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Ryan Beasley: Director / AMGA Single Pitch Instructor

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:40:00 -0400

Ryan Beasley is the director and main guide at Rock Dimensions. He began climbing in North Carolina 20 years ago, and during that time has put up a variety of first ascents in the state. Ryan has pursued his passion extensively in the southeastern U.S., and has also traveled throughout the western states to experience new areas and for further adventure in the form of big wall climbing in Yosemite and Zion National Parks. Ryan has successfully completed the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Rock Instructor Course (1999) and is AMGA Top-rope certified (2000, 2005 and 2007). He recently completed his Single Pitch Instructor certification in Fall of 2007. Ryan is a certified Wilderness First Responder through Wilderness Medical Associates. Ryan�s professional experience prior to Rock Dimensions includes instructing with the North Carolina Outward Bound School, the former Charlotte Climbing Center, UNC-Charlotte, Davidson College, and the Mecklenburg and Piedmont Councils, BSA. Ryan graduated from Appalachian State University with a Degree in Recreation Management.

Table Rock, Linville Gorge, NC

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:42:00 -0500

Table Rock is the most prominent feature of the Linville Gorge area, and can be seen from many miles away. The routes here are varied, with slabs requiring confident footwork and cracks that range from less than vertical to overhanging. Table Rock has something for all levels of climbing and is a great introduction to multi-pitch climbing.

Worley's Cave : Bluff City, Tennessee (Tn)

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:05:00 -0400

TENNESSEE Worley�s Cave, also known as Morrells Cave, is located on private property in Eastern Tennessee. It is a large, undeveloped cave with some interesting history tied to the names of some of the �rooms�. The cave has numerous rooms, passages, and crawl spaces to explore, and extraordinary formations, including flowstones, drapery and a �tombstone� area. Worley�s Cave is a beginner-intermediate cave, suitable for groups. Various routes winding through the cave involve large passages opening up into bigger rooms with unique formations and areas to explore. The terrain can be slippery and rocky. Guides will choose different routes through the cave depending on age of group and experience level.

Robert's Cave, VA

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:01:00 -0400

VIRGINIA Roberts Cave, located in southwestern Virginia, is a natural one-level cave that follows a main corridor with smaller branches and beautiful, classic formations. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstones, soda straws, and other examples of limestone geology can be seen throughout the unique passages, which are suitable for beginners and aspiring �spelunkers�. The following state parks are within 30 minutes of Robert�s Cave, offering comfortable camping and other outdoor activities: � Hungry Mother State Park has convenient group and individual site camping, located in Marion, VA. There are bathhouses with hot showers. Open all seasons. 276-781-7400 www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/hungrymo.htm

Pilot Mountain State Park

Mon, 14 May 2007 16:57:00 -0400

PILOT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Pilot Mountain rises 1,400 feet above the surrounding Piedmont near Winston Salem, N.C., with an elevation of 2421 feet. Pilot Mountain�s Big Pinnacle is a highly visible knob, seen standing solid as a mountain of rock that has withstood the elements that eroded the foothills around it. The mountain, dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, is a part of the ancient Sauratown Mountain Range. Climbing sites are located on the Little Pinnacle. There are fairly primitive group campsites available for $1/person and a family campground with more modern facilities for $12/site. Both campsites contain a table and grill/fire pit. Call the park for reservations and information. Pilot Mountain State Park Website: http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/pimo/home.html

Ship Rock, NC

Fri, 11 May 2007 10:07:01 -0400

The National Park Service manages Ship Rock as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor. Rock Dimensions operates under a Commerial Use Authorization permit which authorizes RD to conduct guided rock climbing activities at Ship Rock. The wide array of classics from 5.7 to 5.12 makes it worth a visit. Ship Rock is a must visit crag on any North Carolina high-country tour.

Adventure Camp 2008

Wed, 09 May 2007 18:46:00 -0400

KIDS' ADVENTURE CAMP 2008 Adventures Above and Below: Rocks, Ropes, Cables & Caverns! This weeklong climbing camp is for youth between the ages of 8 and 12 who have an interest and enthusiasm for rock climbing and other outdoor adventures. The climbing days are designed for beginners and those who have some basic experience in a gym or outdoors. Even within a range of abilities, participants will find themselves challenged physically and mentally. The purpose of this camp is to provide participants with a variety of uniquely engaging activities with the spirit of adventure and the challenge of new experiences! The climate is positive, respectful and encouraging. No prior experience is necessary, and each day will be facilitated in a manner that challenges each participant on a personal level. Dates June 23-27, 2008 (Monday-Friday) 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. July 7-11, 2008 (Monday-Friday) 8:30 A.M. � 4:30 P.M. Locations � Climbing Tower at Footsloggers (downtown Boone) � Valle Crucis Conference Center (onsite ropes/challenge course) � Roberts Cave (Sugar Grove, VA) � Linville Gorge / Wilson Creek (Pisgah National Forest)** � Local climbing areas near Boone (National Park Service)** **Rock Dimensions is permitted for guiding in Pisgah National Forest and areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway, National Park Service. Cost $500/person for 5-day camp. Includes a Rock Dimensions t-shirt. Call to inquire about partial camp options (less than 5 days). Parent Responsibilities Participants will meet Rock Dimensions guides at our location at Footsloggers in Boone each morning at 8:30 A.M. (inside the courtyard by the climbing tower). Rock Dimensions will meet parents back in Boone between 4:30 and 5:00 P.M. each day. Transportation to and from activity sites is provided. All climbing, rappelling, caving, and ropes/challenge course gear is provided. Participants are responsible for bringing their own lunch, water, small backpack, appropriate clothing, and personal items like sun block, etc. Pre-Camp Planning Participants will receive the following information in their registration packet: � Registration/Medical form � Liability agreements � Clothing/equipment lists � Directions DAY 1 � Climbing and Rappelling (local) Instruction and climbing on the Footsloggers climbing tower in downtown Boone Climbing and rappelling at a rock site close to Boone � Learn to put on harness, tie knots, and use verbal commands � Routes in the 5.5-5.6 range of difficulty (beginner level), with more intermediate level climbing available for those who need more of a challenge. � Low angle rappels DAYS 2 and 3 - Climbing and Rappelling (Pisgah National Forest) Linville Gorge, Wilson Creek Wilderness, or local areas near Boone) � Routes in the 5.5-5.7 range of difficulty (beginner+ level) � Focus on climbing technique � Rappelling (slab, vertical and/or overhanging faces) DAY 4 � Caving Feel like a true explorer inside a natural, undeveloped cave! It�s similar to a basic day hike, only this one takes place in the subterranean world of a limestone cave. We will travel through the main corridors, with opportunities to crawl and wiggle through some tight spaces for those who are interested in getting a little muddier! � See classic and beautiful cave formations up close. � Learn a bit about the life and geology of limestone caves. � Experience true darkness that can only be found underground. � Explore various cave passages, rooms, and aspects of the unique landscape. DAY 5 � Ropes/Challenge Course and Climbing Tower Stretch your limits high up in the trees on a dynamic high ropes course! � Test your balance on the Catwalk ... � Find strength and agility on the Bosun Loops ... � Stay focused and determined crossing the increasingly challenging Multi-Vine traverse . . . � Get creative with your teamwork on the exciting Dangle Duo . . . The day culmunates the spirit of support and encouragement of the weeklong camp, inviting kids to push their limits and experience a unique thrill as they navigate their way through obstacles suspended between the trees.

Joel McCombs / AMGA TRSM

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 19:28:00 -0400

Growing up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Joel McCombs was introduced to climbing at a young age. After moving away from the Southern Appalachians at age 12, it became difficult for him to pursue his love of climbing. His desire to return to the Southern Appalachians drove him to attend Appalachian State University. Soon he emerged himself again in the climbing culture and rediscovered his passion for climbing. Since then he has climbed all over the East coast and put up a new multi-pitch route at Ship Rock, North Carolina. Joel has also spent time climbing the famed granite monoliths of Yosemite National in California. Beyond his personal experience, Joel has taken courses on rock climbing at Appalachian State. He also earned his Wilderness First Responder certification and CPR for the Professional through SOLO Wilderness Medicine. He will graduate in December of 2006 with a degree in Recreation Management, concentrating in Outdoor Experiential Education and a minor in Geography. Joel loves sharing his passion for climbing with others and takes great pride in his strong commitment to safety. In addition to maintaining the responsibilities of managing the climbing tower at Footsloggers, Joel also leads outdoor climbing trips for Rock Dimensions. Check out Joel�s new routes on the tower; challenging laybacks, tricky footwork, and cool moves to keep you interested the whole way up!

Ray's Weather

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 11:49:50 -0400

Local High Country weather forecastor for Boone, Blowing Rock, Linville, etc. http://raysweather.com

Stone Mountain State Park

Sun, 22 Oct 2006 11:31:16 -0400

Stone Mountain is friction climbing at its finest! This 600-ft. granite dome is nearly devoid of cracks and other features. There are plenty of easy to moderate routes, with one of the easiest approaches you can find in multi-pitch climbing. The best times to climb at Stone are October-March. "Thank you again for a wonderful experience learning to climb." - Bob Simmons Stone Mountain State Park website: http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/stmo/home.html