Raven Wall - WATERLINE, Castlegar, B.C

A real gem as far as cragging goes here in the West Kootenays, Waterline is a place where good climbing and variety come together and produce some of the most aesthetic rock climbing around. This will be the first of a few installments of photo topos that describe a certain concentration of routes at Waterline that are worth checking out.

This weeks topo I'm nicknaming the "NEW WAVE" which is a combination of steep & powerful routes all stacked together that remind me a little of the Wave at Skaha a little. Located in the of the Raven Wall, the routes go from 5.10d - 12b, all powerful and all amazing. If these climbs were closer to a major city, this place would be crowded. Waterline is a spring/fall crag that faces south west with quick access in a peaceful setting minutes from downtown Castlegar.

RAVEN WALL MIDDLE AkA:"THE NEW WAVE"

1 - LIEUTENANT - 5.10d - SPORT - 22m ***

Pronounced 'loo-ten-ten' Amazing laybacks, big holds that lead to a surprise crimpy finish. Really good!

 

2 - BLACK BIRD - 5.12b - SPORT - 24m **

Gain the steep prow like feature, take a no-hands rest and crux through the roof. Toughest one here!

3 - FEATHER QUEST - 5.12a - SPORT - 24m **

Climb the fun technical face to a overhanging jug haul and an easier finish. You could bring a small cam to supplement the run-out up top.

4 - RAVING WITH THE RAVEN - 5.12a - SPORT -  23m ***

Steep and powerful climbing up to a big roof (awesome) and a left facing corner feature. Very good climbing!

5 - SUPER GROVER - 5.11b - SPORT - 20m ***

Start with some balancy moves separated by big holds and nice rests, climb up into the big roof corner, exit right and finish on an amazing jug haul!