Renowned Alpine athlete here for weekend expo - Nov. 14-16

photo Will Gadd

Event scheduleFriday, Nov. 143-6 p.m. "So You Think You Want To Work in the Outdoor Industry?" roundtable seminar with Will Gadd, Lisa Rands and Wills Young, UTC University Center, Raccoon Mountain Room. Free.Saturday, Nov. 159 a.m.-4 p.m. Alpine Climbing Skills & Competency Clinic, an outdoor program at a crag to be determined covering tips and tricks for getting up and down alpine climbs for all levels of experienced hikers with a basic knowledge of traditional climbing gear and snow and ice travel. $60 AAC members, $75 nonmembers.7-9 p.m. Pint Night at Rock/Creek, 2 North Shore. In "20 Trips of a Lifetime in 60 Minutes," Gadd offers a fast-paced, first-person tour through the world of extreme sports, from the inside scoop on the X Games to Red Bull's secret marketing strategy. Pictures, videos and stories will cover setting world records, TV talk shows and random encounters with danger and celebrity. Free.Sunday, Nov. 169 a.m.-4 p.m. Lead Climbing Skills & Competency Clinic, an outdoor program to give experienced climbers an opportunity to hone their lead climbing skills and test their competency, with pointers for training, effective tactics and the psychology of leading safely and enjoyably. Participants should have an understanding of trad and sport climbing at 5.8 level. $60 AAC members, $75 nonmembers.

The American Alpine Club's Southeast Chapter will welcome a world-renowned ice climber, kayaker and paraglider during a three-day expo for outdoor enthusiasts.

"Will Gadd: Weekend With a Pro," scheduled Friday through Sunday, Nov. 14-16, includes a roundtable discussion at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, two all-day climbing clinics with High Point Climbing School & Guide Service and a Pint Night mixer at Rock/Creek Outfitters. Events are open to all, though the clinics require some climbing experience. Registration is available online at shop.americanalpineclub.org.

Gadd, a Canadian adventurer, has conquered some of the most treacherous terrain on Earth and can boast numerous first ascents, world cups, national medals and world records in ice and rock climbing. In addition to pursuing adventure, he speaks and writes professionally about his experiences.

Michael Kidder, AAC's Deep South Section chair, describes Gadd as "a tremendous inspiration to outdoor climbers and adventure seekers everywhere."

The weekend event, Kidder says, presents Gadd "in an intimate outdoor climbing setting to provide hands-on instruction, invaluable industry expertise and sheer inspiration to us all."

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