Staff Training, Multi Pitching and Sport Climbing

On Thursday I was at Higgar Tor running and supporting some staff training with Pink Adventures.  The aim was to do a site familiarisation and talk through ways to maximise the venue.  It was a great session, with loads of discussion and activity.

Over the weekend I have been in Wales with Bolton Boys School taking students climbing.  On Saturday Aston, Ethan and I climbed 3 multi pitch routes on Little Tryfan in the morning, before heading to the Milestone Buttress and climbing Super Direct HVS in the afternoon.  The lads did extremely well, and really took on board all the learning points.  Steve had Alex and Andy and climbed a few routes in the morning on Little Tryfan, before Direct Route VD in the afternoon.  We rounded off the day with some bouldering on the RAC boulders in the evening.

Chilling on the first belay

Confident with no hands

Aston enjoying a tricky Severe pitch

Sunday we headed back North to do some Sports route along the A55.  Castle Inn Quarry in the morning, where some of the guys led up to 4+ and toproped 6a.  In the afternoon we moved to Penmaen Head.  Here some led up to 5+ and pushed themselves to try a 6b+ on a toprope.  I managed to sneak in a 7a and 7a+ onsights to top off a great weekend.

SPA Training and Green Death

The last couple of weeks have seen the usual route setting work and squeezing in some climbing to tick over.  This year continues to be a battle to find the time for days out for myself, so I'm doing my best to stay fit-ish.

Over the weekend I was running an SPA Training in the Peak for Mckinlay training.  A well attended course meant a good mix of candidates.  As always, the more the better for sharing ideas.  Tricky conditions on Saturday, with heat and rain for personal climbing.  However, everyone climbed well, some above the standard.  A good group day at Millstone and Lawrancefield rounded off a good weekend.

I managed a quick send Of Green Death E5 6b*** early Sunday morning.  A good brush, then solo, with an unfortunate damp top out when some drizzle started as I was in the top crux.  A trick start via the 6b version makes for a better route all round.

Today after climbing partners have not been able to make it to Kilnsey, I opted for a morning session at Woodhouse.  A stiff workout, with a handful of 7a+'s and 4 7b+'s made it a worthwhile morning.

CWA Assessment

After a week stuck in at home not so well, it was back to The Leeds Wall yesterday for a CWA Assessment.  The 4 candidates did really well.  A mix of abilities in terms of their personal climbing, meant some had a harder time than others.  All gave good performances when it came to the other aspects of the award.

Today I met with a posy from ROKT at Heptonstall for a few routes this afternoon.  There was approx. 20 folk there, which has to be the busiest I've ever seen it.  Despite the warm temps, folks were getting stuck in to a range of routes.  I soloed a few VS's to warm up, then led Brown Sugar E2 5c** with Chris.  Mark was putting in a good effort trying to lead Hard Line E5 6b**, but fell short of the top.  I took advantage of his very high gear to nip up it, and found it very easy to my surprise.  Even after being a ill all week, I seem to have recovered ok.  Lets hope I can start finding some time to get out and do a bit more.