Editors
Editors

9 years after the first ascent: 8C+ Highball The Process repeated

bouldering

The strong American boulderer Zach Galla secures the second ascent of the Daniel Woods Highballs The Process (8C+). The line at the famous Grandpa Peabody Boulder had turned away all aspirants for nine years.

“Getting out of this boulder was a feeling that no other climbing experience has given me before,” enthuses Zach Galla. On February 27th, the 23-year-old was the first climber to repeat the 8C+ line The Process in the Buttermilks.

After I reached the edge and calmed down, I felt like I was in a bubble and all that mattered was the next move.

Zach Galla
As beautiful as it is impressive: the Grandpa Peabody Boulder. Zach Galla after the second ascent of The Process (8C+).
As beautiful as it is impressive: the Grandpa Peabody Boulder. Zach Galla after the second ascent of The Process (8C+).

Daniel Wood's 2015 test piece is at the famous Grandpa Peabody Boulder and runs to the right of Sean Bailey's recently started 8C+ line Devilution. The Process expands Social Distortion (8B) with an 8b+ sequence high above the ground. Finally, there is a flat 7C+ exit in the absolute no-fall zone. Could this be the reason why this highball remained unrepeated for nine years?

Daniel Woods was way ahead of his time when he first climbed this mental and physical test piece nine years ago.

Zach Galla
Learn more

+ + +

Credits: Cover picture Zach Galla

News

bouldering

From 8C to 9A: Matthew Mendes replays Realm of Torment

0
This week, 20-year-old Briton Matthew Mendes made the second ascent of Will Bosi's "Realm of Tor'ment" (9A) in the Peak District. It is his first boulder problem of this grade – after only five years of climbing outdoors and indoors.
bouldering

Climbing and knee problems: where they come from and how to prevent them

0
Knee pain is common among climbers. Klaus Isele explains what to do in case of knee pain.
climbing

A tie in the final: The decision at the German Lead Championships 2026 was that close.

0
Anna Maria Apel (cover photo) and Yannick Nagel remain Germany's number one in lead climbing. Both successfully defended their titles at the German Championships in Darmstadt. While Apel had to wait anxiously until the very last moment, Nagel set the decisive mark in the men's competition.
ice climbing

Ice climbing and ski touring in Norway: The Mountain Equipment Oreus and Xenith jackets put to the test

0
Frozen waterfalls, steep approaches, and cold belay stations: Norway is one of the most impressive destinations for ice climbers in Europe – but it also places high demands on equipment and clothing. Ice climber Anna embarked on a winter trip through Norway and tested two models from Mountain Equipment under realistic conditions. In the following review, Anna explains why these jackets complement each other surprisingly well in winter conditions.

From 8C to 9A: Matthew Mendes replays Realm of Torment

Stefanie Keicher -
This week, 20-year-old Briton Matthew Mendes made the second ascent of Will Bosi's "Realm of Tor'ment" (9A) in the Peak District. It is his first boulder problem of this grade – after only five years of climbing outdoors and indoors.
Read more

Climbing and knee problems: where they come from and how to prevent them

Editors -
Knee pain is common among climbers. Klaus Isele explains what to do in case of knee pain.
Read more

A tie in the final: The decision at the German Lead Championships 2026 was that close.

Stefanie Keicher -
Anna Maria Apel (cover photo) and Yannick Nagel remain Germany's number one in lead climbing. Both successfully defended their titles at the German Championships in Darmstadt. While Apel had to wait anxiously until the very last moment, Nagel set the decisive mark in the men's competition.
Read more