ISU Pocatello Pump climbing competition/festival celebrating 34th year at Pocatello’s Ross Park Sept. 19-20

POCATELLO – In its 34th year, the Idaho State University Pocatello Pump set Sept. 19 and 20 is the oldest rock climbing competition in the United States.

It takes place on the basalt crags of Ross Park’s sunny side and shady side and starts at 7 a.m. Sept. 19 and 20. The Pump takes most of the afternoon off so participants can take advantage of the CW HOG Pig Out dinner adjacent to the climbing area.

Early registration is Sept. 17 at 5 p.m., and is $35. Those registering on-site pay $40. Participants will receive prizes from a drawing and a SWAG bag. There are also prizes for winners of certain categories. Proceeds benefit the Access Fund and ISU Climbing Scholarship.

The Pump has a variety of categories for both men and women. These categories are mostly named after climbing areas.

The leading categories are Yosemite (California), City of Rocks (Idaho) and Shawangunks (New York). In leading categories, the climber risks a fall while climbing above pre-placed gear. The climber clips the rope into the gear while climbing past it.

The non-leading, or top rope, categories are Smith Rocks (Oregon), and Red Rocks (Nevada), Seneca Rocks (West Virginia), Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons (Utah) for children and Everest (Nepal) for the physically disabled. The last category is Massacre Rocks for non-competitive winner decided by luck of the draw.

In top rope categories, the climber is attached to a rope that has been already secured at the top of the rock before the climb. Both types of climbing require a belayer to manage the other end of the rope to safeguard the climber. Climbers must provide their own belayer and their own lead rope.

To preregister, contact the ISU Outdoor Adventure Center, 282-3912, come to the office in the basement of the Pond Student Union Building or register online at www.isu.edu/outdoor/pump.shtml.