Nationals Update

We are having a great time here at the SCS Nationals in SLC, Utah. The best young climbers from across the country have converged here and it is truly amazing to watch them climb. I am impressed that kids that have been climbing for so little time demonstrate so much poise, confidence and performance on a stage this large.

It is quite an accomplishment for one to qualify to get to this level and even bigger to make it beyond.

Despite a fantastic effort and some great climbing, Nicholas's journey at Nationals has ended. While there is still a bit of a sting for him in not making it to the next round, we are quick to remind him that we are extremely proud of him for making it this far and giving it his best shot. This is Nic's first year competing so the knowledge he's gained from this experience will surely carry him further in his years ahead as a competitive climber.

Nicholas easily cruised the first climb. On the second qualifier he climbed about 3/4 up the route and fell on a weird pinch move. The rest of the field fell just a couple moves above him but at this level of competition that was enough to make the difference.

I am including some video from the competition including a shot from the warm-up area and Nicholas's first climb.

Rocktown Climbers Represent

Two Rocktown climbers are out representing Oklahoma and our gym in competitive climbing right now. Jacquelyn Farris, an employee of Rocktown and Coach of the Oklahoma Climbing Team, is currently at the Extremity Games in Pontiac, Michigan. This is the first competition of this type for Jacquelyn and we wish her the best.

Also on the road is Nicholas Strong who is completing at the USA Climbing Sport Climbing Series Nationals. Nicholas is in the Youth C category for boys. The competition takes place at Momentum Climbing Gym in Sandy, UT over the course of three days; Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Nicholas will be there with his dad and Aaron Gibson, Head Coach of the Oklahoma Climbing Team.

Will keep you posted with details and results as we can.

In the mean time - wish them luck!!

Oklahoma Climbing Team Report - From Divisionals to NATIONALS!

The Oklahoma Climbing Team just returned from Adventure Rock Climbing Gym in Pewaukee, Wisconsin where four members of the team competed in the USA Climbing Sport Climbing Series (SCS) Divisional competition. The Division (Division 3) included climbers from three Regions in the US, representing 15 states. Some of the best young climbers in the country were at this competition.

And while this was the first time that ANY Oklahoma climber has competed in a USA Climbing Sport Climbing Divisional competition, and the first time for the Oklahoma Climbing Team, the team members demonstrated poise and confidence and represented our state and Rocktown very well.

Of the four climbers that competed in the qualifying round on Saturday, all four made it to finals on Sunday. Even, Emily, who took quite a fall on her second route in qualifiers, and might have been unable to compete the next day due to a shoulder injury, but through her own determination, entered the finals round and gave an outstanding effort.

The finals round was particularly exciting with only one route to divide the field and decide who would advance to Nationals. We were excited to have two individuals advance. We would like to congratulate Nicholas Strong and Arek Parker in qualifying for Nationals. Nationals will take place in Sandy, Utah at Momentum Climbing Gym on July 10-12.

Overall, the competition was wonderful and the kids did a fantastic job. Their determination, dedication, and excitement for the sport seems to grow with each event.

Photography Show - Saturday, June 6 - Silo Art Space at Rocktown

We are excited to introduce the Silo Art Space at Rocktown. The first show is this Saturday, June 6 at 8 pm. The show features the photography of Sherwin Tibayan in his debut photo/art show. The event is free and open to the public. The photography includes portraits of climbers (not climbing) at Rocktown and beautiful interiors of the facility.

Come check it out.

Rocktown Featured on Discover Oklahoma

On May 16th Rocktown was featured on the show Discover Oklahoma. The entire show was shot from Rocktown in addition to a feature story all about Rocktown.

A big thank you goes to the cast and crew of Discover Oklahoma for including us as an Oklahoma travel destination!

Discover Oklahoma Website

Rocktown Featured in Climbing Magazine

Check us out in the May issue of Climbing Magazine. We're in the Off The Wall section!

Thanks to Michelle Duregger for the great article and to Sherwin for the picture of Adam Peters climbing the roof route.

Need Stuff for "Rocktown Time Capsule"

I'm pretty sure that I heard the question about 20 times between yesterday and today: "So, what are you guys doing?" This question as Erik and I post-hole dug two very deep holes through several layers of dirt, brick, concrete, and stone - at one time even going so far as to bust out the hammer drill and chisel our way through to the next level. What for, the rest of you are asking? For a slackline! And now comes the final question: "What's a slackline?" Gez - just check wikipedia, I really don't have time for this. On to the REAL reason I'm writing this.....

We're going to make one of the slackline posts into a TIME CAPSULE. What we'll do is take a bunch of items; photos, letters, recordings, whatever will fit into a 5" diameter pipe and seal it up for 50 years! We'll date and label the outside of the pipe as a time capsule and the exact date to open it.

So here's what we'd like from you guys - if you would like to participate, bring us your letters, photos, trinkets, whatever you'd like to seal up for 50 years. It should be representative of today so that in 50 years we can look back on today with nostalgia. Please keep in mind that after several decades things tend to deteriorate so make sure your stuff is well protected from environmental elements.

We'll be sealing (welding) the time capsule up within the next week - so the deadline to get us your items is Tuesday, April 23. Just drop your item(s) by the gym. The sealing of the time capsule will take place soon after.

Oh - and for those wondering - the slackline should be up and running sometime next week.