UKC

The Petzl Rock Session Hosted by Rob Greenwood from UKClimbing and featuring Jorg Verhoeven, Katha Saurwein, Robbie Phillips and a virtual Andy Pollitt.

It's all about the rock. Limestone, grit, granite, gneiss, sandstone, gabbro and - yes - even vertical chose. The Rock Session aims to inspire with an exciting mix of people and films concentrating on rock climbing. Hosted by Rob Greenwood from UKClimbing, this is a session that celebrates the athletic and mental challenges of moving over the stone.

A 29-year-old native of the Netherlands now living in Austria, Jorg Verhoeven is one of the world’s most versatile rock climbers. He shot to fame in 2014 as the fourth person to free The Nose (5.14) on El Capitan in Yosemite, more than 20 years after Lynn Hill claimed the first ascent. He's competed in over 150 world cups, both bouldering and routes, and won the overall Lead World Cup in 2008 and was World Youth Champion twice. We find out how someone from one of the flattest countries on Earth gets to lead such a successful life in the vertical, not just from Jorg but also his wife - and fellow high-standard climber - Katha Saurwein. Katha is super-strong and extremely talented. Competitions, bouldering, sport… all have equal value in Katha’s eyes, as long as she’s having fun. As an extended honeymoon, earlier this year Katha and Jorg travelled around the world seeking the best climbing destinations.

Scottish climber Robbie Phillips hit the headlines last year with a series of high-profile repeats in the Alps. Climbing with partner Will Morris, Robbie succeeded on Paciencia, the Eiger’s hardest rock route, and completed an astonishing trilogy of alpine climbs in a single summer; Paciencia (8a), Silbergeier (8b+) in Switzerland and Project Fear (8c) in the Dolomites. He’s been plenty busy since then, particularly on Welsh slate as we catch up with one of the UK’s top all-round climbers.

Andy Pollitt has to be up there in the hall of fame of British rock climbing, not simply because of his wild cutting-edge routes and repeats, but due to the style he exuded: the long hair, the skinny tights, the headbands... he was a ‘rock star’ through and through. Despite his time at the top during the 80s and 90s, Andy pretty much disappeared off the scene when he moved to Australia. His new book Punk In The Gym shines a light on his life before and after the move, often with searing honesty. Andy can’t be with us in Kendal unfortunately, but we have an exclusive pre-recorded interview that airs for the first time at the Rock Session.

To buy your tickets click on the following link: http://www.mountainfest.co.uk/tickets/buy/457525