An Introduction to Climbing on Cayman Brac
From TradgirlWiki
It's hard to describe what's so different about a climbing vacation to Cayman Brac; it's not just great climbing. The tropical island setting, the snorkeling and diving, the people, and the relief of not having civilization pressing on you all combine with the great rock climbing into a unique and wonderful experience.
Cayman Brac (rhymes with 'crack') is at the same latitude as Hawaii. The best season is December through April, when the temperatures are lower and rain and storms are few. Winter temperatures are usually in the low 80's (28C), which many people think is too warm, but you always climb in the shade and the trade winds are steady and cool off the water. Beats the hell outta miserable, leaden winter days.
When most people think of a tropical island, they think of place like Hawaii, Grand Cayman, or places in Mexico that are crawling with tourists in flowered shirts and funny hats walking between high-rise hotels and merchant stalls filled with tacky, overpriced souvenirs.
Cayman Brac isn't like that. There's only 1200 people on the island (smaller than my high school!) and at most 150 of them are tourists. There's no traffic, not even a traffic light, no lines, no problems. The tallest building is two stories. It's very unusual to find other climbers on the island. There's no crowds or waiting for routes and the rock isn't polished. When climbing at the Point, the only people you see are fishermen waving from their boats.
There are 7 distinct climbing areas on the island. Three areas are in the shade in the morning and the other four go into the shade about 2pm. Two of the areas are right over the ocean and require rappell access; these areas intimidate even experienced climbers. (See Adventure Climbing on the Brac) The other 5 areas are normal sport areas in that you walk to the base, climb and then lower off.
The rock is white limestone, with lots of pockets, edges, crystaline caves, flowstone and other features. It's kinda like Wild Iris, but with more pockets and about three times higher. There's a handfull of easier routes, but most of the routes are 10s, 11s and 12s, and they all overhang. See All Overhanging, All the Time or The Bluff View Guide to Cayman Brac Climbing
What else to do besides climb? Well, diving, snorkeling and fishing are quite popular in the crystal clear water. The diving has been rated in the top five destinations in Skin Diver magazine. You don't need to hire a boat, excellent shore diving and snorkeling are easy to access. Fishing can be done from the shore, the cays or boat.
If you're looking for night clubs and hotspots, well, there aren't any. However, there are several artists on the Brac who make unique and beautiful jewelry from Caymanite and other natural materials.
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