Hazel Findlay sends 3rd ascent of the Yosemite Trad test piece ‚Magic Line“ (8c+). Hazel is one of the world’s „strongest“ female trad climber. So she certainly succeeded as a highlight last year, the first ascent of the interesting corner ‚Tainted Love‘ (X/5.13d R)in Squamish. The Trad route „Magic Line“ was first ascented in 1996 by rock legend Ron Kauk with pre-placed gears . His son Lonnie eliminate this „blemish“ last year. He placed all gears ground up. The route is considered one of the hardest trad routes in the world, as so far no route has been graded with 9a. Jacopo Larcher’s „Tribe“ in Cadarese was graded with 9a + by Adam Ondra, who also tried the route.

„Well I‘m pleased as punch. Gushing and long post to follow… (but feels appropriate). Today I climbed Magic Line fourth try of the day, on the last day of the trip with the pressure on and an emotional roller coaster of (more) breaking foot holds, a sore finger, numb feet and wind-blown water from Vernal Falls. But I worked hard for this one. I knew as soon as I tried it very briefly in November 2018 that if I was ever going to climb one very hard (for me) single pitch this would be it. Just because it was so beautiful to look at, so fun to move upwards on and in such a magical place. So I trained properly with the help of @davidmason85 all summer and I committed myself to these 35 metres for the whole valley season. It was stressful getting heartbreakingly close twice but in reality doing it on the last day of the trip meant that this route was the perfect challenge for me, testing me right to the end. To give you an idea of how hard this route was for me – the lower boulder crux is the hardest boulder problem I’ve ever done. Of course it’s nice to bask in send-glory but really the process is where I’ll take the value from and there’s no chance this route hasn’t made me a better climber/person. Thanks to the Kauks for inspiring me especially Lonnie (who I think has done the route 4 times now) and all the valley friends this year who’ve spectated or participated in this process and supported me along the way especially @madeleine_cope @angus.kille @babsizangerl (lucky belay) @jacopolarcher @sandy.russellc @keenantakahashi“

Photo: (c) Eliza Earle