17 June 2016

Honnold does not agree with UK ethics and grading

UKC has made an interview with Alex Honnold, who recently did some impressive grit stone routes. Interestingly he speaks out saying that he does not agree with the UK ethics and the grading. - I think I have a pretty decent feel for UK climbing ethics and the grading scale and all that. I just don’t fully appreciate it I guess. I don’t see what’s wrong with tasteful bolting. I love climbing and dislike all the faffing about that pure trad climbing requires. I’d rather spend all that faffing time just climbing. But obviously I respect the history of climbing in the UK and can certainly play by the imposed rules. I just don’t totally agree with them. It can also be noted that Alex has recorded four grit routes from Fair Head including The Complete Scream which UKC reported as an E8 ascents which equivalents to a 7c+. Alex recorded it as a 7a+ commenting, "E7 6b, though it didn't really feel that hard."
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