Climbers

Lancashire rock climber, explorer, equipment designer and manufacturer, and author. Made the first ascent of the Rimmonruta on the Troll Wall. Co-founded Troll Equipment who manufactured the Whillans climbing harness, co-designed with Don Whillans, and the Troll Mk5 whose design - belt with buckle, leg loops, belay loop - is the template for almost all modern harnesses. Explored and developed Wadi Rum for technical rock climbers.

References

[1] https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/the_early_climbing_years_the_first_saddleworth_-_chew_valley_guidebook_1965-13034

[2] https://www.nomadstravel.co.uk

[3] https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/the_first_ascent_of_the_troll_wall-3466

The current style emerged during the global bouldering boom of the 1990s. In Japan, a turning point was Toshimichi Kusano’s 1995 article “Stone People” in 'Iwa to Yuki' (Rock and Snow) magazine issue #169. The problems introduced there were revolutionary in both style and grade, marking a new era in Japanese bouldering. Kusano also introduced the “dan” grading system that became the national standard.

References

[1] Tokio Muroi, Mizugaki Bouldering Guide 2024