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Shirts Off Posse (S.O.P): A Bold Sport Climb at Big Boy Wall

Owen Sound, Canada
pocket climbing
steep
sport
single pitch
finger strength
ontario climbing
Length: ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Shirts Off Posse (S.O.P)
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Shirts Off Posse delivers a steep, pocket-focused pump up Big Boy Wall. This 5.10c sport climb demands finger strength and clever body positioning, offering a key rest hold to help manage the crux."

Shirts Off Posse (S.O.P): A Bold Sport Climb at Big Boy Wall

Shirts Off Posse (S.O.P) cuts a sharp line across the steep face of Big Boy Wall in Ontario’s South Bouldering and Rock area. This one-pitch sport route challenges climbers with a sequence of awkward pocket holds that demand both precision and commitment. Starting with a careful hand placement, you’ll find yourself driving through moves that test finger strength and body tension alike. The climb leans distinctly toward the physical: the pockets don’t yield easily, requiring controlled aggression to maintain upward momentum without bleeding energy.

The route’s 5.10c rating reflects a sustained effort where resting options are scarce, yet a well-placed hold on the right side offers a critical moment of reprieve—something that can save you from being stuck mid-move and keep frustration at bay. Bolted protection is firm and confidence-inspiring, allowing you to focus on the climbing rather than gear concerns. The anchors at the top provide secure completion with straightforward descent options.

This climb is a solid pick if you’re looking to sharpen your pocket technique and test your finger strength in a condensed, intense climb. It shines in dry weather, where friction feels sharp against the rock’s grainy texture, and the wall’s aspect means you’ll enjoy pleasant shade in the warmer months, making hot summer afternoons more manageable. The approach to Big Boy Wall is straightforward, located just off well-traveled routes in Ontario South, letting you spend more time on the rock and less navigating dense forest.

Before your ascent, prepare with snug shoes that allow precise toe placements and finger tape to protect your skin on the sharp pockets. Hydrate well and time your climb for mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak sun. With only a single pitch, Shirts Off Posse delivers high-intensity moves that make every reach count, perfect for climbers hungry for a compact yet memorable challenge. Whether you're polishing your sport climbing repertoire or stepping into a crux that demands focus without a safety net, this route stands ready to push you through and reward every earned move.

Climber Safety

Although bolts and anchors are solid, the steepness and pocket edges demand cautious hand placements to avoid skin injury. The approach is straightforward but can be slippery if wet—plan climbs for dry days and steady footing.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length feet

Local Tips

Aim to climb mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid direct sun on the wall.

Wear tight-fitting shoes that allow precise toe work on small edges.

Bring finger tape to protect skin on the steep pockets.

Hydrate well and prepare for a sustained pump with minimal rest.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10c
Quality
Consensus:With a 5.10c rating, Shirts Off Posse features sustained, physical climbing through awkward pockets. The difficulty feels true to grade with a noticeably stiff crux, but a key right-side hold offers a strategic breather that softens the overall pump. Climbers familiar with local Ontario sport routes will find it a challenging but fair test of pocket technique.

Gear Requirements

Sport route with fixed bolts and anchors. Bring a quickdraw set suitable for 1 pitch, and consider finger tape for the sharp pocket holds.

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Tags

pocket climbing
steep
sport
single pitch
finger strength
ontario climbing