Just check out the following all-star line up of outdoor industry bright lights. Our sponsors have collectively set an incredibly high bar in terms of their commitment to consistently providing their customers with technically innovative, well-designed and constructed products. We are proud to be associated with them! And a loyal bunch they are as well--almost every sponsor has been with us since the beginning 6 years ago.
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. Just let them know you appreciate them too!
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Donates the Signature Event T Mountain Hardwear, maker of some of the most technologically advanced products in the outdoor industry, is our first and biggest sponsor and every year they come through with something even bigger and better for the Rendezvous. This year they arestyling out the volunteers in an even nicer tech tee than usual. 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 (it doesn’t cost much!)
Once again MHW will be sending Larry B. and the Podclimber crew out to cover the event live. It looks like they will also be sending another one of their intrepid athletes, Freddie Wilkinson, for his first Rendezvous. We are looking forward to his slide show Friday night. We congratulate MHW on being awarded the National Geographic Adventure Magazine 2008 Best of Adventure Gear Award for their new Helion 2 tent. details
PATAGONIA Feeds the Tribe
Once again dinner on Saturday night is on Patagonia. We are committed to feeding every last one of you--count on it (one of the pay offs for going to a pre-registrations system...) and, just to keep things fresh and interesting, we are coming up with an entirely new menu. 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.
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! We continue to salute them for serving as a model for the rest of corporate America on how to act on behalf of the planet.Their 1% for the Planet program rocks!
Patagonia athlete Brittany Griffith will be back for her 4th Rendezvous. We are starting to think we couldn't pull this event off without her! Check out their website for the latest on products and their ever-expanding environmental initiatives, www.patagonia.com.
JUST IN: If you forget your plate or your bowl, Patagonia will be there to help you out. They will have Orikaso plate/bowls available at their booth. Be prepared, you may have to do something to get one...we don't know what but something...
Climbing Magazine & Urban Climber have us covered
The folks at Climbing Magazine have always been some of our most enthusiastic supporters.They have given us free advertising and great coverage every year, not to mention guidance and loads of creative ideas. This year they have really helped us spread the word about the No-Waste Initiative and our switch to a pre-registration system by giving us on-line coverage. They are a partner in every sense of the word!
Their Anchor Replacement Initiative has helped NRAC stretch their money by offering hardware at reduced rates.We salute this historic magazine and thank them for helping keep the spirit and soul of climbing alive.We have also noticed that, as a group, they are unusually good dancers.What’s up with that?
URBAN CLIMBER MAGAZINE is the fastest growing climbing magazine in the country, we’re excited to have UCMAG as part of the Rendezvous team.Like their sister pub Climbing Magazine, UC is printed on 100% recycled paper and we salute their commitment to the environment and sustainability--it gibes well with our no-waste iniative. Synergy!
Urban Climber's events guy, Kevin Riley has been a pleasure to work with and has brought considerable energy to developing the "Late Night with Urban Climber" program. Look for a lively evening. Keep your eye out for him and thank him for lining up the band, The Amity Front. We are going national this year!
Win Big with La Sportiva 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. Did you realize that this company has been making shoes since 1928? No wonder they have it figured out. 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. Read all about it at Sportiva.com.
Don’t forget, you will get a chance to try out all the latest, greatest shoes at the shoe demo on Saturday.Stop by the Fayetteville Court House Lawn and Sportiva rep Doug Madara (did we say badass?) will set you up. We would be remiss if we did not offer special thanks to National Sales Manager Mark Day who has offered us invaluable advice over the years.
FIVE TEN Brings Back the Bouldering Contest
Here is yet another top-tier sponsor who has stuck by us since the beginning. We thank them for that, but first of all, let's thank them for getting this sticky rubber thing sorted out in the first place. Where would we be without Charles Cole's innovations? Over twenty years in business, they are still cranking out the rad shoes. 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! www.fiveten.com
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 MUGS!! These super-cool event mugs will keep your coffee hot and your beer cold and your memories of Rendezvous #6 alive. Stop by the booth and find out how to get one of these limited collector's items! (Does that sound like the home shopping network?)
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...
PRANA says "Aaahhhhhhh"
It is no surprise that a company that makes clothes that feel so good would hook the Rendezvous up with services that also make us feel good.prAna will have two massage therapists on hand after the comps on Saturday to help ease your tired muscles.They are also responsible for the No-Booze Bar, another popular component of the Rendezvous.Stop by and check out our up-dated “mocktail” menu. We appreciate prAna sending athletes Ben Schmitt and Chris Sierzant to do clinics and be part of Rendezvous #6.
Hats off to prAna for their 2007 Natural Power Initiative.Water Stone Outdoors is one of 400 retailers that participate in this program.The estimated energy consumption of the shop is offset with Green-E certified Renewable Energy Certificates from wind farms in California and Nebraska.prAna offsets the energy consumption at their corporate offices, warehouse facility and employee’s house too.Way to lead by example!!For info click on the windmill icon at their website, www.prana.com.
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!!!
ASOLO Makes the Music Happen! 2008--We Welcome Asolo to the Rendezvous Team You've seen their boots: super-techy, cool, and bad to the bone! Asolo has been at it for 30 years making serious mountaineering boots, and has come on board to provide some serious dancing music for all of us. Asolo is now applying their expertise to the gamut of outdoor rec shoes, from technical alpine boots to knock around the campsite relaxo shoes. We love the Euro-styling! We thank them for their support because it is allowing us, for the first time, to bring in a band from out of state! The Amity Front is coming all the way from Massachusetts to entertain us with their original blend of funky, folky, upbeat music. Check out the Asolo website for an in-depth look at their technical innovations and their full range of styles. www.asolo.com.
MOUNTAIN KHAKIS BRINGS US OUR FIRST 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 the Pant Olympics 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.
MOUNTAIN SPROUTS SPRINGS THE SUPER SCAVENGER HUNT!
The
young set at the Rendezvous will be busy on Saturday as they scramble
to rack up points, solve riddles, complete challenges and become the
Champions of the Super Scavenger Hunt. We welcome sponsor Mountain
Sprouts to the fold. This
company, based in Grand Junction, CO, has made it their mission to
"design clothing and gear that encourages families to play outdoors
together." Sounds good to us! All you parents will want to check out
their "irresistable and durable" clothing at theirsite. We also commend this company for their participation in the 1% for the Planet program.
EVOLV throws the Dyno Comp! Welcome EVOLV, New Member of the Sponsor Family!
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
Acess 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.
MISTY MOUNTAIN Brings the Pads
Misty has always been a great supporter of New River climbers and events. We welcome them back for their 6th Rendezvous. We like the way Goose and Mike run their company--very personable and real. We love their harnesses. And we love that they are our neighbors down there in North Carolina. Once again they will be donating bouldering pads for the dyno comp. This is one of the wildest events of the weekend and is put on by our new friends Tim and Charles from Project Holds, the North Carolina-based company that is breaking some serious new ground in the world of holds.
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.
ENTRE PRISES Hosts the Midnight Snack
EP, maker of quality climbing walls and holds for over 20 years, will be back for their 4th Rendezvous. Early on in the history of the event we realized that is was absolutely imperative to have plenty of food on hand throughout the evening. You've got to have food in your stomach if you are going back to the keg very often. This is where EP comes in. Our caterer extraordinaire, Joy Marr, has come up with a filling, tasty, vegetarian spread that we roll out around midnight. So, when the band takes a break, you take one too and head to the dinner tent for some sustenance. Adam Koberna, VP at EP, and an old friend, has never made it to the Rendezvous. Maybe we should start bugging him.
DARN TOUGH brings back the KidZone!
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! Last year the Dyno Comp was taken over by the dynamic up-and-comers from the South Carolina-based company Project Holds. Tim, Charles and Jared created the best looking wall ever! This year the Project Holds Elevation Dyno Comp promises to be more exciting than ever. 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 these guys are 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! "We've got some things coming down the pipeline that will knock the climbing industry off their feet,” promises Tim Carr, one of the owners. This company is growing by leaps and bounds and offers some of the highest quality holds on the market--be sure to hang on a few while you are hanging around Burnwood.
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!
Arno Ilgner distinguished himself as a pioneering rock climber in the 1970s and ‘80s, when the top climbs were bold and dangerous first ascents. These personal exploits are the foundation for Ilgner’s unique physical and mental training program--The Warrior’s Way. In 1995, after a thorough search of the literature and practice of mental training and the great warrior traditions, Ilgner formalized his methods, founded the Desiderata Institute, and began teaching his program full time. Since then, he has helped hundreds of student sharpen their awareness, focus attention, and understand their athletic (and life) challenges within a coherent, learning-based philosophy of intelligent risk-taking. Ilgner considers the joy and satisfaction in the effort – the “journey” – intimately linked to successful attainment of goals, the “destination.” Alumni of his courses now include some of the nation’s most prominent climbers.
Ilgner has run clinics in the north- and southeastern U.S, to California, Canada, Australia and the U.K. He has worked with young competition climbers and written national magazine articles based on his methods. He holds a BA in geology, spent several years operating his own geological consulting firm in the Wyoming oil fields, acted as Chief Financial Officer for an industrial tool distribution company, attended the ArmyRangerSchool, and served a non-combat tour of duty in Korea. He currently resides with his family near Nashville, Tennessee.
Welcome to Redwood Creek Winery...our first wine sponsor!!
We
never expected to get a sponsorship request from a California-based
winery. Why would they want to come all the way here? One quick look
at Redwood Creek Winery's website was all it took to answer that
question. First of all: go check out their site,
it is one of the coolest we've seen and it makes it clear that this
company is all about the outdoors. As they say on their philosophy page
"At Redwood Creek we are passionate about enjoying the great
outdoors." And they walk their talk. Check out out their Great
Outdoors Project where outdoor organizations can apply for a $50,000
grant for an environmental project. They also are having a Campfire
Classic Recipe contest ("Go gourmet in the Great Outdoors") that will
award the winner $10,000. This all sounds great to us. Plus they list
the Outdoor Industry of America and the National Park Service on their
friends page. This makes them golden in our book. Not to mention,
their wine rocks! Try some at their booth in the beer tent. Josh will
be on hand to tell you all about what you are tasting. Pretty uptown
for the Rendezvous, huh?!
Go Green Bag styles out our competitor packets.
In
all previous Rendezvous' our competitor packets have come in plastic
Kroger bags--we know, pretty cheesy. Not so this year! 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. Thanks Andrew!
