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The Welsford Rendezvous did not come off without a hitch again this year, but still saw the community rally and enjoy a beautiful weekend of rock climbing and festivities.

Despite a week's postponement due to forecasted rain, a good chunk of the climbing community managed to adjust schedules and attend the weekend's events. Many teams competed in the various, fun oriented, climbing challenges during the day before returning to the gravel pit. Climbers were spread out across the entirety of Cochrane Lane and Sunnyside. Even the slack liners got in on the action with a high-line first ascent of Amphiteatre!

Frank Zappa made a special guest appearance at Joe's Garage. Apparently, he was honoured to have a wall named after his album. Thanks to Michel Martin for playing the part.

After the exhausting day, folks gathered and rejuvenated with a delicious array of food and drink before attending the Ascent NB Annual General Meeting and awards ceremonies. Thank you to Audré, Sonia, and Kristen for the putting together amazing food - no one went hungry! A shout out to Silver Valley Farms for a deal on the delicious corn and to Trailway Brewing Co for reserving us some top quality brews.

Elections for Ascent's executive followed and saw Greg Hughes and Mike Delaney stay on as President and Secretary/Treasurer. New blood entered the ranks this year with Jon Adamson taking over Vice President from Kristy McClellan. Thanks Kristy for your time!

Steve Adamson was then recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Steve accepted the award in style sharing some great climbing stories. Congratulations Steve and thanks for all you've done for New Brunswick climbing!

The evening rounded off with awards for the climbing competitions. Many awesome prizes were had and barely anyone came away completely empty handed thanks to prize donations by our sponsors The Radical Edge, River and Trail, Outward Bound Canada, and Cruel Shoes Climbing.

Of course the weekend can't fully be recounted without mention of the dramatic accident and ensuing rescue of climber Matt Cormier. Despite the odds and thanks to some incredible luck in his fall, the quick response of EMS and local climbers and just being a plain old tough SOB, Matt was in relatively good shape and made it down to the farmer's field in a matter of 2-3 hours. It's been amazing to hear how well Matt is doing on the road to recovery already. Take a moment to send Matt some support in his recovery.

Thank you to AmbulanceNB and the Welsford Volunteer Fire Department for their efforts and quick response in Matt's rescue. As well, thank you to the Ascent NB Roped Rescue team and to everyone who has contributed to training and equipping the team. The importance of our training has never been more obvious nor more valuable.

Considering all possible outcomes, I think we all saw the weekend as a complete success.

Comp Results:

Cochrane Lane Challenge

- 3 teams competed with Ian Lingley and Josh Shewbridge winning in a time of 6 hours and 40 minutes.

Sunnyside Throwdown

- Isiah Jabbour and Matt DesRoches won with 18 climbs

Cochrane Lane 3 Star Selects

- prize draw winners were Keri Lynn Leblanc, Mike Delaney and Andy MacLeod while Dom Caron and Alec Joseph won for best time at 1 hour and 32 minutes.

Pull Up Comp

- Brittany Gionet for the women and Igor Ignatov for the men.

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Ascent NB will be holding our second annual Beginner Rock School on Sunday, September 10th, 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 $100 for non-members and $80 for Ascent members (not a member?  you can purchase a membership here) and UNB Rock and Ice members.  ($40 of the fee is a non-refundable deposit; no refunds are permitted in the final week before the event). Bring a friend and you will each receive a $25 discount!!

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! - 2017 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!

Mark the date in your calendar, folks. The second annual Welsford Rendezvous, on September 16th, will see climbers from New Brunswick and beyond flock to Welsford to celebrate and participate in a variety of climbing events. Last year's event, despite a last minute curve ball, was a solid success and this year will only be better!

Climbing competitions during the day and a gathering at the gravel pit at the end of Cochrane Lane will round out the day. A BBQ and games will be followed by Ascent NB's AGM, a special awards presentation, prizes awarded from our sponsors, and a special access announcement. A huge bonus this year is that we've acquired permission to have a campfire - no repeats of last year's frostiness!

The climbing comps this year will NOT have an admission fee and will include one from last year and two new ones:

• Cochrane Lane Classics – climb 13 of the original routes from the first guide book written by Colin Bell.
• Cochrane Lane 3-star Selects – climb any six, three star routes.
• Sunnyside Throwdown – climb as many routes as you can.

More details will come as the date approaches.

Ascent New Brunswick wouldn't exist without of the continuing effort of volunteers, but as with all grassroots efforts, new blood is key to survival.

We are starting to plan Welsford Rendezvous 2017, and could use some help to make it an even greater success.  Many hands can make light work, so if you think you might be interested in helping out, please contact us at ascentnb@gmail.com to chat!

Ascent New Brunswick's origins are rooted in the UNB Rock and Ice climbing club, and the partnership between the organizations has only grown since.

In recognition of this, Ascent New Brunswick is happy to offer 50% off Ascent NB memberships to all UNB Rock and Ice members!

Venga!

Ascent New Brunswick is very excited to announce that we have partnered up with Fit Rocks Climbing Gym in Moncton!

Fit Rocks has made a significant donation to our cause and will be selling Ascent NB memberships and t-shirts at their facility. Ascent NB will be offering special rates on memberships to Fit Rocks Gym members and will actively promote this awesome new gym.

On Saturday, March 18, Ascent New Brunswick held its second ice school at the Glebe Road ice cliffs near Sussex. Fifteen participants were led by six instructors for an intro to the fantastic activity of ice climbing. A good time was had by all on a brilliant sunny day in March.

Thank you to all the participants for being so awesome and a special thank you to UNB Rock and Ice for the gear loan.

We would also like to thank the instructors - Marc D'Astous, Chris McLellan, Luc Gallant, Max Heffler, Mike Delaney and Greg Hughes who graciously volunteered their time.

Stay tuned for more Ascent New Brunswick climbing schools coming up this year including Intro to Rock and Climber Self-Rescue.