Waterworld is New WI6+ in Squamish Valley
Waterworld climbs a 130-metre line with three stout pitches that were climbed under a lot of running water
Photo by: Tim Emmett
The recent cold snap that sent temps in North America plummeting has led to several ice lines forming on Canada’s west coast, including a new one at Shooting Gallery north of Squamish.
Tim Emmett and Luca Sommaruga Malaguti have made the first ascent of a 130-metre route they’re calling Waterworld, which breaks down to WI5+, WI6+ and WI6. It’s the third new route on the wall by Emmett since the winter of 2020/2021.
The first was Wild West, a three-pitch WI6 which he climbed with Sam Eastman and Paul McSorley, and the second was Medusa, a two-pitch WI6+ with Eastman. “Good waterproofs jackets and pants needed for these routes, especially the top,” said Emmett. “Even when it was -18C there was lots of water.”
The crag was first explored in 1993 by Don Serl and the late Guy Edwards, but ice conditions weren’t great. Serl later returned with Rob Nugent and climbed two pitches up to WI5. Serl said that once the sun hit their line it began to fall apart so they bailed. With warmer temps expected, you better hurry to grab an ascent of these routes before they’re gone.
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