Becca Frangos Sends First 5.14a with Leviathan at Acephale
"It was fourth try of the day, my muscles were tired and skin was bleeding, but somehow managed to keep it together"
Canmore crusher Becca Frangos, who stared climbing in 2009 at The V’sion climbing gym, has sent her first 5.14a with Leviathan on the Upper Wall at Acephale. During the covid-19 lockdown, Frangos stayed busy strength training and climbing on her home wall. Dan Beland also ticked Leviathan on the same day, he now has nearly 30 5.14a sends to his name.
On Sendage, Frangos said, “My first 5.14! Really enjoyed figuring out beta that worked for me for the crux because the drop-knee beta just didn’t work for my height. Loved the full commitment at the top having to jump over the lip as well.”
Frangos has climbed many hard 5.13 sport routes in the past few years. She sent her first 5.13d in 2015 with Labyrinth in Greece, she followed it up with a tick of Endless Summer at Acephale. So far this year, she’s ticked Skinny Love Extension 5.13c and Buffet Royale 5.13c, both in Echo Canyon.
A number of Canadian women have sent the milestone grade of 5.14a, including Ellen Powick, Josie Hetyie, Vikki Weldon, Leslie Timms, Marieta Akalski, Annie Chouinard, Em Pellerin and more. Congrats Becca!
Canadian Climber Series
While Gripped has been covering international climbing for over 20 years, our focus has always primarily been Canadian climbing and climbers. In this interview-based series we’re touching base with the young and old climbers from coast to coast to coast who are part of our amazing community.
Words with Pia Graham and Ilya Sarossy of Bad Flower Pictures
Words with Leslie Timms on hard climbing
Words with Erynne Gilpin, Indigenous climbing activist
Words with Julien Bourassa-Moreau on repeating La Zebree
Words with Jérome St-Michel on new 5.13bR in Quebec
Words with Brette Harrington on climbing during covid-19
Words with Barry Blanchard on guiding during covid-19
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