30-meter, 45-degree overhanging ice climb behind unfrozen waterfall in British Columbia sucessfully redpointed by Will Gadd and Tim Emmett.

1st February 2010

Due to its location behind the flowing 140-meter (460') Helmcken Falls, the formation of the Ice on "Spray On" is unique - mist from the falls creates stalegtites of ice on the 45 degree volcanic rock face.  The guys say "this is not a mixed route: “Not one single drytool move in the whole pitch; pull up, lock off, work for a placement... Just like normal ice but on a 45-degree wall.”

“It is a whole hell of a lot harder than anything I’ve ever climbed on ice,” Gadd writes in his blog. “The only thing I could compare it too is M10 or harder drytooling, but you have to swing for placements instead of just hook. WI 10 is the lowest grade I can give it with a straight face.


The climbers say they hope to return next year in colder temperatures, when frozen spray just might allow a 500-foot overhanging climb.

Find the whole story on Will Gadd's Blog - Gravsports.

Return to all news

Search for active holidays and accommodation