Lucinda Whittaker Climbs Font 8A

9th April, 2009

This has been read 6,674 times

Lucinda Whittaker has ticked her first Font 8A boulder problem with an ascent of Purely Belter at Shaftoe, Northumberland.

Lucinda's husband, Climbing Works director Sam Whittaker managed to flash the problem.

Blogging on the Scarpa Blog Sam commented:

"We headed up at 7.30 am from Sheffield to get some cooler conditions. We arrived at about 10am and it was in the shade and cold, the friction was really good. After a couple of very close attempts Lucinda stuck the crux hold and dispatched her first 8A. I had been resting most of the morning and taking pictures and after Lu's strong display I got psyched for the flash. I brushed the holds and squeaked my shoes and then despatched it, carefully trying not to fall off the mantle. Lu and I both agreed it was soft for the grade but a very good problem in a superb setting."

You can keep up to date with events at The Climbing Works on their Blog.

Sam is sponsored by prAna, Metolius and Scarpa

Lucinda is sponsored by Metolius

This post has been read 6,674 times

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Comments

benj_d

9 Apr, 2009

Cracking. Nice to see some good climbers appreciating northumberlands excellent bouldering!

Chris M

9 Apr, 2009

If I'm right, this is the first 8a climbed in Britain by a British woman. Good effort Lucinda.

9 Apr, 2009

So is this problem actually 8a or should I say 8a compared to other 8a's in Britain? Or, is it an V9/10 that has slipped under the radar and is masquerading as an 8a?

philo

9 Apr, 2009

depends how good you are at crimping, newman and desroy say its no way 8a if you check 8a.nu but earl and some others say it defo is. its basically a few move problem with a slopey mantel from shitty dirty crimps. but of course if you can crimp like a monster then your going to find it easy/ok

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