T10 goes off!!!

Dude. It's his crag.

Saturday delivered the promised fantastic conditions and the lycra clad rock warriors flocked to the warm stone of Thompson's Point to celebrate 20 years of Australia's premier sport crag.

By the end of the day, President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge declared it to be the best T10 ever, to the roar of an exuberant crowd.

The prizes were shared between the old school Nowra die-hards and the new generation of Nowraphiles who have ventured south to make the sacred rock their own.

The Male Points prize and the title of Undisputed Best Rock Climber went to Sharik Walker who cranked numerous 30's, multiple 29's and several 28's. The Female Points prize was claimed by Lauren Chandler who's consistent approach to ticking the classics ensured her place in the history books.

Newcastle's perpetual motion machine, Dan Wilde, left no ring-bolted stone unturned as he churned his way through the gems to claim 27 scalps on his way to claiming the Male Volume prize. Jo Whittaker, after being coerced into changing categories, forwent second place in the Points Category to take out the prize in the Female Volume category. Fitting reward for a day of chasing the chains on many routes.


The Crag Lords are the seasoned players, the climbers that know the routes like their own children. Each move to them is like a part of that child's life, something to be savoured. Fittingly, the Male Crag Lord prize was shared this year by two of Nowra's most beloved sons who battled it out, trading route for route all day only to end up tied. Andrew Bull and Graeme Fairbairn's names will be forever immortalised on the Male Crag Lords trophy. The Female Crag Lord title, went to one of Nowra's most ardent supporters, Lucy Ellis, with a powerhouse display of tickage.



The Juniors, the young guns of T10, were all about volume too. Whether on lead or top-rope these young bucks and does didn't stop all day and went the full-time whistle blew, Bryson Klein had cranked out 17 routes and Loesje Fletcher topped out on 16!


The Best Dressed Award went to a cross between Warwick Capper and Dan Osman, a mullet wearing, Guns 'n' Roses loving Dave Berry.

The Best Effort Award went to the pre-T10 effort of Rachel Musgrave, who traveled all the way from New Zealand to be part of the event. Rachel, a veteran of the early years of Nowra, couldn't resist the thought of seeing all the boys she gazed out so longingly in the past clad in skin tight, super thin lycra. Special mention must also be made to another group of mad Kiwis who made the trip over the dutch and impressed everyone with their fire jumping skills. A stack of their awesome photos can be seen at http://astro.smugmug.com/gallery/9329933_LAdLw#623895283_Fy2y2

Rachel couldn't keep her eyes off G Man's tights.

Thanks to all those who came along, climbed, partied, socialised and had a fantastic time. You made it! Carlie and I enjoyed organising the event, for us the climbing community, you guys is what it's all about. We enjoyed seeing you all and we are so grateful for your support. See you at T10 2010!

Victorians...