In reply to dagibbs:
Now, in the UK with its long tradition of gear-climbing, and more limited access to sport venues, I expect that there will be a higher percentage that do move to trad
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Can't speak on whats going on the the Us and Europe but current Uk trends seems to be a lot of retrobolting and a lot of wall-bred sport climbers. TBh theres a fair amount of sport crags in the UK now, and currently (in my area at least) its a damn sight easier to get a day out to a sport crag then get some trad done.
the majority of climbers here seem to be content sticking with sport but theres some bloody strong youngsters that are slowly getting into trad, reckon give them a few years and we'll start seeing some real E12s from these next-gen wads.
> Still, there is a large jump to trad climbing because of the great increase in gear needed.
i'd agree theres a jump, but not just in gear.
Sport climbing for example, gear-wise you need your gym rope, harness, dozen or so QDs, few slings, few crabs, and the knowledge about threading anchors.. and thats about all you need. You don't even need any knowledge about abseiling in a lot of cases.
With trad, theres the learning the gear, placements, walk ins, 'headgame' etc etc. add it all up and its pretty intimidating.
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