Matty Hong Sends Joe Mama 5.15a in Spain

Matty Hong has quickly risen to the top of the American climbing scene with a number of hard sends over the past year. This winter, he sent the test-piece La Rambla 5.15a shortly before Margo Hayes made her historic send. With only a few days to go before spring, Hong put down Joe Mama 5.15a.

Sasha DiGiulian broke the news on Instagram, followed by Matty’s dad Steve Hong, a longtime leading American climber with sends to 5.14. For more on Matty and Steve, read this piece by American climber Chris Weidner.

Psyched to belay @honngy for his send of Joe Mama 9a+ on my last day in Spain!!????

A post shared by Steven Hong (@sroyho) on Mar 16, 2017 at 1:17pm PDT

Bloody fingers & pumped forearms.. another day in Spain I won't forget. A bit of suffering in the heat was the best way to train for 'Joe Mama' (9a+ or 5.15a), and with the cool breeze today it all came together. Props to @joekinder for bolting another classic, and @kbecan25 for the FA last year which I got to cheer on. Vibes are good. #happyplace

A post shared by Matty Hong (@honngy) on Mar 16, 2017 at 4:56pm PDT

The steep route was bolted by Joe Kinder and first sent by Klemen Bečan and repeated by Chris Sharma. It has had a handful of ascents over the past few seasons. Watch Bečan with the first ascent.