In reply to The Ivanator:
I got spanked as a second on Thunderball. I can normally second 5a without a problem, however, this one had it in for me. We were climbing in a 3, Barra led it, then I was 2nd, I backed off the first couple of moves, then chris followed with very little effort. I was then given the following options:
1) Man up and get the f*ck on with it.
2) Climb up a route either side
3) wait until they had finished the route and have a rope lowered down an easier climb
4) prussik back up the ab rope.
I tried 2 first and attempted to start Mighty Joe, this wasn't happening at all, so went for number 1, as 3 and 4 didn't seem that appealing late in the afternoon.
I got back on, and, after almost taking a swim and a lot of supportive hauling from my belayer, I eventually managed to make the move up. I didn't really enjoy the rest of the route as I had properly knackered my arms on those first few moves, needless to say, that was most defintely the hardest 5a route I have ever had to climb. Give me technical and slabby any day of the week.