Anak Verhoeven is always good for a surprise. In Rodellar, the strong Belgian looked for a new personal challenge, found it and implemented it into the day. Within one day she climbed the 9a endurance test piece Cosi se Arete twice - once in daylight, once with a headlamp.
Since Anak Verhoeven has retired from competitive climbing and is devoting her full attention to rock climbing, the 27-year-old regularly makes headlines. Would you like a sample? Anak Verhoeven climbs Jungfraumarathon (9a) near Gimmelwald, Climbing difficult again: Anak Verhoeven scores Las Meninas L1 (9a / +) or Rocktober: Anak Verhoeven climbs 9a+. She also enjoys taking on personal challenges like the one she recently had in Rodellar, where she climbed the 50-meter endurance hammer Cosi se Arete (9a) twice in one day.
After memorizing every detail of the route, I had this crazy idea to climb it in the dark with a headlamp! Just to give myself a fun, personal challenge.
Anak Verhoeven
Determined to achieve the goal for the day
Anak Verhoeven was able to score the 50 meter long 9a line Cosi se Arete early in the evening. Although she had memorized every single detail of the route, the approaching twilight made it more difficult: “It was more difficult for me to keep a clear head and focus on the details of the beta.” But she was very determined and kept climbing until she reached the diverter.
After climbing this great line, I thought I could try climbing it in the dark with a headlamp that same evening.
Anak Verhoeven
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So she waited until it was completely dark and climbed into Cosi se Arete for the second time - a large black void beneath her, the beam of light from the headlamp around her head. «When I looked down, I saw the small spot of light from my headlamp reflected in the river. I felt great."
In contrast to the ascent a few hours earlier, she had to move more slowly in order to be able to see all the holds and perform precisely. After she had passed the first and second crux, only the ruthless endurance trains stood between her and the diverter, which she reached a little later for the second time.
Well, that wasn't quite the original plan when I arrived at the rock that day. But what an amazing, spontaneous experience. My crazy idea of climbing a 50 meter long 9a in the dark actually turned out to be feasible.
Anak Verhoeven
A few days after her double climb, Anak Verhoeven was able to report her next success: With De Battre Mon Coeur s'est Arrêté (9a/+), she managed another difficult line in the Piscineta sector. However, the refreshment we deserved came a little early:
As I walked through the river to the base of the wall - mentally still climbing through - I slipped on a slippery rock and lay down in the water with my climbing equipment...
Anak Verhoeven
That might interest you
- Anak Verhoeven's inspirational path to becoming a professional climber | Video
- Nobody has climbed an 8c + / 9a so slowly: Anak Verhoeven in Kraftio
- Video: Anak Verhoeven is the first woman to walk the Joe Mama route (9a +)
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Credits: Cover picture Anak Verhoeven