Wadi Rum Trip

David Kaszlikowski and Eliza Kubarska opened new routes in Jordan

In April 2008 , Eliza Kubarska and David Kaszlikowski settled down in hospitable Beduin house in Rum village. After repetitions of most famous classics such as: Lionheart, Beauty, Merlin, Inshallah Factor or Guerre Sainte they moved to the remote desert Barrah canyon.

They pitched up their camp on the sand, and stayed there for 7 days, having brought almost 100 liters of water. Potential line of the new route, was found in a small „siq”, on the mountain opposite to the famous Merlin route (third canyon to the south  from Abu Iglakhat). In the beginning of exploration they climbed a new route Abu Ali (130 m, 6b), ground up, only on cams, with some drilling to place slings. Then, the team focused on the main project – smooth line along a big black water-streak. Due to friable rock of the area David decided to abseil down – instead of typical – ground up ascent.

- That was the only way to find proper sequences, climbable for future ascentionists.
Because many holds broke already in the beginning, I was rapelling down this wall many times, searching for solid passages. In the end I believe that we bolted interesting line worth to be repeated - said David.

The route was called  „KICIA” (the Wadi Cat) 7c max, 130m. After climbing explorations, Eliza and David, documented their trip preparing photo reportage. (See our gallery!)

David Kaszlikowski and Eliza Kubarska are one of the most active Polish climbing explorers. They opened hard multi-pitch routes in: Mexico, Alaska, Mali, Jordan, Thailand, Vietnam, Morocco, Greenland, Himalayas… For their Greenland expedition (on sea-kayaks) and new route on the world highest sea-cliff, they received the most prestigious Polish alpinist award – Jedynka.

WADI RUM Trip was supported by:
Hannah, Tendon, NEPA, Se-Mar
With help from: Meindl, Uvex, Kong,Yeti.