Tachycardia unfolds as a striking trad climb set on Flatrock’s Spanky's Playground, a rugged outcrop on Newfoundland’s remote Avalon Peninsula. The route demands your full attention from the moment you step onto the rock, beginning with a thin seam protected by RP’s that leads upward to the lip of the first roof after about 20 feet. This initial pitch will test your precision and patience, as the move requires both steady balance and commitment to small holds that don’t give ground easily. Beyond this challenge, you climb a tight corner that rises directly above the roof, compelling you into a compact, technical groove where every hand and foot placement counts.

The climb doesn’t offer relief as you maneuver beneath a second roof. Here, you switch tactics to traverse cleverly along a slab on the right side, an exposed section that demands confidence on friction and careful route reading. These moves connect you to the final segment where the route tops out, delivering a satisfying sense of achievement after sustained effort along this single pitch.

With a length of approximately 60 feet, Tachycardia feels compact but packed with complexity. The rock’s texture gives just enough friction to challenge your footwork without punishing slips, while the route’s positioning lets you enjoy crisp Atlantic air and panoramic views of the rugged coastline below. The climb’s PG13 rating hints at some runout sections where precise gear placement is essential, calling for a mix of RP’s, Ballnuts, and a standard rack up to 2-inch cams. Preparations should also include a crash pad, used on the ascent by the assumed first ascensionist to guard against slips or falls during trickier moves.

Spanky's Playground itself feels raw and elemental, offered to climbers who seek routes away from busy crags. While the approach to the wall is rugged, it rewards with isolated beauty and raw exposure, perfect for climbers ready to engage fully with the rock and environment. Expect calm weather windows to maximize grip and safety, as moisture can quickly shift the slab’s friction dynamics. The best season to attempt Tachycardia is late spring through early fall, when the Atlantic breeze is moderate and daylight hours are generous, allowing for relaxed pacing.

Approach details reveal a straightforward walk-in from Flatrock’s access points, although the terrain can be uneven with patches of loose gravel requiring firm, supportive footwear. Once on the route, a careful anchor setup replicates the belay for the nearby "Retreat" climb, easing gear management for those familiar with the playground’s layout. A quiet descent involves downclimbing standard recesses near the belay or a short rap, but climbers should be cautious to avoid dislodging rock or debris on the way.

This route is recommended for trad climbers with experience placing passive protection in less-than-obvious placements and a solid confidence on multi-faceted moves. Its sincere challenge pairs well with a spirit of adventure, demanding respect and rewarding clutch movements with unmatched views and a profound sense of accomplishment. Whether visiting from outside Newfoundland or exploring local highpoints, Tachycardia presents a potent introduction to the wild, windswept granite corners of Canada’s eastern edge.