It seems hard to believe but it was 30 years ago back in 1984, aged just 18 that I made the first ascent of the UKs 2nd 8a Statement of Youth. At the time it caused quite a stir in the climbing world not because of its difficulty but because I had used 7 bolts to climb it.To those not familiar with climbing in the 1980s this might seem pretty strange but back then sport climbing in the UK didnt exist.
Although it would take a few years this was all going to change and Statement played a big part in this change. During the past 30 years I have made several 1st ascents around the world but there are none that I am more proud of than Statement of Youth.
Located at Lower Pen-Trwyn (LPT to most people) on the Great Orme in North Wales the route takes a line up the right-hand side of the steep left hand section of the cliff.
With no particular crux section but very sustained at the grade its a right of passage for the sport climber aspiring to the magical 8th grade. To celebrate its 30th anniversary,
I recently made a trip back to LPT with my good friend Steve Lewis to make a short film about that summer and the first ascent of Statement of Youth. I hope you enjoy.
