New 19-Pitch Big Wall Route Took 23 Days
This is the newest big climb to be added to the granite walls on Baffin Island
Erik Boomer and Ky Hart have made the first ascent of a new big route in Baffin Island’s Kangiqtualuk Uqquqti, formerly Sam Ford Fjord.
Their ascent took 23 days of effort with 20 nights on the wall. They named the 19-pitch granite line Sikunga Express (WI3 M7 5.10 A3+, VII, 975 m). They experienced several days of bad weather and were forced to shelter in their portaledge.
About the climb, Hart and Boomer are quoted on Explorers Web saying, “Every style of aid [climbing], clean to nailing, to copperheads hooking… Rampy ledges that would come off in the beginning and, you know, send down some rocks.”
Veteran big wall climber and Baffin Island guidebook author, Mark Synnott, commented, “So proud!” Check out Boomer’s photos on Instagram below.
