The Great British Grade Debate

Sunday 1st March, 2009

Organised by Matt Heason and supported by the BMC

In light of the recent spate of super hard trad climbing ascents in the UK It's been decided to hold a 'Question Time' style debate at Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF) to discuss the unique British Grading system.

To some it's the perfect system, explaining more about a route than any other, but to others, especially when it comes to higher end grades; it clouds things and causes confusion. Should cutting edge ascencionists be grading for the hypothetical on-sight at the same time as having the said ascent filmed and thereby rendering the pure on-sight impossible to any viewers? Does a climber's 'experience' on a route affect its grade? Just how responsible are the media and sponsors when it comes to the rush of reporting a major new route, and what effect have internet forums had on their moderation.

On Sunday 1st March at ShAFF Nick Colton of the BMC will chair a debate between the following panel of cutting edge climbers:

John Arran

Dave Birkett

Lucy Creamer

Jack Geldard

Dave MacLeod

Steve McClure

James Pearson

                                                                                                                                   Dave Birkett - one of those in the debate

                                                                                                                                                     © Dave Simmonite

Questions will be taken from the audience.

For more details go to www.shaff.co.uk/news/ or www.thebmc.co.uk

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