ROCK CLIMBING NEWS ITEM

Hillary Expedition to tackle Fiordland Mountains

TUESDAY, 16 JANUARY 2007

Stretching the boundaries of outdoor adventure is a kiwi tradition, and this year’s SPARC (Sport & Recreation New Zealand) Hillary Expeditions not only span the globe but once again push the envelope of fitness, preparation and endurance.

The first SPARC Hillary Expedition sets off in Fiordland next week to tackle the daunting Darran Mountains with the intention of free climbing three first ascents on three major rock walls and base jumping one of them.

Called the Rock Solid Progression Project, the team aims to push the standard of New Zealand rock climbing and mountaineering during its six week adventure.

Rock Solid spokesperson Derek Thatcher said the Darran Mountains were the ideal environment in which to achieve this as they offered the steepest and highest walls with the best quality rock. “The fundamental challenge of this expedition is not just to complete the climbs that we have in mind, but to do them in the best possible style. We aim to climb every route completely free, that is, we will use only bodies to ascend the rock, utilising the equipment only to protect us against the consequences of a fall,” said Thatcher.

Thatcher said the team hoped to provide as much positive inspiration and encouragement as possible for other New Zealand climbers and adventurers.

SPARC spokesperson Bronwyn Polson said the SPARC Hillary Expedition initiative aimed to encourage and support Kiwis in their adventures in the great outdoors in New Zealand and around the world.

Polson said it was SPARC’s role to ensure that all New Zealanders were given every opportunity to achieve at all levels in sport and recreation, including outdoor adventure.

“It’s also about keeping New Zealand’s much loved outdoor culture alive and providing inspiring role models for young people,” said Polson. “The outdoors is an excellent environment for people to learn and grow and it’s a great way to keep active.” The Rock Solid Progression Project is one of five expeditions awarded a grant by SPARC as part of the initiative. Other SPARC Hillary Expeditions include crossing the Greenland Icecap (700km) and making the first ascent of the Beka Brakai Chhok mountain peak in Northern Pakistan.

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