Girl vs. Wild NewsOK.com Blogging Community

Believe it or not, Oklahoma has rock climbing. Not just any rock climbing, but rocks that are known for developing climbers that are making names for themselves.

One thing climbers love is a little friendly competition, and Rocktown Climbing Gym in downtown Oklahoma City will host the Flashpoint Climbing Competition on Saturday.

Registration is $40 and can be done until Saturday online or onsite starting at 8 a.m.

This competition is one of several USA Climbing sanctioned events held in the Heartland Region. Climbers are coming from across Oklahoma and surrounding states to compete and climb routes ranging in difficulty and in height all the way up to 90 feet tall.

Those competing have the chance to advance to Divisionals, then on to Nationals, with the hope of advancing to the USA Climbing National Team.

The action starts at 9 a.m. with all youth, adult recreational and adult intermediate categories. Session 1 is all top-roped routes with varied difficulty and is set up in the USA Climbing Redpoint format. All routes will be made prior to competition and given a set point value based on the technical difficulty of the climb. Points are accumulated by climbing routes clean — meaning no hangs or falls, and a climber’s top 5 routes completed will be added up to make a final score.

The afternoon session gets under way at 2:30 p.m. with the Advanced category, and will be a modified onsite format competition. Climbers will be allowed to view the routes, but will then be held in isolation and will be called out one at a time to complete a series of four routes. There will be a set amount of time given to complete each route and a rest period between each. Climbers may attempt the route multiple times within the given time period, but the rope will be pulled and must be re-led each attempt. The high point of each route done will be scored and then added for a climber’s total points.

USA Climbing will award medals to the top six climbers in each category, and best of all, a competitors prize raffle will be held at the end of each competition session. I have heard from highly regarded sources that the raffle has some awesome prizes, too.

In addition to the competitors’ prize raffle there will also be a raffle/fund-raiser to benefit the Access Fund.

Anyone, climbers and spectators alike, may purchase raffle tickets for the Access Fund raffle. All proceeds go to the Access Fund.

For more information call Rocktown Climbing Gym at (405) 319-1400 or check it out on the world wide Web at www.rocktowngym.com

Now I know where I will be climbing Saturday. Grab, your harness, shoes, and chalk and head to Rocktown Climbing Gym for a day

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

When trekking into the great outdoors, most adventurers remember to pack an extra pair of socks, a dry layer of clothes, and most importantly, extra snacks.

But what’s being pulled out to make room for that extra candy bar is the one item that when needed is the most important.

Where is your first aid kit? I can tell you exactly where it is. It’s where mine has been placed on last-minute runs out the door. Your first aid kit is in a rushed pile on the floor next to the random items you pulled from your pack so you can fit the camera into it.

Now, I know capturing adventure memories is always fun. I do it myself. But weigh the options. Capturing the memory of the 2-inch deep laceration that won’t clot, or patching it up so you don’t get an infection or bleed out — that should not be a tough decision.

First aid kits can be pricey, but will save your life. I recommend making your own to suit your outdoor adventure needs. Here is a checklist of items that definitely should be in your kit or pack.

First aid checklist
•Latex gloves: At least 2 pairs plus a back up pair. Once a pair is torn, it must be replaced by a clean pair before treating an injury.

•Sterile dressings or gauze: Be sure to have enough to stop bleeding and then replace with clean dressings

•Antibiotic cleansing pads: Preferably, pads large enough to cover the palm of your hand.

•Antibiotic ointment: Carefully applied to speed up the healing process and ward off infection.

•Adhesive bandages: In varied sizes to cover small cuts to large gashes.

•Ace bandages: Not only to splint or wrap sprains, but also to hold bandages, as well a compression wrap.

•Nonstick sterile pads: Make sure they are non-stick. There is not much worse than a bandage that has become stuck to a wound, yet has to be removed.

•Eye wash and eye drops: For rinsing out any loose particles as well as reducing the itch or dryness caused by allergies.

•Ice packs: Work great to reduce swelling. Be sure to get the instant ice packs. Just a simple squeeze and shake to activate.

•Prescribed medication: If any is used daily or in cases of and emergency, such as inhalers or EpiPens.

Keep in mind that this is just a starting point for your kit. Consider the types of activities you will take part in and make adjustment when needed. Lastly, always remember to occasionally check the expiration dates on the items in your kit. Some items will expire and also dry out, making them useless when they are needed to work the most.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

I’ve been hitting the road finding adventures for months now, and decided it was time to take a break, at least for a weekend.

I thought I would share a film that crossed my path that definitely had my mind churning.

I ask, are you dreaming of just one more deep-powder day at your favorite ski area? I know I am, but just can’t get away.

No worries. I have the film to fix your powder needs.

“Steep,” an extreme-skiing documentary released by Sony Pictures on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, is one of the most epic ski films to date. At least on my list, and that does hold validity since I am snowboarded to the core, and have never skied a day in my life. Yet, this film has me feeling the desire to sway the other way!

This is not your typical ski film. “Steep” tracks the tales that gave birth to what is now coined extreme skiing.

You won’t find tamely groomed family ski-area runs here. This is what the pros call “big mountain” skiing, where the risks are so high that accidents usually end in death.

“Steep” pushes what is deemed impossible for most to the possible — for the few pros willing to risk it all for the rush of the most epic, pure powder runs known to man.

Follow the mountain-honored pros like Glen Plake and Seth Morrison as they play with the demons that are dancing in the back-country of the best mountains known to man.

Follow the big guns through their trek to push the limits of the Grand Tetons, the still powder of the Alaskan Valdez mountains and the beloved god-like mountains of Chamonix France, where half the battle of each run is the method chosen to get there.

Whether it’s a helli flight or climbing up a sheer mountain face, these skiers are willing to risk it all for that one epic run that makes it all worth it.

In wrap, if you are jones-ing for a big mountain fix, get “Steep: Without risk … there’s no adventure.”CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

Alert the authorities this is the first weekend in months, literally months. I don’t have an adventure taking me on the road. I tried to settle with this idea, but now am starting to feel panic, honest panic that I have nothing to do. No rocks to climb, trails to break or adventure to find. Tomorrow will be the first Saturday in forever that I will be waking up in a real bed. Wow, I feel so lost. I feel like a fish out of water. What am I to do? I have no idea. So far my best bet is to head to Rocktown for a little movie night with fellow climbers. Maybe just being around other rock addicts can cure my ache for climbing, at least for this weekend.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

Climbing is far more than muscle. If it is, I have a huge mountain to climb. Sure it takes strength to be a solid climber. To hold tight on tiny crimps or mantle over a looming ledge. But you have to have heart. You have to want it so bad you will scream in the face of pending defeat. You can not let the evils of the mountain win. You have to take control of what your being offered. make the mountain yours. Dance with it, hold it, connect. Sure it’s a gamble most are not willing to take. The risks are high. Injury in time is for certain. But you have to decide if it’s worth it?

The answer is yes!!!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

Slabs are made for me. Maybe they were cut into this fabulous world for me to climb? It’s possible! This past weekend I went to my first of what I hope is many gatherings. Over the past months I have met some of the greatest that Oklahoma’s climbing community holds. From epic climbers, to kind souled rock lovers, and people just like me. We gathered for a weekend of climbing fun at Quartz Mtn this past weekend.

I amazed myself as well as my good friend Michael Morley. I am becoming an honest climber. Sure I still hold flaws, but the light flipped on. It’s like I had been stumbling in the dark for the switch and finally was led to the light. It felt so amazing to get some decent routes under my belt. With solid success under my feet it feels good. The community shared was great. Meeting and making new friends and telling tales with old pals.

It was a weekend of real adventure! Today I find myself smiling with torn paws and dreaming of climbing adventures that will be had.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

Backpacking season is here, and it’s time to dust off your pack and get hiking. If you’re thinking, “I need a new pack, or the one I have is so uncomfortable,” here are a few guidelines to help find the perfect pack.

•Decide what type of backpacking you want to do. Day hikes, overnight adventures or extended stays on the trail require different equipment and should factor into deciding which pack is best for you.

•Window shop to see what is out there and what features strike your fancy. You will be amazed at all the bells and whistles you will find.

Be sure to see if the pack has a hydration bladder or if it can hold one. Is it waterproof or have a waterproof compartment? Does it have pockets for camera gear and sunglasses? Is there an internal frame? Are there padded shoulder straps and a waist belt? Is there a warranty, and if so what does it cover?

•Ask around to see what fellow backpackers are carrying. People love talking shop and sharing gear tips and tales. Ask what brands your friends have, as well as what features they like or dislike about their current pack.

•Gender also plays a role when selecting a pack. Most big-name companies offer female-specific packs.

If you’re a girl like me, you’re likely thinking, “I don’t want some frufru pink pack.” But keep in mind the female anatomy and that every adjustment made in the mind of comfort is worth it, even if it means it comes in pink.

•After deciding how long your trip is going to be, you need to decide just what you’re going to need to fit in the pack whether it’s food, clothing, a tent, your sleeping bag or the kitchen sink. Gather all the goods to see how large of a pack you need. Keep in mind that every ounce adds up. Maybe you can leave the crossword puzzle at home.

•I recommend either taking everything you’re taking to the store for a test run, or purchasing a few and testing them at home. Just be sure to check the stores’ return policy. Try on the ones you like and wear them around. Any bit of discomfort in the store or at home is only going to be a thousand times worse on the trail.

Remember, finding the perfect pack may take time. Be patient and you will find the perfect pack to have you out on the trail.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES