I got the call from Gaz that he was heading out early one Sunday morning to try the Traverse of the Gods (E1 5b), in Swanage. Without hesitation I was there! We'd filmed the interview for his documentary a couple weekends before so this was the chance to get filming him climbing.
When we got to the entry point, I rigged up my camera and started filming Gaz and Mark as they loaded up their harnesses with all sorts of equipment for their traverse. Feverishly, Gaz set fourth leading the traverse and navigating the route along the cliffs. However, a short way into the 5 hour climb, the rocks proved to be too slippy to sensibly climb so they both opted to return when it was a dryer day.
With an afternoon suddenly freed up, Gaz and Mark decided to head across to the Subliminal climbing area where, they thought it'd be a good chance for me to get over the edge and see if I had the minerals for it!
I knew that at some stage I'd have to get over the edge to film exciting footage for the climbing documentary but I'd not quite mentally prepared for it to happen...well today. Hesitantly, I got into a harness that was fully loaded with gear, chucked my camera bag onto my back and headed off the edge.
I mean what a rush! To be free on the wall and looking out across the cliffs was incredibly! When I got to the bottom and rigged my camera again and got back into action as Gaz and Mark climbed around me.
This gave me a chance to practice filming the types of moves they'd do. To be able to get into the rhythm of moving the camera from feet to hands and back to feet for close ups. Then out to an epic wide to get the perspective of the sheerness of climbing on the edge of the Country.
Getting back up proved to a little harder. I hadn't bought the climbing shoes I purchased earlier as I wasn't thinking I was climbing and loaded with all the climbing gear and camera equipment, I struggled to get my first foot hold.
Thankfully, Gaz was able to give me a hefty nudge up and I was away!
Next time, I'll be sure to take my own harness, boots and less gear so I can start to really get into the rhythm of filming this documentary!