Billy Ridal


About

© Sytse van Slooten


Selston, United Kingdom
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Career Highlights: 

  • Two time BUCS National Champion (2016, 2017).
  • 2021 runner up at British Bouldering Championships.
  • Sent the big 5 in Fontainebleau.
  • Multiple ascents at 8c.
  • 8c+ lead outdoors.
  • 9 boulders at 8B+.
  • Highball ascent of Samson 8A.
  • Ascent of Duel 8A slab in Fontainebleau

Billy started climbing just for fun was he was 9, going out to do grit trad with his dad. When he was 12, he was selected for the GB junior lead team but since has taken to bouldering. Climbing in competitions inside as well as outside from a young age, Billy has a unique approach to climbing as an extremely well-rounded and versatile climber. Billy is the youngest person to climb the classic 8a boulder, Careless Torque, in the Peak District at Stanage Plantation.

'Careless Torque had always been one of those climbs you look at in awe, but never actually consider trying. It’s just so big and intimidating...When I first tried it I thought it was beyond me. It was the first problem I put time into, so it opened my eyes to what I could do. It’s perhaps the most iconic boulder in Britain which made it feel very special to stand on top of. It felt like a real milestone in my climbing, my first 8th grade boulder and without doubt still the best one.’

Billy has competed in the bouldering IFSC World Cup, as is proficient in a variety of circus skills including a 4 ball juggle, slack-lining and unicycling - unfortunately, he claims, not all at the same time…

‘Climbing is so many different things to me. It is a sport that I push myself to excel in, it’s a big part of my social life, it’s the medium that I use to express myself, and it’s the reason I travel to incredible places.’

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Best IFSC Results

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Latest Reviews for Billy's Sponsors

Reviews from the UKH editorial team

OTS 2023 - Our Best of the Show

This year's Outdoor Trade Show has just wrapped up. Staged in a tropical Liverpool, the show brought practically all the brands with a UK presence under one roof. While a lot of the gear on display looked good, as always there were a few pieces...

UKC / UKH Gear of the Year 2022

Our hard working review team get through a mountain of kit every year. Amongst it all some items stand out from the crowd, and after much deliberation we've managed to boil it down to a selection of favourites. So here it is, our Gear of the Year 2022.

If it Ain't Broke - Gear that Goes On and On

In these days of growing environmental concern and shrinking budgets, we can't all be constantly buying brand gear. There's a lot to be said for making do with the stuff we already own. To celebrate our loyalty to much-loved and trusty bits of...

Trail Running Shoes - also good for walkers and climbers

Not just for running, trail shoes are the most versatile of footwear, and prove ideal for both...

OTS Trade Show Reports

For the first time since the pandemic UKC and UKH have attended an actual, real life trade show, OTS in Liverpool. Here are the...

La Sportiva G5 Evo

With some crucial improvements to the old version, as well as a few attractive modern features, the newly updated G5 Evo should become a...

La Sportiva Aequilibrium ST GTX 

With lightweight materials and a striking new outsole that offers enhanced downhill braking, La Sportiva's Aequilibrium boot...


Latest News from Billy's Sponsors

Announcements direct from manufacturers

La Sportiva launches UK recycling programme

A new recycling programme has been launched in the UK by La Sportiva, aiming to provide an easy way for people to recycle footwear and clothing when it reaches the end of its life.

New Footwear Spring / Summer '21

In the absence of any trade show this year, we've created our own. Normally, shows tend to focus on products hitting the market in 6 months to a year, but we've asked brands to talk about the new kit available now. In this first round up, we're showing...

Alpkit certified as a B Corporation

Alpkit is excited to announce that we've reached a significant milestone: achieving certification as a B Corporation.

La Sportiva Jackal - Mountain Running Shoe

The Jackal is a mountain running shoe dedicated to off-road running over ultra distances

Alpkit 2020 Sustainability Report

At its purest, Alpkit is a bunch of designers who share their love of the outdoors and playing outside. There was a...

ISPO 2020 - New Footwear

We spent earlier this week catching up with brands at the big winter gearfest: ISPO. Despite the fact the show was quieter than...

Alpkit doubles donations to Alpkit Foundation for Black Friday

Alpkit will be doubling its donation to the Alpkit Foundation for the duration of the Black...


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