Climbing
Posted inOutside

Teamwork, Coordination and Guts

How five counties came together to complete the large-scale recovery of a climber’s body on Mt. Jefferson
Avatar photo Isaac Biehl

On July 31, search and rescue teams from five counties were sent into action to retrieve the body of David Freepons, a 68-year-old climber who passed away after a fall on Mt. Jefferson. Freepons, an experienced climber from Kennewick, Washington, was on an expedition July 25 on the mountain with several friends—also experienced climbers—when he […]

Posted inOutside

Chasing The Sun

In Central Oregon, nearly any time is a good time for a climb
Avatar photo Isaac Biehl

Usually this is a strange time of year for the rock-climber population. It’s still pretty cold out, and often, there’s that pesky snow and ice to deal with. But this year? Winter has almost been too ideal for climbers. “We’ve been lucky with a winter like this. This winter has been prime conditions,” says Mike […]

Posted inOutside

Youth Sports, Upgraded

BEA, MBSEF and Bend Hoops all expand and look toward the future with new facilities and programs
Damian Fagan

When it comes to sports, there’s a lot going on for Bend youth. Peruse the Bend Park & Recreation District‘s Playbook and you’ll see a diversity of programs—but beyond BPRD’s numerous parks, sport fields and facilities, other organizations such as Bend Endurance Academy, Bend Hoops and Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation are also building toward […]

Posted inOutside

Student Climbers Ascend New Heights

Started by students, the OSU-Cascades climbing club has exploded in size, taking many podium spots in competitions
Damian Fagan

What started out as a simple idea—having OSU-Cascades student fees pay for a climbing club—has quickly grown in popularity that neither the founding members nor the University saw coming. “We started the club in January 2018 after I took PAC class (Physical Activity Course) for rock climbing,” said OSU-Cascades student Connor Park. Park enjoyed the […]

Posted inNews

Bored with Your Summer Already?

Check out these summer fun ideas, just in time for the official start of the season
Chloe Green

The official start of the summer season upon us, and the days are open for all types of summer adventures. Just in case you don’t already have your summer stuffed full of activities, we’ve rounded up a whole bunch of activities happening around the area—perfect for anyone wanting to get out in the sun this […]

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Bridging the Gap

Think your outdoor buddies have to be your own age or gender? These locals beg to differ
David Sword

Outdoor experience and adventure are integral to the DNA of living in Central Oregon. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, dense forests, crystal clear rivers and spectacular rocks, many who live and visit here do so for the diversity in the landscape, and for the myriad options available for “getting out.” The high desert, it seems, has […]

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BEA’s Kids on the Wall

Three compete at nationals
Delano Lavigne

Youth rock climbers from Bend Endurance Academy (BEA) took their skills to the national level this past weekend, participating in the USA Climbing Youth Bouldering National Championships held in Madison, Wis.  Leah Pfeiffer, 14, Brady Pfeiffer, 12, and Mira Capicchioni, 10, all representing the Bend Endurance Academy Climbing Team, competed in the three-day bouldering event […]

Posted inOutside

Take a Hike, Ladies!

The Outdoor Women’s Alliance connects women interested in cultivating new skills and friendships
Alli Miles

A little motivation, encouragement, or camaraderie goes a long way when it comes to getting out and finding adventure, especially when trying something new. The Outdoor Women’s Alliance (OWA) is a global network with the mission of supporting women in the outdoors and offering them that little extra push to get outside and test their […]

Posted inOutside

High Times at Smith

It’s been a busy climbing season, filled with notable ascents
Avatar photo James Williams

Like Crimea’s Wikipedia page, Smith Rock State Park has seen plenty of action this season. During fall, it was the French who once again laid siege to the park (the French established a number of Smith’s hardest routes, including, in 1986, America’s first 5.14a, To Bolt or Not to Be). Gerome Pouvreau completed a number […]

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