September 16th was the first annual Craggin Classic at the NRG, hosted by the AAC (American Alpine Club). The AAC purchased property near Bubba city on top of the Junk Yard crag and has been hard at work creating a NEW climber campground, the Craggin Classic was a kick off for the new campground and an opportunity for the community to come together, eat, celebrate, support an awesome cause and most importantly climb.
The event kicked off Friday with a pig roast which led into the Saturday morning shoe demos and climbing clinics. 5.10 athlete Jessa Goebel and myself had clinics which covered crack climbing and bouldering techniques. Saturday evening the AAC hosted Mountain Hardware athlete Pat Goodman for a slide show re-capping his recent trip to the Yukon. Afterwards a benefit auction raised more than $1500 bills for the campground.
Monday morning we got out to the AAC campground early to scope some boulders that are less than a 5min walk from the campgrounds. Goodman was interested in checking out an offwidth roof crack that was fabled to shut down and thwart all attempts at a send up to that point. In true Goodman style he managed to crush on his first burn.
I managed a first ascent as well during the same session. An unclimbed line that had been done to the lip by Ryan Scruvy - Scurfield had yet to be completed. I cleaned up the end and managed an ascent.
If you are looking for more information regarding the AAC, visit their website! Anyone looking to support the New Campground and get the members discount associated with becoming an AAC member should join!! Your membership goes towards supporting the AAC's awesome contributions to the climbing community all across the country, not to mention the New River Gorge!
