Hope this message finds you well and welcome all new members!

Outdoor climbing:

- For beginners + 1st time outdoor climber: next session is June 22 Sat. We can accommodate a few extra spots. If you can help out as a leader, contact me. Sign up.

- For current climbers: we currently use this weekly updated weekends list. Sign up. If you have better suggestions, let me know.

Indoor climbing: as always, plenty of meetups everywhere. As a general rule, as summer comes, the gym will become a sauna and so the no. of indoor meetups will decrease. Beware. If you are interested to help out as a session leader, contact me.

Playgrounding: we’re trying out our first ever playgrounding meetup. A great cross training for climbing and super fun sport itself. Next Wed 6pm. Sign up.

Climbing & Charity: Climb and Conquer is always looking for climbing mentors who want to use their climbing skills to fight child poverty and change this world into a better place. Climbing mentors need to have a criminal check and know how to boulder or how to belay. If you know anyone who work with youth who can benefit from this program, let me know.

VRCG T-shirts. Buy here.

A recent Black Diamond article on acid’s harmful reaction to climbing gear. More climbing info here.

Most importantly, thank you to all organizers for hosting all the fun, life-changing meetups and thank you to members for being awesome. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Joe 7789997104

www.vrcg.ca

Hello Team!

Sunshine everybody! Updates:

- Outdoor climbing

- VRCG jacket & T-shirt

- Question Tuesday

- Climb and Conquer one new location: Richmond Oval

- Squamish Mountain Festival July 17-21

FIRST THING FIRST, THANK YOU to all the organizers, volunteers, members at large, superheros, etc. in our group. Awesomeness takes practice and they are true experts!

Outdoor climbing:

1. On-going weekly weekend Squamish (updated weekly)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amlv25yiVrcDdFcxQVAxNGkzTnJxS1NQdlpIQWNSTnc#gid=0

*generally for people who already climb outdoor; if you are new, come with an outdoor climber/friend or contact people on the list and ask if you can come along.

2. May long weekend Skaha trip

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AhVMBbRrPEICdHFOeVByMmVkYUhFYXVoNXlJaUxQdmc&authkey=CJyc–IJ#gid=0

*generally for people who already climb outdoor; if you are new, come with an outdoor climber/friend or contact people on the list and ask if you can come along.

3. Summer Outdoor Intro for indoor climbers wanting to try outdoor climbing (May 11, Jun 22, Jul 13, Aug 10, Sep 14) 4 SPOTS left this Sat May 11!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amlv25yiVrcDdEh4YldhbWFmQTZwV3BZRVpWV3VETnc#gid=6

*open to all, top-rope belay skills required, outdoor gear will be provided by volunteers.

All these trips are organized annually by climbers/volunteers out of good will and not “official VRCG trips”.

For non-climbers who want to start learning climbing, I suggest you read this and drop in to our “Beginners-friendly meetup”: http://vrcg.ca/climbing-info/new-climbers/

VRCG jacket and T-shirt 

- 1 MENS MEDIUM blue onyx colour VRCG Arcteryx softshell left in our group order! Brand new in the package. $213 cash and it’s yours (save $67)! Joe 7789997104

- T-shirt order

Question Tuesday

Ask questions and get answers.

Climb and Conquer one new location: Richmond Oval

Our charity kid program Climb and Conquer will be moving to Richmond Oval starting the 3rd Fri 6pm of June (on-going every 3rd Fri 6pm of the month)! Volunteer for a good cause and SICK CLIMBING afterwards!

Squamish Mountain Festival July 17-21

We updated mostly on our Facebook Page which is public and you don’t need a facebook account to view: https://www.facebook.com/vrcg.ca

Joe 778.999.7104

www.vrcg.ca

HI Team,

For Outdoor climbing, we have 3 things:

1. On-going weekly weekend Squamish (updated weekly)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amlv25yiVrcDdFcxQVAxNGkzTnJxS1NQdlpIQWNSTnc#gid=0

*generally for people who already climb outdoor; if you are new, come with an outdoor climber/friend or contact people on the list and ask if you can come along.

2. May long weekend Skaha trip

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AhVMBbRrPEICdHFOeVByMmVkYUhFYXVoNXlJaUxQdmc&authkey=CJyc–IJ#gid=0

*generally for people who already climb outdoor; if you are new, come with an outdoor climber/friend or contact people on the list and ask if you can come along.

3. Summer Outdoor Intro for indoor climbers wanting to try outdoor climbing (May 11, Jun 22, Jul 13, Aug 10, Sep 14)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amlv25yiVrcDdEh4YldhbWFmQTZwV3BZRVpWV3VETnc#gid=6

*open to all, top-rope belay skills required, outdoor gear will be provided by volunteers.

All these trips are organized annually by climbers/volunteers out of good will and not “official VRCG trips”. Let the super fun times roll!

For non-climbers who want to start learning climbing, I suggest you read this and drop in to our “Beginners-friendly meetup”: http://vrcg.ca/climbing-info/new-climbers/

We updated mostly on our Facebook Page which is public and you don’t need a facebook account to view: https://www.facebook.com/vrcg.ca

Obviously, climbers are amazing people, love climbing and dislike double-bookers, last-min. bailers, excessive flakiness…

Joe 778.999.7104

www.vrcg.ca

Hello Team,

Richmond Oval now offers special admission $11.50+tax (tax included; belay fees waived) drop-in weekly Fri 6-10pm & Sun 5-8pm (with or without a meetup/organizer), good for climbing and using all facilities in the center.

May 10 Fri 6-10 Richmond Oval meetup with technique coaching…

Andrew Wilson (Climbing Wall Manager, certified badass, legendary climbing coach, nice gent, etc.)will be on-site 7-8pm to coach techniques. Andrew has coached the Canadian youth national team with climbers like this and this and many more… Coaching will be available and useful for both new climber starting out climbing and for those who are at a higher level wanting to break in the 14s.

Andrew’s able to do this once a month and we are trying to post a weekly meetup at the Oval asap as soon as I can find an Organizer.

Also, Climb and Conquer will soon be conquering the Oval every second Friday 6-8pm of the month (starting date TBC). If you can volunteer or know any kids who would benefit from this coolest project in the world, contact Joe

Also, a big group is going up climbing at Skaha, Penticton on May long weekend. It’s a facebook-invite event. If you haven’t been invited, ask around.

Joe 778.999.7104 www.vrcg.ca

Hello Team : ) Hope this message finds you amazing! Thank you to all amazing organizers who volunteer their time and effort to host all the incredibly fun meetups! Also thank you to everyone who make VRCG so fun! Awesomeness is a team effort! 

UPDATES:

1. MEC 10% night Apr 30

http://www.meetup.com/climbing/events/113348262/

2. Richmond Oval drop in (without meetup/organizer) Thu special rate $11.50

*BCMC member (www.bcmc.ca) got $11.50 rate weekly drop in Mon & Wed.

3. VRCG T-shirt Men/Women (buy online)

*They are at true cost and $0 to VRCG. I ordered one and they use good quality cotton

http://vrcgca.wordans.ca/my/boutique

4. Question Tue (ask your question): See last week’s Q/A below…

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amlv25yiVrcDdENIeHRpUThIOWl0VTVlLVZybTFiQkE#gid=0

5. Weekly weekend outdoor climbing

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amlv25yiVrcDdFcxQVAxNGkzTnJxS1NQdlpIQWNSTnc

6. Beginners friendly meetup

4X/weekly bouldering at the Hive

Bi-weekly rope climbing Fri 6pm http://www.meetup.com/climbing/events/114183492/

If you are new/non-climber, see this and it should give you all the info how to start climbing

http://vrcg.ca/climbing-info/new-climbers/

*if you have more questions, feel free to call Joe or talk to any on-site organizers.

7. Summer Outdoor Climbing Intro:

*This is a proud annual  tradition started by some climbers out of good will to help new outdoor climbers to explore outdoor climbing in a top-rope setting. This is not official VRCG trip. Climbing is dangerous and you might die or kill others.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amlv25yiVrcDdEh4YldhbWFmQTZwV3BZRVpWV3VETnc#gid=6

8. New Organizer Jennifer and her Ladies-only meetup

http://www.meetup.com/climbing/events/114548132/

9. Anyone looking to hire a Rock Climbing Guide? Hire Will Stanhope! Also browse our VRCG Store to support a good cause:

http://vrcg.ca/shop/

10. Climb and Conquer: always looking for more climbers/volunteers for our charity project to teach climbing to youth-at-risk.!

http://vrcg.ca/community-projects/#climb-and-conquer

Sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amlv25yiVrcDdFRaOFNVekdSMFlQUTdxNGlkcUFGOVE#gid=4

Q/A for weekly Questione Tue:

*Disclaimer: The following comments are entirely Joe’s opinions and don’t represent professional climbing instruction. These opinions had not been verified nor tested to be true or false. Applying these opinions might kill you or others and resurrection is unknown depending on whom you believe.

Q: When you climb with your shirt off, aren’t you worried that you’ll get all scraped up if you take a whipper?

A:

Anonymous: Onlly real overconfident rock jocks climb without a shirt.  Also you are asking for skin cancer.

Joe: “Because I (Writer) am a man. Real man never falls. Taking off clothing is a secret weapon which greatly increases your sending power. It should be reserved for special moments such as competitions, red-pointing, accidentally going off route on slab, etc. Example: Time 5:23http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqvD4WbcZ5Y For all other climbing applications, please wear your Levis and helmet as always.”

Q: What are some ways to build knee strength and prevent knee injuries from climbing?

A:

Anonymous: “Grouse grind and hikng down.  Lots of stretching after hiking.”

Joe: “Knee strength is a v. broad term. In terms of climbing, it can mean a lot of things:

- heel hook

- toe hook

- knee bar

- dyno

- rock over

- stemming

Generally, you can increase your knee strength by:

- climbing in a variety of terrain e.g. slab, vertical, overhanging, roof, etc.

- running

- squats

- jumps

- use the balance board, bosu, wobble board, etc.

The most common knee injuries are when people jump down from bouldering and land between 2 pads and twisted their knees. Or they were doing some drop knee moves, went too far and pop their knees.

To avoid knee injury:

- strengthen your knee by a variety of exercises as discussed

- keep your muscles supple and not too tight by stretching and mobility exercises

- warm up properly before climbing/bouldering

- avoid any unnatural knee movement/position.

Q: I’m not being tagged in many of Joes climbing posts/comments on Facebook lately. This is decreasing the enjoyment of the time I’m wasting online. How can I increase the chances and frequency of being tagged in Joes epic posts?

Joe: “Stop face-stalking me.”

Joe 778.999.7104 www.vrcg.ca

Hello Team,

Hello Everyone!  Hope this message finds you awesome! Welcome all new and old members!

Updates:

1. Goodbye Member Michelangelo who’s leaving for Chicago for school. We will miss you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3w0KZDgIhI&feature=youtu.be

2. MEC 10% night Apr 30

http://www.meetup.com/climbing/events/113348262/

3. Question Tue

Ask your questions here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amlv25yiVrcDdENIeHRpUThIOWl0VTVlLVZybTFiQkE#gid=0

4. Weekly weekend outdoor climbing

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amlv25yiVrcDdFcxQVAxNGkzTnJxS1NQdlpIQWNSTnc

5. Beginners friendly meetup

4X/weekly bouldering at the Hive

Bi-weekly rope climbing Fri 6pm, next one is:

http://www.meetup.com/climbing/events/qqzkqfyrgbzb/

6. VRCG shops, more new items to support good causes

http://vrcg.ca/shop/

7. VRCG Membership benefits

http://vrcg.ca/membership/

8. Answers for last Question Tue:

*Disclaimer: The following comments are entirely Joe’s opinions and don’t represent professional climbing instruction. These opinions had not been verified nor tested to be true or false. Applying these opinions might kill you or others and resurrection is unknown depending on whom you believe.

Q: A question about lead belaying: I know that it is good to give a leader a “soft catch” whenever possible, but I also know that sometimes you have to make a run for it to shorten their fall distance. What are things that a lead belayer should watch as their leader climbs in order to assess what to do at any given moment?

A: Soft catch means when the climber falls, THEN you feel the rope pulling you, THEN you follow the pull and move towards the direction of you being pulled to dampen down the fall and make the catch softER. Some people just jump automatically before or after feeling the pull and thus not giving a soft catch.

There are some climbs when the pro is really spaced out and there’s ground-fall potential. It can be crucial to:

- have a bouldering pad

- an excellent belay who can run fast to take up the slack

- have a system set up to take in slack quickly (example: the first clip is really low so you take in slack directly instead of at an angle; Time 0:38 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-OdxfCrXe4)

On the other hand, there are situations that it’s better to give out some extra slack at the fall. Example, when the climber is climbing up an overhanging lip on an overhanging climb with the pro at the lip. If the rope is too tight and the climber fell, he/she might get pulled in and hit his head at the lip. A little extra slack might safely land him/her in the air instead.

For lead belaying, there are at least the following considerations for the BELAYER:

- ultimately catching the fall

- slack management

- soft catch to make the catch softER

- reminding the leader of any mistakes e.g. back-clipping, z-clipping, going off-route, missing a key hand/foothold, the rope behind the foot, time to place a pro, forgetting to take the shirt off, missing a key pose for the camera, any possible concerns/feedback/danger

- has a good stance and won’t trip over (yes, Squamish is full of small boulders on the ground)

- stands at a location where the leader won’t hit you when he/she falls e.g. the first 1/2 clips

- aware of possible dangers and prepare for it e.g. being dragged into the wall during the catch, rock fall, gear fall, etc.

- shouts motivation

- focus on the climber and avoid obsession with possible or excessive mating

- take care of your neck

- weight difference between the climber and belayer

Different situations can demand different strategies. Best way is to learn from good, safe climbers face to face and use critical thinking.

Q: I am ready to start building my trad rack – what is the best way to do that when I can’t buy it all at once?

Buy one piece at a time. Generally for Squamish, you need 1-2 set of cams and 1 set of nuts. Some climbers buy used climbing gear to save costs significantly which can be or cannot be an option depending on many factors.

Joe 778.999.7104 www.vrcg.ca

Hello Everyone!

 Hope this message finds you well, enjoying the warm sunshine, climbing, hiking, sun-bathing and whatever fun things out there!

This week has been a super exciting week. Seeing indoor boulders learning how to belay and boulder/climb first time outdoor, climbers learning how to tape their hands and crack climb for the first time, reading Alex Megos (http://vimeo.com/24776832) doing the first historical 9a on-sight and 9a+ in 2 tries, eating loads of food after climbing. Most importantly, the time spent with amazing people is priceless. Our website banner uses Alex Lowe’s quote “The best climber is the one having the most fun“. One of VRCG’s founding principles is respect: “Everyone is treated with respect equally no matter they are first-timers, 5.12 onsight climbers, alpine climbers, mountaineers, locals or travelers.” http://vrcg.ca/about-us/our-mission/

More photos: http://www.meetup.com/climbing/photos/14045532/

Updates:

1. Richmond Oval member discounts (during meetups and now also drop-in Thu 6-10pm)

Currently we have special member rate $11.50 (tax included + belay fees waived) during meetups.This rate will now also apply drop-in (without a meetup, without an organizer) during: Thu: 6-10pm. All other times, regular rate applies (i.e. $16.50 + $10 belay fee + tax). Climb there at least once in your lifetime! IMO, best route-setting in Vancouver (on par with the Edge).

This deal also provides access to all regular Oval facilities during our “discount” times.  This means we can climb plus use the Fitness Mezzanine, Track, Courts or Ice Zone for cross-training.

BCMC membership has discount night (same rate) drop in on Wed/Fri 6-10pm. So if you are member of both clubs, you have discounts on meetups and 4 nights!

2. Weekly weekend outdoor climbing posted by member (updated weekly automatically):

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amlv25yiVrcDdFcxQVAxNGkzTnJxS1NQdlpIQWNSTnc#gid=0

*not official VRCG trip.

3. 4 VRCG members showing how people can learn climbing in Vancouver on TelusTV and pointing out some myths in climbing. Climbing portion starts at 15:15:http://vimeo.com/62886934#t=15m15s

4. Always looking for more volunteers, kids and sponsors for our Climb and Conquer project(to teach climbing to kids who can’t afford to climb). Ways to support us: http://vrcg.ca/shop/

5. Answers to weekly Question Tuesday.

We started this weekly routine because we figure many rationale/history behind what we do in VRCG might be immediately obvious to everybody. Feel free to ask your question (with your name or anonymously) and we will answer them for you.

Last week’s questions:

Q1. How is it possible that the entire VRCG organizer and AO team is so unbelievably good looking?

A: Because impossible is nothing. http://vrcg.ca/about-us/our-team/

Q2. My schedule doesn’t allow me to go climbing – indoors or outside – as often as I’d like. What can I do at home that will help me get/stay in shape for when I do climb? Thanks!

I have a fingerboard at home and I find them hugely useful. After all, finger strength is super important in climbing (assuming you already have good movement techniques). How to use a fingerboard: http://vimeo.com/61430224. If you can’t mount a fingerboard at your residence, you can buy those door frame portable pull up bar and buy a pairs of Metolius Rock Rings and do the same (or some people even improvise and mount a fingerboard on them). I find skipping rope useful for calf/foot strength for slab climbing. Other than these 2 exercises, you can do tons of cross-fit style exercises at home (google it) to stay fit in terms of body strength and cardio.

Joe 778.999.7104

Hello Team,

First and foremost! Congratulations to the MAN (aka. Danny Martin) who successfully climb the 13a at Vancouver Cliffhanger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XgMaVqWM2o&feature=youtu.be

*For some background, it’s been some secret competition among his buddies and he won and became the first to do it! But Joe’s injured and so it doesn’t count. But wait! Joe’s always injured and so it counts! : )

Update: Arcteryx VRCG Team Jacket, Outdoor trips, Climb and Conquer, Waiver.

1. Arcteryx VRCG Team Jacket

We still need 2 more people for the VRCG jacket deal (30% off retail)! More details here. Contact Joe asap (only if you are confirmed! Hate last min. bailers!). There are 2 changes:

- We decide to not use our logo (since no one knows what it is) but instead just use “V R C G” with text “Vancouver Rock Climbing Group.

- Embroidery cost is around $10-15 per jacket vs. original $35

2. Outdoor trips

Since last weekend, member Joe Wong has started posting weekly outdoor climbing trip in Squamish. This will be on-going. Joe (or other VRCG members) will meetup-mass-e-mail and post on VRCG facebook at the beginning of the week and people will gather up on the spreadsheet. A wonderful way to meet other outdoor climbers.

Last Sat’s climb: 5 people climbed a lot and celebrated with a nice dinner with other friends after climb. Bruce Lee attempt, Sentry Box, Neat and Cool, Flying Circus, Granddaddy, etc. More photos here.

3. Climb and Conquer needs more volunteers!

CNC is the coolest, most pioneer ground-breaking revolutionary climber-empowered charity project to use the power of climbing to tackle children/youth poverty in Metro Vancouver. We teach climbing to kids who are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have no access to climbing through donations and climbers’ help. But we currently need more cranking power. Volunteers who can coach kids how to boulder/climb are needed! You don’t need to climb 5.14 to coach kids. As long as you are a safe climber, you are in! Contact Joe.

4. Waiver for coming to event!

Don’t forget to submit the waiver when you come to an event. It’s done once and good for all. Waiver can be downloadable at every single meetup.

Joe 778.999.7104

Hello everybody,

We are putting in a group order (20 units minimum) of VRCG Team Jacket to increase your sending power. This group order is 30% off retail price. You can choose your desired colour and size. Please e-mail me (joewtc@hotmail.com) if you are interested in buying. If we have over 20 units, we will proceed with the order. Thank you.

MENs:

- Soft-shell (Gamma SL Hybrid Hoody) $175 + embroidery cost (~$35) + tax (with embroided VRCG logo on the shoulder).

WOMENs:

- Soft-shell (Gamma SL Hybrid Hoody) $175 + embroidery cost (~$35) + tax (with embroided VRCG logo on the shoulder).

Rationale for picking this jacket (from Joe):

I pick a soft shell because I love my soft shell and it’s my go-to item for all activities. In the summer, I use it as a jacket for rock climbing. I use it for all-year-round cycling commuting in pouring rain and it shields wind and rain. In the winter, I use it for snow/ice climbing. It shields wind and breathes. I came down soaked from ice-climbing a wet waterfall. After 30min, it’s dry. Since I bought my soft shell, my hard gore-tex shell has been sitting at the bottom of my pack for years. When I sit still, I’ll throw in a insulated jacket on top to stay warm. Only if it’s extreme cold with extreme wind (I imagine -20) will I throw in a hard shell on top. I pick theGamma SL Hybrid Hoody because it’s the lightest and has a hood. Having a hood is super important and because it’s way warmer than those without a hood in my experience. I think the more expensive soft shells are more insulated. But this can easily be mitigated by throwing in an extra base layer.

Joe 778.999.7104

www.vrcg.ca

www.facebook.com/vrcg.ca