New for '09: Scarpa, Friksn, BCF, So Ill Holds, Nemo Equipment, Shoeller Fabrics
Welcome to Team!
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!
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Donates the Signature Event T and brings us the 1st annual Tug 'O War: Pros vs. Joes Mountain Hardwear, makes some of the most technologically advanced products in the outdoor industry, 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. Saturday at 6:00 we will gather all willing and able folks for a tug 'o war that will once and for all settle whether the professional athletes and industry insiders are all that. We suspect that we Joes are gonna rip that rope right out of their hands. Be there to pull for our honor.
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 09. 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. If you forget your plate or your bowl, Patagonia will have Orikaso plate/bowls available at their booth. Be prepared, you may have to do something to get one...
Patagonia's Spring '08 line looks amazing so keep an eye on the silent auction table for some terrific product they've donated. Give their website a look for loads of interesting stuff. We have had fun checking out their blog on all-things Patagonia, The Cleanest Line, as well as checking out their newest enviro initiative: Leading the Examined Life, which takes a hard look at their own business practices, seeing how and where they can do better. Once again we will feature their Common Threads recycling program here at the event. Turn in your old Capilene and get a new piece for cheap!
La Sportiva: Who sheared Kenny?
Sportiva is always shaking things up. This year they offered to match up to $1000 in a special fundraiser. Event organizer Kenny Parker, local outdoor icon famously known for his long hair will shave it all off if you guys pony up $1000. So, save an extra five bucks to kick in. details...
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? The Fireblade took the Runners World Magazine prize for best debut shoe in 2007. 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. This year we are getting super-cool event mugs that will keep your coffee hot and your beer cold and your memories of Rendezvous #7 alive. Stop by the booth and find out how to get one of these limited collector's items!
Boom Your Brand
BCF joins us from outside the industry, looking in. Let's tell 'em how it is!
BCF is a brand communications firm specializing in marketing travel destinations, products and experiences to the Baby Boom generation. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, the 30 year old firm has built a client roster, reputation, and team of professionals unexpected outside of major markets. At its helm is Art Webb, President & CEO, a lifetime rock-climbing, skiing and fly-fishing junkie whose passion for the outdoors echoes the BCF team’s cadre of skiing, running, cycling, surfing, climbing and all-around outdoors’ nuts. Visit their website at boomyourbrand.com.
SCARPA JOINS THE TEAM; KEEPS CLINICS FREE!
This
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.
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 Keeps it Green
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 prinicples 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. BD won our prize for the coolest new gadget at the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow this winter: a little LED lantern called the Apollo--super slick. Check it 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
Mammut is returning again to quench everyone's thirst! Our friends at Mammut, under the leadership of Ian Conner, 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 even brought their huge blow-up mammoth. For a brief and shining moment (before the Park Service ixnayed it) it reigned supreme at Burnwood. 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!!!
prAna Brings you the No-Booze Bar for Two Nights! 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.
MOUNTAIN KHAKIS BRINGS THE THURSDAY EVENING PROGRAM!
Last year we had over 150 tents set up by Thursday night. 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 scheduled a relaxed, ease-into-the-event evening. We will kick off with Pant Wars and then move into a slideshow/movie program with 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...
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 is rolling out their anxiously awaited Master Cams--finally an alternative to the impossible to get Aliens...Metolius rep, Rod Thomas, will have some on hand for you to check out. Stop by the booth at the Stretch and Stroll Breakfast and chat him up.
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.
Thanks to DARN TOUGH the KidZone goes to the crag! This year we decided it was time to get the kids climbing. Darn Tough's sponsorship will allow us to hire the guides to make it happen!
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 is launching a 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!
PROJECT HOLDS wants you to gain Elevation! This year the Project Holds Elevation Dyno Comp promises to be more exciting than ever. Always one of the highlights of our event, look for launching bodies leaping for more of their crazy holds. What the hell is a Nixon? A Wicked Lester? A quick look at their new and improved website confirms that this company is all about imagination, humor and attention to detail. A huge selection of holds and an unbeatable program for getting a monthly delivery are worth a close look. They will be dishing out prizes too, so enter and take a chance on freshening up your home wall! This year Project Holds will team up with So Ill Holds to produce the comp. A meeting of the sharpest minds in their slice of the industry! This bodes well for all of us. Get your cameras ready--this will be the raddest wall yet!
Redwood Creek Winery returns for second year!
Winetasting anyone? We
are happy to welcome Josh Harpke and Redwood Creek back for their
second year. We felt like we made a big step up last year by adding
this cool company to our family of sponsors. 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!
Nemo Tents
MIDNIGHT SNACK IS BACK with a New Sponsor! WELCOME TO NEMO EQUIPMENT!!
Of all the Rendezvous components the Midnight Snack may be one of the most welcome. There is nothing like seeing an inviting spread of food, right when you are feeling like you need something in your stomach to help you dance through that next set--hell, the night is young, right? This year you have a new sponsor to thank!
We are really pleased to welcome Nemo Equipment to our sponsor family. Interesting story here: The company was founded in 2002 by Cam Bensinger, a student at Rhode Island School of Design, with the purpose of bringing high level design to the outdoor industry. His innovations have won the company quite a bit of press, some big awards and loads of fans. We like that they are East Coast based up in Nashua, NH. (That makes them our 3rd New England sponsor, joining Mammut and Darn Tough.) We like their cool tents--check out the patented AirSupported Technology. These guys are techy, techy, techy! You are going to want to get to know their product line which includes a full line of tents, pads and accessories. But we especially like how they define adventure and their role in it...read on...
Adventure takes many forms: big and small, near and far, well planned and on a whim. What all adventures have in common is their ability to invigorate us, to make us feel alive, to change our perspective. Adventures build our bonds with each other and with our planet. they cahllenge us to solve problems while reducing life to the few simple things that matter. Reliable, beautiful, well-designed equipment can add to the experience of adventrue by making it even more enjoyable and safer. We are here to make the finest equipment imaginable.
SoIll Climbing Holds
WELCOME TO SO ILL HOLDS!! Co-producing the dyno comp... Thursday evening slide show...
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 become 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.
David has graciously agreed to bring his popular slideshow to our Thursday Night Kick-off program. We hear it is one of the best shows around. Check it out! The Chancellor Bros. will be teaming up with Chuck at Project Holds to produce this year's dyno comp. Brilliant!
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 fifth 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!
