In reply to UKC News:
"..and no, we don't think bouldering mats are cheating"
OMG! Here we go again, the world according to UKC! And lo, on the 8th day of trying, UKC declareth, bouldering mats aren't cheating, thow shalt not top-rope or pre-practice. On the 10th day, after getting some divine wads to stack 'em higher UKC did top out, and he saw that it was good!".
Now, before anyone starts, I know the statement reads "we don't THINK etc", I think it's questionable for UKC to make their position so clear, so as to make it sound rather like a decree.
I'm not in any way trying to detract from the ascent by Michelle here - the "pad up" high ball approach clearly suits the route well, and less chance of trashing the rock with gear..
As a high ball ascent, why the need to mention the pads at all, or defend the UKC position? Pads are pads (shock horror); they aren't cheating, or not-cheating in and of themselves. We are the ones cheating, in our approach, if we're playing one game, whilst claiming to play another. It depends on the context; trying to label pads good/bad is a nonsense, and places the credibility of an ascent in a "thing" - whereas it rests firmly in our willingness to be honest with ourselves about the arena and game we are playing.
Rant over!
What incredible weather we're having.. anyone got a mat I can borrow?