18 year-old Hamish Potokar from Bristol has climbed Ben Moon's Voyager (f8B) 8B at Burbage North. The problem follows a steeply overhanging arête which was first climbed by Moon almost ten years ago.
Hamish commented: "It's always been something that I've wanted to try, though with its stern reputation of being one of the hardest climbs in the Peak District I've been apprehensive to do so. It's definitely a formidable line!"
© Ace Photography
After a day out in the snow at Burbage last week, Hamish had a play on it and surprised himself, completing nearly all of the moves. Within a week, he made the trek back up again from Bristol with James Squire, to be met with perfect conditions and a psyched Nathan Phillips who was also keen to try the line.
"With the addition of a step ladder I did the top moves and then pulled on and did it second go! It was one of those totally unexpected moments, I jumped on not expecting much and suddenly I was fighting on the last move, eyeing up the final hold. It's been such a lingering ambition for me, so topping out just felt surreal!"
Hamish certainly isn't a stranger to hard and fast repeats of boulder problems - aged just 14 he climbed Brad Pit (f7C) 7C+ in just 20 minutes (UKC News Report). He is also a member of the GB Junior Bouldering Team and has made finals in European Youth Cup events.
Watch a video of Hamish on Voyager below:
Hamish is sponsored by: Banana Fingers, Scarpa and The Climbing Academy
Comments