Jesse Dufton

About

United Kingdom

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Jesse is a member of the GB Paraclimbing Team in the Visually Impaired category, B1. He is a skilled and experienced climber across all disciplines despite his disability.

Jesse suffers from Rod-Cone Dystrophy, a genetic condition leading to damage to the light sensitive area in the eyes. Consequently it is not corrected by wearing glasses and has affected him since birth. The condition is degenerative, he was born with approximately 20% of central vision (no peripheral vision) with large blind spots, the quality of the image he could see was extremely poor and he was totally blind in low light conditions. Jesses vision has deteriorated to a point now where he can’t make out any image or text anymore and is down to only having light perception. As a result of his eyesight he is now no longer able to read and consequently uses text-to-speech software in order to use a computer and to work.

Despite his extremely poor eyesight, Jesse is a keen climber and mountaineer, starting at a young age and rarely turning down an opportunity, he is experienced in all climbing disciplines. He feels his way up routes and is assisted by Molly, his trusty partner, route reader and sight guide.

It was only in September 2017, that Jesse and Molly first heard about Paraclimbing as a competitive sport and 3 days later they found themselves booked into an Air B&B in Edinburgh, preparing for their first competition. Gaining a podium position here was incredible. Following further great performances in the 4 national Paraclimbing competitions late 2017, Jesse was selected to represent the GB Paraclimbing Team at a selection event in Sheffield in Feb 2018. An amazing achievement! This is when the hard training began…

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Best IFSC Results

This athlete has competed internationally

Latest News & Articles

News posts and Articles featuring Jesse

Fri Night Vid Breaking Trails - "The Blind Ascent" with Tamara Lunger & Jesse Dufton

In this week's Friday Night Video, Tamara Lunger and Jesse Dufton reflect on overcoming adversity and personal tragedy while climbing Norway's iconic Gausta Falls.

5 1 Mar

News Non-Sight of Destiny E2 5c by Jesse Dufton

Blind climber Jesse Dufton has made a non-sight ascent of Destiny E2 5c on Lundy island, describing it as one of his hardest leads to date.

15 31 Oct, 2023

News Morocco Multipitch First Ascent by Blind Climber Jesse Dufton

Jesse Dufton, known for his bold ascents as a blind climber, has established a new 100m-long, 3-pitch route called 'Eye Disappear' in Morocco's Anti-Atlas mountains.

4 16 Mar, 2023

News 2021 - A Year of Climbing News

The second year of the pandemic was another strange one. The year began with another lockdown in the UK; climbing walls...

30 Dec, 2021

News Six Medals at IFSC World Championships for GB Paraclimbing Team

The GB Paraclimbing Team's intense two years of training reached its culmination last...

22 Sep, 2021

News Blind Climber Jesse Dufton 'Non-sights' E3

Jesse Dufton has onsighted his first E3, Internationale at Kilt Rock on the Isle of Skye. It was the first...

13 23 Jul, 2021

Fri Night Vid Blind climber Jesse Dufton climbs Forked Lightning Crack (E2 5c), Heptonstall

In this week's Friday Night Video, Alastair Lee teams up once again to...

4 Dec, 2020

Interview Jesse Dufton of Climbing Blind on 'Non-Sighting' E2

4 17 Aug, 2020

News Climbing Blind on BBC Four at 9pm

44 20 May, 2020

News Blind Climber Jesse Dufton leads the Old Man of Hoy

31 7 Jun, 2019

Latest Reviews for Jesse's Sponsors

Reviews from the UKC editorial team

Montane Fury Lite Hoody

It's just a fleece, says John McKenna, but a nice one. The Fury Lite is well suited to both walking and climbing, and its midweight thickness makes it useful year-round.

12 Apr

Boreal Saurus 2.0

A solid and supportive running shoe with plenty of cushioning underfoot, this is a great all-rounder that can comfortably take you from the local park to a proper hill day. Besides running, this versatile shoe is equally suited to hillwalking and backpacking, says Dan...

22 Mar

Gear of the Year 2023

Our reviewers see a lot of gear, and while most is pretty good there will always be a few real stand-outs. Looking back over the last 12 months of rigorous in-the-field use, the review team have picked their personal highlights. Here it is, our Gear of the Year...

6 Dec, 2023

Montane Phase Nano - The Ultimate Running Shell?

We loved Montane's Spine jacket, and felt that for running in harsh conditions it would be hard to beat. Well...

21 17 Nov, 2023

Boreal Drom Mid Tech

With great durability, comfort and performance on a variety of terrain, the Drom Mid Tech has impressed John McKenna on scrambles and long...

2 10 Nov, 2023

Recycled Gear - Reducing Our Impact

With a growing awareness of environmental issues, and the urgent need for greater sustainability, many outdoor brands...

3 3 Oct, 2023

Montane's Lightweight Legwear

In hope that there's still a bit of life left in the autumn sun, Dan Bailey checks out a range of lighter legwear perfect for...

19 Sep, 2023

Latest News from Jesse's Sponsors

Announcements direct from manufacturers

Write a review, win £100 DMM kit!

We want your help to populate our product reviews with your experience in using them, and you could win £100 of DMM kit in return.

26 Sep, 2023

Montane Extend More Sustainable Choice Programme

Montane has extended its 'More Sustainable Choice' initiative which will now include communication tools to be available to all stockists across a wider range of products as part of the brand's continued strategy to improve product...

9 Jan, 2023

Montane Collaborates with Outside, Hathersage on 'Hope Valley Round'

Outdoor clothing specialist, Montane, has announced plans to support the 2022 Outside Hope Valley Round in a bid to encourage runners and hikers to take on the challenge of the trail route.

28 Oct, 2022