Katie Lamb has achieved the first female ascent of the climbing problem "Seven" in Squamish, which is rated between V14 and V15. This landmark achievement adds to her impressive climbing resume and showcases her dedication to the sport. While originally aiming for a more relaxed experience in Squamish, Lamb found herself drawn to the challenging ascent of "The Singularity" (V15). "Seven," which features a low start to an existing problem called "Lesson Six" (V10), was initially a contested project due to damage from chipping that altered its original form.

By the Numbers
  • "Seven" is rated between V14 and V15, with some climbers classifying it as hard V14 or soft V15.
  • Katie Lamb's ascent of "Seven" adds to her total of multiple first female ascents of high-grade bouldering problems, including "The Dark Side" (V16) and "Box Therapy" (originally V16, now V15).
Yes, But

While Lamb's ascent of "Seven" is a significant milestone, the history of chipping raises concerns about the integrity of climbing routes in Squamish. This underscores ongoing debates within the climbing community regarding ethics in route development.

State of Play
  • Seven climbers, including Jake Scharfman and Hamish McArthur, have successfully completed the problem following Lamb's ascent.
  • The initial chipping incident that altered "Seven" serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the climbing community regarding preserving climbing ethics and natural rock integrity.
What's Next

As climbers continue to push the limits of difficulty, expect a spike in interest around new routes and the ongoing discussion about climbing ethics, particularly in areas like Squamish that have been historically significant for both traditional and modern climbing.

Bottom Line

Katie Lamb's ascent of "Seven" not only highlights her remarkable skills but also shines a light on the ongoing ethical challenges facing the climbing community. It's vital for climbers to uphold the integrity of the routes as they pursue new records and achievements.