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.

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.

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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