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The Polish Traverse

V5+, Boulder, 20 ft (6 m),  Avg: 3.4 from 59 votes
FA: unknown
New York > New York City > Central Park > Rat Rock > W Face

Description

Maybe one of the best problems in Central Park. Sit start into a layback on prominent leaning crack up to a crimp. Match and move out right to a good sloper. Turn the corner, and into the crux..

Location

Starts on the right side of the flat, north facing wall at rat rock and traverses right, around the corner.

Protection

wood chips

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

West end of Rat Rock
[Hide Photo] West end of Rat Rock
Different beta at the beginning of the Polish Traverse (V5).
[Hide Photo] Different beta at the beginning of the Polish Traverse (V5).
The classic Rat Rock scene.  Unknown climber on the Polish Traverse V5
[Hide Photo] The classic Rat Rock scene. Unknown climber on the Polish Traverse V5
The most popular V5 in New York City.  Working the Overhanging Traverse (aka Polish Traverse).
[Hide Photo] The most popular V5 in New York City. Working the Overhanging Traverse (aka Polish Traverse).
Silo Murphy on the opening moves of Rat Rock's Polish Traverse (V5).
[Hide Photo] Silo Murphy on the opening moves of Rat Rock's Polish Traverse (V5).
Very tricky moves
[Hide Photo] Very tricky moves
Just before the crux sequence on the Polish Traverse.
[Hide Photo] Just before the crux sequence on the Polish Traverse.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Jon Frisby
  V5-6
[Hide Comment] Several variations exist:
No feet - V6
Speedy Gonzales: skip the "golf ball" and the sloper pinch and go straight into the crack. Really long move - V7 Nov 29, 2014
Dark Helmet
Boulder, CO
 
[Hide Comment] No pad needed. The bulb immediately after the sloper is off, forcing a match, or so I was told. Highly recommended for both the great movement and the novelty of a central park boulder that can be done during a lunch hour, a weekend trip, or a long-term project. Classic IMO! Jun 6, 2018
Kaci Collins Jordan
New York, NY
 
[Hide Comment] Some very alternate beta for the transition out of the crux:
youtu.be/q2IK9cFBGfw Oct 11, 2022
[Hide Comment] @Brendan, love that beta - need to be fresh for it but feels great when it goes: youtube.com/watch?v=15CTW6_… Jun 14, 2023
Jennifer Margono
New York, NY
 
[Hide Comment] some untraditional beta youtu.be/OFguhT8WAeo Feb 5, 2024