Grade: V15/8C
Location: Rocklands, South Africa
First Ascent: Nalle Hukkataival (June 27, 2017)
Moves: 21
Table of Contents
The Moves
The Finnish Line is a breathtaking 8-meter (26-foot) highball located in the heart of the Rocklands, South Africa. Known for its imposing blunt arête and highly technical moves, this 21-move problem combines precision, power, and endurance.
The climb begins with wide pinches and tufa-like features on the arête, requiring climbers to manage significant body tension. The crux lies in the upper half, where compression moves on sloping edges demand full-body engagement. This sequence demands laser-sharp footwork, dynamic movement, and unrelenting focus to reach the top.
The problem’s challenge is compounded by the South African heat and humidity, which significantly affect friction on the sandstone. Climbers must time their attempts carefully to take advantage of optimal conditions.
Conquering The Finnish Line
First Ascent
Nalle Hukkataival made the first ascent of The Finnish Line on June 27, 2017. Although he refrained from assigning a definitive grade, he hinted that it ranked among the hardest lines in the Rocklands. Nalle described the problem as a “gem rarer than diamonds” and one of the most memorable climbs of his career.
Notable Ascents
- Alex Megos (July 22, 2017): Alex Megos secured the first repeat just a few weeks after Nalle’s FA, spending five days on the line. He described The Finnish Line as “maybe the best line of all time,” underscoring its unique blend of aesthetic appeal and difficulty.
- Jimmy Webb (June 22, 2019): Despite progress during an earlier trip, Jimmy Webb had to leave South Africa without a send. True to his word, he returned two years later and claimed the seventh ascent of the problem. Webb praised the line as one of the most spectacular pieces of rock he had ever encountered.
- Daniel Woods and Shawn Raboutou (2018): Both climbers worked together on the problem, spending three days on a rope and three days without. They suggested a grade of V15 for the boulder, explaining that their sequence on the top half differed from Nalle’s original beta, making their ascents slightly easier.
Other climbers, including Toby Saxton, also contributed to the problem’s growing legacy. Saxton suggested a grade of V16, sparking ongoing discussions about the line’s difficulty.
FAQs
Why is The Finnish Line considered so challenging?
The climb combines height, technical moves, and body tension, all while being highly friction-dependent. The Rocklands’ heat and humidity further increase its difficulty.
How long did it take for notable climbers to send The Finnish Line?
Nalle Hukkataival spent an extended period working the problem for the first ascent, while Alex Megos completed the first repeat in five days. Jimmy Webb required multiple trips to complete the line.
What is the consensus on the grade?
While Nalle Hukkataival did not assign an official grade, most climbers suggest V15. However, some, like Toby Saxton, believe it could be closer to V16.