Jorge Diaz-Rullo enjoys the bouldering progress experience

Jorge Diaz-Rullo, who climbed Café Colombia (9c) earlier this spring, has spent nearly a month on a bouldering trip in the high mountains of Ticino. During the trip, the Spaniard ticked more than 20 problems graded 8A and harder, including Adularia (8C), and even flashed Voz suave del mar (8B).

”After getting up at 5 am to try Hazel Grace and realising I couldn’t hold onto the holds because of the heat, I ended up on this wall. Somehow, I channelled that frustration, which helped me tackle this attempt with determination and without any pressure. It was more about endurance than strength, but still stoked to have achieved what might be my toughest flash ever.”

What made you go for this boulder trip and did it meet your expectations?
After finally finishing my long-term project, Café Colombia, I went through a lot of different emotions. In a way, I felt a bit lost, like I had no clear direction or goal for the first time in a long while. I know it’s just a phase and that I’ll soon be fully motivated again, but in the meantime I wanted to take a step back from my usual routine, travel, discover new places, and spend time climbing with friends. It felt like the perfect excuse to get back into bouldering. I didn’t come here with any expectations or specific goals. I just wanted to enjoy climbing whatever inspired me. Although, for me, taking it easy still means climbing as much as possible! I wasn’t in my best shape, and the conditions weren’t always ideal, but bouldering definitely gave me a reality check, it’s so hard!

More importantly, I’ve really enjoyed being here. The boulders are incredible, and I’ve met so many amazing climbers over the past few days. Being surrounded by such strong and passionate people has been really inspiring and has motivated me even more.

What was the most memorable climbs and what made it special?
I’ve climbed quite a lot during this trip, around twenty problems from 8A up to 8C, including a few flash up to an 8B. But honestly, the most memorable moments weren’t any particular sends. They were the sessions where I felt I learned something new. That’s what makes this trip special for me. Being here is about the experience, and I know I still have a lot to learn when it comes to bouldering. Those moments of progress are what I’ll remember the most.

What are your next summer plans?
In a few days I’ll be back to training, this time with clear goals for the autumn season. I’m excited to start a new chapter in my climbing career and focus on the projects ahead.