31 Jan Will Gadd and Tim Emmet again on Spray On

 
Last year Will Gadd and Tim Emmet  climbed  what Gadd calls “some insanely challenging and fun spray ice" behind Helmcken Falls, in Wells Grey provincial park in British Columbia (Canada) .
 
 Here the duo established a 30-meter, 45-degree overhanging ice climb just  behind Helmcken Falls: spray from the 140-meter of  Helmcken Falls to the volcanic rock created a unique style of ice route, where Gadd and Emmet put bolts, being others protections impossible to be placed.  “We wanted it to go on natural gear and screws, but the compact volcanic rock wasn’t having any of that. “ Gadd writes.
 
From January 16 to 25th this year, the duo  worked hard on continuing the  route from last year and in the end made it through about 250 feet ( 80 meters) of climbing: " I am sure of little in life, but of this I am sure: The Helmcken Falls spray ice cave is absolutely the wildest, best, most insane ice climbing area I’ve ever seen."  Gadd says  " It is going to be a destination for some, but it’s a journey, sort of like chasing waves off-shore or climbing in the Himalaya. It won’t be for everyone, but it sure is good!"
 
The team freed the route, with both of the two climbers  doing pitches 1 and 2, Tim Emmet pitch 3, and Will Gadd  4 and 5.
 
What about the grade? “We keep getting emails asking that “ Gadd says on his blog – “  and here’s the only answer we’re going to give: Take a look at the pictures. Read this and Tim’s story. What do you think? Ice climbing is like waves to me, an aesthetic and beautiful experience more than a grade. The holds on a rock climb stay the same more or less, but an ice climb is always different. Take a look at the pictures, listen to the stories, enjoy the show, go climbing there, do both, do neither, but there’s something for everyone in that cave, even if it’s just looking at it from the viewpoint. Helmcken Falls is awesome."
 
Source and more news :  Rock&Ice   The epicentre   Blog Will Gadd  climbing.com
Photo: Christian Pondella