Last Sunday I photographed at the annual Baring Head bouldering competition, on the south-eastern tip of Wellington harbour. I climbed, too — nothing spectacular, but I loved the feel of moving on real rock again.Here, Bob Keegan tops out on Jaded (graded V5: that's incomprehensibly hard if you've never climbed seriously; a warm-up climb for the elite). Dave Kopp watches in the lower left of the photo, after spotting Bob through the crux of the boulder problem ("spotting" means being ready to guide the climber's body, particularly the head and neck area, away from dangerous landing spots like rocks in the event of a fall).
All content © 2009 Pete McGregor
That's impressive specialised vocabulary for getting up a rock!
ReplyDeleteI like this action shot. The place is so beautiful and actually reminds me very much of the northern Oregon coast.
ReplyDeleteRR, believe me, the vocabulary's easier than the rock!
ReplyDeleteLydia, I have it on good authority that Oregon resembles New Zealand in many ways. This photo is typical of the coastline in this region, and it is indeed beautiful. A lovely place to spend time, even if you're not climbing.
Hi Pete
ReplyDeleteThis blog was a delightful read. The picture is spectacular. I'm a novice to the sport of bouldering but you have aroused my interest not in the physical activity per se because that is beyond me but rather reading about the activities done in this sport. My vocabulary too has grown since reading this post; "after spotting Bob through the crux..." Reading the word, "spotting" is more than just seeing. Thank you very much for explaining it as used in the sport of Bouldering. Shall be looking to read more bouldering news from you.
Cheers
Paterika
Cheers
Paterika
Thanks Paterika. In between contract jobs I'm working up more photos from Baring Head, and will post a link shortly. :^)
ReplyDelete