
Dennis, with two crash pads strapped on his back, pushes through California grass to get to the rock wall.

He hits the first move from the sit start on this overhanging rock wall. If you’ve never tried this type of thing, it’s almost impossible to explain how difficult it is to hold this position. But, believe me, it’s really really hard.

Above
Bouldering and rock climbing at OZ, with Dennis Shaffer and Justin Ridgely. Oahu, Hawaii.
Justin, owner of Volcanic Rock Gym, put up some FAs (FA = first ascent. If you get an FA, that means you were the first person to complete a bouldering problem or route.)
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Last weekend I met up with the guys at this newly discovered bouldering spot called OZ. When looking for rock to climb, the most desirable feature boulderers look for is an overhang. (That’s why The Arch is so awesome.) You want to be able to start low and climb out from under the overhanging rock and then up the face. OZ has this. There’s a great overhang and the face of the rock goes up anywhere from 15 to 30 feet.
This place is for experienced climbers only though. The problems are hard and you need to be willing to risk having chunks of rock break off and fall on you as you climb. Climb here at your own risk.
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