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Canadians Sending Outside of Canada

It’s fall, which means Canadians are packing their gear and travelling to where temps are prime for sending.

A popular autumn destination is Red River Gorge (RRG) in Kentucky. The area’s popularity has grown over the past decade as more climbers turn to sport climbing.

One climber who has been on a sending spree this year is Dan Beland. He recently sent the pumpy Omaha Beach 5.14a in the Madness Cave. Beland also sent Thug Life 5.13d, Angry Birds 5.13c and Paradise Lost 5.13a in the past month.

Dan Beland on Omaha Beach 5.14a.  Photo Kim House
Dan Beland on Omaha Beach 5.14a. Photo Kim House

Kim House, who recently penned a piece for an upcoming issue of Gripped magazine, sent her first 5.13b with a send of Smelly Hippy, of which she wrote, “Great fun. Steep and cruxy with nice rests and a few sneaky kneebars. My first of the grade, so amped!” Her partner Graham McGrenere sent Angry Birds 5.13c on the same day.

In Europe, Becca and Sara Frangos, both recently turned 18, spent time in Kalymnos with Andrew Funk. Both Andrew and Becca sent Labyrinth 5.13d and Sara sent her first 5.13b. The three are now in Rodellar for a few weeks.

Andrew Funk sending Labyrinth 5.13d.  Photo Sara Frangos
Andrew Funk sending Labyrinth 5.13d. Photo Sara Frangos

Also in Rodellar is Josie Hetyei, who was the second Canadian woman to climb 5.14a and has sent up to 5.14b. She recently clipped the chains on Ixeia 5.14a, which was also sent by Canadian crusher Marieta Akalski last fall.

Becca Frangos on Grande Grotta 5.12, one of the most photographed rock climbs in the world.  Photo Andrew Funk
Becca Frangos on Grande Grotta 5.12, one of the most photographed rock climbs in the world. Photo Andrew Funk

In Yosemite, Ontario local Pete Zabrok, who has climbed El Cap dozens of times, is currently on Tempest A4 5.8 with Scott Peterson and Jerry Greenleaf. They are nearly half way up the wall. Follow their ascent on ElCapReport.com.

Pete Zabrok leading another A4 pitch on Tempest.  Photo Scott Peterson
Pete Zabrok leading another A4 pitch on Tempest. Photo Scott Peterson

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