November - Sunny Spain

10 days working for Duchy College on their Advanced Instructor Training Program. These guys and girls already have experience of working in the Outdoor Industry but want to further their experience and qualifications. Part of that course is having to go to the Costa Blanca region of Spain, a firm favourite of British climbers wishing to escape the cold and wet weather at home and climb on sun-kissed rock! The region is full of limestone crags on which are a variety of Sport and Trad style of climbs, plus Via Ferrata, Gorge scrambles and exciting ridge walking. We were hosted by Rich Mayfield of the Orange House. Rich has been climbing out there for a number of years and his local knowledge is extensive. The students all learnt how to lead and some found the transition from climbing on indoor walls to climbing on real rock quite difficult, but all were comfortable about being on the 'sharp end' by the end of the trip. Some of the 'superstars' were leading F6b+, which was fantastic. I reckon they'll find climbing on British 'Trad' routes a bit of a challenge though. With fellow instructors Mark Garland, Pete Smith and Lee Abdul, I climbed the big route on the Puig Campana on our day off. Fab!

16th October - A Journey to Ixtlan

A beautiful day today. The sun shone and the sea was calm. All good for my first visit to the majestic cliffs of Carn Gowla. Down here its the full adventure package (proper climbing) and none of that sport climbing rubbish. Definitely not a place for the faint hearted and where a strong survival instinct plays dividends. Went with Jerry from Helston. Check out the look on his face as he prepares himself for the big crux pitch!

I've been slacking

Well, firstly apologies for not updating my Blog over the last half of 2010. Lets just say things got very chaotic! There was plenty of climbing, surfing and mountaineering to be had in Cornwall and further afield, with a variety of friends, students and clients. Rather than try and write up what I've been up to over this period, it's probably best if I post some photos, so here they are:

New Climber Course 7-11 June

Mike from Corsham had done a little indoor climbing, but wanted to learn how to do it properly! He booked 5 days with me and despite day one being wet, he said he had "a great, life changing time"! To show him what to do, I took Mike to Halldrine Cove, Roche Rock, Hawks Tor, Pordenack Point, Gurnards Head and Bosigran. By the end of the week, Mike had led a couple of Severes and had successfully followed a couple of VSs, including the very steep Mexican Pete at Pordenack. Highlights of the week were climbing Right Angle in the evening gloom, finishing at 9.55pm, the beer in the Tinners Arms afterwards and Mike leading the whole of Bosigran Ridge (including the Armchair pitch).

The Lovely Lizard - 4th June

Climbing on the Lizard today with a doctor from Gloucester! Fab weather again. Nice easy routes, including Sirius (HS), followed by much steeper stuff on Hollywood Walls (Silent Movie VS). It has been a long time since I ventured this far South and it has been a pleasant change. Reckon I'll be back soon.

Big Waves 2/3 June

Surf Coaching for EBO Adventure at Penhale corner. A BIG swell made for difficult conditions, with rips and mountains of white water. The guys did well, though, with most people getting to their feet and riding to the beach. Good to see the nudists out too!

Boys Weekend - Bank Holiday

Went to Gower, South Wales with my eldest, Sam, for some camping, climbing and surfing. It rained on Saturday, so we walked over the low tide causeway to Worms Head to look for fossils after some lovely fish and chips. Sunday was lovely and sunny, so we went climbing in Three Cliffs Bay. Sam (12) did really well, following me on the two classics VS route, Arch Slab and Scavenger. We also climbed the East Ridge of Great Tor. Monday we scored 3-4foot Llangennith. Yes, it was busy in the morning, but as time went on, the crowds thinned out and it turned into a great afternoon session. Sam managed to get out back 3 times under his own steam - nice one kid!