It was for the joy of movement, the appreciation of a good challenge and the bond of community.
More so than during a usual Squamish summer’s day, shrieks of triumph and defeat echoed through the forest below the Chief. Wandering among the Grand Wall boulders with sacks of chalk in hand and sticky rubber shoes, climbers sought to ascend the rocks by feats of strength and poise.
Squamish fell under a rampage. For the third year running the Rampage Festival brought hundreds of climbers out to Squamish’s renowned granite boulders. This year participants came from as far off as Portland. The volunteer-run event aimed to unite the climbing community and raise money for Climb and Conquer Society—a charity that takes kids out climbing.
While the majority of participants were just there to have some fun, meet new people, and appreciate the boulders, a few were in it to win it. Amanda Berezowski and Ross Fluerson defied gravity and climbed some rather difficult problems up to a grade of V10. Aside from the sweet taste of victory, their prizes included clothing from Blurr Design, equipment from Blicard and coffee from Counterpart Coffee.
Outside of the forest on the grass in the Chief campground, the other major contingent of the Rampage Festival was out in force. Paired off, acro yogis demonstrated surreal dexterity, strength, and trust with each other. They stood on their hands and supported each other in unlikely-seeming postures, honing the awareness of body and mind. Coral Crawford and Siovhan Williamson from Flow Acro facilitated several courses for those interested in learning.
There was plenty of psych, swag and good times for those who showed up to Rampage this year. When things wound down at the Chief everyone headed to the Ground Up Climbing Centre for a BBQ and beer. A few of climbers with energy to burn tested their skills to see who could make largest leap or dyno on the plastic holds at the gym.
Hooting and hollering carried on at Kinsmen Campground where festival attendees camped over the weekend.
The fires burned late into the night.