New River Rendezvous to Mashup with the Craggin’ Classic
The American Alpine Club hosted the 3rd Annual Craggin’ Classic event at the AAC Campground in September. This fun and laid back event has been picking up steam each year and looks to get a huge boost next year when organizers team up with New River Alliance of Climbers to incorporate elements of the beloved New River Rendezvous. The Vous, as it is known, was the annual fundraiser for NRAC. The super popular event ran for ten years and developed a reputation as the best climber gathering in the country. Organizers could not find a suitable venue to continue the event so they retired it.
Vous founders and Water Stone owners Kenny Parker and Maura Kistler are excited about the opportunity to join forces with the AAC. “The campground is a killer venue” states Parker. “Being in the woods brings a whole new feel.” Kistler is excited about keeping popular elements of the Rendezvous alive. “We are hoping to bring back Dessertapalooza, the Midnight Snack, Sumo Wrestling to mention of few. The Dyno Comp, always a highlight at the Vous, became part of the Craggin’ Classic this year so the mash up has already begun.”
Organizers stress that the Craggin Classic/Rendezvous event will not be as large as the Vous–the campground isn’t big enough. “We are excited to see what comes of combining two distinctive and successful events–the outcome promises to be exciting and unique to the New River Gorge” remarks Kistler.
Look for more details to emerge in the coming months. The 4th Annual Craggin’ Classic will take place September, 2015