Long Weekend Goes Bananas

Last weekend was the infamous Nowra June Long Weekend. Some think it's all about a day off to get over your flu, others lament that it's a day off when you can't go to the beach and a former PM thinks it has something to do with an old lady in a god-forsaken country. But those in the know, those that have seen the light, those who dare to fondle the treasured stone, know that the June Long Weekend is all about Nowra.

And come they did. The carparks were full, the crags were busy, the weather Gods provided outstanding conditions and a good time was had by all. The biggest news came from Pistol Pete Tosen who dried himself off, picked the wax off his chest and sent Narcosis 30 at Thomo's. Sharik Walker strolled out along Baby Just Don't Bite It 28 and Lucky Chance did the under-appreciated classic Lovebug 27.

Among the fortunate ones were a band of young climbers, many sampling their first taste of the Nowra rock. Among the best ascents from this merry band of junior crankers was Bryson Klein's (age 11) top-rope ascent of Killer Boas 22, Lindsey Fletcher's (also 11) outstanding leads and unstoppable enthusiasm and Minah LeBreton (9) cranking everything up to grade 18!

Always a family favourite, Mortein Wall. Bradley Cameron on Flood 18

The teenagers managed a few ticks, Nick Wagland onsighted Potato Junkies 24, a route which was then flashed by Scott Pritchard. Scott also ticked off, Butts of Beef 25 and Hyperactive Child 25. Nicole Farrell flashed Murdoch 22 and redpointed Pulling On the Porcelain 23.

Scott on Butts


Nicole on Pulling

But but by far the maost impressive ascents from this group came from the parents who showed the kids a thing or two about toughening up! Mother and father of 5, Jenny and Cam Fletcher cranked everything in sight, Jeff Crass and Carl Deininger didn't let up and Matt Klein ticked a long term project.

Matt on Killer Boas

Matt first tried Killer Boas last year, not feeling confident enough to lead it. He came back about a month ago and after a top-rope decided to go for it. He powered through the crux and got up to the mantle with his elbows up near his ears. Pushing up with his legs, above the last bolt, with the chain close enough to lick, he couldn't hold on any longer and took a screamer, dragging his belayer G Man up to the first bolt and stopping inches off the ground! He decided to call it a day then but was back for the long weekend. After training at the Faulconbridge Institute Of Sport, he hiked Killer Boas, managing to do it just before his son Bryson, phew!

Steve Moon imagining that it's 30 years ago and he's back at Glenbrook Gorge on Kippax Crack. Really he's on Shufflepuff 22. Watch closely kids, you can't learn these skills on a campus board.