Grade: V15/8C+ (suggested to be: V14/8C)
Location: Cova de Ocell, Catalunya, Spain
First Ascent: Chris Sharma (January 2, 2016)
Moves: ~40
Table of Contents
The Moves
Catalan Witness the Fitness is an extraordinary horizontal roof problem that snakes through the sandstone cave of Cova de Ocell. Situated halfway up a cliff, the problem requires climbers to scale a fixed line to access the start. With ~40 moves of sustained difficulty, this line is the crown jewel of the cave, demanding body compression, shoulder strength, and relentless endurance.
The sequence begins with approximately 7 moves of V13 (8B/+) climbing on poor holds, requiring impeccable body tension to stick a reachy left-hand flake crimp that forces climbers to cut loose. From here, the problem transitions into a V11 (8A) section with an iron cross move leading to a rail where climbers can briefly rest. The final portion involves 5 easier moves (~6C+) that finish on a jug at the cave’s mouth.
Chris Sharma described the problem as being similar in style to his earlier roof project, Witness the Fitness in Arkansas, which also requires high levels of power and control on a horizontal roof.
Conquering Witness the Fitness
First Ascent
Chris Sharma began working on the problem in early 2015, projecting it over the course of 11 months while occasionally collaborating with local climbers like Pol Roca. On January 2, 2016, Sharma completed the first ascent, solidifying his reputation as a visionary for establishing groundbreaking climbs. While he refrained from assigning a definitive grade, Sharma suggested that the combination of an 8B/+ start into 8A placed the climb firmly in the V15 (8C) range.
Notable Repeats
- Alberto Rocasolano (2017): The Spanish boulderer achieved the first repeat on February 3, 2017, after spending 8 days on the climb. During his attempts, a hold in the crux broke, making the sequence even more challenging. Initially suggesting a grade of V14 (8B+), Rocasolano later aligned with Sharma’s proposed V15 rating, noting that the climb felt closer to a 9a/9a+ sport grade due to its length.
- Felipe Camargo (2017): Brazilian climber Felipe Camargo claimed the third ascent after just four days of work, showcasing his training for roof climbs. Camargo had recently tackled the world’s largest roof climb, Corazón de Ensueño in China, which undoubtedly prepared him for Sharma’s intense problem.
- Jakob Schubert (2018): In a remarkable display of skill, Jakob Schubert flashed Catalan Witness the Fitness in January 2018. This achievement placed Schubert among an elite group of climbers who have flashed a boulder graded V14 (8B+).
Since Sharma’s first ascent, eight other climbers have succeeded on the line, cementing its place as a must-try problem for elite boulderers.
FAQs
How difficult is Witness the Fitness compared to sport routes?
Due to its length and sustained difficulty, some climbers, like Alberto Rocasolano, have suggested it feels closer to a sport grade of 9a/9a+.
Why is this climb considered unique?
The climb’s position in a halfway-up cave, combined with its horizontal roof style and technical sequences, makes it a standout line in modern bouldering.
Who flashed Catalan Witness the Fitness?
Jakob Schubert flashed the problem in 2018, joining an elite group of climbers who have flashed V14 (8B+).