UKC

A couple of years ago we ran the immensely popular S-Factor competetition. Well, S-Factor is back by popular demand... . This an the opportunity for two climbers aged between 16–25 to join our new youth academy.

If you think you've got the S Factor then send a CV or proposal, outlining why you think you should be in the team, to the address below and mention UKClimbing.com

The Mountain Boot Co. Ltd.,
Unit 5,
New York Way,
New York Industrial Estate,
Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne,
UK.,
NE27 0QF

or sent to

nathan@mountainboot.co.uk

Read more at http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/news.php?id=2480

In reply to UKC Gear:
Nice message for the kids, screw climbing for fun look you can do it for money.

In reply to The third: Your a kid yourself.. get on it!

In reply to The third:

I think you will find that those who attempt to climb professionally also do it for fun.

Please also note that there are numerous levels of sponsorship, the vast majority do not involve payment but gear-only sponsorship.

The S-factor has been and is a great opportunity for some young climbers to take it to the next level if they wish. They get some gear, learn about the industry and get some great coaching and mentorship. It also promotes Scarpa of course.

What's the problem?

Mick

In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
I have no dislike of scarpa, you mick or any of the people being sponsored. I think you are right this is a great chance for 1 or 2 people to enhance how hard they climb.
My problem is simply that by having climbers sponsored you accept that climbing should follow a neo-liberal agenda, trickle down economics etc. Which I don't sit easily with as I believe climbing really should be its own thing, which people don't approach for the sake of making money but for the sake of having fun.
I believe if you accept that climbing should have a neo-liberal agenda then there should be no beef with this.

In reply to The third:
^ does that just sound silly to you I don't think I've expressed it very well ^

In reply to The third:

Yes, very silly. I'd love to get paid to do my hobbies but it just doesn't happen at my level/my age in other sports. Lookin back I'd have jumped at the chance if I could have.

All nice and idealistic aged 20, but when you've got a mortgage to pay and no time to spend climbing because you're always working/with the family/commuting etc etc (delete as applicable) something like this would be magic!

In reply to The third:

I think you're spot on.

Climbing commodified.

In reply to The third:

Are are you prattling about - peusdo intellectual ramblings.

Climbing is a sport, with competitions and sponsorship and sometimes people try and make a living out of it, financed ultimately by the 'climbing public'.

So what.

In reply to The third:

I should hope not and didn't think that you were.


Trickle down economics does not work despite what Ronald Reagan said.



Climbing is its own thing. It is fun.

Climbing also has a commercial side: climbing walls, gear manufacturers, climbing shops, guides/intructors/outdoor centres, outdoor media, Chris Bonington etc

All the best and much climbing fun.

Mick

In reply to UKC Gear:
So why only rock climbers/boulderers? No support for young alpine or winter climbers? Scarpa make some nice mountain boots too.

In reply to Removed User:

http://www.scarpa.co.uk/team/

Es Tresidder, Andy Houseman, Rich Simpson, Di Gilbert, Jon Bracey, Matt Helliker

Jon Morgan is quite young at 40

In reply to The third:


Its not the way you've expressed it that makes it sound a load of bollocks. What are your concerns? Are you worried that the winners of this comp will end up washed up and drug addled at the end of their contracts like so many Drew Barrymores?

Mind you I would be interested to know who won last time around, Mick?

Well said!

I think if you intend on getting involved in climbing for a sponsor then you most likely already enjoy it.

In reply to Removed User:

It doesn't say anything about which activity you need to be involved in does it? Fair enough the training etc all seem to be geared towards trad/sport/bouldering, but it doesn't say that Alpinists need not apply



In reply to Removed UserTyler:

Third link down

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=who+won+the+scarpa+s-factor%3F

Scarpa Youth Academy Team - Winners
by Mick Ryan Apr/2007


http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/item.php?id=36439

The lucky winners are: (photos here)

Ben Cossey 23
A visiting Aussie, Ben has already created a name in the UK, with his head torch lit ascent of Parthion Shot E9 and solo of Gaia E8!.Celebrating his new deal, he marched up to Stanage and made the 3rd ground up ascent of Careless Torque Font 8a, sporting his Mago's and new Scarpa team mat!. Set to reside in the UK for the next 5 years, we can only say watch this space!

Zoe Ogden 24
A talented boulderer and sport climber, recently appointed to the British team, with strong aspirations to develop in competitions and on sport climbs in the UK.

Daniel Kennard 22
Based in Huddersfield and all ready well established in the Yorkshire scene, Daniel has an impressive list of boulder and route ascents on his CV already with loads more to come.

Leah Crane 17
Described by Planet Fear as “the UK's most promising female rock athlete!”, Leah is also a member of the British bouldering team. A real all rounder, she has an impressive CV, including sport, trad, solo and ice!

In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:

Seems like a list of people motibated to climb by a love of climbing to me!

In reply to bouldery bits:

*motivated

In reply to The third: Assuming you like to climb in modern sticky rubber rock shoes, wear a harness, wear water-proofs when it rains etc etc then I'd suggest you don't really object to commercialism in climbing. I like the gear companies to keep bringing out new, exciting, functional equipment, shoes and clothing, which I can use to better enjoy my passion for climbing. Therefore I don't object to them making money. They make money, stay in business, then next year when my shoes are worn out, I can replace them because the company is still the business of manufacturing shoes. I understand that they also need to do what they can to promote exposure for, and interest in, their business. The idea of selling your soul for a few free pairs of shoes a year is a bit off-target, I think. No-one would choose climbing as a career option to get rich (just look at Dave Mac's car - and he's one of the best in the world ).