Free solo climbers. No rope, climbing alone.
- Free solo climbers. Chai Vasarhelyi (“MERU”) and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin comes National Geographic Documentary Film’s FREE SOLO, a stunning, intimate and unflinching portrait of the free soloist climber Alex Honnold, as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock … the 3,000ft El Dean combined his pursuits to conceive the idea of FreeBASE - free solo climbing up tall, overhanging walls, with a BASE jumping parachute on his back for a marginal degree of safety should he fall. It is a common misconception that these terms all refer to the same thing. May 15, 2019 · The formations attract thousands of extreme hikers and novice climbers every year. When it comes to rock climbing as a whole, it is a generally safe sport. El Capitan in California's Yosemite National Park is considered one of the world's most challenging climbs. No harness, no rope, no pro and no belayer. ” Unfortunately, free soloing, which had helped Howell Apr 26, 2024 · There have been a lot of great free-solo climbers over the past 150 years, but only a few have dared to go cordless on a 5. Nov 2, 2023 · His name is synonymous with daring free solo ascents and has become one of the most famous rock climbers in history. His life has become synonymous with adventure, risk, and an unmatched dedication to the craft of free solo climbing. Discover the most legendary free solo climbers who made history like Jun 4, 2022 · The term free soloing is usually applied to steep and technical rock climbing done with only hands and feet, with the sole equipment being climbing shoes and chalk bag, but the word solo also applies to ice climbs and routes done ropeless in the Alps and Greater Ranges. No description has been added to this video. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. Welcome back to ReThinking, my podcast on the science of what makes us tick. Alternatively, watch this video with Alex Honnold (he does a lot of free solo) and Magnus Midtbø (he does his first free solo ever) - it is quite entertaining although butt-clenching. This style of climbing is extremely dangerous, as any fall could result in serious injury or death. Though many climbers have free soloed climbing grades they are very comfortable on, only a tiny group free solo regularly, and at grades closer to the limit of their abilities. The process of preparing and executing that dream was made into the Oscar-winning National Geographic documentary, Free Solo, by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. Free solo climbing, also known as free soloing, is a form of technical rock climbing where the climber attempts to scale a rock face without using any ropes, harnesses, or other protective gear. In this realm, a select few climbers have pushed the boundaries of what's possible, achieving ascents that leave us mere mortals in awe. Just you, the rock that’s in front of you, the shoes on your feet and the chalk on your hands. Dec 20, 2024 · Martin Feistl, 27, was among the most talented and bold climbers of his generation. The only human to free solo Yosemite’s 3000 foot rock monolith, El Capitan. Mar 5, 2019 · Free Solo - Freerider - El Capitanlast updated 5 Mar 2019 On June 3, 2017 Alex Honnold free solos (climbs without ropes for protection) , a 3,200 foot granite face in Yosemite. He went up Freerider, a 5. These men and women are not only the best Dec 13, 2018 · Free solo climber Alex Honnold prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: scaling Yosemite's 3,200-foot El Capitan without a rope. Though many climbers have Free solo climbing, also known as free soloing, is a form of rock climbing that pushes the boundaries of human achievement and endurance. be/r Apr 22, 2025 · Earl Prunty—the "upside down free soloist"—was known for downclimbing unroped upside down. There are situations where free solo climbers simply get stuck on the wall, are too tired to continue, can’t find their next move, or even get lost on big walls. Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb above safe heights, where a fall can be fatal. In 2017, when Alex Honnold made his stunning free-solo ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan, he was taking an unimaginable risk: nearly three thousand feet of climbing without any ropes or safety Oct 14, 2019 · Has Alex Honnold’s free solo climb of El Capitan sparked more daredevils? At least one free soloist has fallen to his death since the film was released. Free solo climbing (sometimes also just called soloing) [2] is where the solo-climber uses no climbing protection (or any form of climbing aids), whatsoever, except for their climbing shoes and climbing chalk (for a rock-climber) or ice tools (for an ice-climber), to ascend a climbing route. Découvrez les grimpeurs en solo les plus légendaires qui ont marqué l'histoire comme Free solo climber Matt Bush hangs from a cliff edge in Cape Town, South Africa. Alex Honnold faces the biggest challenge of his career, climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. With no ropes or safety gear, this would arguably be the greatest feat in rock climbing history. My comment wasn't intended to downplay their Free soloing rock climber in Western Tasmania falls out of the crack in a deadly situation. The achievement was documented by National Geographic Documentary Films. Mar 22, 2024 · Honnold's free solo of El Cap didn't occur in a bubble. Watch each of these climbs below. Sep 4, 2020 · Alex Honnold brought Free Soloing to the public's eye - Read about the legendary climbers who risked everything for the ultimate ascent Mar 30, 2024 · The Numbers: Free Solo Death Rates Let’s start with some cold hard numbers to get an idea of how much free solo contributes to solo climbing deaths and accidents. The woman, who was climbing with a 27-year-old man Nov 15, 2023 · This is the exhilarating world of free solo climbing, where the stakes are as high as the peaks themselves. * It's been long overdue to feature another greatest free solo climbs video, so here it is. From the granite walls of Yosemite to the rugged peaks of the Alps, free soloists have left their mark (and probably a few sweaty palm prints) on some of the world's most iconic climbing routes. David Robert’s climbing partner Gabe died in 1961 while climbing unroped on the First Flatiron. Maybe you’ve seen it. Free Solo is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin [4] that profiles rock climber Alex Honnold on his quest to perform the first-ever free solo climb of a route on El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park in California, in June 2017. He is known for his solo ascents–often in winter–of major ice and alpine climbing routes. 4. Renowned filmmakers E. Chai Vasarhelyi (" ") and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Free solo climbing (climbing without ropes or any other safety equipment) has struck awe in onlookers around the world, with climbers like Alex Honnold daring to scale insane heights. Alex Honnold completes the first free solo climb of famed El Capitan's 3,000-foot vertical rock face at Yosemite National Park. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation abou Mar 29, 2019 · An American rock climber from California has pulled off one of the most creative and cutting-edge free solos in Patagonia, Argentina, in which he not only climbed up a technical 5,000-foot rock May 25, 2024 · Climbing El Capitan stole the national spotlight with Alex Honnold’s death-defying free-solo climb on “El Cap”. He pursues it Free Solo, which means climbing without a rope and alone. It involves scaling vertical rock faces or cliffs without any safety ropes, harnesses, or protective gear. Alex Honnold ’s incredible climb of the Freerider route on El Capitan without protective aids or ropes on 3rd June 2017 brought mainstream attention to the pursuit. [1] Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb above safe heights, where a fall can be fatal. It is the portrait of a straight-speaking, dedicated rock climber with incredible Free solo climber freaks out at worst possible moment - DO NOT ATTEMPT #biggestfear #fyp #ridiculous 284K Dislike Jul 23, 2023 · The 18 Most Famous Rock Climbers Below, you’ll find famous climbers, past and present, who are known to hardcore climbers and non-climbers, climbers who have ventured out into the YouTube space, and climbers who have done some badass stuff. Free soloists do not use ropes, harnesses, or gear to secure themselves to the wall and arrest a fall. Nov 22, 2021 · How many climbers have free soloed El Capitan? A few dozen men have “free-climbed” El Capitan, but only three – Tommy Caldwell, Honnold and the late Brad Gobright – have gone up the route Harrington achieved, known as Golden Gate. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman plummeted 500 feet to her death while free-solo climbing inside a national park in Colorado Sunday, according to officials. Chai Vasarhelyi and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin, comes FREE SOLO, a stunning, intimate Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old Boulder woman died Sunday after she fell 500 feet during a free-solo climb on the Four Aces of Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park, park officials said. Nov 16, 2023 · Free solo is the discipline of climbing without safety. My hardest free solo climb so far! A few weeks ago I climbed this route with a climbing partner and I was so amazed by the rock quality and the exposure that I told myself " I'm gonna free solo However, tragically, some of these climbers have paid the ultimate price for their passion. 14a (8b+) or harder sport route. The historic free solo (no ropes, just your hands and feet) ascent of the 3,000 ft face of El Capitan in Yosemite was the hardest big wall climb ever done – and will probably stay that way. Free soloing or free solo climbing is a type of rock or ice climbing where climbers, or more commonly known as free soloists, climb alone without using safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, helmets, and the like. Free solo climbers rely solely on their own strength, skill, and endurance to reach the summit. -- Edit: With additional information it sounds like the couple were experienced climbers/outdoor enthusiasts. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Oct 23, 2017 · Discover the most legendary free solo climbs of all time, showcasing incredible feats of courage and skill in the world of climbing. In 2016, he completed the first winter solo ascents of both Torre Egger in Patagonia and of the Emperor Face of Mount Robson in Canada. Whether it’s your physical strength, mental focus, or selection of the right equipment, each factor has a direct impact on your safety and performance. Had to make some edits to re-upload this video (:Discover the awe-inspiring story of these fearless climbers who dared to challenge their physical and mental Sep 22, 2021 · Yearning for freedom “For me, climbing solo is the most intense way to face the rock,” wrote Alexander Huber in his book Free Solo: Climbing without protection and without limits. Free solo climbing, or free soloing, is a form of rock climbing where the climber (or free soloist) climbs solo (or alone) without ropes or other protective equipment, using only their climbing shoes and their climbing chalk. For these five free solo climbing legends, it’s just another day at the office. Summary: Male and female out climbing, female fell and died. Rock climbing has many types and forms that are hard to explain to non-climbers, so we asked a climber to define them for us. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. Virtual reality offers professional climber Alex Honnold a new and innovative way to share his incredible free solo climbing thanks to VR's immersive authenticity, and you can now experience Jul 13, 2016 · In free climbing, the climber moves up the wall under their own power without using any special gear to help them move upward (excluding climbing shoes). Nov 16, 2023 · Le free solo est la discipline la plus dangereuse de l'escalade. His most recent accomplishment of free soloing the Freerider route on El Capitan is widely considered the greatest rock-climbing achievement in history. In April 2004, Alexander Huber made history by free-soloing Kommunist 5. What exactly is free solo climbing? In a free solo climb, often called soloing, you’re climbing cliffs without using any climbing equipment, save for your rock shoes and chalk bag. Taking on some of the most difficult grades in the world, these athletes are truly to be admired for their skill and sheer determination. Mar 19, 2019 · Free climbers are among the most technically impressive climbers on the planet. After his climb, he said, “The long, reachy moves demand powerful climbing and don’t give me any chance to think about what I Oct 23, 2017 · Check out some of the world's most legendary, frightening, and ground-breaking free solos of all time. 14a. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin capture the death-defying climb with exquisite artistry and masterful, vertigo-inducing Feb 19, 2023 · Zach Milligan, a prolific free solo climber who was one of the first to descend the national park’s Half Dome on skis, died after a fall in Canada. But who exactly are the top climbers pushing the limits of the sport today? What Makes a Top Climber? Mar 5, 2025 · What Is Free Solo Climbing? Free solo climbing, in its simplest form, is rock climbing without any safety gear. Jun 3, 2018 · The two men were reportedly experienced climbers. more Feb 24, 2023 · Free solo climbing is a dangerous and extreme form of rock climbing in which the climber ascends without any rope, harnesses, or other protective gear. The climbers discussed here represent the pinnacle of skill, courage, and dedication. Just a couple of weeks ago in Yosemite a free solo climber fell over 150 … Read more Jan 18, 2024 · Unfortunately, when things go wrong while free soloing, the chances of making out alive are slim. It’s possible to climb alone but with a rope – that is termed rope solo. Ben Wu “If it wasn’t for soloing, I might have been dead already,” Austin Howell, a 31-year-old Chicago climber and electric tower worker wrote in an April 1 blog post titled “Stepping Back From the Edge, Landing Under A Knife. At the 2019 oscars , documenting the climb, by filmmaker E. [National Geographic] Oct 3, 2022 · In a new book, Jeff Smoot, author of “Hangdog Days,” launches an encyclopedic investigation into free soloing’s history… and why we do it. Alex Honnold climbs to the top of El Capitan without ropes. It’s the simplest and most obvious form of climbing but the most dangerous. Beginners need to start their climbing journey with safety and proper preparation. Oct 3, 2018 · Exclusive: Alex Honnold Completes the Most Dangerous Free-Solo Ascent Ever The climber is the first person to reach the top of Yosemite’s 3,000-foot El Capitan wall without ropes. Nov 29, 2024 · Conclusion Free solo climbing is a thrilling and rewarding adventure, but it also comes with a lot of risk. Jul 5, 2019 · Austin Howell free soloing at Shortoff Mountain, North Carolina, before a broken hold cost him his life. Marc-André Leclerc (October 10, 1992 – March 5, 2018) was a Canadian rock climber, ice and mixed climber, and alpinist. This drone shot captures his epic climb. He has made a name for himself as the world’s foremost free-solo climber, clinging to the rock face with nothing but a chalk bag and a pair of TC Pros. . The climber only uses their hands and feet to move up the rock wall. Jan 18, 2024 · The Breakdown Alex Honnold, the GOAT, the champ, the master of free-soloing is the most recognizable figure in American rock climbing. May 11, 2025 · Free solo climbing is a captivating and incredibly dangerous activity. In no particular order, let’s get to it! #1: Alex Honnold Known For: Free Solo As a pioneer of “free solo” climbing—a controversial discipline in which cliff faces are scaled without safety ropes and failure results in death—Honnold, 35, knows how to perform under Let's take a look at some of the greatest feats achieved in the sport of free solo climbing by some of the best climbers in history. Dec 27, 2022 · In the case of free solo deaths, there often isn't much to analyze or improve upon accident wise, since free-soloing is a personal decision and one that climbers execute alone, without gear. With his calm demeanor and laser-focused concentration, Honnold has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in free solo climbing. [1] Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb above safe Nov 16, 2023 · Free soloing is the most dangerous discipline in climbing. While their accomplishments are inspiring, it’s essential to remember the inherent risks and to approach climbing with respect and caution. Sep 20, 2022 · Podcasts › How free solo climber Alex Honnold faces fear (Transcript) Listen along Re:Thinking with Adam Grant How free solo climber Alex Honnold faces fear Sept 20, 2022 [00:00:00] Adam Grant: Hey everyone it's Adam Grant. Longer video here: https://youtu. Apr 26, 2021 · Free Solo climbing falls are normally assumed to be fatal. Check out some of the world's most legendary, frightening, and ground-breaking free solos of all time. Mountain project lists that section as a 5. [2] Oct 13, 2015 · Few professional climbers have risked “free soloing,” as it is known in the climbing community. Oct 14, 2024 · 'Free Solo' star Alex Honnold saw the effects of climate change in his climbing career. Jun 20, 2023 · The Twinkie solo encapsulated many idiosyncrasies of Howell’s free soloing: climbing hard, steep routes that had awkward descents; a tendency to climb with his shoes untied, or without chalk Jan 16, 2025 · His most notable achievement is the free solo climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that brought him international fame and was featured in the Oscar-winning documentary, "Free Jan 19, 2025 · Climbing is becoming more popular than ever, with movies like Free Solo and The Dawn Wall bringing the sport into the mainstream. Though many climbers So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. Beyond his 2017 history-making ascent of El Cap, dramatically Apr 11, 2021 · Most climbers use the slang solo to mean someone climbed something free solo, without a rope. Free solo climbing is a type of rock climbing where the climber does not use a rope, harness, or other safety gear. In 2018, he was killed in an avalanche on Feb 15, 2024 · Since the release of the Oscar-winning film, climber Alex Honnold has made first ascents in Antarctica, set the Nose speed record with Tommy Caldwell and helped his foundation grow. Climbing without ropes is like a walk in the park for Alex. Mar 18, 2025 · To watch Alex Honnold climb is to witness a man in harmony with nature’s most imposing formations. Mar 18, 2019 · He also scored fairly high on a conscientiousness scale. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best free solo climbers who have died, as well as explore some emerging trends in the world of solo climbing. Feb 25, 2019 · It also begs the question: will the fact that the most famous movie ever about rock climbing without a rope or gear lead to more free solo deaths? I don’t think so. Jul 5, 2024 · What's the difference between free climbing and free soloing? Unless you were living in a cave through 2017 and 2018, you’re probably aware of the term free solo. I'm guessing the couple treated it like an exposed hike, rather than what immediately springs to mind when I hear "Free solo" climbing. Many of them have died trying. His extremely rare skill and unmatched mental focus have helped make him climbing’s transcendent, breakout star, inspiring millions around the world. Climber: Dylan TubaroFilmed by: Andrew Serack Gemeinsam mit dem Free Soloisten und Kletter-Historiker Austin Howell haben wir für dich die beeindruckendsten Free Solos aus 31 Jahren herausgesucht. More people will walk on the moon than will do what Alex Honnold has done. Gabe had tried to free a stuck rope and decided to untie. In a hair-raising talk, he tells the story of how he summited Yosemite's El Capitan, completing one of the most dangerous free solo climbs ever. No rope, climbing alone. Today Honnold is, without question, the best free-solo climber in the world. " Now that movies like Free Solo and Dawn Wall have brought climbing into the mainstream, however, Feb 15, 2013 · Adventure Best Free Solo Climbers Of All Time Luke Kelly-Clyne February 15, 2013 Tweet athletes climbing extreme climbing extreme sports solo climb Comments For most, the thought of scaling a vertical rock face or skyscraper with harnesses and ropes is laughably daunting. It is moving into another reality, in a space between being and not being, in which consciousness is so deep that one believes, out of sheer Nov 29, 2017 · Abbiamo selezionato alcuni dei più incredibili e significativi “free solo” della storia, con l'aiuto dello storico free climber in solitaria Austin Howell. Subscribe: http A stunning, intimate and unflinching portrait of free solo climber Alex Honnold, as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: scaling the face of the world’s most famous rock — the 3,200-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park — without a rope. He died after a 130-foot free solo fall. Aug 10, 2020 · Climbers and normies alike gripped their armrests watching Alex defy gravity and all common sense in the Free Solo documentary. [5][6] *Do not attempt any of the activities shown in this video. With the increased attention a new generation of superstar climbers has emerged. However, most styles of climbing that are considered free climbing do use some sort of protection in case of a fall. 12d route, with a few variations in 3 hours, 56 minutes. [2] Free soloing is the most dramatic soloing-technique and in 2017 became an Oscar-winning documentary Follow Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's 3,000 foot high El Capitan wall. “Evolving on the rock in such a free way is an incredible feeling. James Lucas dives into the story (and backstory) of Honnold's path to Freerider. Soloing can also mean going alone with a rope, but free soloing means no rope. Free Solo climbing is climbing with no rope, or any form of protection, completely alone. With Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, Cheyne Lempe. A pursuit that brings rock climbing down to its barest essentials. According to a UK study UK, you have more chances dying running or playing tennis while dying rock climbing. He started the Honnold Foundation to invest in solar energy. Immerse yourself in the experience of free solo climbing Yosemite’s famous El Capitan alongside Alex Honnold in this breathtaking 360 video. Sep 3, 2023 · Many people will use the terms free solo, solo, and free climbing interchangeably. He passed away doing what he loved. Free Solo: Directed by Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. Viel Spaß! From award-winning documentary filmmaker E. Free solo climbing (or free soloing) is a form of rock climbing where the climber (or free soloist) climbs solo (or alone) and without ropes or any form of protective equipment — they are allowed to use climbing shoes and climbing chalk (or ice tools and crampons if ice climbing). Unlike traditional climbing, where a climber is secured with a rope, harness, and other protective gear, free solo climbers trust only their body and abilities. From award-winning documentary filmmaker E. We ment Nov 2, 2022 · Whether you're a first-time climber or a seasoned mountaineer, at some point, you've probably heard the term "free climbing. When you think of free climbing, you probably think of a solo climber scaling a Jul 12, 2023 · Woman who died free-solo climbing ID’d as ‘mountain person’ Bailee Mulholland: ‘You can do everything right and everything can go wrong’ How Alex Honnold made ‘the ultimate climb’—without a rope His stunning scramble up the 3,000-foot granite wall known as El Capitan, in less than 4 hours, came after meticulous planning and May 8, 2023 · The difference between free climbing and free solo climbing is that free soloing means eschewing all protection. vvneok jbblff updpzow objcg drag yobiw ihh wraai pkyk fpjvkbd