UKC

It's rare to find quality historical footage of climbing, but this trio of films are amongst the best we've ever seen. Created in the late 1970's by Sid Perou, they document the changing scenes of British climbing as traditional ethics and "a 60's enthusiasm for technology" collided. A forward-thinking generation had begun bolting harder lines, developing new equipment and pushing the physical limits of performance through the peculiar disciplines of bouldering and indoor climbing.

Read more

In reply to UKC News:

Great stuff. Different world back then. I just about remember those cars from my childhood.

First footage too I've seen of the infamous Bosi cravasse jump on video 2.

In reply to Owen W-G:

On Video 3, one of the cars is mine. If you watch closely at about 2.05 as Ron and Chris pull onto the CC field my white Triumph Dolomite Sprint makes an appearance in between 2 other cars parked by the hut.

Al

In reply to UKC News:

Such an enjoyable video for me to watch, coming from a newer generation (32 yrs old?)

The opening scenes are aesthetically beautiful - maybe I am too happy, but the video shows a form moving gracefully over the earth in an simple yet complex and respectful dance corresponding to the form of the Earth at that particular point in time... something I and perhaps we all can relate to. Apparently irrespective of interests, gender or sexuality, (I am an out trans lesbian woman), I can appreciate the beauty of those scenes and the human form. It is nature's beauty. Maybe we do not need to be extreme climbers to have a basic understanding of what the climber is feeling in that moment. Maybe not even climbers. Maybe just human. This video has allowed me for the first time in a long time, a simple appreciation of my own dance through life, sometimes on rock, sometimes on plastic, sometimes in my head.



I hope you are all having a wonderful day, Hannah xxx

In reply to UKC News:

ps hello to all *ukcers (that seems wrong somehow)



I am new to posting here, I have had a profile for a while but somehow never felt like posting... I love steep nature and human equality.

-hannah x

In reply to UKC News:

Great set of programmes, Sid has uploaded a load more of his films on YouTube! Fun viewing.

In reply to GridNorth:

>

That's a last great problem solved! 40 years I've been wondering who that car belonged to

In reply to Postmanpat:

Glad I've put that one to rest for you. Only 4 more cars to go.

Al

In reply to GridNorth:


Can you tell me whether Pete Gomersall regularly climbed in a jock strap (or maybe bikini bottoms?) as he does in the first video on Grand Alliance (around 20 minutes in I think)

In reply to Postmanpat:

I don't wish to discuss Pete Gomersoll's jock strap but I can tell you that it was many years before he could bring himself to wear a harness with legs loops instead preferring a simple waist belt.

Al

In reply to GridNorth:



When the option was a Whillan's harness he might have been the wise one!

In reply to Alex Thompson:

Do you have a link to his page please?

In reply to Postmanpat:

Agreed. There used to be a pre Whillans harness with leg loops. I think it was called a Davek or something like that, but it was only considered suitable for aid climbing and never caught on. I started with a bowline round the waist then a hemp line wrapped around the waist before progressing to a couple of waist belts. The first was made by Tanky Stokes in Sheffield but I then acquired a Troll one which was a little broader (better???).

Al

In reply to GridNorth:

The Whillans was certainly a good reason why the leader should never fall…….

In reply to Postmanpat:

A bowline round the waist was an even better reason not to fall. I busted a couple of ribs back in 1966 and it was said that you only had 12 minutes to survive if hanging free.

Al

In reply to GridNorth:



Never led on one I don't think but certainly got some very bruised ribs from top roping at Harrisons on one...

In reply to UKC News:

Loved that.

:-D

Cheers
LD

In reply to UKC News:

Nostalgia Avenue. Thanks so much for putting this on.

Mick

In reply to GridNorth:

Personally, I thought the fact that Lord of the Flies was led with a waist belay more remarkable than the Whillans harness.

In reply to James Paul Robinson:


www.youtube.com/user/Cavingcameraman

In reply to John2:


Why? - you can do a nice soft catch with a waist belay. Great for poor gear.

In reply to UKC News:

Just watched all three - great stuff!

In reply to munichhannah:

Cool videos but it's great to compare it to modern climbing in its glistening hd quality and 1 finger monos!

Hey Hannah, what's a good stelplatz in Munich for access to the town?

In reply to James Paul Robinson:

Err, just followed the Youtube links from the article?
https://www.youtube.com/user/Cavingcameraman/videos