HomeClimbingDry Docked

Dry Docked: A Crisp Challenge on Yola Wall's Overhung Face

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
overhung
slab
coastal climb
titanium bolts
short pitch
technical
Length: 50 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Dry Docked
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Dry Docked on Yola Wall offers a tight, technical climb starting on an overhung wall before transitioning to a delicate slab above a cave roof. Ideal for climbers seeking focused power and precision on a short route framed by the salty breeze of Puerto Rico’s coast."

Dry Docked: A Crisp Challenge on Yola Wall's Overhung Face

The Dry Docked route at Yola Wall, located just above the rugged shores of Surfers and Survival Beaches in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, offers climbers a compact yet demanding ascent with a striking blend of power and finesse. The climb begins on a sharply overhung section on the right, where the rock forces you to engage your core and balance as you navigate a sequence of precise moves. As your fingers grip the textured faces of the limestone, the wall seems to tighten around you, urging calculated effort.

From this initial bulge, the route directs you to move leftward, stemming across to the main wall perched above a wide cave roof. This transition is a pivotal moment—your movements must be confident and controlled, as the footholds are sparse and the shifting center of gravity tests your stability. Once past the cave’s shadow, the final section rises directly up a slab, demanding delicate footwork on thin holds and steady composure. This culminating pitch distills the climb’s character: lean, technical, and precise.

At just 50 feet, Dry Docked is short but unforgiving, perfect for climbers who enjoy concentrated challenges without length fatigue. The 5.10d rating is well earned through the combo of overhang dynamics and slab sensitivity. With only one pitch, the route allows for focused effort and minimal time on the wall, making it an efficient destination for afternoon climbs.

Protection follows the sport tradition with three bolts leading to a 2-bolt anchor shared with adjacent routes Made in China and Rite of Passage. The bolts are mostly titanium glue-ins, reliable and corrosion-resistant against the coastal salt air, with the middle holding a stainless expansion. This fixed gear provides confidence but demands respect; clipping smoothly and maintaining controlled movement can prevent unnecessary swings or falls in this exposed setting.

Yola Wall’s proximity to Surfers Beach means climbers are treated to a unique soundscape—the distant crashing of waves and the occasional cry of seabirds mix with your breath and the soft scrape of climbing shoes on stone. The coastal breeze cools the effort, but humidity lingers, so hydration is crucial. Approach the climb in the cooler hours of morning or late afternoon to avoid the full sun that can heat the limestone to a challenging intensity.

This site is easy to access from Aguadilla, with well-marked trails and clear GPS coordinates (18.50778, -67.13386). The short walk from parking to the base is framed by coastal vegetation, and climbers should prepare for sandy and rocky terrain underfoot. Footwear that can handle these mixed surfaces is advisable.

Dry Docked appeals to climbers who value crisp technical climbing with a practical approach, blending classic sport protection with an invigorating seaside atmosphere. Whether you're tuning your power moves or sharpening slab-footwork skills, this route offers a concise but memorable challenge in a sunlit coastal setting.

Climber Safety

Despite solid fixed gear, the overhung start demands controlled clipping and movement to avoid swings or falls onto the cave roof. The coastal weather can bring slickness to the rock during or after rain, so check conditions before climbing.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Approach early or late to avoid strong midday sun heating the limestone.

Wear shoes with sensitive edging to handle the thin slab holds above the cave.

Bring plenty of water — coastal humidity can sap energy quickly.

Be mindful of rope positioning on the shared anchor to prevent tangles.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10d
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10d grade accurately reflects the combination of strenuous overhang climbing and technical slab moves. The rating is neither soft nor overly stiff, but the transition and slab require precise footwork and body tension, which can elevate the perceived difficulty compared to similarly graded routes.

Gear Requirements

Three bolts lead up with a solid titanium glue-in setup, except the middle bolt which is a stainless expansion. The 2-bolt anchor is shared with neighboring routes, so clip carefully to avoid rope drag.

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Tags

overhung
slab
coastal climb
titanium bolts
short pitch
technical