New Powerful 5.14 Sport Climbs in Squamish and Vegas
Tim Emmett and Joe Kinder recently made the first ascents of projects they've been working on
With summer only a day away, climbers are putting down months-long projects thanks to good conditions and stable weather.
In Squamish, all-rounder Tim Emmett made the first ascent of Empire of the Sea at the Upper Wall on Anvil Island south of Squamish in the Howe Sound. “It’s an absolutely cracking route with sustained climbing on small holds with a couple of excellent rests to recharge,” said Emmett. “Now Anvil has two 5.14 mega routes to add to some superb 5.13’s and 5.12’s and a 5.11 too.”
And at Mount Charleston near Las Vegas, Joel Kinder, now 42, made the first ascent of Resisting Arrest 5.14d. Located at the popular Robbers Roost, it was bolted back in 2010 by Andy Raether and first tried by Kinder a few years ago.
Kinder said that he then recruited other climbers to project the route, including Owen Whaley, Steven Roylance and Cameron Hörst. Shortly after Kinder’s FA, Hörst, 21, stepped up and made the second ascent.
“We all spent a few weeks bangin on this rig together with so much motivation and good vibes,” said Kinder who’s been one of America’s top sport climbers for the past two decades. “We pushed each other, we supported one another and made this route a reality together. That’s a communal effort and I’m so proud of how it all worked out. What an experience.”
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