Matt Bush Free Solos One of the World’s Largest Granite Domes

Join Matt Bush as he free solos Paarl Mountain, one of the world’s largest granite domes, in South Africa. Matt sets his sights on Casualties of War (5.11b), which follows the most prominent line up the rock. The route was opened in 2004 and has seen few ascents. Bush says, “It may only be graded 6c+/5.11b, but grades are often not a true measure of difficulty for soloing. There are many other variables to factor in. I’ve soloed overhanging routes at 8a+/5.13d repeatedly but this route feels much harder. The movement style is delicate, on-balance and very technical. The margin for error is small. Sometimes the hands and feet are pressed into tiny quartzite crystals. The first crux revolves around two opposing gastons, setting the feet up high and reaching far to a good hold. It’s a dynamic move. The final crux involves a long reach off a layback with both feet smearing on marginal holds. It feels extremely exposed. These factors combine to make this a new level of solo for me. Near the top there’s a small ledge to turnaround on which is probably the highlight of the climb. When it comes to choosing a route to solo, I look for something that’s challenging but the beauty of the place and the movement style are determining factors. This particular route has it all in one. It’s a dream solo.”