Ahhh, youth. Here's 17-year-old Pete Whittaker at the key move of Dynamics of Change (E9 7a), a recently completed "last great problem" on English gritstone. The next step? Stand up on that left leg. My leg would simply snap off at the knee if I tried this. 
The other pic gives another perspective on this serious and unlikely move—if Whittaker blows it, there's a strong chance he hits the ground. Tip of the hat for the photos to Hot Aches, which has the whole sequence online.
Great effort by Pete Whittaker. I remember at 17 gliding over rock and pulling myself up on one hand. Once I used my knees and my rope mate said, "Never use your knees when climbing. " I replied, " I am not using my knees for climbing, I am down on my knees praying. "
ReplyDeleteI must say my knees were popping that day.
Then there is a saying in polar exploration which says "if you get into trouble, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton."
Cheers
Bob