Drew Ruana, 13, Climbs To Bolt or Not to Be (5.14a)

4/18/13 – Thirteen-year-old Drew Ruana has made an ascent of To Bolt or Not to Be, perhaps the country’s most iconic 5.14a, at Smith Rock, Oregon.

Legendary French climber J.B. Tribout established To Bolt or Not to Be in 1986 as America’s first 5.14a. Impressively, it’s held its grade for the last 27 years, with ticks from different generations’ best climbers, like Lynn Hill, Chris Sharma, Tommy Caldwell, and many more. This is Drew’s fifth 5.14a; in February, he climbed Scarface, also at Smith Rock (see the video below). Other redpoints at this grade include Chemical Ali, Mr. Yuk (both at Smith), and God’s Own Stone (Red River Gorge, Kentucky).

Drew’s mother Christine said on her Facebook, “… My first comment was, ‘Drew’s doing a practice run on To Bolt.’ Next thing we knew… He was at the top. His feet both cut loose at the top and somehow he managed to hang on. When it was over, we couldn’t believe it just happened.”

Date of ascent: April 17, 2013

Source: Christine Ruana