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| Name: |
Rick Campbell |
| Age: |
37 |
| Occupation: |
Runs a joinery business |
| Base: |
Newhaven, Edinburgh |
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| Description: |
Rick has played a leading role in the development of rock climbing across Scotland having made many first ascents and early repeats in the E5-E7 category including ground-up ascents of several E6's.
His name is inextricably linked with the development of Shelterstone climbing over the last decade and it was here that he made the first free ascent of Thor in 1989 and later added the stunning trilogy of bold E7's; Aphrodite, Realm of The Senses and L'Elisir d'Armore.
More recently his focus has turned to the islands where he, often with Paul Thorburn, has added many excellent lines such as; In Profundum Lacu (E4), A Comorants Out of The Question, Then? (E5) and The Guga (E6) on Pabbay, and Perfectly Normal Paranoia (E6) on Dun Mingulay.
He describes himself as being 'lanky, weak and uncoordinated' but this has obviously not excluded him from climbing to a high standard! The combination of an ability to perform at his physical limit, as hard on rock, as on climbing walls, motivation, inspired by climbing in remote and beautiful places, and relaxation - all play part to his achievements.
Rick has always maintained a traditional approach and strongly believes that "the more you reduce the psychological hurdles - be this from intensive inspection or fixed protection - the easier the route becomes and the less you will get out of your climbing". He also shows a fervent attitude to putting his head above the parapet to "slag-off those who seek maximum publicity for minimum challenge". |
| Finest Moment: |
"The first ascent of Aphrodite E7 6c on Shelterstone crag where a ground up ascent faltered above the crux necessitating a desperate move to escape. The subsequent complete ascent left me on an adrenaline high for weeks". |
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