The word is out — rock climbers know how to throw a great party! May 16-18 the New River Rendezvous Festival kicks off the climbing season at the New River Gorge in Fayetteville, West Virginia. For years it was pretty low key, until 2007 when 1,200 climbers crashed the three-day event. This year Water Stone Outdoors is focusing on hosting a more sustainable event by limiting the festival to 700 people. Online registration opened March 1st and pre-registration will be required for the 2008 event.

Parking has been an epic in the past so this year the NPS is limiting the number of vehicles that are allowed into the Burnwood campground. Please carpool!

WHAT IS THE RENDEZVOUS ALL ABOUT?
The Rendezvous is the annual fundraising gig for the New River Alliance of Climbers (NRAC). It's a fun and friendly three-day celebration of climbers, climbing and the New River Gorge. Gather with friends, relax, compete, play, laugh and climb here in the laid back atmosphere of Southern West Virginia — America's best kept secret!

The program includes:
• Dessertapalooza
• Slide shows
• Climbing and Bouldering Comps
• Dinner
• Dyno Comp
• Sumo Pad Wrestling
• Slacklining
• Dance Party
• Midnight Snack
• Pancake Breakfast
• Clinics galore
• Camping at Burnwood--the best event venue ever!

RENDEZVOUS EVENT PHILOSOPHY:
We have structured this event for max participation. Obviously, we want you to show up, but that ain’t enough. We are convinced you’ll have even more fun if you jump in with both feet. Sign up for a clinic, sumo wrestle, dominate the dyno comp, do something silly to win some Darn Tough socks. So what if you aren’t some hardbody, high number rad climber — compete anyway. The climbing comp has a Top Rope division, for crying out loud! Compete and you will climb better. We guarantee it.

Whether you're planning on competing, signing up for a clinic or just want to watch the rock stars, go to www.newriverrendezvous.com to find more information and register.