The new 50m series is a collaboration between two of the world’s leading climbing clubs Crest, the Cli and Cli IT. The result is a new form of advanced sport climbing that has been developed to take advantage of the unique climber’s ability to reach heights that are impossible on conventional anchors. This allows for a new level of skill and technique which would not be possible on traditional sport climbs.
What is a 50m Series?
50m series is the name given to the new form of advanced sport climbing that is developed to take advantage of the unique climber’s ability to reach heights that are impossible on conventional anchors. The 50m series is able to reach the climber’s free-throws with a guide car or on a zip-line, allowing for an unparalleled experience of total remote climbing. The route is identical to standard sport climbing, but with a special “free-throws” mechanic that allows the climber to reach the summit from a car or a zip-line without any assistance from the climber or the car.
A new form of sport climbing
50m sport climbing is a hybrid sport/climbing technique that is able to reach the top of dangerous routes with no assistance from the climber. The climber uses conventional climbing tools such as a rope, anchors, and weight, while adding a “free-throws” mechanic where the climber can successfully gain the top without any assistance at all. While 50m sport climbing is not new to the sport of alpinism, the technique and application of this new form of sport climbing have grown more efficient. In comparison to traditional sport routes, the amount of climbing involved is significantly reduced, and the safety and health of the climber are guaranteed, while still offering a traditional view of the sport.
The ability to reach heights that are impossible on conventional anchors
The ability to free-throw has long been a key-value for sport climbers and has seen a dramatic increase in interest over the last few years. The 50m series follows the same general format as standard sport routes: the climber achieves the top from a fixed position and then drops back to the anchors below. However, unlike standard sport routes, there is no need to use anchors. Instead, the climber tricks the weather into allowing them to reach the top in their own time. The climber can free-throw by standing on the edge of a cliff (or the edge of a cliff and a cliffface), lowering their center of balance, and then using their body weight to accelerate them to their feet. The climber then holds this maneuver while they negotiate a variety of ledges, ledswatches, and cairns to gain the top.
New Climbing Technique
Due to the unique climber’s ability to reach these heights, the route has been designed to be more challenging than conventional sport routes. The route consists of two sections, with the first being the classic wildflower meadow and meadows of the Amalfi Coast, and then the second is the harder sections of the Amalfi Coast. Both sections are well suited to advanced climber skills and technique.
Components in the new 50m Series (A-Z)
– The standard climbing anchor – The climber’s free-throws anchor – The anchor protection – The nature of the new route – The procedure for free-throws at the top of routes with standard anchors – The procedure for free-throws on routes with advanced anchors
Climbing Vibration
The climbing practice at many climbing clubs is to slowly rotate the climber while they are on the rope. This is known as pitch Vietnam, and while others may use the term “climbing,” the term “pitch” is generally reserved for the sport. When the climber reaches the summit and is ready to pass on his or her behalf to the team, the climber is gently pulled up to the next decent and then gently pushed back down to the waypoint. It is this vibration that allows for the advanced climber techniques to be used, making the route challenging and exciting.
Conclusion
The new 50m series of routes are a fusion of advanced sport and tradclimbing techniques. The route is meant to be challenging, but fun, with fun climbing, great views, and a chance for the climber to show off their skills. The routes are guided, with the climber using an outdoor GPS unit to track their progress and pass rates. This reduces the amount of climbing needed at the top of the route, while still allowing the climber to showcase their skills at the same time.
