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Weekend Pick: Will Gadd at the American Alpine Club, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Image courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool
Image courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool

Join the American Alpine Clubʼs (AAC) Southeast Chapter for its upcoming three-day “Will Gadd: Weekend with a Pro” event from Friday, Nov. 14 to Sunday, Nov. 16, with special guest and world-renowned athlete, Will Gadd.

This action-packed weekend event includes a round table discussion at University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC), climbing clinics with High Point Climbing School & Guide Service, and a pint night at Rock/Creek to mix and mingle with fellow climbers and Gadd himself.

Canadian adventurer and thrill-seeker, Will Gadd, has been climbing, paragliding and kayaking for more than 30 years. He can boast numerous first ascents, world cups, national medals, and world records in ice and rock climbing, as well as conquering some of the most treacherous terrain on earth.

Not only has Gadd lived to tell the tale of his adventures, but he speaks and writes professionally about his experiences – about sharing his love for the outdoors with his kids, his emphasis on safety throughout all his adventures, and his drive to get outside as often as he can.

“Will Gadd is a tremendous inspiration to outdoor climbers and adventure-seekers everywhere, and weʼre very excited to host him for our weekend event,” said Michael Kidder, AAC’s Deep South Section Chair. “We are thrilled to have him not only attending our exciting weekend event as a guest but to also be on hand in an intimate outdoor climbing setting to provide hands-on instruction, invaluable industry expertise, and sheer inspiration to us all.”

The event schedule kicks off with a free round table seminar with climbing industry professionals, followed by two all-day climbing clinics and a social happy hour at local outdoor sporting goods retailer, Rock/Creek. These community events are open to all, and AAC invites everyone in the climbing and outdoor-loving community to join in on any one of the weekendʼs fun-filled activities.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday, November 14
Round Table Seminar: “So You Think You Want to Work in the Outdoor Industry?” 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
UTC University Center, 
Raccoon Mountain Room, Free

Join professional climbers Will Gadd, Lisa Rands and Wills Young for a round table seminar at UTC titled, “So You Think You Want to Work in the Outdoor Industry?” This round table seminar is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to come and participate. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Andrew Bailey, professor of Health and Human Performance at UTC, and Michael Kidder, American Alpine Associationʼs Deep South Chair.

Image courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool Saturday, November 15
Alpine Climbing Skills & Competency Clinic 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Crag TBD
$60-AAC Members; $75 Non-AAC Members

Will Gadd brings a lifetime of expertise and experience to this “Alpine Climbing Skills & Competency” clinic. In partnership with High Point Climbing School & Guide Service, this clinic gives climbers the opportunity to get outside and build upon their alpine climbing and competency skills. The clinic will cover tips and tricks for getting up and down alpine climbs, ranging in scope from understanding rock-fall to alpine speed tactics. This clinic will be tailored to attendees, and participants should have a basic knowledge of traditional climbing gear and some knowledge of snow and ice travel prior to registration.

Saturday, November 15 Pint Night @ Rock/Creek 2 North Shore
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
, Free

“20 Trips of a Lifetime in 60 Minutes
Will Gadd gives an inspirational, fun and fast-paced first-person tour through the hidden world of extreme sports, from the inside scoop on the X Games to Red Bull’s secret marketing strategy. Pint Night guests will enjoy lots of laughs, pictures, video and stories from the edge of the envelope, including setting world records, talk TV shows, and random encounters with danger and celebrity. Mixed into the entertainment are a few basic strategies for managing risk, living dreams, and, of course, how to get sponsored and live large. Pint Night will offer $3 beers and $5 raffle tickets to win valuable prizes.

Sunday, November 16

Lead Climbing Skills & Competency Clinic 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Crag TBD, $60-AAC Members; $75 Non-AAC Members

On Sunday, Gadd will again bestow his vast knowledge and expertise on climbers participating in AACʼs full-day “Lead Climbing Skills & Competency” clinic. The clinic – hosted in partnership with High Point Climbing School & Guide Service – gives experienced climbers the opportunity to sharpen their lead climbing skills and test their competency at the crag. The clinic will cover how to lead harder and safer, as well as pointers for training, effective tactics, and the psychology of leading safely and enjoyably, Participants should have an understanding of leading at a 5.8 level.

Will Gadd and Sarah Hueniken - Lifestyle
Image courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool

This weekend event would not be possible without the tremendous support of our presenting sponsors: UTC, Rock/Creek, High Point Climbing School & Guide Service, and Arcteryx, with additional support from the Crash Pad and the Triple Crown Bouldering Series. Registration for the weekend events is available online at shop.americanalpineclub.org.

About The American Alpine Club:

The American Alpine Club is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose vision is a united community of competent climbers and healthy climbing landscapes. Together with our members, the AAC advocates for American climbers domestically and around the world; provides grants and volunteer opportunities to protect and conserve the places we climb; hosts local and national climbing festivals and events; publishes two of the worldʼs most sought-after climbing annuals, the American Alpine Journal and Accidents in North American Mountaineering; cares for the worldʼs leading climbing library and countryʼs leading mountaineering museum; manages the Hueco Rock Ranch, New River Gorge Campground, and Grand Teton Climbersʼ Ranch as part of a larger lodging network for climbers; and annually gives $80,000+ toward climbing, conservation, and research grants that fund adventurers who travel the world. Learn about additional programs and become a member at americanalpineclub.org.

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