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French Connection Sport Climb at Sully's Hangout

Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
sport climbing
single pitch
technical
edging
Vancouver climbing
Length: 70 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
French Connection
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"French Connection offers a focused 70-foot sport climb in the Vancouver area's Sully's Hangout. This route blends steady movement with a crux that demands precision, making it an ideal challenge for climbers refining their 5.10 skills."

French Connection Sport Climb at Sully's Hangout

French Connection stands out in the Sully's Hangout sector, located just outside Vancouver, British Columbia, offering a compact but demanding 70-foot sport climb that challenges your technique and endurance. The route initiates on the steady holds of Dynamic Duo, a classic warm-up pitch that tests body positioning and controlled movement. After securing the third bolt, climbers are invited to pivot onto Trekking to India, where the intensity sharpens with steeper overhangs and smaller crimps that demand precise footwork and finger strength.

Surrounded by lush greenery typical of the Vancouver area, the rock face dangles above a lightly forested base where sunlight filters through intermittent gaps in the canopy. A subtle breeze often whispers through the air, refreshing climbers and carrying the scent of moss and cedar. The route’s 8 well-placed bolts create a sense of security, allowing you to focus on flow and rhythm rather than worrying over gear placements.

This climb is a solid choice for those moving comfortably into the 5.10 range, with its blend of sustained moves and a few crux sequences that will push your limits without overwhelming. The wall faces northeast, making early mornings ideal to avoid the afternoon glare and retain cool, dry holds. Sully’s Hangout itself is a part of a larger collection of routes that enjoy moderate accessibility, with a brief approach through forest trails that reward your efforts with both tranquility and readiness upon arrival.

Planning your day here benefits from practical considerations: wear sticky rubber shoes for the technical edging required, carry a light rack focusing on quickdraws for the bolts, and hydrate well for the mild but sometimes sticky coastal climate. Arrive early to preview the rock and warm up effectively, as the routes quickly fill with climbers during peak seasons. Finally, while the descent is straightforward, keep an eye on footing—moisture from the surrounding foliage can make the ground slippery.

Whether you're stepping up to sport climbing or sharpening your redpoint projects in the Vancouver area, French Connection is a compact, vibrant challenge that combines natural beauty with solid technical climbing, providing an engaging experience that rewards preparation as much as persistence.

Climber Safety

While the bolts are solid and well-spaced, be cautious on the descent trail where damp forest conditions create slick patches. The approach is moderate but does require attention to footing, especially with wet leaves or muddy patches.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length70 feet

Local Tips

Start climbing early to catch the morning shade on the northeast-facing wall.

Wear sticky rubber shoes to handle small edges and crimps effectively.

Bring water and stay hydrated due to the coastal moisture and warmth.

Watch for slippery footing during descent, particularly if it rained recently.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10d
Quality
Consensus:At 5.10d, French Connection presents a balanced challenge. The initial segment on Dynamic Duo feels approachable but the mid-route crux after the third bolt demands sharper finger strength and precise body positioning. Compared to nearby climbs in Sully's Hangout, it holds a consistent difficulty without softening, making it a reliable test for climbers progressing beyond intermediate grades.

Gear Requirements

Equipped with 8 solid bolts, a standard 12 quickdraw rack is sufficient, focusing on clipping efficiency and maintaining flow on the route. Sticky shoes are essential for toeing into technical edging sections, especially transitioning to Trekking to India.

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Tags

sport climbing
single pitch
technical
edging
Vancouver climbing