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

Fri Night Vid Slabducation - La Pedriza

This week's Friday Night Video is a trip to one of the world's most brutal climbing areas: La Pedriza, Spain. Sharp rock, long run outs and a complete lack of holds often strike fear into the hearts of climbers but are also among some of the factors that...

6 3 Feb

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 positives throughout the...

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 Generator and Generator Mid - The Ultimate Trad Shoe?

These days rock shoes seem to be getting softer and softer, making the quest to find a supportive trad shoe increasingly tough. The Generator and its mid-cut companion buck that trend in a big way, says Rob Greenwood, combining all-day comfort ...

21 5 Sep

OTS 2023 - Our Best of the Show

This year's Outdoor Trade Show has just wrapped up. Staged in a tropical Liverpool, the show brought practically all the brands with a UK presence under one roof. While a lot of the gear on display looked good, as always there were a few pieces in...

3 16 Jun

Scarpa Vapour S - Something Truly Special?

Rob Greenwood and Penny Orr are mighty impressed by Scarpa's latest slipper. Combining all-day comfort with a surprising degree of performance, the Vapour S redefines what a slipper can do, says Rob.

13 6 Jun

Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT - brilliant, apart from the bad bits

A mountain running shoe with a carbon plate - an idea that's crossed over from road running -...

8 24 May

Scarpa Ribelle Run GTX - Can they convert a Gore-Tex sceptic?

Dan Bailey has never been a fan of waterproof-lined running shoes, but finds himself won over by...

2 12 Feb

UKC / UKH Gear of the Year 2022

Our hard working review team get through a mountain of kit every year. Amongst it all some items stand out from the crowd, and...

27 Dec, 2022

Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX

Based on the popular Mescalito Mid approach shoe, but souped up for greater support on rough ground, the Mescalito TRK GTX is a...

2 22 Nov, 2022

Latest News from Sean's Sponsors

Announcements direct from manufacturers

Scarpa Mescalito Mids - Save 35%

Save 35% and pick up a pair of comfortable, lightweight, three-season hiking boots for just £149! Get ready for summer trekking, hiking and walking adventures.

17 May

SCARPA steps forward to sponsor mountain running events

SCARPA has signed up as title sponsor of the Great Lakeland 3Day for the next three editions of the event. In addition, the brand will become the exclusive footwear sponsor of the Montane Dragon's Back Race. Both are organised by...

31 Oct, 2022