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Surprise Direct 

5.9 R

   

FA: Pat Callis & Mike Dent, August 1966
Type: Trad
Consensus: 5.9 [details]
Length: 3 pitches, 300 feet
Season: Spring - Fall
Views: 215 page views

Submitted By: Chris Miller on Jan 20, 2006


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Description 

This is a third pitch variation to Surprise that improves upon that route with a slightly harder but much cleaner last pitch.

P1) Start in the middle of the wall and climb a short right-facing corner system (thin pro), then continue up and left on unprotected but very easy face (5.0) to a 3 bolt anchor. P2) Up and right along a ramp/flake system to reach a bolt (5.8) and then into an easy right-facing corner atop which is a 3 bolt belay (the regular belay for Surprise). Clip this anchor and continue right to a separate 2 bolt anchor. P3) Steep friction face (5.9) past three bolts to a gear belay on top. Descend via Bye Gully.


Protection 

bolts, pro to 3"



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By Adam Kimmerly
Jun 25, 2006

Fun pitch, but a serious lead. The first bolt is 20 feet out from the belay, and the moves just before the bolt are not trivial. Another 25 ft runout leads to the second bolt (actually doubled bolts.) The third bolt lies on easy terrain above where it's not really needed.

The pitch is fun, but I felt more "R" than the first pitch. I'm not sure why "Surprise" gets an R but this pitch doesn't.

By Chris Miller
Administrator
Jun 27, 2006

Thanks Adam, I've changed the protection rating on this.

By Brandon R.
From: San Diego, CA
Sep 25, 2006

I remember the topo showing a bolt on the third pitch that isn't there in reality. Very serious pitch!