10/01/06

The Oxley renaissance continues...

After 6 days of effort a newly inspired Pete Oxley at last completed his longstanding project 'Life Force' in the depths of the Palace of the Brine cave, at Fishermans ledge. Pete originally bolted the line an amazing 14 years ago, but lack of partners and the area's notoriously fickle conditions thwarted him. It was only after the completion of another nearby project( Haka Peruperu - graded at F8a, but likely F8a+) that Pete felt able to reconsider trying the route again. A complete rebolt and the added impetus of his imminent move to New Zealand ensured that this imposing route was finally completed, at a grade of F8b(making it the hardest climb on the Swanage cliffs to date). Pete adds "It's one of the most inspiring hard sport climbs in the South, on superb rock, and probably the widest sport overhang ever climbed in the UK? "

Not satisfied with this, Pete has gone on to add further new routes at the Promenade, including an intriguing line, called 'Elements of Abstraction',at solid F7c. This new route starts up 'Down in the Sewer' to near the belay, then swings rightwards across the 5m freehanging roof to a new belay right of 'Crest of a Wave'. Check out the New Route Directory for more details.