For highball bouldering, a rope can be just as valuable as a stack of pads. Rappelling in lets you:
- Brush the holds
- Figure out the sequences
- Try the hard, scary moves high above the pads
>> Watch this short video demonstrating a top rope solo setup for rehearsing highballs!
Once the moves are dialed, the rope gets moved out of the way and it's time to try the full send!
How Did I Get the Rope Up There?
This boulder had an easy scramble up the backside, where I was able to build a 3-piece gear anchor using the rope itself.
For top rope soloing boulders I like to use a 10mm static and a single rope protector.
My Favorite Top Rope Solo Setup for Rehearsing Highball Boulders
This setup gives smooth feed, reliable catching, and peace of mind while rehearsing even the scariest moves:
Taz Lov up top with a Neck Lanyard to keep it upright and feeding clean
Spoc on a 30cm sling as backup, girth hitched to allow slack, paired with a Flex-Link to keep it trailing smoothly
10mm static rope, because the Taz Lov doesn’t bite reliably on skinnier rope
