A Maze of Death 8A+ by Andi Stull

Andi Stull has done in Bishop (CA). The 25-year-old started climbing only in 2016 when she was getting out of an eating disorder. She did her first 8A, less than two years ago and now she has done eight including two 8A+. "Over the time I have been climbing, I have recognized that being strong and healthy is far more important than being "light” and will lead to greater physical and mental victories."

Could you tell us more about your latest 8A+ ascent?
It actually took me quite a few sessions! This one turned into an unexpected nemesis for me. I tried a lot of different betas for this climb, but I didn’t seem to fit well for any of them. It took me quite a while to figure out my own beta that worked for me. I was dealing with a few minor injuries, so it was mentally taxing to work around them. However, I ended up day flashing yesterday and felt like I was floating up the boulder! It was a magical feeling for sure!

How did you warm up before sending it on your first try in the session?
That boulder kind of stands alone, so there aren’t really any other boulders to climb around on to warm up. I actually just started using a fingerboard to warm up, which was super helpful to use before this climbs since it’s so crimpy. I also made sure to stretch my hips a lot to prepare for the splits move.