Gaia (E8 6c)
Preamble
I have somewhat stopped actively blogging mostly because the number of people that read the posts were not as high as say an Instagram or Facebook post. Those updates are short and to the point, but lack an intimate story; in the end, I think most people just didn’t have the time to read a long story. This story is different. This story is about a climb that I saw in the first couple of years that I started climbing; this climb is called “Gaia”. To give what limited background knowledge I have on this climb, here goes:- gritstone route at Blackrocks, near Matlock, UK
- FA by Johnny Dawes in 1986
- E8, 6c
- height is about 8 meters
Getting Ready
I have never in my life climbed on gritstone. Since as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to try it, but the opportunity has never arisen. It wasn’t until I found out that Jorg was already stoked to try Gaia that I realized that that line would indeed be my first exposure to the legendary gritstone. We woke up at a reasonable time, had some breakfast and drove out to the “Blackrocks” climbing area. It was a chilly morning, we had a few layers on and we made the short 5 minute walk up the hill. Out of nowhere, Jorg declares “there she is”. I was mesmerised. The line looked so perfect, shorter than what I thought but at the same time very aesthetic. As we walked up to the route (after taking a quick selfie), Jorg started explaining the subtleties of the route including where the main gear placement was. I was pretty baffled; I didn’t expect it to be so low. On a side note, I actually thought it would be cool to try and flash this route… After scoping out the route, the placement and giving it some thought, I accepted the fact that I wouldn’t be trying to flash this route on lead, for me it just wasn’t worth it. I didn’t even think I’d be eventually leading it, but I was just happy to do the moves and have this line be my first exposure to this type of climbing. Jorg setup a line and rapped down brushing the holds and pointing out some features. I did it on top rope next and successful flashed the line! Mission accomplished. I know that the top-rope part is a deal breaker, and if I ever wanted to say I did the line, I’d have to lead it, but it was still a great feeling going up that line after seeing it so many times in movies. I was actually surprised at how slabby the top part was, I had always imagined it being a bit more vertical. It wasn’t until my second time up the route that I figured out a key foot move that made every move up the route 100%. I would never had to step anywhere where I felt awkward or unsafe. It was at that moment that I felt confident enough to contemplate leading it. Next was Jorg’s ascent and he absolutely killed it. As I was belaying him, I was very aware of where his hips were compared to the placement, how much slack I had out and how quickly I could pull it in and step backwards. Nothing crazy was needed and Jorg hiked up the route with a giddy squeal as he pulled himself over the last arête. It really helped belaying Jorg and physically seeing how far he was above the draw; after he did it, I knew I’d be trying it as well. The next dilemma was the gear; I haven’t placed gear in a long time… maybe 10 years. I know how to place gear, but it’s not in my main skillset let’s say. On my second toppie, Jorg explained the placement, how to make sure it was good and I put it in and out a couple of times for practice.The Ascent
How do you prepare for a Gritstone route? It was a bit strange for me, but I treated it like a competition, focus. I put the cam on my right side and the first one in my mouth, pre-clipped to the rope. I ran up the first few moves and placed the first piece. I setup my heel in the crack, leaned out and put in the second piece. I tugged on it a bit and decided to replace it just a fraction. I tugged on it a handful of times and it looked bomber. I clipped it and as Jorg told me before, I just forgot about it. I rested and composed myself in the no-hands before starting the route. I use the pocket method high and left and straight from the first move, I felt confident. The first pogo felt bomber and it made me feel light going up the middle section. I was up into the corner before I realized it and executing my very specialized hand and foot sequence. From the pocket and dish it went:- left foot up
- right foot out to the seam
- match hands
- right hand into gaston
- left foot in corner
- right foot slightly right 10 cm
- match back on left hand
- left hand higher to palm
- right hand to mono
- left foot to dish
- left hand in to bad side-pull
- lean out to right hand sloper
- match hands
- right hand palm wall
- cross over match feet
- right foot out right
- re match hands
- campus around corner
Final Thoughts
After doing the route, I didn’t know really what to think. The experience was so different than anything else I’ve done in climbing; it’s hard to explain but I will try. The moves on Gaia are not especially hard, but doing them that high above a piece that you yourself have to place is unnerving. When I did the route, I did it with 99.9% efficiency and there was not a shred of doubt in my mind. It felt similar to competing in the fact that I was focused, I had one goal and I knew my ability. It felt completely different to competing having to put in a piece of gear and the fact that the moves were practiced. As I did the complicated section at the top, it felt like I was floating over a memorized sequence. That’s the story of my first route/day/experience grit climbing. It lived up to my expectations and even pushed me a little bit. It was so cool doing it on top-rope first (thinking I wouldn’t lead it) and to slowly piece it all together with an ultimate realization that I could really do this thing properly on gear and of course on lead. Rock Climbing is about experiences and this is definitely one I will remember for the rest of my life. A big thank you to Jorg Verhoeven for bringing me on this adventure!Trackback from your site.
Sean McColl's Week of Crush - SCARPA North America
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[…] does one react to climbing a route that was an inspirational part to his development as a climber? Read Sean’s blog to find out. In the mean time, here’s the […]
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Johnny dawes
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Hi Sean,
Lovely to see you climb Gaia. You climbed it hilariously easily! A new method too…
I am so glad you liked Black Rocks. Well done on Cwif. My niece was 18 that day and I had visited to wish her happy birthday and give her some flowers. I stayed after and saw you all compete. During the semi final I plumped for yourself. I would have placed a bet. I guess that will come in time too.
Congratulations, take care and good luck.
Johnny
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Sean McColl
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Thanks Johnny!
I also found the new method very useful!
Glad you had a good time.
Cheers,
Sean
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Christophe Botek
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great read 🙂 inspiring !
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McColl and Verhoeven, double ascent of Gaia
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[…] You can read McColl’s account of the ascent on his blog. […]
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Amy
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Are You going to coMpete in qwiff next year?
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Sean McColl
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If I’m invited, yes!
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Melba
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I get what you mean about how theRe’s a dramaTic CompaRison in engagement when it comes to Ig vs blog posts. I hope that doesnt completely result in you not making blogs because I think ive realized that i really Freaking love reading climbing send posts. I dont need to much fluff because just imagining the sequence and moves Is like reading Jules verne to me.. “what happenEd next”!!! Well sean sent it obviously! And then watching the video after reAlly puts the gravy on the top thanks! Man i need to try harder… or maybe just raise my little human to crush in my stead.
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