In the enchanting realm of bouldering, where climbers seek the thrill of conquering rocks and unexplored territories, lies the Cidrão Inferior Boulder Sector – an undiscovered gem that held the promise of adventure. Join us on an extraordinary journey of perseverance and triumph, as we reveal the story behind Valley Bouldering’s treasured haven, born from months of unwavering dedication and passion.
Uncovering the Hidden Gem
In the heart of Madeira Island, amid breathtaking landscapes and rugged terrains, the Cidrão Inferior Boulder Sector beckoned to us, waiting to be unveiled.
Edgar Moya, a cannyoning guide and climber, was the one that initially pointed to Steve that, somewhere in this valley, where he passed several times already, lays this boulder. A giant boulder that, according to him, could possibly harbor some lines in it.
Steve then went on to search this location, and to his astonishment, he had never seen anything like it here in Madeira before. This area was filled with boulders of all sizes, and the biggest one of all was the one that Edgar mentioned. It almost looks like it’s a turtle shell, and so, in honor of Edgar Moya, we decided to name this iconic boulder “Moya-Paça”. Moya, of course, is the surname of Edgar, and “Paça” comes from the portuguese name for turtle shell, carapaça.
Steve, the visionary behind Valley Bouldering, and me, Dionísio, fueled by a shared passion for climbing, embarked on an audacious mission to uncover the hidden treasures in this valley. And so, a goal was set.
To make this area, and the surrounding sectors, accessible to any climber that wants to experience bouldering in Madeira, and to awaken the true potential of climbing in Madeira Island.
The Challenges Faced
Balancing our personal pursuits with the arduous task of transforming Cidrão Inferior presented its own set of challenges. While Steve, alongside his girlfriend Ana Nunes, tirelessly worked on their business, I, committed to a full-time job, dedicated almost every moment of my spare time to the project. Early mornings, late nights, and days off were devoted to clearing the boulders from dirt and debris, clearing the paths to access them, and revealing the raw beauty beneath.
The Grueling Process
Over the course of seven months, we engaged in a journey of determination, fueled by love for the sport and the vision of creating “Valley Bouldering.” We climbed, we fell, and we faced injuries, but our unwavering spirits endured. Brushing, scrubbing, and cleaning all the boulders, we slowly unveiled a mesmerizing playground for climbers of all levels.
Several other climbers aided us during these times, like Christian Hauck, one of the strongest climbers in Portugal; João Santos, a well known member of the climbing community from Portugal; João Noia, a local climber enthusiast that joined us in allot of the cleaning process, and established several new lines as well, and lastly, Nuno Lourenço and Alexandre Lourenço, two brothers that have also helped us with the cleaning efforts, and have already established several lines too. You can read more about these individuals in our blog post, The Last Couple of Months in Valley Bouldering.
Triumph and Unfinished Dreams:
As the months passed, our passion began to yield remarkable results. Cidrão Inferior was transforming into a boulder paradise, but the journey was not without its setbacks. Some boulders still awaited their turn to be cleaned, leaving dreams of completion tantalizingly within reach. Yet, every hold cleared was a testament to our determination and unyielding dedication.
Amidst all these labour intensive sessions, the idea of “Valley Bouldering” started taking shape, and with the incredibly positive feedback from climbers like Chris and João Santos, who also helped spread the word about this upcoming project, we knew that climbers from all over would love to experience what we have been working on.
The thought alone that future generations could indulge in the efforts of our adventures many years from now is a weird sensation to me, yet incredibly fullfilling at the same time. We are not only leaving a mark in Madeira, but also in the climbing world, and in those around those, inspiring friends to go after their dreams, and to fight for their dreams.
Conclusion
In the heart of the Cidrão Inferior Boulder Sector, lies a tale of dedication, triumph, and unwavering passion. This 7-month journey undertaken by us to bring this hidden gem to life has shaped Valley Bouldering into a climbing utopia waiting to be explored. As climbers from all corners of the world converge on this newly unveiled treasure, the legacy of our toil will live on. Come, be part of this extraordinary tale and embrace the ecstasy of bouldering at Cidrão Inferior—an adventure that will echo through time.