Tasc Performance is a new outdoor apparel brand that is redefining the term high performance. Their unique technology uses all-natural bamboo fibers to create a clothing material of unequaled performance. This special material leverages the natural properties of bamboo to create a fabric that is perfect for athletics. It repels water, dries quickly, reduces odor, …
Category Archive: News
Climbing news! Recent ascents, records, tournaments and other highlights from climbers around the world.
Feb 06
Competitive Rock Climbing Grows In Schools
A new competitive climbing league has opened in Rutherford County, Tennessee, according to the Murfreesboro Post. The new league, sponsored by The Ascent climbing gym, is open to all intermediate and high school students looking to climb competitively. The gym offers each team unlimited access to the climbing facilities and gear for just a small …
Oct 04
Adam Ondra climbs world’s first 5.15c
World champion rock climber Adam Ondra has just sent his project The Change, which he claims is the first 5.15c in the world. If the rating stands it would make this route the hardest sport climb in the world. This success came just as Ondra was ready to give up, as winter weather was quickly …
Sep 15
Climber survives 70 foot fall
According to Fosters, a man fell Thursday, September 13 while free soloing cliffs in Massachusetts with friends. The climber was 10 feet from the top when his hand slipped off the rocks. He flipped in the air as he fell, hitting his head on the rock on the way down, before finally landing on his …
Sep 14
Hantavirus Outbreak at Yosemite
According to the National Park Service, nine individuals have been infected with hantavirus after spending time at Yosemite National Park. Infections began in June, and the park is currently working to spread awareness of the outbreak in order to reduce further infections. Out of the nine reported cases, three have been fatal. The other six …
Sep 08
Climbers design a specialized prosthetic foot for rock climbing
CJ Howard and Mandy Ott have developed the world’s first prosthetic foot made specially for rock climbing. This unique device has allowed Howard to climb at Lover’s Leap, Sugarloaf, and even Yosemite. Howard lost his lower leg to osteosarcoma years ago but has continued to pursue sports, even setting world records for amputees. Since picking …
Sep 08
A climbing harness for pregnant women?
Here’s something you don’t see every day. Mountain Mama, a company specializing in outdoor gear for expecting mothers, has just unveiled the world’s first climbing harness for pregnant women. Created with help from Mad Rock, the harness features padded leg loops and an “X” design in back to provide full support and cradle the torso. …
Aug 26
Minnesota State Park Program Teaches Rock Climbing
I Can Climb! This summer the Minnesota State Parks division has been offering a program series called I Can Climb! According to the program website it offers “a hands-on rock climbing experience designed for those who want to learn about knot tying, belaying, rope management skills, use of technical equipment, and climbing commands from qualified …
Aug 15
Footage of soloing a 400 ft hand crack
This is hands down the best climbing footage I’ve seen. It’s a first person view, filmed on a Go Pro camera, of a man free soloing a 400 ft hand crack. The route is a 5.10b called The Headache at Zion National Park. This was the fourth ascent of the route for this man. …
Aug 10
Computer Science student uses chaos theory to create new routes
I never realized how difficult route setting was until I took a three month setting class last year. I always took routes for granted and complained when they weren’t updated frequently or weren’t fun to climb. Then I tried to set my own routes… Not only was it exhausting, time consuming, and frustrating, but they …