The thrill of getting to the top outweighs the risks for rock climbing enthusiasts.
Students may have the opportunity to view rock climbing footage shot in Wyoming’s own Vedauwoo during Friday’s free showing of the Reel Rock VII hosted by Cross Country Connection and the UW Outdoor Program.
“The Reel Rock tour is unique because it has such a specific focus on rock climbing. They shoot in 100 plus locations and the best footage is what makes the cut,” UW Outdoor Program Coordinator Dan McCoy said. Because of this, there is no guarantee the Vedauwoo footage is included in the film, but students are encouraged to come to the showing to find out.
Peter Mortimer and Josh Lowell created the Reel Rock tour in 2006.
“Reel Rock shows are exciting events where climbers and outdoor lovers come together to celebrate the ultimate adventure in filmmaking,” according to the Reel Rock Tour website.
Although solely about climbing, the films are not meant only for climbers. Non-climbers can get a thrill from it as well.
“There will be rock climbing lingo and terminology, but that won’t subtract from the experience,” McCoy said.
Reel Rock has become a tradition at UW. Since 2006, the tour has brought Laramie a taste of the extreme sport of rock climbing. While most other venues across the globe require fees, Friday’s show is free. Doors open at 6 p.m., and students are encouraged to arrive early if they want a good seat, as the show usually draws a large crowd.
With multiple films, the tour lasts a few hours with an intermission. The variety of films range from alpinist climber Conrad Anker in “The Shark’s Fin” to world famous Chris Sharma sport climbing in “The Dura Dura,” according to Reel Rock’s website.
Even if students cannot stay for the entire film, it is worth it for them to stop by, McCoy said.
“It’s a great film tour, containing high energy,” McCoy said.
Along with the Reel Rock VII tour, the Outdoor Program hosts several film tours. Last year it hosted Reel Rock VI in the fall and the Banff Mountain Film Festival in the spring. The group tries to bring in one film festival for each semester, and the events are always free.
The Reel Rock website boasts an exciting night.
“From battling Himalayan peaks to a battle on Spanish limestone to establish the world’s first 5.15c. From the non-conformist world of offwidth climbing to the newfound fame of the boundary-pushing sport of free soloing. This year’s films are nothing short of intrepid tales that will get your palms sweating from beginning to end,” according to the website
The event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Education Auditorium.
