2010 New River Rendezvous

Clouds boomed and rhododendrons bloomed for the eighth annual New River Gorge Rendezvous in Fayetteville, WV. Over one thousand climbers were in attendance for this climber carnival/ fundraising event. The weekend kicked off with a bang as lightning struck near the festival pavilion sending park rangers and event staff scurrying . Luckily everyone was safely tucked away in their tents or at area restaurants escaping the thunder and rain.

 

 

As the evening progressed, hundreds of climbers stood in line for what is becoming known as the sweetest spread outside of Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Desertapalooza is a smorgasbord of hundreds of different deserts prepared by local climbers providing a sampler of sweets that would even satisfy the discerning tastes of Veruca Salt.

 

 

In another tent, local yogis centered their shakras as Jeremy Collins and Odub collaborated on an artistic “jamnation”. This was quickly followed by the multi-media show with presentations from Mike Libecki, Petzl’s Chris Sharma followed by a presentation of Chuck Fryberger’s Core. The evening closed with the flowing beats of Mon Voyage Neon who worked the crowd into a lather on the dance floor leaving them chanting for more as the set ended.

 

 

By Saturday morning, the clouds dispersed allowing climbers to venture to the area crags for their respective rock climbing clinics sponsored by Scarpa and New River Mountain Guides. Some climbers chose to participate in the trad, sport, toprope and bouldering competitions hoping to score the hefty cash purse provided by Waterstone Outdoors, NRAC, Five Ten, and La Sportiva with over $10,000 worth of cash and prizes was given away. Results of the competition can be found HERE

 

 

Saturday evening was anything but mundane. The carnival atmosphere was in full effect as inebriated climbers collided in the Crashpad Sumo Wrestling Contest, slackliners jumped spun and amazed spectators on the Gibbons Slacklines. Contestants lined up to huck themselves at new holds provided by SoIll at the annual dyno comp presented by Evolv and DPM.  

 

 

At the dyno wall the crowds encouraging words to the leaping climbers “One more time! One more time!” was replaced by gasps and shielded eyes in the Dare to Wear Your Lycra Contest. Let’s not bring this climbing attire back into vogue people.

 

 

 

All of this was amidst one of the most heated tests of will, stamina, and skill as eight players sat down for the first annual DPM sponsored Poker n’ Access Texas Hold’em Tournament to benefit the Access Fund. Eyewear was provided by Native to assist players by shielding "tells". Beaver, owner of Prana and Chris Sharma, from Petzl, joined Osprey Packs, NRAC and Five Ten as well as two generous individuals in this no holds barred card game.  As drinks were served by scantily clad cocktail waitresses, it was apparent who the real player was. Beaver of Prana, dressed in “his normal attire” complete with fo-bling and a shirt that would make any pimp green with envy bet aggressively against his opponents quickly eliminating all but Ronny Jenkins from Five Ten. After several rounds of back and forth, Ronny was eliminated giving Prana bragging rights as the Poker n’ Access Champion. 100% of the proceeds of this tournament were given to the Access Fund in Prana’s name. Thank all who participated. Watch the video HERE

 

 

As the night wore on, beer spilled and rain drizzled as Ohio’s Freak Base stepped to the stage bringing the night’s festivities to a close. Thanks to all the climbers and vendors who participated in this year’s event. We will see you next year.

 

Comp results can be found HERE