Winter has passed us by it seems, which means rock climbing season in Northern Utah is here! So now is the time to get ready and sign up for the 7th Annual Ogden Climbing Festival on Thursday, April 10 through Saturday, April 12th.
The fest kicks off on Thursday with a special event featuring guest presenter Nathan Smith, a renowned climbing photographer. Friday and Saturday is all about climbing with gear demos at the Weber Rocks climbing gym, and the Collegiate Invitational Boulder Championship. Then on Saturday it’s time to head outdoors for the Red Point Boulder Comp, and free climbing clinics that will teach you bouldering, rope work, and how to take your climbing to the next level. It all wraps up with an after party and presentation by Obe Carrion, a world-famous competitive climber.
It’s all happening thanks to the Outdoor Program at Weber State University, and GEAR:30, who’s focus for the OCF 2014 is education, promoting the sport, and celebrating climbing within the Ogden Community. Pre-registration is required for the demos and clinics. Below is the festival schedule and more information. See you on the rocks!
OCF7 Date: April 10-12, 2014
Thursday, April 10th, 7:00p.m. Event Kickoff at GEAR:30, Guest Presenter Nathan Smith (1931 Washington Blvd Ogden, UT 84401)
With a “first one in, last one out” mentality Nathan always goes the extra mile with his photography. This willingness to do whatever it takes to get the photo right often means long days with heavy packs and not much sleep…but this just adds to the fun.
“Photography is not just about the final image. It’s the people you meet, the amazing settings and the experience you gain form it. If I’ve done things right, you’ll be able to see all of this reflected in the images”
Rock & Ice magazine tagged Nathan Smith as one of the “world’s most renowned climbing photographers”
www.pullphotography.com
Friday, April 11th, 5:00-9:00p.m., Free Gear Demo (Weber Rocks Climbing Gym)
Join us for the Free Gear Demo. The Free Gear Demo is designed to introduce climbers, and non-climbers alike to the latest and greatest in climbing equipment. Leading vendors throughout the climbing industry bring demo climbing shoes, harnesses, and other equipment to showcase.
While at the Demo, don’t miss the newest addition to the Ogden Climbing Festival. The Collegiate Invitational Boulder Championship kicks off at 7:00p.m. Watch as the 4 top men and women finalists compete for $250 cash purses sponsored my Young Subaru.
If you are under 18 years of age please bring a legal guardian to sign your participation awareness of risk and waver forms.
PS: Bring the family and let us introduce you to all things climbing!
Saturday, April 12th
Saturday, 10:00-12:30p.m., Red Point Boulder Comp (Lower Ogden Boulder Field)
Red Point Boulder Comp, pre-registration can be done at the Gear Demo Friday April 11th from 5:00 – 9:00 pm at the Weber Rocks Climbing Wall. Day of registration may be done on site at the Lower Ogden Boulder Field from 9:00 – 10:00 am. Registration fee is $20
To register for the Red Point Boulder Comp, please visit the registration table in the Lower Boulder Field. Parking is available at St Joseph High School located at 1790 Lake St. Follow the access road and trail to the registration tent in the Lower Boulder Field. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Guardian must read and sign participation waiver at registration table.
The Lower Ogden Boulder Field can be accessed by parking at St Joseph High School located at 1790 Lake St. Ogden Utah. Follow the trail and signs leading to the event staging area.
Saturday, 12:00-1:00p.m., Free RedBull Lunch
Free Red Bull Lunch, (Lower Ogden Boulder Field) Free Food, Free Red Bull!
Saturday, 1:00-3:30p.m., Free Climbing Clinics (Lower Ogden Boulder Field)
To register for the Free Climbing Clinics please visit the registration table in the Lower Boulder Field. Parking is available at St Joseph High School located at 1790 Lake St. Follow the access road and trail to the registration tent in the Lower Boulder Field. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Guardian must read and sign participation waiver at registration table.
Next Level, with Obe Carrion, 1:00p.m.- 3:00p.m. (Space will be limited so register early)
Here is your chance to up your climbing game with this Next Level Clinic by Obe Carrion. Obe will be presenting his personal training strategy he’s used with some of the best climbers in the country. This clinic will be addressing the art of creating a routine. By covering topics like technique, movement, problem solving, route reading, and sequencing. Each individual athlete will come away with a personal awareness about their own climbing strategies, training needs, mental conditioning and overall attitude on performance.
WSU Outdoor Program, Rock Rescue Clinic , 1:00p.m.- 3:00p.m.
Join the AMGA certified Staff from the WSU Outdoor program to brush up on your rock rescue skills. For best results please bring your harness, 5 locking carabiners, plenty of accessory cord, a small standard rack, and a GriGri. Don’t have all this gear don’t sweat it, bring what you have, and meet us at 1:00 pm at the registration table.
Tour De Ogden Boulder Field, 1:00p.m.-3:30p.m.
Join us as we show you the hidden gems of the upper and lower boulder field. Bring your shoes, boulder pad, and your mojo! Meet at 1:00p.m. at the registration table.
Children’s Bouldering Clinic, Ogden Boulder Field, 1:00p.m.-3:30p.m.
Join us for a free children’s bouldering clinic. Parents must be present during registration, and clinic. Meet 1:00 pm at the registration table.
Tope Roping Basics Clinic, Schoolroom Wall, 1:00p.m.-3:30p.m.
Join the Outdoor Program Staff as we venture to one of Ogden’s best kept secrets. Schoolroom Wall is located above the Ogden Boulder Field. Particpiants will experience a great hike and learn plenty of tips on how to enjoy a day at the climbing crag. To get the most out of this experience, you will need a pack to carry the basic essentials. Water, snacks, shoes, and harness. Other climbing equipment will be provided at the crag.
Saturday, 6:30p.m., OCF7 Keynote Presentation ” Obe Carrion” Location Amer Sports Theater (2030 Lincoln Ave, Ogden, UT 84401)
Obe Carrion is a 24 year veteran of climbing. At 13 years of age, aclimbing gym opened a few blocks from his home in Allentown, PA.,sparking one of the much-publicized careers in climbing. Having wonNationals and being a leading character in the late 90’s and early 2000’sin the Professional Climbing Association (PCA) comps, Obe wasregularly recognized in various climbing media outlets. Notably hestarred in several films produced by Big UP Productions whichcemented his place as a prominent icon in the climbing industry. Afteran outstanding performance in the competitive climbing scene, Obe’sfocus began to wander to other aspects of the climbing industry. Thisprompted him to take a position as the Director of Operations at afacility in NY. Once there he quickly realized his passion and talent forcoaching and the opportunity to work with some of the best youthcompetitors in the country. Presently residing in Southern California,Obe is now a product designer for Mad Rock Climbing continuing hisremarkable journey as a professional in the climbing industry.
Obe Carrion is a 24 year veteran of climbing. At 13 years of age, a climbing gym opened a few blocks from his home in Allentown, PA.,sparking one of the much-publicized careers in climbing. Having won Nationals and being a leading character in the late 90’s and early 2000’s in the Professional Climbing Association (PCA) comps, Obe was regularly recognized in various climbing media outlets. Notably he starred in several films produced by Big UP Productions which cemented his place as a prominent icon in the climbing industry. After an outstanding performance in the competitive climbing scene, Obe’s focus began to wander to other aspects of the climbing industry. This prompted him to take a position as the Director of Operations at a facility in NY. Once there he quickly realized his passion and talent for coaching and the opportunity to work with some of the best youth
competitors in the country. Presently residing in Southern California, Obe is now a product designer for Mad Rock Climbing continuing hisremarkable journey as a professional in the climbing industry.
Saturday 8:30- 11:00p.m., April 12th, Event After Party. Hosted at GEAR:30 (1931 Washington Blvd Ogden, UT 84401)
Join us as we round out the festival with free food and drinks provided by Roosters Brewing Company. Hang out with friends and be entertained by the high flying action of the Real Rock 8 film.
Skill Level: Beginner – Advanced
Fitness Level: Low – High
Age: Child, Youth, Adult (Family Friendly)
Equipment Provided: Equipment will be provided free of charge at DEMO, and during some clinics
Details:
The Outdoor Program at Weber State University, and GEAR:30 is proud to present the Seventh Annual Ogden Climbing Festival (OCF7), April 10-12, 2014. The focus for the OCF 2014 is education, promoting the sport, and celebrating climbing within the Ogden Community.
Located in Northern Utah, Ogden sits at the base of the spectacular Northern Wasatch Mountains, which has some of the best alpine routes in the region. There are climbing crags just minutes from downtown Ogden, with single pitch, sport, ice, and traditional climbing as well as bouldering with grades for all levels.
The OCF is widely recognized throughout greater Ogden and is a highly anticipated community event. Past sponsors include: Black Diamond, Petzl, Red Bull, Marmot, Roosters, Red Chili, DMM, Evolv, La Sportiva, Ogden City Recreation, The Front Climbing Club, Suunto, Native, Recreation Outlet, Amer Sports Outlet, and many other local and national vendors. The OCF would not be possible without the generous support from past title sponsors, and guest athletes including: Gear:30 & Hayden Kennedy – 2013; REVNRG & Peter Croft – 2012; Petzl & Beth Rodden – 2011; Black Diamond & Will Gadd – 2010; Joe Kinder & Anthony Chertudi –2009; Micah Dash – 2008.
Each year the OCF makes significant gains in terms of growth and recognition. Our event consistently draws climbers from throughout the region including Salt Lake, Logan, and South Eastern Idaho. Based on last year’s event, we expect the Ogden Climbing Festival to continue to grow in participation. We invite participants and spectators of all ages and abilities to come get involved. Mark your calendars, hang up the skis, dust off your climbing shoes, and bring the entire family out to enjoy a weekend of Ogden’s best climbing. Stay posted to the website for details.
Pre-registration is not required for Demo, or Clinics. Please register on location for the Outdoor Boulder Comp. Participants may pre-register for the comp Friday night during the Free Gear Demo 5-9pm (Weber Rocks Climbing Wall)
Looks awesome!