Quite a lot happened since last post! Been to Brookes a couple of times with little success at anything I've been trying to do. Failed miserably at a 6C that I've been trying and have pretty much realised that it is out of my league at the moment. Bit of a shame, but it is very crimpy which isn't really my style (read weak). I'll work on it though. Definitely want to be at that level before too long, especially as I want to climb 7A within a year.
OUMC stuff has been great though! Went to Brookes with some other OUMC members, and they are all really cool. Also went to Iffley with a bunch of them. Was also really cool, was able to do more with a bit of guidance about what problems are good. There is a lot of interesting stuff concealed in a pretty small wall.
More amazingly, went on my first Trad meet on Sunday! We were at Stanage. Was absolutely freezing, but no rain, so good for climbing. Would have been perfect without the wind... I only seconded routes this time round, as I felt I needed to get used to the style before trying to lead. Gritstone climbs are massively different from indoor climbs and it took a little while to get used to removing gear from the cracks, but I think I'll pick up the technique(s) alright with a bit of practise.
Didn't catch many of the names of the routes I seconded, but we did about seven. Started on a VS which was apparently very typical of gritstone style. Was a little bit of a culture shock really, but very cool. Then moved onto 'The Right Unconquerable' which is a classic route. Seconded this with a little trouble at the top, but was still pretty pleased to do it. My partner fell off on the top move before sending it, so I didn't mind fluffing it a bit myself. After that did a bunch more routes generally at VS or HVS, which was cool.
The Right Unconquerable
Was a great introduction to trad, looking forward to going again and learning to lead. After seconding 'The Right Unconquerable' I really want to lead it. Was a very cool route. 'The Left Unconquerable' (climber in the picture is on this) also looked amazing (and well protected) and maybe could be a long term target for first E1...
That’s pretty much it for now! Starting a rope works course on Thursday which I think will be really useful. Oh, and turns out I can't go to Bristol to do the competition on the 8th Nov, as I have a tutorial that Saturday. Shame, but at least won't have to miss an outdoor meet because of tutes...
