
Full day with Mathilde, mature female. Concerned about low confidence. After a short warm up we climbed a couple of easy routes in the Toilet area. I led and placed extra quickdraw on places where the gaps were quite big. Mathilde climb the routes well and fully embraced the additional quickdraw. She confessed that without them she would not have been able to climb the routes. We also spoke about footwork and the importance of looking harder to find intermediate holds.
The third route was a bit step up at 6a+. Mathilde felt confident to give it a go after I demoed it. Including the final move which is the crux. After climbing really well she just failed to reach the top. Again the extra quick draws helped her overcome her fears We also did a couple of falls from the small roof.
The next route, 5a, was climbed very confidently and was on-sight.
We then moved to another 6a. Unfortunately Mathilde had a 'unplanned' fall - hands slipped off holds. She took a couple of minutes to regain composure but then went again and climbed through the crux (layaway move with a high foothold). Despite a slight wobble she managed to complete the route. One to return to for the RedPoint.
The final route of the session was a large chimney corner. This was an on-sight without any additional gear. This required a different style of climbing, however although it proved challenging she was able to climb it. This did require a climb down to a rest before a successful ascent.
Mathilde appreciated the opportunity to get on some routes with the added security of additional extended quickdraw.
Reflection: A good session marred only by one unfortunate fall. Mathilde was very receptive to some different ideas and embraced the addition support. I don't think I would have run the session any different. Mathilde got a lot of climbing in and was able to progress by on-sigting two routes.
Area :
Peak Limestone Sport Routes