In the 1980’s the small town of Buoux in Southern France suddenly became the centre of the hard sport climbing universe. Climbing on bolts was still in its infancy, and Buoux saw grades explode, new moves like the “Figure 4” invented, and controversies brew.

Everyone in the climbing world wanted to go to Buoux to try the hardest routes in the world.

Then, just as quickly as Buoux became the hottest crag in the world, it slipped into obscurity.

Today let’s learn about what happened at Buoux during the 80’s. Why did it get popular? Who Was there? How did it fade from the scene? And why does it matter?

SOURCES

(Intro Audio) “80’s Birth of Extreme Part Two” Alan Hughes. (Youtube)

“La Vie au Bout Des Doits” Climbing Film (youtube)

Chambre, David. The 9th Grade. 2015.

Moffat, Jerry. Revelations. 2009

Thornburg, Jim. Buoux: Revisiting France's Crag of the 1980s. 2010

Planet Mountain. Chouca and Buoux, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

MUSIC CREDIT:

Track: "Back In Your Town"

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Track: "Blockbuster Night", Johnny Moore

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Track: "Barren Places"

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Track: "Roll Through"

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Track: "Unsecure Transmission"

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Track: "Just For Kicks"

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Track: “Gnarly Man”

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