NO TRANSPORTATION CARBON FOOTRINT FOR CLIMBMAX TODAY

This sounds a bit more grandiose than it actually is. David rode his bike to work, Stuart rode his bike to work, and they are both happier for it I'm sure.

Spring is here!

And that means lots going on at Climbmax... To start with, there was April fools. Imagine my surprise when I couldn't get behind the desk to work.

And, the After school programs are off to a great start. Here are few photos of Bronson, Cole, and Claire bouldering, as well as Matt on his first lead of the outdoor wall. Keep it up yall!




The turret has been reset with a full range of new problems from 2 dots to 9 dots. Here are some bright clean holds, and Cole using his monkey momentum on a new 2 dot problem.





With the clear weather, ClimbMax Mountain Guides have been out leading trips at our beautiful local climbing areas. Here are a few photos of regular ClimbMax climber Hannah Nash climbing with CMG on 'Second Coming' at Looking Glass in the Pisgah Forest. This is a great time of year to be climbing outside. Our SUMMER CAMPS are an exciting way for youth to transition from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing. And reservations for all ages and abilities can be made on a private basis.

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.

Afterschool Programs

We are hoping everyone has fun and relaxing holidays, and that all the young climbers are getting energized for our winter session of after-school programs. For more information, and to register go to: www.climbmaxnc.com/specialprograms.htm. Here are a few photos from past sessions.

Blogging on hold...

It looks like blogging has been on hold for the past month or so. Well since then, we had the 2009 Fall Flash Fest. Bringing out 70+ competitors, it was a blast. Check the results here: http://www.climbmaxnc.com/FFF2009.htm#Anchor-49575

Fall Flash Fest 2009 -- ClimbMax -- Asheville, North Carolina from climbmax nc on Vimeo.