Climb Smart 2007 by Shian Sung

Climb Smart is an annual event sponsored by Adventure 16, Black Diamond and Patagonia to raise awareness for Joshua Tree National Park, and to raise some funds for Friends of Joshua Tree (FOJT), Joshua Tree Search and Rescue (JOSAR), and The Access Fund. During the weekend, climbers participate in education by some world-class climbing instructors as well as participate in events like a costume contest, raffles, auctions and slide shows, as well as a Saturday night dinner. Adventure 16 provided a large amount of the prizes as well as a large host of employees from a few of the stores to help organize and work during the event.

I was one of those that headed over to Joshua Tree to help out and of course an excuse to go to an incredible national park is always one you should jump on. I didn't know too much about Climb Smart other than what general details from the A16 website. When I got there, I was amazed to find out that not only were some world-class climbers going to be there, but they would also be giving rock climbing clinics all day Saturday and Sunday. It was like finding out that Lance Armstrong would be around showing people how to start riding bicycles.

Mark Wilford, who is most well known for being the first American to solo the North Face of the Eiger, started things off Friday night by presenting a slideshow of his legendary ascent. He also gave a clinic on crack climbing on Saturday. I've been reading about this guy in Alpinist and Rock & Ice for ages and finally getting to meet him was a real highlight of the entire event. Brittany Griffith, one of the top female rock climbers in the world and someone who seems to be in Climbing magazine on a regular basis, was also there and had a slideshow presentation on her rock-climbing trip in Morocco as well as clinics on beginner rock climbing moves. It was pretty amazing to be able to experience all this for just the registration fee.

I'd be remiss to neglect mentioning that a big part of the festivities were the silent and live auctions and multiple raffles, mostly run by Adventure 16, that offered many incredible deals and had everyone checking their wallets Saturday evening. A16 also helped out with the big climber feed Saturday night that was an extremely festive evening, with John Mead making the trip to JT!

Adventure 16 was also a big part of the reclamation projects that went on Saturday and Sunday, as volunteers pitched in to maintain trails in the famous Hall of Horrors of the park, a massive boulder formation known for its fun climbs. All in all, Climb Smart was just an awesome experience all around - to be able to go to Joshua Tree, already one of the most gorgeous national parks (with the smoke from recent fires contributing to a couple unbelievable sunsets), attend free clinics taught by the best climbers in the business, and experience all the camaraderie from fellow climbers and A16'ers, all I can say is I'll be first in line to attend again next year. Hope to see you there!

Shian Sung hails from the White Mountains of New Hampshire and is an avid participant in all things outdoors, especially long-distance backpacking and ocean kayaking. He currently resides in San Diego working for Adventure 16 Wholesale and enjoying the beautiful weather in his spare time.