our friends at Patagonia for their hefty and on-going support of the Vous. Kristo Torgersen keeps everything on track and everyone laughing. We love you!
La Sportiva continues revving up the Climbing Comp!
Once again, La Sportiva, revered in the industry for their impeccably designed, bomb-proof shoes, anted up to be a top-tier sponsor, bringing you the ever-popular climbing comp.Whether you are a total neophyte sport climber or a bona fide badass traddie, you will find a division that suits you.
Lots of you can attest to how crazy great their climbing shoes are, but have you checked out their running shoes? Their line expands every year and so does their commitment to sustainability.
FIVE TEN Brings Back the Bouldering Contest
Here is yet another top-tier sponsor who has stuck by us since the beginning. Once again, FiveTen brings us the Bouldering Comp. Thanks to the explosion in the bouldering scene around here, the bouldering comp has been growing every year--probably because the scene down there at Hawk's Nest and Cotton Hill is so damn much fun... FiveTen will be rolling out the most recent additions to their outstanding line of shoes at the shoe demo on Saturday. Rep Brad Dorough will set you up.Come check out what the fuss is about.And don’t forget to register to compete—remember, you're guaranteed a shirt!
PETZL Provides the Hardware (and MUGS!!)
Talk about a match made in heaven:NRAC needs tons of hardware for their rebolting mission and Petzl wanted to be a part of the Rendezvous.Voila!Now we have a first rate Hardware Sponsor.Next time you clip a shiny new bolt, thank your lucky stars for Petzl’s generosity.
Special thanks to Chuck Odette for taking us all the way to the top and working harder for this event than just about anyone. Every year chuck wins the Most On It Award. This guys is beyond organized! Once again we are getting super-cool event mugs that will keep your coffee hot and your beer cold and your memories of Ocho Loco alive. Stop by the booth and find out how to get one of these limited collector's items!
SANUK BRINGS ON THE FREEKBASS! Welcome New Sponsor!
You
can't have a raging party without a kick ass band. That is where our
new sponsor Sanuk comes in. Through their generous support we are able
to bring back the best Rendezvous band ever: Freekbass. The dance
floor action last year attests to the sheer power this funk band has:
even all the uptight white boys were dancing! There is nothing uptight
about Sanuk or the groovy shoes they make. Oops, they are clear in their marketing: These are not
shoes! Both their poster children, Sharma and Lindner, will be
here--no doubt sporting their signature Sanuk styles. Stop by their
booth and thank them for bringing a little So Cal cool to our event.
SCARPA JOINS THE TEAM; KEEPS CLINICS FREE!
Last year we had decided we were going to have to start charging for
clinics--they were just getting too expensive to staff. But no!
Scarpa came to the rescue and becomes our first Clinic Sponsor! We
can't thank them enough for their continued support. Local guidebook author/stud muffin/Scarpa athlete Mikey Williams will be on hand to let you know why you'll be able to climb as hard as he does if you wear Scarpa shoes. You will have the opportunity at the shoe demo.
We really like their tagline: For Lives
Less Ordinary. That gets you thinking doesn't it. Hell no we don't
want to be ordinary. Climbing isn't ordinary. Certainly Scarpa's
shoes and boots aren't ordinary. A glance at the website confirms
their core cred. Serious stuff for the serious user. Check it out at scarpa.com.
OSPREY PACKS Take the HOV Lane and Win!
Show up with 3 or more in your car and you are eligible to win
Given the depths of Osprey's commitment to the environment, it is entirely appropriate that they are our Keep It Green Sponsor. We pulled this from their website: "Osprey Packs' environmental and social responsibility practices run deep into company culture and...serve as a foremost defining characteristic of the brand." This year, this commitment takes even clearer shape as they debut their ReSource Series, a line of daypacks and courier bags made from 70% recycled material by content. That means buckles, webbing, binding tape--all recycled. Right on!
Known for their innovative, cutting-edge designs and their bomb-proof construction, Osprey Packs have received loads of awards over the years, firmly establishing their stellar rep in the outdoor industry. For the past 8 years they have sewn the Leave No Trace principles into their larger packs. They are also a Contributing Corporate Partner of the Access Fund. They round out their Responsible Corporate Citizen resume by offering a recycling program for their packs and supporting a number of other environmental organizations. Now that is Keeping it Green!
For more info check out Osprey Packs. Stop by their booth and check out their latest cool products.
BLACK DIAMOND Satisfies your Sweet Tooth
We are willing to wager that there is not one climber at the Rendezvous who does not own a piece of Black Diamond gear. There is a reason for this: it is hard to beat. BD has been rolling out innovative product designs since 1957, for crying out loud! Like they say on their website they get it right because they are "a company of users...the greatest dreamers about what could be, and the harshest critics about what exists." Sounds like they ought to keep making gear. Check it all out at Black Diamond We about break our own arms patting ourselves on the back for coming up with the idea for Dessertapalooza.It is probably the most popular component of the Rendezvous—and with good reason: it’s the best dessert spread east of the Mississippi.Black Diamond has “owned” this component since the first year.They continue to be a pleasure to work with. Be sure to say hey to climbing legend Russ Clune. He'll be wearing an apron while greeting you in the Dessertapalooza line.
STERLING ROPE Launches Rope Recycling Program
As a continuation of their Redemption Initiative, Sterling Rope is launching a rope recycling program in partnership Water Stone Outdoors and the New River Rendezvous. Sterling will be recycling rope from any rope manufacturer because they feel that in cooperation with climbers, they can make a real impact in the amount of used ropes that get needlessly tossed into landfills each year.
Why recycle your rope? Here are just a few of the many reasons: 1) Keep the rope out of a landfill! 2) Keep climbers safe 3) Receive a 15% off your next Sterling Rope purchase at Water Stone Outdoors.
So bring your old dynamic climbing ropes (60m minimum, as many as you want) to the Sterling Rope booth at the Rendezvous or to Water Stone Outdoors in Fayetteville, WV. A Sterling Rope representative or Water Stone Outdoors employee will recycle your old rope(s) and in exchange give you (1) 15% off coupon for a brand new Sterling Rope which can be redeemed at Water Stone Outdoors.
After collecting the retired ropes Sterling sends them to their recycling partner who re-pelletizes the nylon. From there the nylon is made into things like carpet fuzz, coat hangers, and all kinds of everyday household items.
As a general rule of thumb, most manufacturers suggest that any rope be retired after 5 years in service and 10 years after the manufacturing date. Now these are just general guidelines, some ropes may need to be retired before that depending on lots of variables. Learn more...
TRANGO Flips your Cakes
Trango, maker of the amazing Squid and the ultra-lightweight Superfly carabiner, is another of our long-time sponsors. As usual, Trango will be hosting the Pancake Breakfast with living legend Malcolm Daly flipping cakes and doing his thing. Malcolm has offered us invaluable advice over the years, helping us keep the Rendezvous on a good course. We salute his optimism, political activism and plain good sense. He earned a permanent place in the annals of Rendezvous history when he took off his prosthtic leg and threw it at Dale Bard the first year. Trango has announced that they will be the exclusive US distributor for the Italian company Ferrino. Makers of quality outdoor gear for seven generations, this company has a stellar rep in Europe and is looking forward to breaking into the US market.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH Pulls off the Party Outdoor Research has a critical spot the Rendezvous team as the Premier Party sponsor! They make sure that we have everything we need to have maximum fun on Saturday night. This year's party promises to be bigger and better than ever. We have always enjoyed OR's great gear--best hats around! And we are happy to report that this techy and innovative company continues to expand. Their growing clothing line offers the requisite durability and functionality with terrific styling. Be sure to check out their line of bombproof outerware. We would like to thank President Dave Rosenstein for making the trip down to the Rendezvous most years. It says a lot about a company if the Boss Man still knows how to have fun! www.outdoorresearch.com
MAMMUT Quenches your Thirst and provides prizes for Dare to Wear!
Mammut is returning again to quench everyone's thirst! Our friends at Mammut, under the leadership of Dean Lords go way beyond the call of duty in their efforts to support this event. Their enthusiasm, creativity and willingness to roll up their sleeves and pitch in is invaluable to us. Last year they again brought Stompy, their huge blow-up mammoth, and this time the Park Service actually let them keep it blown up for a while. If you don't own anything this Swiss company makes, do yourself a favor--Euro styling is terrific! Our local beverage sponsor, Corley Distributing always helps us out to make sure we have enough for everyone. Look for the Mammut tent for tasty refreshment after a day of climbing and bouldering........ If you do need to drive, don't drink!! Camp at Burnwood!!! This year Mammut is teaming up with Schoeller to provide the grand prize for the Dare to Wear Your Lycra Contest: A set of Schoeller/Mammut outerwear!
prAna Brings you the No-Booze Bar for Two Nights! and don't forget to sign up for your massage... We
want to thank the folks at prAna for continuing their generous support
of the Rendezvous. Our first year we forgot to provide alternative
beverages of any kind. This year we will be offering the no-booze bar
Friday and Saturday night to ensure that non-drinkers have fun and
festive options. How far we have come! Look for killer prAna merchandise
on the silent aution table. Once again they have produced a line of
clothing that is functional, well-constructed and stamped with the
Cali-cool prAna styling. Keep an eye out for their booth Saturday--they will have massage therapists on hand! sign up for your slot.
Two great reasons to get to the Rendezvous early:
#1 You will get the very best camp sites at Burnwood.
#2 The Mountain Khaki Thursday night program...
MOUNTAIN KHAKIs presents Pants to Panties: Drop your Drawers and Win!
We would like to thank Mt. Khakis for providing shorts for our volunteers. This year we had more vols than expected and the kind folks at MK agreed to provide an extra 15 pairs to keep our vols happy. We appreciate this so much--it says quite a bit about how this company operates. And their pants and shorts kick ass if you don't know already.
A few years ago we realized loads of folks were showing up early. This meant that hundreds of people were milling around with nothing to do. Nature abhors a vacuum and so does the Rendezvous staff, so, thanks to Mountain Khakis, we have developed a relaxed, ease-into-the-event evening. We will kick off with Pants to Panties: Drop your drawers and Win! Expect some good goofy fun and endless popcorn, lemonade and hot chocolate. We are pleased to be working with this Jackson, WY based maker of rugged pants and shorts for the outdoor lifestyle. They have jumped into the Rendezvous with loads of enthusiasm and killer ideas. Just what we look for in our sponsors. We salute this company for its commitment to the environment (they participate in 1% for the Planet) and for their comfortable, well-fitting and durable products.In particular, we climbers should be checking out their jeans which have plenty of stretch and will make a cool retro climbing pant. Keep an eye out for their logoed Land Rover and be sure to stop by their booth for a Pop-Tart at the Stretch and Stroll Breakfast.Check out all their stuff at their website.
EVOLV throws the Dyno Comp! This dynamic company energizes our event...Thanks to Buck and Kurt!
When Evolv decides to get behind an event, you know it. This company has mastered the art of making a splash. We attribute much of this to thier Minister of Culture, Buck Branson, and their area rep, Kurt Smith. This dynamic duo will be helping set the dyno comp. Look out! For a relatively new company, Evolv has hit the ground running. Their shoes seem to hit that magic combination of great fit, great performance and great price point. They also have wasted no time giving back to the climbing world. They have a shoe in their line, the Quest AF, that they pledge a percentage of their sales to benefit the Access Fund. They are also have teamed up with Malcolm Daly at Trango to design and produce a shoe and prosthetic for amputees. Good on you guys! We are pleased to be working with them. Try their new shoes at the shoe demo on Saturday. Give their website a look for all the news.
METOLIUS Brings on the Sumo Extravaganza
Metolius will once again be sponsoring the Metolius Bouldering Pad Sumo Wrestling Contest. They provide bouldering pads for the winners and chalk and other goodies for event goers. A huge crowd pleaser, this wacky contest really gets the crowd going and is the closest thing to controlled chaos that we have encountered. Metolius has rolled out the coolest teeny full stregth biner on the market, the FS Mini. Stop by the booth, check 'em out and chat up one of our favorite Rendezvous people, Moses Alanis, all the way from the Metolius headquarters in Bend, OR. I guarantee you he will be the Last Man Dancing...
FRIKSN Clothing for Climbers
FRIKSN prints our event tees and our reusable shopping bags!-New Sponsor!
We are happy to welcome Justin and Leo, the creative pair behind newish climbing clothing company Friksn. First of all: it is pronounced "friction". Got it? According to their catalogue this "young and industrious companty (is) dedicated to the exploration, development, and expansion of the 'lifestyle' facet within the outdoor apparel industry". We get it: comfortable, cool clothes with killer graphics. As they say on their website: The best alternative to climbing naked since 2002. Word! Stop by their booth, or Water Stone for a good look. They are making some of the coolest stuff in the industry right now. Get hip to it!
Thanks to DARN TOUGH the KidZone goes to the crag! Last year we decided it was time to get the kids climbing. Darn Tough's sponsorship allowed us to hire the guides to make it happen! eight kids spent the day with 3 top-notch guides and had a huge time. Everyone had so much fun we are gonna do it again!
We are going to go out on a limb here: Darn Tough socks makes the best socks you can buy. Period. And they are guaranteed. This third generation New England sock manufacturer has got fit and durability completely figured out--and every last pair of socks is made right here in the USA. How unusual is that? You are going to have a chance to check out these wonder socks because we have loads to give away. The only catch is that the kids are totally in charge and there is no telling what the power-mad youth set has in mind. Last year we felt for the guy running through the venue shouting "I'm wearing lacey pink panties!!" We learned two things at the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow this winter: Darn Tough icontinues to expand their killer line of patterned socks! Awesome colors! All sock freaks will want to check 'em out. Also, the Rendezvous is the only event that Darn Tough has ever given money to. We are honored!
CHACO Ups their Game
We welcomebackChaco, maker of the streamlined river sandal that stays on, to the Rendezvous sponsorship team. The big news with this company is their brand new shoe line. We tried some on at the Outdoor Retailer show and can report that they look great and feel greater. This year they are bringing a promotional men's sandal to sell at a great discount price during the event. The pattern on the strap will be exclusive to this event! We have arrived! All proceeds from the sale of this promo sandal will go to NRAC. Stop by the Chaco tent at Burnwood to pick up a coupon to use at Water Stone Outdoors for a great deal on an excellent pair of Chaco's. Stay tuned for details about a Giveaway!
MISTY MOUNTAIN THREADWORKS PROVIDES THE PADS! Our North Carolina neighbors build bomber stuff that will save you! Goose and Mike, founders and owners of Misty Mountain, are some of our favorite guys. They make great stuff, they are great fun to hang out with and they have been part of the sponsor family since the get-go. Keep in mind their Misty Mountain Muesli was the hit of Saturday morning's Stretch and Stroll Breakfast. Don't miss out. They are building two big 'ol pads that will be awarded to the winners of the dyno comp. Leap high, win big!
Redwood Creek Winery returns for third year!
Winetasting anyone? We
are happy to welcome Kim Forrester and Redwood Creek back for their third year. We felt like we made a big step up when we added wine to the event--how sophisticated! Well...anyhow, choice is good right? A quick look at their website will
show how committed to the outdoors this company is. In fact, they have
built their entire brand identity around the outdoors. And they put
their money where their mouth is, offering an annual $50,000 grant to a
non-profit outdoor advocacy group. We like that! and we like their
affordably priced wine. We have noticed that it is showing up like
crazy at all the local potlucks. Give it a try--Josh will be set up in
the beer tent!
NUTRIEX, FEATS OF STRENGTH! Welcome New Sponsor!
Nutriex is a leading
research-driven nutrient delivery company that develops innovative
products aimed at improving health and quality of life. That is what
their website
says and we believe them! What we know is that Chris Sharma will not
go a day without his Nutriex Sport, the product designed for those who
train hard. Tiger Woods is another avid user. If that is not
testimony enough, we don't know what to tell you. We welcome this
company to the Rendezvous and look forward to seeing what Feats of
Strength they will challenge us with. Stop by their booth for info on
Nutriex products and a chance to ask Sharma why he is a believer. And,
if you are strong enough, a chance for schwag!
SoIll Climbing Holds
So-Ill Holds provides holds for dyno comp!
A quick look at the So Ill website confirms our initial impression: David and Daniel Chancellor are not your average entrepreneurs. Out of the box, out in left field, outrageous. Their site reflects an edgy, fun-loving, bizarre sensibility that we believe harks back to climbing's iconoclastic, irreverant roots. New School with an Old School edge...sounds good to us.
We are pleased to have the SoIll boys became part of the family. They will be bringing their humor and their wild looking holds to this years' event. Eye Booger anyone? Check out Water Stone for a good selection of So Ill product line.
The WARRIORS WAY -Mental Training for the most important muscle--The Brain
Arno Ilgner creator of The Warrior's Way Mental Training for Climbers will be back at the Rendezvous for the sixth year! If you've read his book (or maybe you've been wanting to) and want to get advice directly from the man himself, he'll be there for you. Arno will be holding three clinics this year and is donating his The Warrior's Way audio and paperback books for the event. See the clinics page for more info or to sign up for his program!
Go Green Bag teams up with Friksn to style out our competitor packets again!
It used to be that competitor packets came in plastic Kroger bags--we know, pretty cheesy. But that all changed last year when West Virginia based climber Andrew Dow jumped in to help out. His new company, Go Green Bag, makes reusable shopping bags and he offered to provide enough for all the comp bags. Very Cool! So, one more good reason to compete (along with being guarenteed an event shirt) is doing the right thing and moving away from disposable plastic bags. This year, once again, Go Green Bag will provide the bags and Friksn will print them.
Last year hese were the most coveted event-logoed item of all--more so than the shirts or the mugs! So, sign up to compete to guarantee you will get one!
Fox Mountain Guides & Climbing School brings on more manpower
Fox Mountain
Guides is the Southeast’s largest Climbing School and offers climbing trips,
courses and training throughout the USA and worldwide. We are the Southeast only
AMGA Accredited program and only use AMGA Certified Instructors and Guides for
all our programs. Contact us for your next climbing
adventure! Website
1-888-284-8433
Adam
Fox
Originally
from the United Kingdom, Adam grew up in the heart of the Peak District National
Park climbing the local Grit and Limestone. He started instructing and guiding
in the U.K. in 1989 and since then has climbed and guided in such places as
Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and extensively in the
U.K. and U.S.A.
Adam has been guiding in Southeast since 1994 and now guides across
the USA and Worldwide throughout the year based in Brevard, NC. He gained the
highest level of rock certification in the US, the AMGA Rock Guide Certification
in 2001. He is the National Discipline Coordinator for the AMGA's Single Pitch
Instructor Program and also works for the AMGA teaching and examining higher
level courses in the rock discipline as a member of the AMGA Instructor
Pool. He is a member of the Technical Committee and currently a member of
the Board of Directors.
