Nice feature on the multi-pitch route Weg Durch den Fisch and first female ascent by Federica Mingolla. Action starts at 3.20 for all those with poor attention spans!

On Saturday, Ground Up Climbing Centre in Squamish, BC played host to the first provincial lead competition of the SCBC 2017 season. There was a great turn of for this competition on both the Men’s and the Women’s side, as many of the competitors were coming out of Youth Boulder Nationals last week as well as preparing for Bouldering Nationals next week.

Here are the final results.

Women’s Open

1. Hosoi,Mika
2. Berezowski,Amanda
3. Melius,Tiffany
4. Shilova,Tatiana
5. Earle,Chloe
6. Rogers,Teyha
7. Mah,Katie

Men’s Open

1. Mah,Jason
1. Jonas McRae,Elan
2. Murdoch,Kyle
4. Pitchel,Mason
5. Hall,Nathan
6. Doyle,Aidan
6. Hoy,Ryder
8. Luo,Ivan
9. Sherkat,Tosh
10. Bourassa,Alex

For full results, please visit the SCBC website.

This weekend, Gneiss Climbing in Kelowna played host to the Tour De Bloc 14.

Here are the final results.

Men’s Open

1. HENDSBEE, Matt
2. DERKSEN, Mark
3. GRIFFIN, Simon
4. BURROWS, Kiefer
5. WADDINGTON, Patrick
6. COLLEAUX, Lucas

Women’s Open

1. LI, Samantha
2. GRIFFIN, Sabrina
3. WHALEN, Zoe
4. WHITE, Staci
5. ZOTTO, Jessica
6. MERRILL, Jessica

For full results, please visit this website.

Amazing little clip of a voyage last summer to Greenland featuring Squamish locals Paul McSorley, Vikki Weldon, and Paulo Marazzi.

Nice little video of Carlos Traversi attempting Zookeeper (5.14a) in a flash attempt. Uncut and no music! Why doesn’t anyone say ‘lock-ziggity’ when I climb?

This morning, Squamish residents woke up to snow after a very good but short weather window. Stu Smith made the most of that weather by sending a two year project he had in the Smoke Bluffs named Two Thumb Press (5.14a/b). After rushing to make sure to catch the route dry before the sun hit the snow, Stu took two good goes today that ended in completion. Congratulations Stu!

Picture of the route. Photo by Stu Smith ©

Based on Stu’s report of his ascent, it appeared as though the ascent may have been done via rope solo. We have confirmed that yes, the route was done via rope solo, but on lead from the ground meaning that Stu climbed the route on lead, placing the gear on lead to the top of the wall. Amazing!

British Climber Jacob Cook made the first ascent of The Magician (5.13d) yesterday in the Smoke Bluffs. Originally bolted by Marc Andre LeClerc, Cook had a good go yesterday and sent the rig. After climbing Smashing Windows, which was given a grade of 13c in the guidebook, Jacob said that this route was ‘The craziest slab I’ve ever climbed, requiring dynamic movement, timing and poise to flow upwards’ and thought the route could potentially be much harder. Congratulations Jacob and welcome to Squamish!

Jacob Cook on The Magician (5.13d). Photo courtesy of Jacob Cook ©

Seb Bouin in the Verdon Gorge, France.

Here is an important note regarding access to the Boulder on the Bench (BOB) area at Skaha Lake from Andy White, a representative of the Okanagan Bouldering Society. As the climbing community grows larger, access has become increasingly important. Please be sure to be respectful and follow rules when visiting these areas.

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We are very pleased to announce that Kim McGrenere (formerly House) has completed her very first 5.13d, Strict Machine at Las Animas in El Salto, Mexico. After three weeks of working the route off and on, Kim is basking in the send today. Congratulations Kim, very exciting! With sends by both Kim and Graham (now married) at the beginning of the trip, it would not surprise us if both of these folks keep on pushing as they head north!

Kim McGrenere on Strict Machine (5.13d). Photo by Graham McGrenere