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Instant Karma Direct

5.10d, Sport, TR, 60 ft (18 m),  Avg: 2.6 from 11 votes
FA: FA: Gil Harder, Kip Connor FFA: Rodney Lanier, Wes Love
N Carolina > 3. Piedmont Region > Crowders Mountain > Main Climbing A… > 04. David's Castle Wall

Description

Start on the crack/face that leads to the left facing dihedral. Climb the dihedral to the ledge under the small overhang. Climb the technical crux leading past the small overhang to mellower climbing. Climb past the aged rusted anchor.

OPTIONS-

1)The most common option is to climb to the Energy Czar anchor. A top rope set-up will require a directional. Keep your anchor short for less rope drag over the ledge.

2)After climbing to the top, I truly recommend it. The rock is less traveled but the gear options are bomber and abundant. The climbing feels 5.7 and there is a great wide vertical crack for a bomber natural anchor. Bring up your second and walk off or use a 70 meter rope for a top rope set up.

I feel the anchor should be replaced. Since most people stop at the Energy Czar anchor, the replacement anchor should be moved to the top of the cliff! It could then be an easy access Top Rope set up for INSTANT KARMA DIRECT, TEMPORARY TRADITION, and CASTLE CORNER. The rock would clean up after more traffic. A win-win for everyone.

Location

Twenty feet right of 'Energy Czar'. Look for the left-facing corner that leads to a crack above.

Protection


North Carolina Trad Rack.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Dave Coleman on instant karma direct.
[Hide Photo] Dave Coleman on instant karma direct.
Scott McCook leading Instant Karma Direct in the early 80s.
[Hide Photo] Scott McCook leading Instant Karma Direct in the early 80s.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Mike Holley
Boone, NC
 
[Hide Comment] Awesome route!!! Takes good gear and provides some healthy pump with a solid rest after the business! Oh so fun! Jan 13, 2013
Barrett Pauer
Brevard, NC
 
[Hide Comment] Has a hold broken in the crux? Felt way harder than any 10 I have ever climbed. 11+ seemed to be more appropriate Jan 15, 2017
Robert Hutchins
  5.10+
[Hide Comment] Nothing significant has broken on the route. It's probably right at the border of 10+/11-, but no harder than that. You just need some good stemming technique, and a little bit of composure for the move after the crux. May 24, 2017