Was he alright ?

Yes he was fine he was right at the top.

Credit to the guy, still trying to get gear in while falling..... now thats composure!

fair play! cool photo as well!

How does one manage that on a clip-up like Break On Through??

Are those jazz hands?

Definitely jazz hands, A strong look!!

Ah Craig, what a legend!

What I want to know is was the photographer also the belayer? If so, I'd call that great multi-tasking.

On Behalf of Craig, Fiend we apologize for not being as elite as yourself.

Jazz hands. . . . nice.

Nothing to do with eliteness, it's to do with basic climbing competence, which you'd think someone getting on a safe E3/4 would have. This isn't North Stack wall...

But when you are trying hard, at your absolute limit and your brain is screaming the top is close you are boxed get a move on, sometimes your gear isn't 100%. Credit for trying matey, and as for basic climbing competence you didn't hit the ground so must be doing summat right!

The climber,
Firstly the pic is well shot (lucky) and does not show how far down the crag he feel. He was still along way up. Yes as you know the route is well protected but he was doing a safe route at his limit and had lots of good gear below the one that ripped. Have you never had gear rip or taken a fall? Falling is part of a learning process and needs to happen as long as its safe (as much as it can be).

thats photo of the week for me man, classic action shot! Good effort takin a big juicy lob aswell! (as long as you know when its ok to go for it and when its time to play it safe, but I'm sure you do) Fay/Pacemaker next ;-)

Fiend, as im sure u are aware, you are a fairly well known UKC Forum user. As such, many people have read many of the things you have commented on, written, or demonstrated. As i am one of those people, i can happily say, the way you say things, makes a big difference. You tend to speak down on alot of people, even if you dont mean to. Im well aware that you have been to an incredible number of places around the world, and have probably climbed far more than most climbers ever will. But, that doesnt mean you have to forget that, YOU (Yes You!!) were once a climber who didnt know what they were doing AT ALL! Here, we have a guy who probably doesnt regularly climb E4, but is trying hard.. obviously fell off, and in the process of being pumped and generally exhaust in body and mind has placed gear that hasnt held a fall. So basically, less arrogance and ignorance.. Im sure that EVERY single good gear route you climb, you dont place 100% BOMBER GEAR on EVERY piece. Think before you talk.

nice work- a top ten photo :) and a good action shot

When you study the rock in detail you realise this was a competent lead and it wasn't that big a fall. The bit of gear that held was the obvious bomber wire that we all rely on. The next bit of gear as you launch in to the traverse is not going to be that great. You have a big fall out zone to play with. Good effort!