One of U.K.’s Hardest Boulder Problems Established
Will Bosi's new problem Honey Badger is the third V16 in the U.K. The other two have never been repeated
Will Bosi, 23, has made the first ascent of Honey Badger in the Badger Cove of the Peak District and proposed V16, noting that it’s his hardest problem to date.
The climb has more than 20 moves and follows a line of small holds that require powerful moves high above the ground. It took him five projecting sessions to piece it together for the send. The rock is solid enough but required some cleaning by Bosi and top boulderer Ned Feehally.
“This is by far the hardest boulder problem I have done to date and one of the best,” said Bosi. “The climbing is so varied throughout from technical at the start, through to raw power and eventually hanging on for dear life at the end.”
This is the third V16 climbed in the U.K. after Superpower and Isles of Wonder Sit by Aidan Roberts. “This was a step up from the previous 8Cs [V16s] I have done at Badger so in that regard, I felt the 8C+ [V16] grade is warranted but the margins at this top level are so fine I would happily be persuaded otherwise,” Bosi said about the grade.
“Hopefully, I get the opportunity to try some other boulders at the grade and I can start to get a sense of where it is but for now, I will leave it at 8C+ [V16] and hopefully some strong climbers will come and give it a go.”
So far in 2022, Bosi has made the first ascents of Beautiful Mind V15, Trance V15, Below Zero V14, Free at Last (Scotland’s first 5.15a), and flashed Charizard V14.
Honey Badger V16 FA
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