UKC

Todmorden Youth On Fire

© Ian Dunn
Two Todmorden climbers, Randy and Matthew Roby both made redpoint ascents of the lower Malham wall classic, Rose Coronary Fr 7a this last weekend. Things is they are aged 9 and 10 respectively.

Both are very keen and as well as climbing at Climb Rochdale and other Northwest walls, they get out as often as they can counting Kilnsey, Giggleswick and Norber on Yorkshire limestone, the Bridestones, Widdop, Heptonstall and Mytholme Steep as their favourite crags. Abroad they have climbed all over mainland Europe where they did their first multi-pitch route the classic Marion in Sella. They have both top roped quite a few routes on limestone. Randy top roped Consenting Adults Fr 7a in one when he was 8 in 2005. On Grit most standard boulder problems are too reachy but they have done some 5a's at the Bridestones.

They both had a go at top roping Rose Coronary in 2005 which Matt managed in one, but Randy couldn't do one move. This year they did it with one days work for Matt and two days for Randy.

They are both hot on the Youth competition circuit too. Randy won the British Regional Youth Championships (7-9 years) North West Series this year and Matt won the 10-12 years age group. Both did well in International Arco Rock Junior this year; Randy came 3rd in his age group and Matt came 11th in his age group.

Matt and Randy go to Shade Primary School in Todmorden. Matt said that, "'Rose Coronary is a really good climb and I thought the moves were quite easy once you got the sequence. I think Steve McClure's project looks amazing and I hope one day I'll be able to do that route."

Randy said, "It's great climbing at Malham as you don't get wet when it rains. Rose Coronary is a really good route and I enjoyed doing the moves even the crux which I found hard. Steve McClure looks like he is making no sweat when he climbs and I wish I could climb like that."


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1 Nov, 2006
1 Nov, 2006
Great when you have supportive parents, not so good when you are a 14/15/16/17 year old who just wants to get out but cannot because of the rules set up to protect them. It is perfectly legal to get married at 16 with parents written consent but not to join a climbing club. Perhaps clubs should allow them, and if insurance companies do not like it they should be reported for contravening the age discrimination laws now.
1 Nov, 2006
great to put youth achievments in the news... but is it really news when young european climbers are leagues ahead?
1 Nov, 2006
Yes it is. It is news to many of us that these two youngsters are out there cranking hard. Good to give them recognition and encouragement don't you think, from all angles? All news doesn't have to be cutting edge stuff, I like to keep it diverse as we all have different tastes. Of course Adam Ondra is not only one of the best young climbers in the World but also one of the best climbers period. Who knows what Randy and Matthew Roby will achieve next! They need all the support and recognition they can get from the wider climbing community as well as those close to them. I personally think what they have done is significant and will report on any youngsters that are dedicated and devoted and out there doing it. Mick
1 Nov, 2006
Actually it is Rich we have the biggest climbing readership in the UK, you can combine all the mags together and they still wouldn't come close. But yes, we don't really need to compare. Mick
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