It has been more than a long time since I have been climbing and about as long since I posted a video.
Author: Arthur
My name is Arthur Page and I live in Portland Maine. I've been climbing on and off for about 8 years. This year I've decided to up my climbing game and have been training to move past the gym and start out-door lead climbing this summer. I'm currently bouldering between V2 and V3 and climbing top rope at the gym between 5.8 and 5.9. I started this site because of how difficult it is to find climbing resources. Most videos lack production quality and getting any reliable information involves dropping hundreds on a class at a gym. To me this is counter to what I believe to principles of climbing. It is a sport centered around personal challenge, community, and sharing. I hope you feel the same way and I hope you enjoy figure8!
5.8 | Static (evo Portland)
I was surprised to see the long gap in the podcast episodes so I’ve been digging around in the vault to bring out some unedited climbs. Here is a blast from the past, a clip featuring my former anchor Brandon. Here we are climbing what looks like a 5.8 pink route back in March ’15.
Podcast: Download (305.0MB)
Maine Rock Gym
On January 4, 2015 the Maine Rock Gym closed its doors for the last time. The gym has been open for twenty years and has grown to mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Read more
5.6 | Scott vs. Arthur on Mirror Mirror (MRG)
This is kind of a cool part of MRG. There are two routes side by side that are just about mirror images of one another.
5.9 | Purple (MRG)
This is the first attempt on a new route and what a fun one it was. It started out with a left lean on one of my least favorite holds. Its three small holds to the first solid jug. Read more
5.8 | Routeless (MRG)
This unmarked route starts a bit tricky but it is smooth sailing all the way to the top after the first two holds. This was as much fun the first time around as it was the second. A great warm up if ever there was one.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 1:27 — 197.6MB)
V0 | The Pier Lapse
Here is a new take on a previously climbed favorite, same route, now we’re against the clock. Light fades on this playground of chunky granite jugs. Though not very technical, I’ve found it to be a good training tool and since there is never anyone there you don’t have to get off.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 2:00 — 22.2MB)
V3 | Orange (MRG)
I was working on this problem at the same time as two other people but didn’t top out first. The problem is pretty straight forward up to the last two moves. Read more
evo ROCK + FITNESS
There is a new rock gym opening soon in Portland in Partnership with the Maine Rock Gym in Portland and evo ROCK + FITNESS of New Hampshire. Read more
ReelRock Tour: Valley Uprising
My wife and I just returned home after watching ReelRock 9: Valley Uprising at the Portland Stage company. Not only did we see a wonderfully made feature-length documentary about the rise of rock climbing counter filter in Yosemite during the 1950’s to present, but we also won some cliff bars at the raffle that followed the screening! This film was (for a rookie climber) a crash course in the last 60 years of climbing culture. It is a definite must watch for everyone to see the progression of the sport and to be inspired by the human condition.
V0 | The Pier
I met this pier for the first time about three weeks ago and instantly knew that I had to traverse it. All the holds are really chunky and there is plenty of room for foot work so you’ll have plenty of time to check out the view. Read more
Lunatik Taktik Extreme
I do not know about you but when I am climbing the last thing I want to worry about is wrecking my iPhone. I go to great lengths to keep it safe. AppleCare+ is a great service but unless there is an Apple Store in your local crag, you’re going to be out of luck if you drop your iPhone taking top-out anchor selfies. That is why I prefer to protect it as a first line of defense and why the only case that I trust up there is the Lunatik Taktik Extreme for three reasons.
ClimbTech Legacy Bolt
One of the most intimidating things about climbing is route setting. I am a novice climber (okay, beginner) but I know that at some point I am going to get to the level of setting a route. Though the topic of finding, rating, and collaborating on the location of a route is a topic for future posts, I have been learning about some of the hardware and wanted to share it with you.
MSR Pocket Rocket
Lately I’ve had the urge to do some extra camping to stay closer to a climbing site to decrease travel time. The only problem was that I was completely un-prepared to prepare a camp meal. Cooking a decent meal can be very time-consuming compared to preparing a meal at home. This is no longer an issue with the MSR Pocket Rocket camp stove. Read more
V3 | Red (MRG)
This route took a few shots to get it right. The hardest part is balancing your weight over in the corner while you finish crossing left hand over your right. Read more