“Training with CORE’s Geo holds was a game-changer for me.”

Dave Loh’s Journey to Sending Spanish Caravan (8c) with Core’s Geo Holds

Climbers always look for ways to recreate outdoor challenges when training indoors. For Dave Loh, setter at Depot Sheffield & Leeds, this was essential when tackling his dream project, Spanish Caravan (8c) in Verdon Gorge.

“I first visited La Ramirole on a rest day last summer, and I was totally blown away by the crag,” Dave recalls. “This route, Spanish Caravan, was a dream line for me… 50m of climbing, 125 moves, 30 kneebars (7 no hands), and pure tufa endurance.”

To prepare, Dave relied on Core Climbing’s Geo holds, particularly the roof pinches and super pinches, to mimic the tufas and movement styles he needed for Spanish Caravan. “Most of my training was focused on endurance and kneebars,” he explains. His regime included 1000+ move circuits, long boulders on pinches, and inverted kneebar sit-ups.

Dave used the Geo Pinches at Big Depot Leeds, where Ella McKnight set routes that closely mirrored the demands of the project. “After a few sessions, I felt like I could climb that route almost indefinitely, which gave me a huge confidence boost.”

Dave’s training proved vital as he worked through Spanish Caravan. “I did almost every move first try,” he says, but linking the sections brought unexpected challenges. As the trip neared its end, Dave felt the mental pressure mount. “I had nightmares about falling off the very top,” he admits, but his ability to reset helped him push through.

When the conditions finally turned in his favour, Dave executed the route perfectly. “I managed to keep it together… cruising through the final jugs to one last kneebar and clipping the chains.”

After a difficult year of climbing, this success was more than just another tick. “I don’t think I’ve ever put so much pressure on myself to succeed… but that also made it even more satisfying after I composed myself and executed when it mattered most.”

At Core Climbing, we’re proud that our Geo holds helped Dave succeed. Our holds are designed to support climbers on their journeys, whether you’re tackling tufas, pinches, or endurance-based challenges.

Want to learn more about the Verdon Gorge and its world-class climbing? Check out UKC’s guide on Verdon Gorge. For detailed information on the Spanish Caravan route, head over to ClimbingAway’s route page.

If you want to train for your project, explore the training options at Big Depot Leeds, and discover our Geo Roof Pinches on the Core Climbing website.

Want to see more of Dave’s story? Watch the video below, where he shares his experience training with Core Climbing holds and his triumphant send of Spanish Caravan. 👇