houndears bouldering comp: no hurricane fingers crossed

OVERVIEW

***update, we have 1 free registration to give away to someone who joins the trip!! we’ll decide who based on need or randomly***

Camping: https://www.grandfatherrv.com/
Itinerary: https://www.triplecrownbouldering.org/comp-details/hound-ears

Howdy y’all, WHO’S READY FOR SOME PEBBLE-WRASSLING!! our stoke is high for the first outdoor bouldering comp of the year!

gonna front load this a bit:
1. you need to be able to commit to the WHOLE WEEKEND! We’ll be leaving Friday morningish and returning to cville sometime on Sunday afternoon.
2. The cost for registration is $90, I wish it was cheaper but it is what it is. You can register here, please ONLY REGISTER ONCE LET OFF THE WAITLIST: https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=82457333. If happen to be registered already, sign on up and let me know we can certainly give you a ride! This will ensure that no one has paid to register (non-refundable) but has no ride because all of the cars are all filled. If tons of people want to come on this trip we may adjust the size to accommodate (don’t count on this!). The last thing I want is for the cost of the event to restrict those who are able to join us, so if you have issues paying the registration fee, please contact me/officers and perhaps something can be worked out.
3. I listed this as beginner because I fully believe that even if you have very little experience climbing outside, the whole competition is so worth it in terms of learning and hanging out alone; however, if you’re a complete beginner you might find it challenging or frustrating. That being said, if you love climbing you should sign up!

Essentially, every year there are three competitions across the southeastern US: Hound Ears (Boone, NC), Stone Fort (Chattanooga, TN), and Horse Pens (Steele, AL). Last year, hurricane Ian struck when Hound Ears was originally scheduled so instead of October, here we are in April presented with a beautiful opportunity to get some folks out on the ronks. I want to emphasize how cool of an event this is, it is not too often that this many climbers come together outside to support each other, the environment and vibe is simply fantastic! Simply, it’s just something you shouldn’t miss.

Here’s the plan:
Friday:
– 10am-12pm: Leave cville (roughly 5 hour drive not including stops)
– 3-5pm: arrive at Grandfather Campground **cost for camping will be reimbursed**
– Pick up comp packets and free t-shirts
– 6:30pm: Pint night w/ Mellow Mushroom and a food truck (it is not specified though I assume the food is not free)
– 7:30pm: Carolina Climber’s Coalition annual meeting at the community center
– This will just be a discussion on local climbing access efforts as well as some cool stories from some local stonemasters
– Now we sleep
Saturday (boulder day :)):
– 6:00-6:30am: wake up and eat some breakfast, food truck is an option ($$$)
– 7:00am: Check-in for comp
– Need to be somewhat quick about this as check-in for the comp closes at 8am
– 8am: load onto buses to get to the boulder field
– Boulder all day and meet cool people!
– 1-4pm: every hour shuttles run back to camp, once you leave you cannot return to boulders!
-pre 5:30pm: turn in the scoresheet
– Back at camp there will be $5 dinner plates, as well as raffles
– Awards ceremony, lots of prizes with tons of categories; even if you don’t have a lot of experience outside, if you have a good day you could get some prizes!
– There will also just be tons of free shtuff and just an amazing atmosphere
– Get litty
Sunday:
– 8am: wake up eat breakfast
– 9am: gather and head home
– 2-3pm: arrive

More details here: https://www.triplecrownbouldering.org/comp-details/hound-ears

What to bring:
– 2 water bottles
– If you do not wish to pay for any food, you’ll need enough food for 2 dinners, 2 lunches, and 2 breakfasts, as well as any snacks you want
– If you buy food: a lunch and 2 breakfasts
– Climbing shoes
– Chalk
– Warm socks
– Layers! (even though it’s April it can get chilly at night)
– sleeping bag/pad and any personal sleeping gear you would like (I will bring tents accordingly)
– Every drop of stoke summoned from the very fiber of your being
– Potentially harness and belay device, some boulders will have top ropes set up but I don’t see myself doing any of these

See everyone there!
– Evan + Jay

“to conq the big ronk one must be stronk”

Please reach out if you have any questions!
443-684-7640 or
etf8mse@virginia.edu