Owen Clarke

1 week ago | outsideonline.com | Owen Clarke

On April 8, just a day before her 24th birthday, American rock climber Brooke Raboutou made history by climbing one of the hardest routes in the world. Called Excalibur, the 40-foot route in Northern Italy is steep and notorious for its difficulty. Over the years this pitch has defied some of rock climbing’s strongest athletes. But Raboutou’s climb wasn’t just a big deal because the route was hard. Within the world of rock climbing, Excalibur is graded 9b+/5.15c.

2 weeks ago | climbing.com | Owen Clarke

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. Brooke Raboutou has pulled the sword from the stone. On April 8—one day before her 24th birthday—the American announced success on Excalibur, a brutally steep and powerful 9b+ (5.15c) in Drena, Italy. In doing so, Raboutou has joined the slim ranks of 5.15c climbers and become the first woman in history to complete a route at the grade.

3 weeks ago | climbing.com | Owen Clarke

All sport routes will be retro-bolted to adhere to the ruling, and boulders and traditional climbs may be bolted as well. Thinking of bolting a new runout classic? Think again. Photo: Maya Silver Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

1 month ago | mondaq.com | Owen Clarke |Laura Jochimski

Mark Carney wasted no time after being sworn in as PrimeMinister of Canada on Friday, dismantling the federalconsumption-based carbon tax, the fuel charge, by way of anorder-in-council on the same day.

1 month ago | outdoorjournal.com | Owen Clarke

Watercolor artist Elaine Booth has spent her career painting the natural world. But although she hopes to explore “scale and detail in ecosystems, land, and wild places,” with her paintings, she’s aiming for more than mere realism. “When people tell me my work looks like a photograph, it’s quite frankly, insulting,” Booth joked. “I know it’s meant as a compliment,” she added, “but photos are very flat. Photos can be beautiful, but they take away from reality, too.