Hardest crack to crack

February 11, 2012 11:18 AM

Tired of histrionic American climbing videos? Here's a rather British version for you instead.

Two Brits recently climbed Century Crack, a 160-foot fissure in Utah's Canyonlands. It's an off-width crack, which means you can't fit your whole body in it to chimney, but it is also too wide for just a finger or a hand; which takes a lot of effort and it hurts. If you can handle the rather gushing prose, there is a Mail Online article about it.

posted by Megami (14 comments total)

It reminds me of this. Is that bad?
posted by Sys Rq at 11:41 AM on February 11

Needs more crumpets.
posted by Fizz at 11:45 AM on February 11

The best part of this was the reliably abrasive Steve Haston's (who had given it a go a few years previously) pissy reaction.
So, the Wide Boys went back and did it without the pre-placed (enormous!) gear - i.e. carrying the enormous cams with them, but fewer of them meaning they were risking huge falls if they fell - and Haston eventually offered some faint praise.
posted by Flashman at 11:46 AM on February 11

OT, but here's another British & amusing climbing video I stumbled across a couple of days ago
posted by Flashman at 11:51 AM on February 11 [1 favorite]

Tight spaces? Ay.
Altitudes? Ay.
Nature? Ay.
Exercise? Ay.

I see that my archiest of enemies have joined forces and are openly mocking me at this sanctuary of mine. Is there no end to your villainy, foul creatures of the night?
posted by Foci for Analysis at 11:52 AM on February 11 [2 favorites]

Flashman, that was brilliant. The guys I posted about in the OP are also from Sheffield - there is a big climbing community there, due to the proximity to the Peak District.
posted by Megami at 12:00 PM on February 11

I once considered taking a job in Sheffield for just that reason. That gritstone is magical stuff.
posted by Flashman at 12:11 PM on February 11

Flashman's vid is brilliant! [golf clap]
posted by five fresh fish at 12:25 PM on February 11

Good lads. That crack looked brutal though.
posted by pharm at 12:47 PM on February 11

Long history of televised climbing in the UK (typing on tablet so hope that link works)
posted by fallingbadgers at 1:26 PM on February 11

Don't link to the Daily Mail.
posted by blaisedell at 1:45 PM on February 11 [6 favorites]

I have no idea why, but I came here expecting something with Benny Hill music.

Please tell me I'm not the only one.
posted by Blue_Villain at 5:56 PM on February 11

I never get tired of watching these kinds of videos...
posted by ph00dz at 6:13 PM on February 11

I used to climb at Stanage Edge in my younger days. The crags were full of characters like these. Love it.
posted by arcticseal at 6:02 AM on February 13