Girl vs. Wild NewsOK.com Blogging Community

Last Saturday was my very first climbing competition. Guess what I got second place. The turn out was amazing with over 75 registered competitors this was the first climbing competition for Rocktown Climbing Gym and it was a great success. Aaron and Lisa Gibson worked extremely hard to make this amazing event possible, and they definately did that. Thanks goes to all there staff for such a smooth event.

The most amazing part of the day, was also the most humbling. To say kindly, I was schooled by several pint size competitors. Kids as young as 7 yrs old were smoking me up the wall. I stood in awe, and shock as I watched a waist high climber send a 5.11 with ease. It was amazing, and at the same time made me feel a little like the worlds worst climber. Man these kids were good. Girls and boys alike were schooling the grown ups and we were loving it.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

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

This past Saturday I put my brave face on and conquered a fear. A big fear. This past August I destroyed my shoulder, and lucky me had to have it reconstructed. Basically, there was nothing holding it in socket. Yes, sounds fun doesn’t it? It has been six months of rehab, 3 days week and being so cautious. Well my version of cautious, which I am sure for most people is border line danger. But with an overwhelming amount of fear I went climbing at Rocktown in downtown OKC.

My first route scared the life out of me. Each pull and grab I did shaking with fear of pulling my shoulder out and heading back to my home away from home, McBride Bone and Joint. I know I have a problem when the staff and I are on first name basis. Hey, when you visit as often as I have they become family.

But I did it. A friend said I had the look my eye. The lines were talking to me. Begging me to attack and I did. I loved it. I made those lines mine. It was such a great feeling, pain and all. My little paws are scabbed and bloody, but ready for more. I am off the injured list and am eager to climb!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

The grass is not always greener on the other side. In fact, I would say 9 out 10 times it isn’t. The same goes for this great state.

Oklahoma is A OK. In fact it’s far better that just OK. This past weekend I went on a winter camping trip in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. I grabbed a few friends and we hit the road.

Driving west on 44 we start chatting and laughing of good times, and dreaming up grand plans for the future. All of a sudden it hits me. I am in Oklahoma, and am having a great time. That’s right, I like it here. I live in this great state and look at all these amazing places I have at my fingertips. I have the best of both worlds!

Monday through Friday I have a great job that allows me to be creative and push my limits. I get to run through the city and take it all in. Local hot spots, live music, and eclectic food. As soon as Friday breaks I am ready for an escape. I pack fast and within an hour I am in the great outdoors. Far from the fast world, traffic and electricity, into experiencing the pleasures of what life is really all about.

Now I know what you’re thinking, because I have heard it a thousand times. If I could only live in Colorado or Utah, life would be perfect. I know from experience what you’re thinking because I lived in Colorado for 3 years. I ran through the mountains and loved every bit of it. But there was something missing for me. Family, success, and drive.

Well, I ask you this. Have you thought about what it is you want from those places?

If it’s mountains, hiking, clean trails, fresh streams and rivers, climbing great rocks, setting new routes, kayaking, or deep valleys. We have it all here. Just open your eyes!!! Oklahoma better than A OK!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

Hit the ropes Jack. Yes I want to hit the ropes. Climbing ropes that is! I have not been climbing in what feels like an eternity. Probably because I had my shoulder repaired due to excessive injuries, but I am off the injured list and ready to be a monkey.Oklahoma has great climbing to offer any level of ability. I know it’s hard to believe, but Oklahoma has climbing.

I am sure you are thinking how is there climbing we don’t have mountains? We actually do have mountains. Or what I prefer to refer to as big hills.I started writing this yesterday, and then came to a scientific realization. Outdoor climbing in the winter would be far to frustrating, and with that said near impossible.

I have science backing me that you can not enjoy climb outdoors in the winter. Bonus, Ben the Brooklyn climbing guru agrees! Think about what your shoes are made of. Silicone toes? What helps Silicone create traction? Heat. Cold rocks plus cold silicone equals no adequate traction. Go inside!Downtown Oklahoma City is home to once known as OKC Rocks, now Rocktown Gym.

Rocktown is a converted grain elevator with 16 full silos linked together with various rooms. Featuring indoor and outdoor top rope and lead climbs over 80 feet. With 32 routes 9 of which are outside routes there is something for any ability level to climb. Climbing and bouldering instruction is available.

I do recommend you either go with someone who has climbed before, or get some assistant from one of the local rock rats. A tip for those who are honestly wanting to climb, make friends with your local rock rat. They will become you best friend in conquering a route. Who do you think made the routes in the first place. Go straight to the source.Lastly, before you hit the ropes here is some mind fuel. if this is your first visit give yourself at least 2 hours. All first time climbers are required to take a short, but informative belaying and safety orientation.