PRINT: Climb Natural Selection, Lynn Woods

Natural Selection

V8-, Boulder, 15 ft (5 m),

Avg: 3.6 from 28 votes
FA: Pete Otis
Massachusetts > N Shore > Lynn Woods > Weetamoo Area > Elephant Boulder

Description

Start sitting matched on a unique, winged-shaped crimp bar in the small cave and do a low traverse right about 6-7 feet using the crack and slots and then make a blind move around the corner battling the barn door and continue up the rising, slopey arete on marginal holds and feet. Set up and slap your right hand out to the obvious blocky side pull on the face. Keep slapping your left hand up the arete and top out over the peak.

Grade is for the original extended start described above.

Grade can range pretty much dependent upon height/reach. Shorter climbers will find it to be harder while taller climbers may find it easier. Perhaps once more feedback comes in we can do a slash grade. Regardless of the grade, just enjoy the movement.

Protection

Pad.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Natural Selection (blue).
<br>
Devolution (yellow).

Natural Selection (blue). Devolution (yellow).

Beta.

The sit start is on the left (not on this photo). Traverse on slopes to the face of the boulder. The crux is the dynamic move to the sidepull.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Tim McGivern
Medford, ma

V8-

I’m 5’11”, and the move from the good sloper to the jug is at my reach limit and is foot beta intensive. I think if you can’t span from the good sloper with left hand to jug with right, it will mean another move or two through shitty slopers before being able to reach. Great line regardless. Folks taller than me should find the reach even easier. It might be closer to V7 if you can make the reach. This thing must be brutal for short folks. Mar 21, 2018

Old Timer
North Andover MA

V8-

Yes, Tim, at 5 feet 5, I had to make several additional hard moves up the arete on tiny holds before making the big move out right to the side pull. Felt harder than other V8s I have done, but it could be the problem is a better fit for taller climbers. Regardless, really good problem and good to see it getting some love. Mar 21, 2018

Ethan Eman

Classic problem! I don't think it really matters which way you do this, each way has its own difficulties/subtleties. For me, since I am 6'3", I did the reachy way! Lots of core tension needed and a huge low percentage big move! This took considerable effort and definitely the hardest thing I have ever climbed.... Finally, on my 7th day of effort and 1st go that day, I sent her! I tried to do a repeat for a video and failed 5 times in a row... telling me that this thing is still harrrrd! Hahaha. I will stay with a V8 grade, and once enough people send it, we should come to some kind of consensus! Apr 9, 2018

Avilash Cramer

Fun climb! Great movement, mildly annoying landing. I think V8 is very reasonable, felt substantially harder than Buttermilker and similar to other V8s in the area (I'm just a bit shorter than 5'9"). Nov 30, 2020

Ryan Loiselle
Pepperell, MA

Sent last night! It was a very sloppy send, but at 5'7", figured I'd share my beta: youtube.com/watch?v=l-S2UiS…. Jan 5, 2022

Old Timer
North Andover MA

V8-

Nice send, Ryan. If you are looking for some new problems in a similar range, check out the Ridge Boulders in Lynn.

Pete (Old Timer) Jan 6, 2022

Old Timer
North Andover MA

V8-

Ryan,

PM just sent.

Pete Jan 15, 2022

Andrew Leitner
Lynn, MA

Somebody created a large stick collection at the base of this boulder. While I understand you wanted to secure a safer landing, it's important to clean up when you are done and practice Leave No Trace. These principles aim to minimize our impact on natural areas. Even seemingly harmless actions like collecting sticks can disrupt ecosystems and affect wildlife habitats. By leaving natural objects undisturbed, we ensure these outdoor spaces remain pristine for future visitors. Let's be mindful of our impact and uphold these principles to preserve the beauty of our climbing areas. Jun 18, 2024

Andrew B

Too bad the mountain bikers of Lynn Woods don't practice "leave no trace" when constructing large permanent features out of rock and dirt all over the woods.... Oct 1, 2024