READ WATCH LISTEN By Araminta McLennan
Read CLIMBING BEYOND: THE WORLD’S GREATEST ROCK CLIMBING ADVENTURES BY JAMES PEARSON & CAROLINE CIAVALDINI
having new lines and first ascents to their names across the world. As this book is built from many of their own experiences you can be confident that the information provided has been climber tested! The authors, however, note that “this book should not be mistaken for a climbing guide”. Rather than using it to dictate exactly how your next adventure should go, use it as inspiration and an informed starting point. As the book was published in 2017, fact checking for updated information or restrictions is worthwhile. Think of this book like one of those nostalgic Choose Your Own Adventure books, with its contents designed to set you on the right track while leaving you to fill in the nitty gritty and make the adventures your own. It feels like a treasure map—but you get to decide what the treasure is!
The world is a big place, and climbing generally involves working out which big rocks around this big place you want to explore, climb, or question your life choices on. If you’re a climber that struggles with decision-making this book is the perfect one to help you plan your next adventure. Broken into handy bite-sized pieces, Climbing Beyond explores countries around the world by climbing region. It’s a pastiche of guide book, history book and handy data, such as topo maps. Each region is introduced with a “fact file” covering types of climb, types of rock, grade variation, climb length, best time to climb and notable climbs. What follows can include anything from personal stories by the authors, historical information covering first ascents, the evolution of climbing in the area, route and approach information, geographical data, and more. Authors James Peasron and Caroline Ciavaldini are celebrated climbers and adventurers in their own rights, with both 16 AUTUMN 2023
Each chapter highlights the different appeals and challenges of each region. The authors do a good job of avoiding personal bias. Objectivity is something climbers can lack, but this book offers an unassuming honesty in the way it entices you to explore beyond chasing grades and specific climbs on your tick list. In many ways, the book is as collaborative as climbing itself, using first-hand experience and a thorough understanding of the climbing history to inform the next
eager adventurers, but leaving space for personal beta. The inclusion of historical information adds an extra layer of enjoyment. You can learn anything from the evolution of deep water soloing in Mallorca (giving us modern day Psicobloc) to the geological phenomena that gave us the natural boulder wonders of Fontainebleau. And if the stories don’t do it, the spectacular photos are sure to get you over the line. If you’re ready for an adventure but not sure where to start, pick up this book. It pays homage to the weird and wonderful things that make climbers want to climb, and celebrates the spectacular parts of the world we’re privileged to explore in the process. Grab a copy where all good adventure books are sold adventure-shop.com.au About the reviewer: ARAMINTA MCLENNAN | Minty (she/her) is an avid paraclimber living in Naarm (Melbourne) and stands as current Chairperson of Adaptive Climbing Victoria. She’s passionate about making space for climbers of all abilities at the crag and in the gym, and when not climbing she is often found pestering strangers to pet their dogs.
