11 year-old Josh Ibbertson has redpointed Raindogs (8a) 8a at Malham Cove. This is Josh's 4th 8a after ticking three of the grade in Spain - aged just 10 - earlier this year.
© Dan Cheetam
Josh told UKC:
"I wanted to try an 8a in Britain and I heard that a few young climbers had done it. I also wanted to try it because it is a really famous Malham route. It's also short and steep which is just my style."
Josh began working the route in the May half-term holidays but then took a week off to rest for the Youth Color Festival in Imst. He was eager to get back on it upon his return from Austria: "So I persuaded my Dad to take me to Malham after school this week."
© Dan Cheetam
Commenting on his achievement, Josh told UKC:
"I was very pleased to get the route because the conditions were not very good and it was humid so I was not expecting to do it that day, so that was a nice surprise."
Josh turned 11 on 25th May, making him the youngest person to climb Raindogs by a fair margin. Aiden Dunne held the record previously at 12 years-old.
When asked what is next on his list, Josh replied:
"I would like to get on some routes at Kilnsey like The Bulge and The Ashes but also to get on lots of different routes at different crags. I would also like to try some trad climbing."
Despite climbing his 4th 8a, Josh maintained that he hasn't quite caught up with his Dad James yet:
"My Dad is still better than me but it is nice to be able to work the routes together."
Josh is sponsored by: Boreal
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