Sam Rothstein adds another first ascent to the front range
Kinetik Climbing Athlete Sam Rothstein getting the first ascent of Double Standard V10 in Horsetooth Reservoir Colorado. Horsetooth Reservoir has many difficult old school climbs such as Moon Arete V10 or Doxology V11. It’s great seeing Sam getting after it and providing something new in such a popular area. Right on time for the winter Front Range season. There are truly endless boulders to climb in Colorado. The fact that Sam was able to establish a new line in a place as classic as Horsetooth is a true testament to his dedication and passion for developing new boulders.
Sam Rothstein getting the first ascent of Double Standard V10 in Horsetooth Reservoir Colorado. Photo: Noah Mobley
We sat down with Sam and asked him a few questions. We wanted to know what motivates him to develop new boulders and areas.
Sam Rothstein –
“Putting up first ascents has been my biggest driver in climbing ever since I learned how to use a wire brush. I love the process of uncovering what could be a potential gem and the excitement of searching a new hillside for my next project. Often times though these projects have already been found by other developers who lay the ground work for others to build on. When I’m searching for a new climb I’m always on the lookout for steep overhang with a solid and consistent rock quality. My preference is longer lines with a enough moves to test your endurance. More climbing means more holds to brush and chalk. My favorite problem I’ve put up is Calypso 8b/v13. It is a sustained roof problem with an endless sea of crimp rails to work through. I put in 6 sessions falling repeatedly at the last move, then eventually linked it all together. However most of development isn’t glorious v13 FA’s, I’ve put countless hours into building landings, trails and cleaning boulders. In the case of Double Standard I spent 8 hours moving rocks and digging!”
