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Full Work Attire: Sport and Top Rope Climbing on Upper Karate Kid Wall

Victoria, Canada
undercling start
juggy slab
single pitch
sport climbing
top rope
Vancouver Island
Length: 65 ft
Type: Sport | TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Full Work Attire
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Full Work Attire greets climbers with a distinctive undercling start that shifts into juggy slab sections, providing an accessible yet satisfying ascent on Vancouver Island’s Upper Karate Kid Wall. Its solid bolt line and scenic forest setting make it a reliable option for sport and top rope climbers seeking quality movement in a compact 65-foot pitch."

Full Work Attire: Sport and Top Rope Climbing on Upper Karate Kid Wall

Full Work Attire offers a compact yet engaging climbing experience on the Upper Karate Kid Wall, situated on Vancouver Island’s wild and scenic Victoria region. From the moment your fingers reach for the undercling start, the route challenges with a confident grip, quickly shifting into juggy slab climbing that rewards steady footwork and controlled balance. The wall’s vertical head section, just a few meters below the top of the crag, hosts a reliable two-bolt anchor, a prime spot to catch your breath and take in the surrounding forested cliffs. For climbers hunting a little extra, continuing beyond the first anchor leads to a second set of bolts at 5.8 difficulty, adding variety and length to your ascent.

The crag’s approachable height of 65 feet suits climbers looking for a brief but gripping session that blends sport and top-rope styles. The six well-spaced bolts on the initial pitch provide solid protection, encouraging confident movement through each sequence while the additional eight bolts to the higher anchors ensure a reassuring safety net for those pushing farther. The rock’s texture tests your grip without overwhelming, offering enough rests on the slab to plan your moves carefully.

Locating Full Work Attire is straightforward within the Upper Karate Kid Wall sector at Glen Lake Crag. The surrounding terrain features gentle slopes and forest paths typical of Vancouver Island’s coastal zones, livelier in spring and summer when the drier weather reduces slip hazards. The climb’s orientation invites morning sun which warms the face early in the day but keeps the upper sections comfortably shaded as the afternoon progresses.

Preparation is key: sturdy climbing shoes with a good edge will maximize your contact on the slab sections, and an interest in both sport and top-rope techniques enriches the experience here. Hydration is important, as exposure to direct sun and the effort of careful slab climbing can fatigue even seasoned climbers. Reach the wall midweek in the shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter scene.

Whether you’re adding Full Work Attire as a warm-up, seeking a quick technical challenge, or exploring the Upper Karate Kid Wall’s varied routes, this climb combines a manageable warm embrace of verticality with enough complexity to sharpen your skills. It’s a solid pick for climbers visiting Victoria eager to connect with the island’s outdoor spirit without sacrificing approachability or safety.

Climber Safety

While the bolts are solid, slab climbing brings a risk of slipping—ensure cautious foot placements and avoid climbing when the rock is damp. Anchor points are set away from the top ledge, so prepare for careful topping out.

Route Details

TypeSport | TR
Pitches1
Length65 feet

Local Tips

Start early to catch morning sun warming the wall before the shade rolls in.

Wear climbing shoes with solid edging to handle the slab’s subtle features.

Bring water and snacks for a quick post-climb break at nearby Glen Lake.

Check for moss or moisture after rain, as slab holds may become slick.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.6
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.6, Full Work Attire sits at the lower end of difficulty but requires precise footwork on slab sections that test balance rather than brute strength. The grade feels fair, with the crux near the undercling start demanding commitment. The optional 5.8 extension adds a bit more challenge and length, similar in style to nearby routes on Upper Karate Kid Wall.

Gear Requirements

The route is protected by six bolts to the primary anchor, with an option to continue on a 5.8 extension featuring eight additional bolts. A standard sport rack suffices, though attention to clipping and smooth movement is advised on the slab sections.

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Tags

undercling start
juggy slab
single pitch
sport climbing
top rope
Vancouver Island