UKC

Ned Feehally on Form in Switzerland: Big Paw 8B+

© Martin Smith

Ned Feehally has just returned from a two week trip to Ticino, Switzerland, where his ticklist highlights included three hard classics at Chironico and Brione: Big Paw (f8C) 8B+, Vecchio Leone (f8B) 8B and Nobody ist der Größte 8A.

Ned climbing Big Paw 8B+/C  © Martin Smith
Ned climbing Big Paw 8B+/C
© Martin Smith

Ned told UKC:

'I didn't do loads, but I went for quality over quantity!'

Big Paw was first climbed by Dave Graham in 2008 and is the sit start of Boogalagga 8B, a stunning blunt arête. Originally graded 8C, repeat ascensionists have since suggested 8B+, which Ned agrees with: 

'I think it seems to have settled at 8B+ now. That felt about right to me. Big Paw climbs from a sit start up a series of layaways and edges, to a crux move into a small pocket. I'd always wanted to do this problem and it was worth the trip alone.'

Ned on Vecchio Leone 8B  © Tom Dixon
Ned on Vecchio Leone 8B
© Tom Dixon

Ned added:

'Vecchio Leone is one of the best 8B boulder problems anywhere. An overhanging wall with perfect sculpted edges and poor footholds. Nobody ist der Größte is a totally unique problem on slopers. It climbs more like a Font problem, but on smooth river polished granite.'

photo
Nobody ist der Größte 8A
© Martin Smith

Ned is sponsored by: Beastmaker, Five Ten, Friction Labs, Organic and Patagonia


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6 Mar, 2017
Brilliant looking Boulder problems
Nice one Ned!
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