October Birthdays!

Still looking for ideas for your child’s Birthday Party this month? Running out of time to come up with  something exciting and original to do? Come have your party here at the Boston Rock Gym and we will provide the climbing walls, and expert instructors to help make your child’s birthday a memorable one.

Our Birthday Party Package is 90 minutes of climbing with a group of instructors that will manage the ropes and encourage the children in a fun environment. The Boston Rock Gym will provide everything you need, all you have to do is bring the kids and be ready to have a great time! We provide professional instructors, a private party room stocked with table clothes, plates, cups, napkins and utensils, plus climbing harnesses, climbing shoes, and plenty of climbing terrain!

• Ages: 5 and up
• Cost: $300 for up to 10 kids*. $15 per child over 10.
• Sat & Sun: 1-3pm, 3:30-5:30pm, 6-8pm

We still have a few time slots open for the month of October:

Sunday, October  6th:  3:30-5:30 and 6-8PM
Saturday, October 12th:  6-8PM
Sunday, October 13th:  6-8PM
Saturday, October 19th: 6-8PM
Sunday, October 20th: 6-8PM
Saturday, October 26th:  1-3, 6-8PM
Sunday, October 27th: 6-8PM

Call the gym now to find out more or to make a reservation, or visit www.bostonrockgym.com to make your booking online.  All we require to reserve your date is a  $100 deposit. Click here for more info.

*If you have a very small group (3-6 kids), ask us about the private belay option instead which provides you with a similar experience but at a lower cost.

One Day Escape (Part II)

Due to the overwhelming success of its first one day escape, we are offering locals a second opportunity to get out and experience the city on Saturday, September 28, 2013 with its One Day Escape (Part II) in partnership with the soon to open Cook Restaurant. Climbers will meet at the scenic Hammond Pond, located in Newton, MA (just a short T-ride away for all the city dwellers) at 9:00AM where they’ll meet their climbing group and expert outdoor instructor for a one-of-a-kind day outdoors. The group will learn all of the basics of outdoor rock climbing including tying knots, appropriate climbing gear, proper climbing and rappelling techniques before they head out on the rocks and begin to climb. Following the introduction class, the group will enjoy a gourmet picnic-style lunch from the much anticipated second restaurant of Chef Paul Turano, “Cook,” located in Newton, MA. Whether an experienced indoor climber or someone just looking for a fun, this all-inclusive outdoor excursion is only $65 per person and has something for everyone!

WHERE: Hammond Pond, Hammond Pond Parkway, Newton, MA 02467. Class meets in parking lot by MDC sign.

WHEN: Saturday, September 28^th, 2013 from 9:00AM to 3:00PM

COST: $65 per person. Bagged lunch and all equipment is included.

RSVP: Pre-registration is necessary and can be done by calling the Boston Rock Gym at (781) 935-7325 or clicking here!

One Day Escape!

Get out of the city for a one day outdoor escape on Saturday, July 20th, 2013 with The Boston Rock Gym! Climbers will meet at the scenic Hammond Pond, located in Newton, MA (just a short T-ride away for all the city dwellers) at 9:00AM where they’ll meet their climbing group and expert outdoor instructor for a one-of-a-kind day outdoors. The group will learn all of the basics including tying knots, appropriate climbing gear, proper climbing techniques and rappelling before they head out on the rocks and begin to climb. Following the introduction class, the group will enjoy a gourmet sneak-peek picnic-style lunch from the much anticipated second restaurant of Chef Paul Turano, “Cook,” slated to open in Newton, MA. Whether an experienced indoor climber or someone just looking for a fun, this all-inclusive outdoor excursion is only $65 per person and has something for everyone!

WHERE:           Hammond Pond, Hammond Pond Parkway, Newton, MA 02467. Class meets in parking lot by MDC sign.

WHEN:             Saturday, July 20^th, 2013 from 9:00AM to 3:00PM

COST:              $65 per person. Bagged lunch and all equipment is included.

RSVP:              Pre-registration is necessary and can be done by clicking here or calling us at (781) 935-7325.

Gourmet Packed Lunch Provided by Cook Restaurant

*All sandwiches served with on Iggy’s Bread and comes with side of  grilled vegetable pasta salad, house made pickles and bottle of water.

Choice of (1):

Roasted Turkey Sandwich with Smoked Bacon & Avocado

Tuna Salad with Tarragon Mayonnaise and Lettuce

Grilled Veggie Sandwich

*Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions or allergies and we will do our best to accommodate.

Get Out! Outdoor Climbing Courses

Whether you’re an experienced climber or a beginner, want a solo workout or a fun day with the family, we offer the perfect outdoor experience for adventure enthusiasts. If one of these five courses doesn’t fit your schedule or isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, then Boston Rock Gym will work with you to set up private, semi-private, or group lessons tailored to whatever it is that you need. Climbers of any skill level can check out www.bostonrockgym.com to see a full list of offered classes, summaries, and pricing.

Get Out: Introduction to Rock Climbing

Start the summer off with an “Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing” excursion led by a Boston Rock Gym expert. The class is perfect for those that have never climbed before or have indoor experience only! Experienced instructors will cover all of the basics including tying knots, appropriate climbing gear, proper climbing techniques and rappelling. Available as private, semi private, or group classes. Courses available in Hammond Pond (Brookline, MA), Quincy Quarries (Quincy MA), Pawtuckaway (Raymond), NH and North Conway, NH.

Family Introduction Courses:

When children first learn to climb it’s critical that they have FUN! Boston Rock Gym offers a family intro course to climbing that focuses less on the technical aspects of the ascent and more on simply climbing. Available as group of two to five with an adult (or two) and children fourteen and under. Courses available at Hammond Pond (Brookline, MA).

Top Rope Set-Up and Management

This course will teach you how to set up basic top-ropes so that you and your friends can be climb on your own time without needing any other assistance. Available for scout leaders, camp workers and any others who are interested in furthering their knowledge of outdoor climbing. Available as private, semi private or group classes. Courses available in North Conway, NH and Pawtuckaway (Raymond), NH.

Learn to Lead Trad

A course that will teach you how to lead any kind of climb. Boston Rock Gym instructors will supervise and help as you build the skills you need to be on the sharp end including rock protection, placement & removal, route finding, leader falls, belaying with placett and setting up anchors. Available as private or semi-private classes. Courses available in North Conway, NH.

Now What: Improvised Self-Rescue

Learn the skills that will get you (and any fellow climbers) back to the ground quickly and safely in an emergency. Learn how to escape the belay, how to rappel with an injured partner, improvised ascension, ascending or descending to your partner and haul systems. Available for private, semi-private or group classes. Courses available in North Conway, NA and Pawtuckaway (Raymond), NH.

 

Social Outcast: GEAR SWAP!

Social Outcast: GEAR SWAP!

On Sunday, April 7^th,  2013 we will be hosting the 5^th installment of the Boston Rock Gym Social Outcast Club—a unique way for climbers to learn, socialize and share experiences about what we all love in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. During each gathering, several BRG climbers and guest speakers cover a range of climbing topics!

MARCH TOPICS: 

Self-Rescue, Mike Hall

How to Work Projects and BRG Ice Trip Recap, Aleksey Shuruyev

Guiding as a Profession with Joe Lentini, one of the most experienced guides in New England

SPRING CLEANING! GEAR SWAP/ SALE

Bring in used and unwanted gear, and sell it or swap it with another climber. Another man’s trash is another’s treasure.

WHEN: Sunday, April 7^th, 2013 at 7PM.

COST: FREE for all!

WHAT TO BRING: Your favorite food and drinks for potluck table—and a smile of course…

ADDITIONAL: Please email us, or let us know if you want to share your experiences and show your videos at one of the upcoming meetings.

 

NEW: No Contract EFT Membership

This March we’re excited to introduce the new, No Contract EFT membership!

Get all the climbing you want, with no strings attached!

$55 initiation fee

$60/month.

No contract, cancel anytime. You’ll also get all of the added BRG membership perks including:

Unlimited climbing during regular business hours.
Discounted rates on all of our classes, guiding, and clinics.
10% discount at JRA Cycles in Medford, MA.
1 free guest pass per month.
15% off full-price apparel and 25% off any full-price Moosejaw-branded gear at the retailers location in the Natick Mall. Simply mention the BRG at checkout.

Call us at 781-935-7325 for more information!

INDOOR SUMMER CAMPS! JUST $190/WEEK

The Boston Rock Gym is committed to being the hub of rock climbing in New England. Whether you are an avid climber with years of experience, or someone who has never experienced the thrill of the sport, we have the best instruction, clinics, and terrain around! We are thrilled to be able to offer high quality and dynamic summer climbing camps. Our philosophy is to create an environment where each child can feel free to take emotional risks, challenge themselves, and make life long friends. We ensure this through providing the best possible staff and stressing teamwork throughout the week. Come and see what a difference the Boston Rock Gym’s summer camps can make in your child!

—-Indoor Wall Monkeys Camp

This indoor climbing camp will give your child the skills and confidence to scale the BRG’s 30 foot high walls with ease. If your child is already an experienced climber he/she will learn the skills it takes to tackle the BRG’s harder and more strenuous walls. Our experienced staff will focus on building skills and community all in a fun and supportive environment. SKILLS COVERED: Climbing Technique, Use of equipment, Adventure Games, Initiative activities, climbing safety. Space is limited so sign up early!

Ages: 5 and up
Price: $190/week $145 for BRG annual members.
Times: 9:00am-12:00pm M-F

NEW WALL IS BUILT, SET, AND OPEN! CHECK THE PICS!

Well, after weeks of insanity, design, re-design, re-re-design, color picking, hold purchasing, construction, noise, long hours, re-re-re-design, flooring discussions, renovations, debates, re-re-re-re-design, and labor….OUR NEW BOULDERING WALL IS DONE AND OPEN. It debuted at our seminal yearly HEART OV ZTEEL event to a blown-minded crowd of enthusiasts and climbers. And for the last few weeks since the comp, the wall has been set with just under 20 boulder problems from V0-to VGnarly and is ready to be climbed! In addition to the sick new wall which boasts a 17 foot lip, and is 28 feet wide, we also made a big investment in an amazing custom flooring system from Futurist Climbing. Many of you may be a little wigged out when you come in and see a huge tall highball wall like this with no crashpads under it. But we assure you, the 14″ thick, seamless custom flooring system from Futurist Climbing is the best landing you could ask for! This flooring had just as much thought put in to it as the wall itself. There is not a flooring system like it in the Northeast! Unlike most commercial gyms with carpet bonded foam and drag mats, this flooring system greatly reduces the possibility of turned ankles on uneven edges of drag mats. We are happy to be able to offer this increased risk management to our die hard bouldering fans, because believe us when we say this wall is tall! Let these pictures by our good friends at ASA PHOTOGRAPHIC speak for themselves:

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HEART OV ZTEEL BOULDERING COMP

Ok people. Here is the deal. If you have been living on Mars for the last three years, you might not know about our yearly Boulder Competition called HEART OV ZTEEL. Well, go check out the HEART OV ZTEEL website and learn all about the madness that is going to ensue on March 26th! Pre-register and get to training! Keep you eyes peeled on the HOZ site for promo videos, updates, and more!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Matt McCormick on his recent trip to Pakistan and the Copp-Dash Inspire Award.

By Gavin Heverly

Matt McCormick is a good friend of mine, and a familiar face around these parts. For years up until he moved up to Vermont he was a regular at the Boston Rock Gym. A positive figure in our climbing community, and always motivated to train and try new things, we were all really excited to hear that Matty had won the 1st Annual Copp-Dash Inspire award to take a trip to Pakistan to deliver books to children and to make an assault on the unclimbed Southwest Pillar of K7 West. I caught up with Matty to get the lowdown on his trip.

THERE SHE IS!

Gavin: Tell us a little bit about your climbing history. What was the journey that led you from the gym to Pakistan?

Matt McCormick: The progression and journey is a major part of what keeps me psyched in my climbing. Knowing that there’s always more places to go and routes to climb is really motivating. I started climbing in 1997 in Massachusetts where I mainly climbed at The Boston Rock Gym and Crow Hill in Leominister. From the start I always have been interested in pretty much all aspects of climbing; from bouldering to ice and mixed climbing. Going to Pakistan this summer was really the result of those 12 or so years of progressing through all those different disciplines in climbing and traveling to pursue my goals in each.

Climbing in the seeming never-ending rain.

G: What was the application process like for the first annual Copp-Dash Inspire Award? What made you go for it, and how did it feel when you got it?

MM: The idea to apply for the Copp-Dash award was pretty whimsical. My good friend Jim Shimberg suggested that we apply (he later chose to not go) and so I did a bunch of research, picked an objective and filled out the application. More so than other grants, the Copp-Dash was really meaningful because Jonny and Micah. Although I did not know Jonny and had only hung out with Micah briefly in the Red River Gorge, their energy and spirit seemed pretty contagious throughout the climbing community. I had just landed at Logan Airport coming back from Yosemite when I got the message that we had gotten the grant. I had not been overly optimistic about my chances of getting the award and all of a sudden it was fully real that we were going to Pakistan.

G: So why K7 West Face? What was it’s appeal to you? Tell us a bit about the climb, the region, and the mountain.

MM:I’m definitely not the first person to eye the Southwest Pillar of K7 West. A few different teams have made attempts of varying significance on the pillar but no one has made it to the summit as of yet. The pillar combines both high-end rock and mixed climbing which is super appealing to me. The Charakusa Valley is a beautiful place with tons of wild flowers and streams running through base camp. Far from the cluttered glaciers of some of the bigger mountain base camps.

The reason to travel. Seriously.

G:Ok, the experience and the trip itself…let’s hear it. Success? Failure? Difficulties? High Points? Low points?

MM: It’s seems that successful expeditions to the alpine are the sum of many parts. Weather, partnerships, skill, and good bit of luck. The weather really hampered our attempts on the main objective of K7 West. On each of our attempts we got absolutely soaked and ended up walking back into base camp looking like drowned rats. We managed to summit the beautiful pyramidal summit of Naisa Brakk in a pouring rain storm after repeating Tasty Talking (11-). Climbing-wise the expedition was not as successful as I would have hoped but that seems pretty par for the course the majority of time in the alpine.

One thing that stuck with me the most was the amazing people that we met in Pakistan. The Pakistani people were some of the most welcoming and friendly people I’ve met anywhere and I made many friends that I hope to visit on future trips. May f our friends expressed a perception that we were crazy to go to Pakistan due to the anti-American sentiment. What we found couldn’t have been farther from that perception.

G: Why talk about this crazy snow-capped mountaineering business on a rock gym website anyways??? In your eyes, what are the connections? Is it unreasonable for the average gym climber to aspire to go on expeditions of this nature?

MM: For me it comes down to a passion for climbing in general. Whether it’s far-away alpine objectives or trying to send your plastic project, the same energy drives you to send. My climbing started in the gym as I think it does for many young climbers these days. The future of hard alpine climbing lies in climbers taking hard free climbing skills to the mountains and climbing and training in the gym lends itself to this end without a doubt.

It is certainly not unreasonable for the average gym climber to undertake an expedition of this sort. The first steps of researching, planning and then ultimately buying the plane tickets is all it takes. There are objectives for every one of all skill levels. Interestingly, Jason Kehl and some others were in Kashmir this past summer to boulder in the alpine. Maybe this is the future of bouldering…? Expedition bouldering!