We are pleased to announce that Josh Muller left it all on the table today for the final session of the season at Acephale and pulled off the first ascent of Kinder Surprise (5.14d).
For those who love a little background, Kinder Surprise was bolted by Joe Kinder when he visited the Bow Valley in 2012. Working Bunda De Fora at the time, Joe never had the chance to finish what he started. In 2013, Josh Muller, having not much left at the upper wall in Acephale, began trying the route despite it being wet most of the time. With only a few tries in 2013 and 2014, Josh knew that this year’s weather pattern may be his only chance of sending.
Josh Muller on Kinder Surprise (5.14d). Photo courtesy of Jamie Finlayson ©
Talking to Josh today post-send, he said that he settled on 5.14d for this route because of the insecure nature of the route and the low percentage of sticking the crux moves. When asking Josh what he is going to do now that he is finished with Acephale, he replied “Man, I have no idea!”. Our advice to Josh is start hiking! Congratulations Josh, what an effort!
Here is Josh’s post-send instagram post.
