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Kim McGrenere in Mexico and Sends First 5.13d

Kim McGrenere has sent her first 5.13d, a new-ish route at Las Animas in Mexico called Strict Machine. After her send, she wrote on Sendage.com, “On our first day at Las Animas I saw the first ascentionist (Bruno) working the boulder problems on this line and I knew I wanted to try it.

“So glad I found the guts to throw myself at it! This is the hardest route I have ever worked, with ridiculously tough back to back boulder problems. I’m so glad all the time I committed to the process paid off. It’s a good thing I love powerful moves on tiny, improbable gastons.”

Kim has also sent Camino del chino 5.13b, Lounge Puppy 5.13a and a number of hard 5.12s. Her partner, Graham McGrenere, has also climbed a number of hard routes, including Estigia 5.13d, H Bomb 5.14a, Murder Weapon 5.14a, Honey Bitch 5.14a and made the first ascent of Slabberfest 5.13a. After H Bomb, he wrote on Sendage.com, “This is one of the best rock climbs I’ve done in El Salto. Climb Purigatorio and continue up for another 20 metres past a V9 compression boulder problem to some more 5.13a/b.

“I didn’t use the no-hands rest out right at the Purigatorio anchors. Perfect temps recently lead to the best 2 back to back climbing days I’ve ever had. First two ascentionists suggested 5.14a/b. Feels a bit less difficult than H-Bomb so I’ll stick with 5.14a.”

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