Exploring Tiger Slabs: Distinctive Slab Climbing on Newfoundland’s South Coast

Swift Current, Newfoundland and Labrador
slab climbing
trad
sport
cracks
bulges
technical footwork
single pitch
Newfoundland
coastal
Length: 303 ft
Type: Trad | Sport
Stars
Pitches
single pitch
Protected Place
South Coast / Burin Newfoundland
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Tiger Slabs offers climbers a distinctive slab experience near Newfoundland’s south coast, featuring a rock face with compelling curves and bulges. Accessible via the classic Tiger Woods route, this area blends trad and sport lines with exceptional technical slab climbing in a remote coastal setting."

Exploring Tiger Slabs: Distinctive Slab Climbing on Newfoundland’s South Coast

Just above the well-known Tiger Wall lies Tiger Slabs, a unique climbing destination that offers a blend of smooth slabs peppered with compelling curves, bulges, and cracks. The rock quality here stands out, delivering an engaging experience for trad and sport climbers who appreciate technical slab routes combined with natural features that demand both footwork precision and mental focus. The area above the lower wall contains the most intricate formations, though it is somewhat shorter. Moving rightward, the wall gradually expands as it bends around the corner, revealing more extensive and varied surfaces to explore.

Accessibility is straightforward yet requires some deliberate navigation. Starting from the Tiger Wall base, walk right along the foundation until reaching its end. From there, ascend uphill trending left to a small face roughly 10 feet tall. Turning left here takes you up a steeper slope to reach the slabs. Once at the base, climbers can venture left toward the section residing directly above Tiger Wall or head right to access the rest of the slabs, giving various line options to suit skill and style.

Among the area’s classic climbs, "Tiger Woods" stands out as the most approachable way to top out, rated 5.7 trad, a perfect route to gain the slab summit for setting up top ropes. Other standout climbs like "Speaking of Curvature" (5.10b sport), "Earn Your Stripes" (5.10b), and "Served By Destiny" (5.10c) showcase the technical challenges and diverse line work present here. These well-regarded climbs highlight the blend of trad and sport climbing this location embraces, gearing up both newcomers and seasoned slab specialists for satisfying sends.

At 303 feet of elevation, Tiger Slabs offers an airy perch above the coastal landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador. The rock’s slab character requires climbers to embrace balance, maintain steady feet, and trust delicate hand placements. It’s a welcome departure from vertical crack climbing, focusing more on subtle edges and fluid movement.

The wall’s orientation and the local weather pattern favor climbing in milder seasons. Spring through early fall provide the most hospitable conditions, though climbers must monitor precipitation and temperature swings typical of the region’s coastal climate. The approach terrain is forested with some uneven and steep sections, so sturdy hiking shoes or approach shoes are recommended. GPS coordinates place Tiger Slabs near Swift Current on Newfoundland’s south coast, offering a ruggedly beautiful backdrop to any climbing day.

Bringing a rack suitable for both traditional gear and sport quickdraws will prepare climbers for the varied protection needed. The routes’ crack features call for cams and nuts, and sport climbs have fixed bolts in place. The structure of the slabs means falls tend to be low consequence if managed properly, although the steeper bulges require caution and focused clipping.

Getting down after the climb is manageable—topouts lead to accessible walking terrain that returns climbers safely to the base. There are no complex rappels necessary, which enhances the area’s appeal for those looking for straightforward but rewarding slab climbs.

Whether you are after a technical climb with a mix of trad gear placements or sport routes that challenge balance and resolve, Tiger Slabs delivers a compelling slab climbing experience. With its fine rock, intriguing features, and approachable access, it’s a must-visit spot on Newfoundland's South Coast for climbers eager to test their slab skills in fresh territory.

Climber Safety

Take care on the steeper bulges as falls can be awkward despite the generally low consequence of slab climbing. The rock is solid but requires attention to delicate foot placements. The approach includes some steep terrain; be cautious on wet or slippery sections especially after precipitation.

Area Details

TypeTrad | Sport
Pitchessingle pitch
Length303 feet

Local Tips

Access the slabs via the Tiger Woods (5.7 trad) route for the easiest top-out.

Use sturdy approach shoes for the steep and uneven trail sections.

Plan your climb during the spring to early fall for the best weather and dry conditions.

Bring a mixed rack with cams and quickdraws to cover trad cracks and sport routes.

Area Rating

Quality
Consensus:The grades at Tiger Slabs range mainly from 5.7 to 5.10c, offering moderate challenges that reward precise footwork over brute strength. The slab nature means the routes feel technical and require a solid slab climbing technique. The grades hold true to their ratings with few reports of sandbagging, sitting comfortably alongside other slab areas in eastern Canada but with a distinctive coastal edge.

Gear Requirements

Routes here require a combined rack for both trad and sport climbing. Traditional gear such as cams and nuts is needed for the crack features, while sport lines are protected by fixed bolts. The slab terrain demands careful footwork and controlled protection placements.

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Tags

slab climbing
trad
sport
cracks
bulges
technical footwork
single pitch
Newfoundland
coastal