Local boys do good -- real good

[squamish climber]

You may have heard this news already because it’s quickly spreading around the blogosphere but over the weekend some of our local talent made headlines in the international climbing press.

Down in Yos, Sonnie Trotter and Will Stanhope made the the second ascent of the Prophet a 13 pitch route up the El Cap coming in at a difficult to comprehend 5.13d R. Sonnie got the redpoint on his last day. Will almost got a no-fall ascent but was shut down after falling above his high point on the crux pitch (he’s vowing to return next year). Not only has this got to be one of the most difficult free climbs in the world but the pair did it in great style - eschewing inspecting the entire route by rapping it first -- and instead going ground up for the first 7 pitches.

For some great compelling reading check out Sonnie’s and Will’s blog of the ascent.

Also making headlines, Sean McColl won the world Cup lead climbing competition in Kranj, Slovenia. Congratulations Sean on winning gold. Check out Sean’s account on his blog.

If these climbers were Europeans, they’d be big celebs appearing on the front pages and doing the nightly news circuit. But here, they’re just humble Canadians doing what they do best.

Post your comments, props and kudos here:

[gnarnaphobe]

Ultra Badass! rumor has it it was sonnies first elcap route! I've been following his blog posts, sounds like they had a killer time working the route! Mad props and tons of kudos

[jipstyle]

That is some excellent work by Trotter and Will. I hope the young gun nails it quickly on his next attempt.

[Dan]

If these climbers were Europeans, they’d be big celebs appearing on the front pages and doing the nightly news circuit.