ROCK CLIMBING NEWS ITEM

Free Classes To Be Held at REI Manhattan Beach

FRIDAY, 20 JANUARY 2006
Submitted By: Alaina Cunningham

A series of clinics and events will be held at REI Manhattan Beach, California. What's more, the classes are free and do not require any registration at all. Everyone who's interested in rock climbing or who's simply curious about it can simply attend the classes on the following dates:

Mt. Whitney Clinic (Wednesday, January 25th, 7:00 PM)

Interested in discovering what the highest peak in the continental US has to offer? Did you know that February is the only month in which you can apply for permits for the Mt. Whitney Trail? These questions and many more will be addressed as an REI Expert discusses the basics of preparing for Mt. Whitney, including how to apply for the permit, routes, navigation, conditioning, nutrition, supplies, gear and apparel.

Canyoneering Chronicles - The Legend Speaks (Thursday, January 26th, 6:30 PM)

All clinics will be held at REI Manhattan Beach 1800 Rosecrans Ave Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (310) 727-0728 Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance Slideshow (SUWA) Join Steve Allen and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance for a spectacular slideshow highlighting the art and beauty of technical slot canyoneering in Utah's redrock country. Steve is a well-known backcountry explorer and author of the Utah Canyoneering guidebook series. SUWA will also have a raffle drawing for outdoor equipment at $5.00 a ticket. Donations are gratefully accepted! All proceeds benefit the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. Visit www.suwa.org for more details.

Winter Backcountry Travel and Safety (Tuesday, January 31st 7:00 PM Manhattan Beach)

Sierra Mountain Center's SP Parker will expand your winter backcountry options discussing basics such as modes of snow travel: skis vs. snowshoes, crampons and ice axe use, clothing, and equipment for a day trip. You'll also hear pointers on recognizing avalanche terrain, route selection and avalanche equipment. Tuesday, January 31st 7:00 PM Manhattan Beach.

Micheal Reardon: No Strings Attached! (Tuesday, February 7th 6:30 PM)

Michael Reardon is one of today's leading free solo rock climbers - that's no rope, no net! In a single day, Michael has soloed as many as 280 routes at Joshua Tree, 150 pitches at Tahquitz, and 50 pitch marathons in the Needles, Sierras and as far away as Ireland. Michael has pushed the grade as high as 5.13 and consistently solos a "vertical mile" when he climbs. These climbing feats have garnered attention over the past few years, but recently Michael shocked the climbing community again by soloing The Palisade Traverse (VI 5.9) in a single 22 hour push, and on-sight soloing the 1,000 foot Romantic Warrior (V 5.12b).

Michael's slide show will provide a unique view into the training, discipline, and humorous side of what many consider the most serious of sports. So come out, enjoy the show, and earn a chance to win great prizes from Acopa and Metolius!

For more details on REI Manhattan Beach, visit www.rei.com/stores/manhattanbeach. REI Manhattan Beach is located at 1800 Rosecrans Ave Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (310) 727-0728.