Statement of Youth – The Birth of Modern Climbing (Trailer)
There's an all-star line-up in this flick: Jerry Moffatt, Ben Moon, Andy Pollitt, Johnny Dawes, Chris Gore, Martin ‘Basher’ Atkinson, Zippy, Craig Smith, Steve the Pro, Quentin Fisher, Mark Leach and Ed Douglas.
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The 1980’s saw climbing standards rise exponentially. At the start of the decade, 7b+ (5.12c) was cutting edge, but by the end of the 80s 9a (5.14d) was the new world standard.
A small group of climbers would do anything to climb full-time; sleeping in sheds underneath crags, shoplifting food and clothes, and living off the dole.
By the end of the decade, the sport had changed beyond recognition and set a paradigm for future generations.
These climbers were living outside the rest of society and went on to become the most influential figures in the history of British climbing.
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