Renowned rock climber John Long to host clinic Sept. 19 at Montana State

BOZEMAN - Montana State University will host legendary rock climber John Long on Friday, Sept. 19, at the Student Wellness Center for hands-on coaching and a discussion of his career.

Long is an award-winning author and founding member of the Stonemasters, a group of California climbers who defined the culture of adventure sports in the 1970s. He has traveled around the world for his expeditions, and his career is accentuated by many firsts, such as completing the first one-day ascent of The Nose, a nearly 3,000-foot route up the rock formation El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Long is also well known in the fields of bouldering and free soloing, which is rock climbing without any aids such as ropes or safety equipment.

During the climbing clinic, Long will provide instruction to MSU students, faculty and staff of all skill levels from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Student Wellness Center's climbing wall. Participants must have a current Top Rope Skill Check on file with the MSU climbing facility prior to the clinic. The Student Wellness Center will provide free climbing gear, but attendees are welcome to bring their own. Registration for the clinic is required.

From 7 to 9 p.m. at the climbing wall, Long will share stories about his life and career, and hold a Q&A session. His talk, which doesn't require registration to attend, is free and open to the public.