Strong, stronger, Aidan Roberts. The young Brit is known for competing at the top of the hard bouldering scene. Now, at the start of the new year, he's opened a new steep and challenging boulder problem, "The Bee's Knees," in the grade [grading missing]. 8B + in Yosemite Valley in the USA.
The Bee's Knees
The project was originally discovered by Randy Puro: a striking, overhanging line on sandstone-like textured granite. For Roberts, the boulder was special not only for its climbing technique but also for its atmosphere: "The forest here feels completely different from the rest of the valley," Roberts wrote on Instagram. "The area is very well irrigated by Bridalveil Falls. It's dense and wild, and the boulder is easy to miss, even if you know it's there."
Teamwork instead of individual glory
Because the boulder is incredibly steep, it's impossible to work out the beta using a rope, a technique that's becoming increasingly popular when developing new routes. So Roberts had to develop the boulder using a "pseudo-ground-up style." That's how the 27-year-old describes the logistical challenge the boulder presented. To work out the crux moves and a functional beta from the ground, you need several crash pads and a ladder – teamwork was essential, and Roberts emphasizes that his ascent was only possible with the help of friends who assisted him not only in working out the beta but also with the logistics.
Often one gets the feeling that a new boulder is almost exclusively attributed to the first ascensionist, which does not really reflect how an established route is created.
Aidan Roberts
His ascent, Roberts continues, is just a small part of the work needed to bring the route to life and an example of the solidarity and helpfulness among climbers. Together with Katie Lamb, Keenan Takahashi and Shawn Raboutou He was finally able to check off the project "The Bee's Knees".
High-end boulderer Aidan Roberts
Roberts is among the best boulderers in the world. In 2024, the Briton made two first ascents of 9A routes: »Arrival of the Birds«, confirmed by Sean bailey and "Spots of Time« confirmed by Will BosiFurthermore, two years earlier he had achieved the first replay of Shawn Raboutous's "alphanes"Thus, three remarkable 9A boulders crown the tick list of this exceptional athlete. His other well-known first ascents include: Lion's Share (8C+), Vecchio Leone Sit (8C+) and Superpowers (8C/+) – at the time one of the hardest lines in Great Britain – as well as numerous other high-end problems around the globe."
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- 9A Boulder Counter | Samuel Richard scores “Soudain Seul”
- “A solid 9A”: Aidan Roberts on Arrival of the Birds
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Credits: Cover image: Adobe Stock