Evolution of Climbing Specialization and Grades

In this two-part episode,  Tom Randall sits down with Steve Mcclure , one of the UK's most accomplished rock climbers, to discuss the evolution of climbing grades and the psychology of operating at the limit. Steve's remarkable career includes first ascents and repeats across bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, and even big walling. 

His notable achievements include ‘Mutation’ 9a+/5.15a at Raven Tor which was upgraded from 9a/5.14d making it one of the first of this grade in the world, and the first ascent of ‘Rainman’ 9b/5.15b at Malham Cove, the first of this grade in the UK.

Topics Covered:

• Operating at the Limit.
• Key Factors: What makes climbers excel or struggle at the limit?
• How climbing grades have changed over his career and the industry's influences.
• The roles of gear, training, psychology, and tactics in grade evolution.
• Elements of training that had the biggest effect on Steve’s performance.
• Predictions on where climbing training is headed and emerging opportunities.

As a thank you to our listeners, we have an exclusive offer: Get 15% off our Lattice Training Plans with the code PODCAST15.

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