Nina Williams Sends Too Big to Flail V10 Highball

Top boulderer Nina Williams has climbed Too Big to Flail, the massive V10 highball in the Buttermilks of Bishop. While the grade is V10, the nearly 20-metre highball is more like a 5.13d free-solo.

First climbed in 2012 by Alex Honnold, the V10 crux comes half way off the ground. Williams worked on the route last year on top-rope and sent it on March 18. She is the seventh climber to top the dangerous boulder after Honnold, Lonnie Kauk (2013), Steven Roth (2014), Ethan Pringle (2014), Fabian Buhl (2017) and Nick Muehlhausen (2018).

Williams is no stranger to highballs, having climbed the tall Ambrosia V11 in the Buttermilks two years ago. Other hard sends by Williams include Speed of Life V10, Footprints V9, Ray of Light V13, Final Frontier 5.13b trad, Evilution Direct V11, Window Shopper V12 and the 20-pitch Father Time 5.13b in Yosemite.

In 2012, @alexhonnold did the first ascent of a 50ft boulder in the Beehive area of the Buttermilks. @lonniekkauk did the second ascent in 2013 followed by @ethan_pringle and @_steven_roth in 2014, @fabi_buhl in 2017, and @rockninja_8a in 2018. Two days ago, on March 18th 2019, I climbed the lucky 7th ascent of Too Big To Flail (V10/5.13d). . I’m still processing the experience and will share a more complete story later. For now I am simply, joyously grateful. . @james_lucas, @oceangoingmonkey, and @simoore: you guys hiked out SO many pads and helped maintain the serene atmosphere I wanted for this climb. It wouldn’t have come together without your help. . To the Bishop locals who donated pads: @andyliu84, @hostelcaliforniabishop, @katielambert, @benjaminditto, and the Zoo. You guys rock. I thankfully didn’t end up needing them but they sure were nice ? . And shoutout to @climberchica for the belay on last years’ trip when all the beta fell into place. It was a highlight of this whole journey. . The endeavor of working and climbing Too Big really does take a village, and I appreciate everyone’s help from the bottom of my heart ??? Thank you thank you thank you. . ? @oceangoingmonkey and @simoore ?? #climbing #bouldering ?? #highball #payahuunadü #Buttermilks

A post shared by Nina Williams (@sheneenagins) on Mar 20, 2019 at 9:47am PDT

Williams on Ambrosia