RossOlson.net

I went rock-climbing again with some co workers and I successfully climbed another 5.10. I am really pushing myself hard on these 5.10s because I feel it is the “line” that separates the climbers for me. To put these rating in perspective, here is a chart I found online…

5.0 to 5.4
There are two hand- and two footholds for every move; the holds become progressively smaller as the number increases. I think of these climbs as ladders.

5.5 to 5.6
The two hand- and two footholds are there, obvious to the experienced, but not necessarily so to the beginner.

5.7
The move is missing one hand- or foothold.

5.8
The move is missing two holds of the four, or missing only one but is very strenuous.

5.9
The move has only one reasonable hold which may be for either a foot or a hand.

5.10
No hand- or footholds. The choices are to pretend a hold is there, pray a lot, or go home.

5.11
After thorough inspection you conclude this move is obviously impossible; however, occasionally someone actually accomplishes it. Since there is nothing for a handhold, grab it with both hands.

5.12
The surface is as smooth as glass and vertical. No one has really ever made this move, although a few claim they have. I wouldn’t go that far, but the holds are often times only big enough for one of you finger tips.

5.13
This is identical to 5.12 except it is located under overhanging rock."

There are even 5.14 and 5.15 climbs now. Only a hand full of people in the world have climbed a 5.15. I would imagine that a 5.15 would have hand holds just big enough for your finger nail.

My long term rock climbing goal is to be able to consistently climb 5.12. I don’t think I’ll be able to do anything harder. Hopefully I’ll be climbing 5.11 by the end of the year.

~Ross