Five Ten 2016 | Sonnie Trotter | First free ascent of Ewbank Route on Tasmania's Totem Pole
Perched off Tasmania’s rugged coast, Totem Pole is one of the world’s most iconic sea stacks—and “Five Ten 2016” follows Sonnie Trotter (with Will Stanhope) as he sets his sights on the Ewbank Route, a legendary line with a storied past. Originally freed pitch by pitch by local climbers Doug McConnel and Dean Rollins, the route’s reputation for tricky protection, exposure, and commitment is exactly what draws Trotter to “The Tote” for a bold, modern free ascent. This film is worth watching for the rare combination of wild setting and high-stakes climbing: a slender pillar rising from the ocean, constant exposure, and a route that’s both technical and runout, demanding calm precision when it counts. At under eight minutes, it delivers pure climbing intensity—tight movement, sharp decision-making, and the unmistakable pull of a beautiful, spicy objective that feels as remote as it is unforgettable.
Five Ten · 7:54
In January of 2009, after a 9-month battle (and 30 years since the First Aid Ascent) 'The Ewbank Route' on the iconic Totem Pole saw all 4 of its original pitches climbed free by two local talents, Doug McConnel, and Dean Rollins. The Tasmanian classic went at 27 (or 5.12d in Yosemite terms), and Planet Mountain wrote: "the two climbers were the first to point out that their style could be greatly improved upon as they freed the individual pitches over separate days, and pitches 2 and 3 were separated by a hanging belay. Those aspiring to climb the line in a single push should be aware that the route takes fiddly gear, is run-out, and solid for the grade. Any takers?" Well as it turns out, this description is exactly what appealed to our athlete's Sonnie Trotter and Will Stanhope. Both climbers are well known for seeking out beautiful and spicy lines around the world and "The Tote" (as it's often called) would be no exception. Watch, as these two climbers explore this rugged peninsula and Trotter takes down the nearly 200-foot pencil like pillar via the Ewbank Route, 5.13b R.