After drawing more than 700 participants to five events in its inaugural year, UClimb will kick-off its 2009 schedule with a weekend session in Joshua Tree, Calif. on Feb. 7 and 8, 2009. Sponsored by Mountain Gear, the all-aged event is dedicated to bring people closer to the outdoors by teaching rock climbing in comfortable small-group settings.


“UClimb is dedicated to not only getting new rock climbers involved in the sport, but also getting people enthusiastic about outdoor activity,” said Phil Bridgers, UClimb event coordinator. “UClimb events are beginning to be known as the places to go to learn the sport in a fun and comfortable environment. Because of this, more people are venturing to the outdoors and enjoying their natural surroundings.”


All UClimb events include professional climbing instruction and hands-on experience, camping for Friday and Saturday, dinner on Saturday and a Sunday breakfast. Attendees will learn climbing techniques, how to use climbing gear, voice commands, knot tying, belaying and etiquette.


Registration for the weekend event begins at $159 for youth ages 10-17 and $199 for adults. Registration includes professional climbing instruction, camping at Joshua Tree Lake Campground, a barbeque on Saturday and a pancake breakfast on Sunday. Registration is available at www.uclimb.org


UClimb will also offer packages with basic climbing gear needed for the weekend including shoes, harness, belay device, helmet, locking carabineer and a chalk bag. Gear packages are $289 for youth ages 10-17 and $329 for adults. Individuals can also register for event festivities without the climbing instruction for $49. Children under 10 are not eligible for the professional climbing instruction but can attend for festivities at no cost.