Ascent New Brunswick is happy to announce that we had our grant application approved by Mountain Equipment Co-op and we now have our own rock climbing gear!

MEC gives back to the community in many ways, not the least of which is offering Spring and Fall grants. Our 2017 Fall Grant application was written in request for enough rock climbing gear to be able to hold our Beginner Rock Climbing Schools without relying on others for equipment. We applied for the 2017 Spring grant but were at the end of a long line and were told to reapply in the fall. We did, and our persistence paid off!

We received:

• 8 Maxim Equinox 10.2mm ropes
• 32 BD Positron Screwgate Biners
• ~50m 8mm Mammut static cord
• 8 BD ATCs
• 8 Edelrid SMS Strike Screwgate Biners
• 30 Edelrid Zodiac Helmets
• 30 pairs of La Sportiva Tarantulace Rock Shoes
• 30 BD Momentum Harnesses
• 5 110L MEC Duffle Bags

In total, about $9,300 worth of gear!

This gear represents seed funding that should permit us to offer rock climbing classes for years to come. The revenue generated from these classes will allow us replenish our own gear over time and to be able to offer these classes indefinitely.

We're beyond stoked to have received this gear! Onward and upward!

Checkout a little video of the unwrapping!

Ascent NB will be holding our first Beginner Rock School of the year on Saturday, May 5th, in Welsford! Come learn basic climbing techniques and how to belay and rappel safely under the close supervision of experienced rock climbers.  No experience necessary! All equipment provided!

Proceeds help pay for Ascent's single largest expense, the insurance policy that our land use agreements require, and to purchase new ropes and gear for future rock and ice schools.

All equipment is provided for this full day event. Admission costs $80 for Ascent members (not a member? click here for more info).  ($40 of the fee is a non-refundable deposit; no refunds are permitted in the final week before the event).

Space is limited so sign up early! If we don't receive the deposit from you, then we can't guarantee your spot.

Minimum age of 14 (at our discretion).  Under 16 requires adult accompaniment. Under 19, must submit in advance a waiver signed by the legal guardian.

To register:

1. send us your deposit via Email Money Transfer to ascentnb@gmail.com
2. then email ascentnb@gmail.com. Put "I wanna rock! - May 2018 Beginner Rock School" in the subject to indicate how stoked you are to learn to rock climb!
3. ensure you've submitted a waiver either electronically, or in person the day of the event.

Rock School has always a great time and is a great introduction to the world of rock climbing. These events go a long way towards to reaching our fundraising goals, but this all depends on participation - please help spread the word!

This course is full!

Due to popular demand we are offering a special Advanced Rock School on May 12 at McQuirks Mountain near St. George. The cost of the course is $80 and is available to all Ascent Members. This course is designed for anyone who has taken the Beginner Rock School or the equivalent and is looking to progress in the activity.Curriculum includes:

*Lead belaying

*Anchor building

*Cleaning an anchor

*Rapelling

Space is limited so act now. Send a $40 deposit to ascentnb@gmail.com to guarantee your spot.