New Holds!

....and new routes! We just hosted a Youth Competition for the Climbmax Climbing team and the Brevard Rock Gym's team and, wow, these kids can crank! I was impressed not only by their ability but by how well they work together and support each other to crack boulder problems. Any competition means new problems for everybody else -- about 20 from v0 - v5 -- and fresh new holds.

Check out this big sloper:


And, we have new pinches for the system training board. The system board is a powerful tool to increase your finger strength and core strength. It involves isolating specific grip positions and timed rests. Just ask for tips on how to use it. Here is ETSU climber Chris Noga making it look easy:

Rock and Ice Season

It has been a cold winter in Asheville, but over the past 2 weeks the sun has been out, allowing for climbers to take advantage of both rock climbing and ice climbing. The WNC area certainly offers spectacular opportunities for both so you may find yourself sharpening your pics one day, then packing up the crash pad the next day.

For those of you who have been climbing at Rumbling Bald, don't forget to donate to the Carolina Climbers Coalition. They recently bought a significant tract on the west side, hosting some of BEST boulders in the area. The boulders are secure, now WE need to help pay the bills.

Check out this little video of ice climbing on the Whitesides Mountain classics: Mother Russia and Starshine. If you haven't tried ice climbing, ClimbMax Mountain Guides offers fun instruction.

Competitions

We just hosted our annual competition for local High Schools. This is a fun event where climbers meet new friends and compete for their school title! Congratulations to this year's winners: Asheville School.

Next up: Youth Competition Thursday March 11, 5-7pm. This event is open to all climbers 5 to 16 years old. Our team and club will be there, we hope to see you as well.