We are very very pleased to announce that Luke Zimmerman has sent Shelter (v13) making use of the current weather window. Coming very close on Thursday, Luke made it to the very top of the boulder only to find himself back on the pads after a handhold crumbled. Two days later, after putting a tarp up to keep it out of the snow, Luke sent Shelter (v13), his first of the grade. Luke had been working on the rig for approximately a year and a half. Congratulations Luke!

Luke Zimmerman on Shelter (v13). Photo courtesy of Jamie Finlayson ©

Romain Desgranges topping “So High” in Joshua Tree. Very cool video!

Don’t miss it Dai’s first ascent on “Stratos” V12/13, Hiei Miyazaki, Japan.

Battling the snow and the last competition before the Christmas break, Gneiss Climbing gym came up big this weekend, hosting their first SCBC Bouldering Competition! With such a strong showing for the local crew, we are sure this event will be earlier in the season calendar next year! Here are the final results!

Men’s Open

1. Taplin, Jesse
2. Luo, Ivan
3. Murdoch, Kyle
4. Sherkat, Tosh
5. Williams, Scott
6. Runions, Derek
7. Jo, Hojin
8. Griffin, Simon

Women’s Open

1.Stewart-Patterson, Alison
2. White, Staci
3. Griffin, Sabrina
4. Spurrell, Christy
5. Yalowega, Michelle
6. Mah, Katie
7. Bell, Sammy
8. Pratt, Jaylene

For full results, please visit here.

Jamie Finlayson has just made the (probable) 4th ascent of I Shot the Sheriff (v13), in a snow storm, on his way to work. If that’s not impressive I don’t know what is! Originally climbed by Jimmy Webb and located in the North Walls, I Shot the Sheriff features some huge moves on dismal slopers. Check out this video of Cole Bradburn making the second ascent earlier this year.

Nice work Jamie. You continue to inspire!

Jamie Finlayson on I Shot the Sheriff (v13). Photo courtesy of Jamie Finlayson ©

A little training day from Chris Sharma and we are not talking a Denzel Washington situation!.

Whew! Sending has returned to the forest as December grants one of those unicorn days in the forest where everything is dry and sticky! With a small crew out today, Mike Foley took down Shelter (v13) this afternoon while Nathan Hall put Lucky Sharms (v11) to bed. Looks like the good conditions will only last till tomorrow! Special thanks to Jamie Finlayson (who also made personal progress on I Shot the Sheriff today1) for the photos.

Mike Foley on Shelter (v13). Photo courtesy of Jamie Finlayson ©

Nathan Hall on Lucky Sharms (v11). Photo courtesy of Jamie Finlayson ©

Great little flick of Alex Honnold on the slate. While we’re at it, might as well check out this interview of Alex below.

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The variety of rock in the Grampians is incredible and makes for really varied climbing throughout the areas. This video shows some of the most unique rock from the waves and swirls of Kindergarten to the ‘spider web’ quartzite veins on The Outsider.

This weekend, the Hive North Shore played host to the their 2016 CEC National Series Bouldering competition, highlighting their spectacular world class venue for events such as these. Going into finals, both the Men’s and Women’s side of the competition looked stacked, with each competitor needing to put on a top performance to end up on the podium.

Jesse Taplin on #1. Photo courtesy of Shane Murdoch ©

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