Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll

About

Belgium

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Sean started sport climbing in Belgium at the age of 13 and progressed to what is now his specialty, free climbing big walls and off-width cracks in preferably harsh conditions and playing his Irish flute. He received a Piolet d'Or in 2010 for his big wall first ascents in Greenland. He made the first reverse ascent of the Fitz Traverse, solo, in 2021.

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Latest News & Articles

News posts and Articles featuring Sean

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 were shut and advice was to stay local - another tough time for anyone who loves the outdoors. But there were some p...

30 Dec, 2021

The Ticklist #24 - Women on a Rampage and New Alpine Routes

This week's ticklist is female-led, with some bouldering and alpine ascents thrown in for good measure...

9 Apr, 2021

News Reverse Fitz Traverse Solo by Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll

Belgian climber and musician Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll has made the second ascent of the Fitzroy or 'Fitz' Traverse in Patagonia, Argentina, first climbed by Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell in 2014. Sean completed the line solo and in...

24 12 Feb, 2021

Latest Reviews for Sean's Sponsors

Reviews from the UKC editorial team

Scarpa Instinct S

Combining performance, sensitivity, and comfort, the Instinct S is surprisingly versatile. If you've had doubts about slippers in the past, then they might well turn your head, says Rob Greenwood.

13 May

Scarpa Rush Mid Kid GTX Boots

Combining the lightness and cushioning of a trail shoe with the support of a boot, the Rush Mid Kids GTX seems a bit of a winner for younger walkers, says Dan Bailey, and would be a particularly good choice for spring and summer.

29 Apr

Scarpa Mago

The Scarpa Mago is an updated version of an old classic. The old Mago was known for its toe power and, whilst it was amazing on small footholds, it was a bit of a one-trick pony. The new Mago retains that power whilst having an updated construction and shape, new materials and...

6 14 Apr

Scarpa Spin Infinity

The Spin Infinity is very much Scarpa's offering to the ultra running community, with a chunky stack height and a dual-density midsole...

3 Mar

Scarpa Ribelle Run

Incredibly well made, and capable of taking on a wide variety of terrain and a range of distances, these are superb all-round running shoes,...

5 28 Jan

Scarpa Gecko Approach Shoe

Those looking for top easy climbing and scrambling performance will find it in the new Scarpa Gecko, says Alan James.

2 11 Jan

Scarpa Rapid - approach shoe meets trail shoe

Is this a lightweight approach shoe you can also run in, or a trail shoe with scrambling ability? A jack of all...

2 8 Oct, 2021

Latest News from Sean's Sponsors

Announcements direct from manufacturers

New Gear Autumn / Winter 2021

In our final roundup of new gear for Autumn/Winter 2021, we take a look at an eclectic mix of headtorches, footwear, packs, and sleeping mats:

25 Oct, 2021

New Climbing Gear Autumn / Winter 2021

For the past couple of months, we've been finding out about all the shiny new gear that's hitting the shops this Autumn/Winter. We've taken a look at everything from the latest harnesses and helmets, to new rock shoes and cool cams. Take a peak:

9 12 Oct, 2021

New Footwear Spring / Summer '21

In the absence of any trade show this year, we've created our own. Normally, shows tend to focus on products hitting the market in 6 months to a year, but we've asked brands to talk about the new kit available now. In this first round up, we're showing...

11 8 Mar, 2021