The Nuts and Bolts

By Luke Tilley

The Nuts and Bolts: Essential gear for outdoor adventures.

The sport has kicked off surprisingly well, still running on arms of capacity. No training; just been climbing recently and had some pretty good days considering, probably to the major frustration of everyone who is putting many hours in. I guess putting hours in on the rock counts and it’s the best hours to be had!

Finally made the most of being close to the great British limestone and once I had jumped on the opportunity I was on a run, the weather and conditions were a Kilnsey climbers ecstasy and I was a weak addict, the two day plan quickly got put to one side and 3 new routes were realized over the next 6 days.

Soft Option (8a) a route I tried a couple of times at the burnt end of last season. A perfect diagonal shallow groove climbed technically and strenuously supported and preceded by big boulder moves. It took several attempts to get done- certainly a hard, soft option 8a!

I attempted to flash an extension to WizzyWig called complete control that gets 8a and for once IS a soft option if you are in the exclusively short club. Unfortunately I did not find the complete control necessary on the first go but was psyched to send it second go another hidden gem.

The day came when I had to go home and it was postponed, and postponed again and again and again. Day five saw my big British project ticked! On the second day I had put the draws up Ecstasy (8b) and it felt nails. Day 3 I got back on it again and every two moves had me off several times. The end of day 4 I got on it with little hope that I was going to ever do this route. I took full opportunity of the rest bellow where the real climbing kicks off, something I don’t think I had done before and for the first time in maybe 8 days of attempts over last year and this stuck the crux slap. From there you get another massive rest before another sustained 8 move boulder problem. A slightly inadequate foot sequence spat me off feeling fresh half way through the last leg. But now I knew it was in. Sure enough the first go the next day, with confidence, and ecstasy this bulging nemesis was mine. Feels 8b+ before you do it and then 8a+ but whatever the number wicked+ moves up an impressive bit of rock.

Bouldering Mats

  • Email when available

alpkit thud bouldering mat taco style boulder pad in tequila sunrise alpkit thud bouldering mat taco style boulder pad in blue lagoon

Phud

Taco bouldering mat for your local circuit, 100 x 100 x 8cm
$169.99 $199.99
  • SALE

Alpkit Origin taco bouldering mat in Sun orange alpkit origin bouldering mat boulder pad in merlot - closed

Origin

Large taco bouldering pad for frequent boulderers, 134 x 100 x 11cm
$209.99 $259.99
  • Email when available

Alpkit Mujo hinge style bouldering mat in ocean green Alpkit Mujo hinged bouldering mat boulder pad in blue lagoon - closed

Mujo

Hinge style pad ideal for frequent boulderers, 100 x 132 x 11cm
$259.99 $379.99
  • Email when available

alpkit wafer sit start bouldering mat boulder pad in blue lagoon alpkit wafer sit start bouldering mat boulder pad - action

Waffa

Small bouldering pad for sit starts and up-close impacts, 80 x 50 x 6cm
$59.99 $64.99
  • SALE

alpkit boulder bucket chalk bag in pina colada alpkit boulder bucket chalk bag in merlot location

Boulder Bucket

Self-standing bucket with roll top, large pocket and webbing loops
$39.99 $49.99
  • SALE

alpkit climbing chalk bag in blue lagoon alpkit climbing chalk bag belt location

Chalk Bag

Cordura® chalk bag with waist strap for sport, trad or bouldering
$29.99 $39.99
  • SALE

problem fodder skin creme cream problem fodder skin creme cream

ProBalm Fodder

Moisturising skin creme to keep active skin hydrated
$12.49 $14.99
  • Email when available

DMM Crushed Chalk Bag DMM Crushed Chalk Bag

DMM Crushed Chalk Bag

250g of loose climbing chalk for boulder buckets
$0.00

ProBalm Lips

Minty lip balm containing all natural ingredients
$4.99
  • Email when available

ACAKSLACK-RED-01-slack kit chilli ACAKSLACK_slackkit - action

Slack Kit

Complete slackline with everything you need to get you started
$59.99
  • SALE

ProBalm Puck ProBalm Puck

ProBalm Puck

A 100% natural balm for repairing tired and damaged skin
$12.49 $14.99

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

=