In the past couple of months, Valley Bouldering has experienced an exciting influx of talent and support, resulting in significant developments in our boulder lines.
Two individuals, Christian Hauck, affectionately known as “Chris,” and João Santos from “Yupik,” have made a remarkable impact since their arrival on the island.
Chris, who arrived on Madeira Island two months ago, brought with him a wealth of bouldering expertise. His passion for the sport and his dedication to expanding the boulder line offerings have been invaluable. With Chris’s guidance, we witnessed the establishment of numerous new routes, ranging from beginner-friendly lines to challenging 7a+ routes. His skills and knowledge have elevated the bouldering experience for both novices and seasoned climbers alike. Furthermore, Chris’s visionary approach has left us with intriguing projects to pursue, promising challenges for future climbers.
Adding to the momentum, João Santos, a representative of the renowned outdoor and climbing gear brand “Yupik,” also joined our bouldering community. João’s expertise and assistance have been instrumental in the establishment of a multitude of new lines, enriching the diversity and excitement of our bouldering routes. His experience in the industry and genuine passion for climbing have been invaluable assets to our community. On top of all this, João Santos was the very first person to climb the iconic “MoyaPaça” boulder, making it the highest highball boulder that he ever climbed. The line was named “Amo-te”, meaning “I love you”, and stands at 7a. To find more info on this line you can get our Topo Guide, that includes all the boulder lines available, as well as some projects that have never been ascended.
We cannot express enough gratitude to both Chris and João for their invaluable contributions. The time they have spent with us and the knowledge they have generously shared have not only improved our skills but also inspired us to push our boundaries further. Their dedication and guidance have fostered a sense of growth and camaraderie within our bouldering community.
And as a matter of fact, our bouldering community is expanding little by little. These last months we have been joined by João Noia, a local enthusiast of the sport who has already projected several new lines, leaving a permanent mark on the bouldering scene in Madeira. More recently, Nuno Santos, a representative of the bouldering gym “Gravity 9.8” in Lisbon, alongside his brother Alexandre Santos, have come to Madeira to enjoy their vacations and have also made several first ascents.
As we continue to explore the stunning landscapes of Nun’s Valley, we are grateful for the lasting impact that Chris and João have made. Their presence has shaped our bouldering experiences and left us with a legacy of new lines to conquer. We look forward to building upon their teachings, striving for personal growth, and sharing our newfound knowledge with future climbers who venture to this beautiful island.
Together, with the entire bouldering community, we are shaping a vibrant and thriving bouldering destination in Nun’s Valley.