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Posted by ascentnb on

Introductory Rock Climbing School – Sept 9th, 2018

Introductory Rock Climbing School – Sept 9th, 2018

Ascent NB will be holding an Introductory Rock Climbing School on Sunday, September 9th, 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 (price includes a half-year Ascent membership), or $80 for Ascent members (not a member?  you can purchase a membership here).  ($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.578627_431203373594168_1024899536_n

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! - 2018 Intro to Rock Climbing 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.33461_135594676488374_802234_n These events go a long way towards to reaching our fundraising goals, but this all depends on participation - please help spread the word!

 

 

 

Posted by ascentnb on

Welsford Rendezvous – Sept 8th

Welsford Rendezvous – Sept 8th

Ascent NB is happy to announce the third annual Welsford Rendezvous, on September 8th!

 

Join the fun as climbers from around the Maritimes flock to Welsford to celebrate our sport, our access, and each other.

 

Climbing challenges thru the day will be followed by a gathering at the gravel pit to round out the day. There we'll see BBQ, games, Ascent NB's AGM, awards presentation, and prizes awarded from our sponsors' donations to carry us well into the night!

More details will come as the date approaches!

 

 

Posted by ascentnb on

MEC Fall Grant Approved!!

MEC Fall Grant Approved!!

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!

Posted by ascentnb on

2018 Beginner Rock School – May 5th

2018 Beginner Rock School – May 5th

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.578627_431203373594168_1024899536_n

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.33461_135594676488374_802234_n These events go a long way towards to reaching our fundraising goals, but this all depends on participation - please help spread the word!

 

 

 

Posted by Jon Adamson on

Time to renew your Ascent membership for 2018!

Time to renew your Ascent membership for 2018!

We're now into the 2018 season and as such many members will find their memberships have expired.  Please take a moment to renew your membership today! Standard memberships are $40. You are eligible for a $20 off discount if you are a member of either Fit Rocks Climbing Gym or UNB Rock and Ice Club.  You can send us an email money transfer to ascentnb@gmail.com.

Remember, being a member of Ascent New Brunswick comes with its rewards, such as:
  • special access privilege to CFB Gagetown cliffs all year-round,
  • access to member pricing on all levels of rock and ice climbing classes,
  • access to events at the Welsford Rendezous in September,
  • the knowledge that you're supporting a grass-roots organization that maintains access to climbing areas in New Brunswick as its sole focus.
Posted by Greg Hughes on

Advanced Rock School!

Advanced Rock School!

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.

Posted by ascentnb on

Ice Climbing School – March 17th

Ice Climbing School – March 17th

This class is now full.

Ascent NB will be holding an Ice Climbing School on Saturday, March 17th!

This full day event costs $100 for non-members (this includes an Ascent NB membership thru April 1st 2019!!!) and $60 for members (including FitRocks and UNB Rock and Ice members!). Half of the fee is required as a non-refundable deposit, and no refunds are permitted in the final week before the event. Bring a friend and you each will get a $20 discount!

All technical gear is provided (boots, crampons, ice tools, helmets, harnesses, belay devices) so all you'll need is warm layered waterproof clothing, water, your lunch, and your psyche! Space is limited so sign up early.

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 by Email Money Transfer to ascentnb@gmail.com
  2. email ascentnb@gmail.com. Put "Cool as Ice! - February 2018 Ice Climbing School" in the subject to indicate how stoked you are to try ice climbing!
  3. ensure you've submitted a waiver either electronically, or in person the day of the event.

All proceeds will go to help pay for Ascent NB's single largest expense, the insurance policy that our land use agreements require.

Posted by ascentnb on

Ice Climbing School – Feb 10th

Ice Climbing School – Feb 10th

This class is now at capacity. Stay tuned for another Ice Climbing School later in the season.

Ascent NB will be holding an Ice Climbing School on Saturday, February 10th!  The event will be held at Mt Misery on the Kingston Peninsula.

This full day event costs $100 for non-members (this includes an Ascent NB membership thru April 1st 2019!!!) and $60 for members (including FitRocks and UNB Rock and Ice members!). Half of the fee is required as a non-refundable deposit, and no refunds are permitted in the final week before the event. Bring a friend and you each will get a $20 discount!

All technical gear is provided (boots, crampons, ice tools, helmets, harnesses, belay devices) so all you'll need is warm layered waterproof clothing, your lunch, and your psyche! Space is limited so sign up early.

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 by Email Money Transfer to ascentnb@gmail.com
  2. email ascentnb@gmail.com. Put "Cool as Ice! - February 2018 Ice Climbing School" in the subject to indicate how stoked you are to try ice climbing!
  3. ensure you've submitted a waiver either electronically, or in person the day of the event.

All proceeds will go to help pay for Ascent NB's single largest expense, the insurance policy that our land use agreements require.

Details on boot sizing, location meeting times, etc., will be distributed in the next couple weeks.

Posted by ascentnb on

Access Alert: Parking @ The Hatchery & Parlee Brook

Access Alert: Parking @ The Hatchery & Parlee Brook

The Hatchery

Not long after the Hatchery Ice Crag was developed several years ago, Ascent New Brunswick secured an access agreement with a landowner that would permit climbers to cross a piece of land between the parking area on Parlee Brook Road and the cliff. We have worked hard to maintain this access but the landowner has decided to withdraw from the agreement. We would like everyone to respect the landowners wishes and take an alternate approach (detailed below) to the Hatchery until further notice. The landowner has indicated that he may be open to resuming the agreement in the future but not likely this season.

The alternate approach is as follows (approach time 50 minutes):

  • Follow the Parlee Brook road (past the bridge) about 1 kilometer southeast until you come to a drainage to the north (on your left).
  • Follow the drainage up to a small ice filled ravine. There is actually climbable ice here but nothing too exciting.
  • When you reach the top of the ravine turn northwest and walk approximately 400 meters. This will put you near the top of the first wall at the Hatchery.
  • Continue north west down to the Hatchery drainage.

Parlee Brook

The next issue involves parking for the Parlee Brook Amphitheater and the Hatchery. The usual parking area now has no parking signs throughout. Do not park anywhere that has these signs. Instead cross the bridge and continue up the Parlee Brook Road and park off to one side of the road far enough away from the no parking signs. We have asked the Department of Highways to plow the road further up to accommodate more parking. It would be wise not to park your car during or immediately after a snowstorm as it could be towed if it were to interfere with snow removal operations.

Keep in mind that we still enjoy great access to both Parlee Brook and The Hatchery. Both of these ice crags fall under an agreement that we have with J.D. Irving. The short cut to the Hatchery is no longer available but the ice still is! You just have to work a bit more to get there. Also keep in mind that there is great ice to be had nearby at Glebe Road and Little Salmon River/Walton Glen.

Posted by ascentnb on

Walton Glen Gorge Climbing Access

Walton Glen Gorge Climbing Access

Ascent New Brunswick recently received a letter from the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources concerning Walton Glen Gorge.

The Walton Glen Gorge is part of a provincial Class II protected area and as such has some strict guidelines concerning activities occurring there. Lately, there has been some media attention brought to the area and as a result DNR has asked that we convey a message about Walton Glen to the climbing community.

They want climbers to know that all recreation activities done in Walton Glen need to follow Leave No Trace principles and be respectful of the land. They are open to climbers being there, but are concerned with the aggressive cleaning of rock often associated with putting up rock climbing routes.

This is currently not a popular area for rock climbing but with the recent extension of the Fundy Trail Parkway access to the gorge could become very convenient for climbers. If you want to put up routes in Walton Glen please make sure they follow a Leave No Trace ethic.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.