ZOOLANDER: STORY OF A RISING STAR
ZOOLANDER: STORY OF A RISING STAR Some iconic boulders at...
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KKBF2020 photo
18-19 Jan 2020 at Zoolander Bouldering Area, Khon Kaen Zoo. 155 people from 20 countries participated in the event. Thanks to climbers, observers, volunteers, and sponsors who made the event possible.
ZOOLANDER: STORY OF A RISING STAR
ZOOLANDER: STORY OF A RISING STAR
Some iconic boulders at Zoolander bouldering area. Climbers: Gavriel Jecan and Sontayed Asavahame.
When people think about climbing in Thailand, what generally comes in mind are the towering limestone cliffs of Southern Thailand with its dramatic Andaman sea backdrops. Fair enough, the climbing there is amazing. However, thinking that this is the only climbing scene and sole climbing destination in the Kingdom would overlook a huge part of the growing Thai climbing community and a surprising diversity of crags. Within the past 10 years international and local climbers have explored the kingdom for new options, leading to the development of climbing areas near Krabi and Kho Thao and in the central and northern regions of Thailand. Besides an increasing number of indoor climbing gyms, sport Climbing areas include: Buddhachai National Park, Khao Jeen Lair, Khao Khongchai, Khao Kra- Lhoke, Khao Pabet Noi, Khao Yoi, Tham Phra Camp, Wat Tam Khao Boon, Chiang Mai – Crazy Horse Buttress, Sukhothai. In addition to sport climbing areas there has been an increasing interest for bouldering, including in Koh Tao, an island in the Gulf of Thailand, but mostly in the Korat Plateau (Sikhiu, Chaiyaphum, NamPhong (currently closed to climbing) and Zoolander), a vast sandstone area in Northeastern Thailand known for its incredible boulders and high quality rock.
Nam Phong National Park, Khon Kaen, before climbing banned.
The 1stKhon Kaen Bouldering festival at Nam Phong National Park in 2017 resulting in climbing banned in Nam Phong.
Following the development of Sikhiu bouldering area by Camille Guignard et al., the discovery and development of NamPhong National Park bouldering area by Gavriel Jecan, Pierre Echaubard and Matt Folley led to a boost in climbing in the Northeastern region of Thailand due to its proximity to the provincial capital Khon Kaen city and ease of access. Several pro climbers including Alex Johnson, Sasha Digiulian, and Kati Hetrick, as well as several Asian elite climbers such as Liting Xu from Singapore and Puntarika Tunyavanich, Thailand’s national team leading climber visited the area and developed numerous hard lines which culminated in the hosting of the first Khon Kaen Bouldering festival in 2017 with more than 100 participants. Despite this success and years of collaboration with local national park officers, the National Park head office in Bangkok decided to no longer allow bouldering in the park, a decision still in hold at the time of writing.
While Namphong Bouldering was burgeoning in the year 2015-2016, Khon Kaen Climbing Club was created by its core members and original developer Gecan, Echaubard and Foley strongly supported by Wan (Panitan Jutaporn) who became the first KKCC manager. Following Namphong bouldering restriction, Wan urgently participated in a meeting with the Khon Kaen tourism council to discuss the closure of NamPhong bouldering and its impact on the growing outdoor tourism that Khon Kaen province started to value and support. During what became an historic meeting, Wan was introduced to Thanachon the acting director of the Khon Kaen Zoo who invited the Khon Kaen Climbing Club to explore the zoo’s vast property to assess its bouldering potential. In November 2017, following this formal invitation, Wan, accompanied by Gavriel Jecan, went on a first exploration. They discovered a seemingly infinite number of boulders of all shapes and heights in a typical dry deciduous forest open enough to allow easy access to most boulders. It was a huge relief for KKCC members after Namphong disappointment. Initial developments took place soon after this first visit.
The discover of Zoolander bouldering area, which is located in Khon Kaen zoo.
Khon Kaen zoo’s private land is about 3,000 rai (5.34 sq.km.). However only 17.5% of the total area is used for animal husbandry, water park facilities and administrative offices. The rest is covered by forest hosting hundreds of sandstone boulder. Initial arrangements with the zoo officials and the signing of an official partnership between KKCC and the Zoo in October 2018 made climbing within the zoo’s administrative boundaries recognized and authorized by local authorities securing access and providing a forum for ongoing negotiation towards a lasting partnership. KKCC developers and many local and visiting climbers where therefore allowed to roam free in the non-commercial area of the park and developed the first boulder problems. While the first sector was developed near the water park, Zoolander (the cluster of sectors within the zoo administrative boundaries) is, at the time of this writing, composed of 9 sectors with an estimated total of 500+ boulders. Grade currently ranges from V0 to V11 across >500 lines developed so far, with lots of room for harder problems. The rock is high quality sandstone offering diverse climbing options and styles mostly thin technical climbing involving crimps and small edges in sometimes overhanging faces. KKCC recently collaborated with 27crags to offer an online topo to visiting climbers listing problem descriptions and boulder locations
This, together with the zoo ease of access from Khon Kaen city (and its airport), the availability of campground & cabins, drinking water, restaurants as well as the water park and animal area for days-off activities make Zoolander a very attractive bouldering destination with huge potential for continued growth in the future as demonstrated by the hosting of the 2nd Khon Kaen Bouldering festival (KKBF) in January 2019 bringing >100 participants from 19 countries to Zoolander. KKBF then became an annual event. Recently during KKBF2020 in January, Zoolander host more > 160 participants from 20 countries in a newly developed sector. The event has a very positive feedback from climbing communities. KKBF at this stage became one of the largest (and probably the best) outdoor climbing festivals in South East Asia.
Sustainable practices and KKCC community vision
Rock climbing and bouldering help reconnect with nature, perhaps one of the great challenges of the 21st century. The need to respect and preserve the natural environment is never more apparent than to those who visit, explore and enjoy the landscape. Outdoor climbing is about being in nature which therefore aligns very well with the Sustainable Development Goals and its attributes which emphasize that a healthy, properly functioning natural environments are the foundation for sustained economic growth, prospering communities and personal wellbeing and that everyone should have fair access to a good quality natural environment. In UK, for example, the government’s National Ecosystem Assessment also asserts that the social benefits of people being able to access and enjoy the countryside is valued at £484 million per annum.
The harmful effects from disconnection with nature – sometimes called ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ – are increasingly recognized by the scientific community. Public recreation and access to green spaces, such as Zoolander, are fundamental to people’s understanding and enjoyment of the natural environment. Unless people are able to access the natural environment they are unlikely to want to take action to enhance / conserve it – supporting recreational activities such as hiking and climbing are therefore key to connecting the public with the natural environment and can be considered as highly sustainable activities as they promote long term mutually beneficial interactions.
‘Before’ and ‘After’ boulder that was developed to climb in Zoolander.
KKCC’s activities with locals: Volunteer and learn how to climb, Donation to a near by school, and support local business in the area.
As regional and local governments seek to open new areas to tourism, it is therefore important that they utilize alternative models of development. This involves moving away from a mass tourism based model towards a more sustainable localized model where a diluted but persistent flow of visitor sustain economic development with minimal impact on natural resources. Rock climbing is a good example of such a localized, environmentally sensitive development. The resources it targets are the rocks as they stand. There is no need to dig them out, no need to break them down, no needs to disrupt the ecosystems that they are embedded in. Climbers will specifically come to the area and spend their time, energy and money to make sure they can have access to the rocks and practice their passion. Thus, minimal development is needed, namely creating access to the rocks and supporting the development of the external services that will allow climbers and other nature enthusiasts to satisfy their basic needs, which are availability of food, shelter and toilets. Climbers will create demand for services such as creation of home stays in nearby villages, guest houses, dormitories in the park and the expansion of existing restaurants or convenience stores which in turn will benefit local communities.
In essence rock climbing will attract more visitors to the climbing areas and nearby communities and will contribute to increased local businesses income, in turn stimulating the creation of sustainable structures that will spawn a virtuous cycle resulting in benefits for the local environment and people. Aligning with these principles, KKCC has set strict principles guiding development practices in the park to insure minimal cut of vegetation to access boulders and open new lines, minimize environmental impact at all time, encourage regular clean up campaigns in climbing and non-climbing areas for the benefit of all, has set in place a no plastic policy, regularly invites local school children and local community members to participate in open events and gives priority to local community’s service and products in its operations.
Within 6 years, from its seminal development in Nam Phong National Park to the emergence and growth of Zoolander, KKCC has demonstrated its commitment to offer climbing as one of the main tourism attractions in Khon kaen province and its surrounding region, inviting along numerous local youths to become the rising stars of a new era.
By Pierre Echaubard, Wan Panitan Jutaporn, and the team.
KKCC team members
Gavriel Jecan
Matthiew Foley
Pierre Echaubard
Panitan (Wan) Jutaporn
Apisit (Bon) Rapeepanpianpen
Joey Valenzuela
Tim Gill
Mark Brown
Fredrick Sundman
Meta (Ton) Leesirikul
Srirat (Opor) Suwanakom
Warankana (May) Intarapreecha
Nuttapong (Sun) Saelek
Nayawadee (PuiNune) Kaweenattayanon
Visiting developers
Michael and Amanda Price
Ross Tom
Kevin Marquardt
Brian Horlick
Cornelia Langer
Rene Atzi
Ou Xingpeng & JC
Liting Xu
And so many more…
ZOOLANDER BOULDERING AREA
ZOOLANDER BOULDERING AREA Khon Kaen Climbing Club (KKCC) has climbed in Khon Kaen since 2011. Zoolander is the crag where we currently climb, and it is located in Khon Kaen zoo. The discover of Zoolander was is late 2017 when Wan (KKCC member) joined an annual…
ZOOLANDER TRAIL DAY 2
VOLUNTEER AND LEARN HOW TO CLIMB WITH KHON KAEN CLIMBING CLUB Zoolander Trail Day Part 2. We, Khon Kaen Climbing Club know that climbing is mostly a sport for foreigners, not Thai. There are many local Khon Kaen people that want to try climbing but…
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FAQ
English ไทย Is there any climbing in Khon Kaen? Yes, there are! There are two main types of climbing that can be performed in Khon Kaen: bouldering and climbing with rope (sport/top rope climbing). 1. For bouldering, we climb on boulder (big rock, 2-7 meter-high) and…
KKBF2020
Thank you everyone for joining KKBF2020. It was a great time for us, hosting 136 participant from 20 countries. It definitely can not happen without supports from climbing communities, volunteer, zoo organization, and sponsors! For those who participated in the event, please help us fill…
KKBF2023 INFO
Join us for KKBF2023 during 21-22 Jan 2023.
*Having a limited number of crash pads available and manpower and because we want to make sure you have a pleasant time climbing with us,
the number of participants to the KKBF2023 is limited to 100 climbers. Observers have to registered as observers to watch the competition.
1. OVERVIEW
Mad Rocks presents Khon Kaen International Bouldering Festival 2023 (#KKBF2023), organized by Khon Kaen Climbing Club (KKCC). We are a group of local and international climbers united by passion for climbing and the development of climbing in Khon Kaen. Proceeds from ticket sales and money raised from the festival will go toward climbing fund in Khon Kaen.
This year, the festival takes place at Zoolander bouldering area, a new area at the Khon Kaen Zoo, in Khon Kaen province, Northeastern Thailand. We are authorized by the Zoo Organization to host KKBF2023 at Khon Kaen Zoo. Not only animal exhibits and wildlife conservation research center of rare breeds, the zoo is also a place that has hundreds of sandstone boulders with great potential of nearly a thousand lines to climb. We hope that this area will soon become an international bouldering destination. KKBF2023 is intended to be better than ever, shorter duration but more effectively organized, with new areas & new boulder problems! With the help of our sponsors, our festival will bring more than 100 climbers to Zoolander for 2-days of climbing, adventure, fun, challenges and friendship. Our goal is to make Zoolander a climbing destination in Southeast Asia, offering a platform for meeting, learning and sharing climbing experiences and the outdoor activities.
*No pet is allowed in the zoo area.
We climb and compete for fun, friendship, and experience the outdoors.
It has been 2 years since the last festival in 2020. According to the current situation on travelling and the zoo management, KKCC decided to made adjustment to KKBF2023 as follow:
– Due to the change in the zoo management strategy, we will no longer stay overnight at the zoo campground. KKBF2023 will be a day trip from and to Khon Kaen city for both Saturday and Sunday. No night activity at the zoo.
– Registration packages pick up starts Saturday morning (21 Jan, 9 AM) just before you climb.
– Effective way to identify a boulder. We will continue to use 27crags topo in apps to reduce paper waste, but we will definitely put a sign near/on the boulder to let you know which boulder you are climbing on.
– 27Crags access code will be sent to you 1 week before the festival date.
– Due to potential of Covid-19 situation and current restriction, no group dinner arranged. We will provide lunch box for participant individually.
Campground and a boulder in Khon Kaen Zoo, venue for KKBF2023.
2. KKBF2023 SCHEDULE
Saturday – 21 Jan, 2023
7:10 AM Meeting for KKBF transportation in front of Kosa Hotel, downtown Khon Kaen city. KKBF transportation depart Khon Kaen city.
8:30 AM Mandatory festival meeting at the campground of Khon Kaen Zoo (see photo above). Registration packages pick up. Introduction of Zoolander bouldering area, 27crags topo, rules of competition, and safety. Pick up crash pads.
10:00 AM Bouldering competition starts at Zen Garden sector. Our local climbers will guide you through the boulder field for an orientation and explanation of the area
12:00 PM Lunch will be delivered to the boulder field. A lunch box is included in the registration fee, and you can specify your dietary restrictions at the registration.
1:00 PM Back on the boulders to continue your projects
4:30 PM Competition ends and the score cards are collected.
5:00 PM KKBF Transportation back to Khon Kaen city.
7:00 PM Dinner on your own or meet us at Ton Taan Market in Khon Kaen city.
Sunday – 22 Jan 2023
7:10 AM Meeting for KKBF transportation in front of Kosa hotel, downtown Khon Kaen city. KKBF transportation depart for Zoolander.
8:30 AM Meeting at Zen Garden sector. Pick up crash pads.
9:00 AM First ascent challenge, also free-style climb / bouldering clinic / go to the waterpark. Whatever you want
12:00 PM Lunch will be delivered at the boulder field.
3:30 PM Wrap up. Return crash pads to the campground. Closing.
4:00 PM Winner prize presentation. Lucky draw. Ice-cream time!
5:00 PM KKBF2023 will end. Transportation departs from Khon Kaen Zoo back to Khon Kaen city.
3. COMPETITION CATEGORIES AND REGISTRATION FEE
Climbing Categories
The festival registration fee is based on the following competition categories.
1.1 Competitive (Male/Female) — for climbers who want to challenge yourself to climb V4 and harder with a chance of winning awesome prize.
1.2 Beginners (Male/Female) – for climbers who enjoy V0-V3+ level.
1.3 Youth (combined gender) — for youth under 15-year-old only.
We also have ‘Observer’ category for parents and your significant others who wish to join the festival but do not climb. Observer does not get to use topo nor crash pad.
The winner prizes have yet to be announced. We are working hard with our sponsors to find great prizes for all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each winning-category. Our sponsors include Mad Rock, Black Diamond, Klean Kanteen, Volume Climbing Gym, Butora, Vola, and more to come.
Registration fee
฿1600 for adults and ฿1100 for youth and observer.
Registration includes 2-day access to the zoo, 2 lunches, access to topo, crash pad, festival t-shirt, and first aid response.
*Payment for the festival will be required in THB (฿) or USD ($), either by PayPal or direct transfer to KKCC’s Siam Commercial Bank account in Thailand.
All profits from the festival go towards KKCC climbing development fund to promote climbing and outdoor activities in Khon Kaen.
*Pre-registered participant will get a ticket with your name on to use as a 2-day pass to enter the zoo without any further payment require. We don’t have registration at the venue policy. Typically, KKBF tickets will be sold out fast and we don’t have any slot left for walk-in registration anyway.
4. TRANSPORTATION
As mentioned, we will only provide transportation from Kosa Hotel in Khon Kaen city to the zoo and back during 21-22 Jan 2020. Transportation cost ฿250 round trip. You can book our transportation for 2 days if you wish to stay in the city.
The zoo is 1 hour drive from the center of Khon Kaen city. If you wish to drive yourself, more detail can be found below.
Transportation by private van / car
The average price for a van with a driver, fuel excluded is around THB 1,800-2,000 per day depending on negotiation. Car rental is around THB 1,000-1,200 per day. You can also rent a car from Khon Kaen airport. If you drive yourself, just use google map to find ‘Khon Kaen Zoo’. It’s a big tourist attraction, hardly missed.
*Khon Kaen city bus is a bus service running from the airport to and around Khon Kaen city with a real-time update on each running bus. The fare is only THB15 per ride or 99 Bahts for a 3-day pass. Visit www.khonkaencitybus.com for more information. Don’t forget to download the “KKTransit” app as it gives you more information on timetable and routes.
5. ACCOMMODATION
The registration fee does not include accommodation. Due to the change in zoo management policy, this year KKCC team will not stay at the zoo. There is no night activity hosted in the zoo area during the festival. We recommend you stay in Khon Kaen city as there are many accommodations to choose. Kosa hotel is highly recommended.
You can look for more options using agoda.com, booking.com, or hotels.com. The registered participants are responsible to get to our meeting point at Kosa Hotel at 7:15 AM during 21-22 Jan 2023 or travel to Khon Kaen Zoo on your own to join the festival. We can help provide contact information for a van reservation if needed. Please contact us for more info.
If you really wish to book your stay at the cabins in the Zoo during the festival, please contact Pui: 083-599-1959 or their Facebook page to make a reservation. KKCC does not responsible for accommodation booking.
- There is a Water Park in the zoo.
- Access to a Water Park is 40 THB for adult and 30 for kids. Water Park has 15 m slider and is open daily 10AM-6PM, so bring your swimsuit!
6. WAIVER FORM
Every participant MUST fill in an online waiver form and a model release form as you register to the event. Youth participants under 15 years old must have parental or adult legal guardian signatures on the form. Please remember that your safety is our priority, because of this we ask that you not to try highball problems that could endanger you or your spotters. Any kind of serious injury could jeopardize access to climbing in Thailand, and we would not want to see you hurt. We will have a first-aid team and doctor on-site but please be aware of the dangers of climbing and know that you are climbing at your own risk.
Can’t wait to climb with you at the festival! Any question, please let us know.
Khon Kaen Climbing Club Team (Gavriel, Wan, Bon, Opor, May, Sun, Aoey, Brad, Puinune, Fredrick, Meta, Mark, Tim, Joey)
Contact us: Facebook khonkaenclimbingclub
Email: kkclimbingclub@gmail.com
Tel: +66 62-167-8688 (Wan) / +66 91-056-4201(Gavriel)
We look forward to meeting and climbing with you!
SERVICES
Transportation & RentalProgram Program KKCC provides private group climbing service. Private Group Climbing.We have established a well-made bouldering topo at 27crags.com.In case you need us to take you around to classic boulders and 3-star problem, find boulder grade of you interest, or help facilitate your…