Best free solo climbs. No need for a partner.

Best free solo climbs. If you haven’t been able to get your local climbing gym or crag for a while – here are some of the best climbing documentaries available on streaming services right now. He started the Honnold Foundation to invest in solar energy. Using just their hands and feet in some sticky-rubber May 11, 2025 · Free solo climbing is a captivating and incredibly dangerous activity. Earlier this month, it also won the British Academy of Film and Television Mar 12, 2015 · On Jan. The 60-year 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. 3. Oct 9, 2013 · The 28-year-old professional climber was made famous by his his free solo climbs of big walls as well as his speed record of the Yosemite Triple Crown, which took him 19 hours and 50 minutes to climb Mount Watkins, The Nose, and the northwest face of Half Dome. Pretty mad, right? Annually there are around 30 Free Solo: Directed by Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. Nov 24, 2024 · Alex Honnold is an American climbing legend and perhaps the most famous rock climber in history. 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. be/r Mar 1, 2022 · To date, Free Solo is considered among the best climbing films of all time. While Honnold is still alive and well, his accomplishments in the world of solo climbing cannot be overlooked. While the risks are evident, the reasons why climbers choose to free solo are multifaceted and deeply personal. 13b), Yosemite Valley. World’s Most Famous Rock Climbers As well as El Capitan, Alex has a number of other very hard free solo big walls to his name, plus a huge range of feats in different areas of climbing. Aug 10, 2020 · The biggest climbing film since “Touching The Void” thrust Alex Honnold into stardom all while mostly living in his converted van. As he recounts, it was for lack of recognition, and to earn a living, that he turned to building in the 90s. I kinda think alpine free soloing and rock climbing are sort of 2 distinct categories, but yeah Marc-Andre was doing some wild solos. Apr 11, 2021 · That’s called free soloing. 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. Sep 26, 2018 · On June 3, 2017, Alex Honnold climbed the 3,300-foot Freerider route on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley without a rope. Yet constant wind with strong gusts makes the sustained fifth-class scrambling “exciting. No description has been added to this video. 65M subscribers Subscribed Thank you to everyone who watched my first free solo climbing video and for all your suggestions of what climbs I should look into. His free soloing, a style where the climber uses no ropes or protective gear, showcases his exceptional confidence and ability to manage fear. Alex Honnold climbs to the top of El Capitan without ropes. Nov 2, 2023 · His name is synonymous with daring free solo ascents and has become one of the most famous rock climbers in history. Nov 15, 2023 · Below, you’ll find a list of all the hardest free solo multi-pitch routes, single-pitch routes and alpine. When it comes to rock climbing as a whole, it is a generally safe sport. Feb 25, 2019 · Last night, Free Solo, the film about Alex Honnold’s iconic ropeless ascent of El Capitan’s Freerider, won the Academy Award for best documentary feature. 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. (Updated March 22, 2023) VICE joins French Free Solo Climber, Alexis Landot, as he prepares for his hardest climb yet, The Mercury Tower in Paris, and learns why he climbs and how fr Feb 24, 2019 · Holy shit, indeed. 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. 15a). Alex Honnold free-soloed El Sendero Luminoso (The Shining Path) in El Portrero Chico, Mexico in a little over 3 hours. The ascent, which involved astonishingly insecure and difficult climbing, is Dec 23, 2024 · Prepare to be amazed as we dive into the 5 Greatest Free Solo Climbs of All Time—feats that pushed the limits of human endurance, courage, and skill. Nov 16, 2023 · The Breakdown Many free soloist have died trying, so why do it? Free soloing, the act of climbing without the use of ropes or safety gear, is one of the most daring and controversial forms of rock climbing. Then there are the rising stars of the sport climbing scene such as Alberto Gines Lopez and The most successful free soloists also become well known in the climbing community and in rare cases attain notoriety outside the small circle of rock climbers. These men and women are not only the best Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. It's been long overdue to feature another greatest free solo climbs video, so here it is. The route he did was extremely difficult, although it isn’t among the hardest routes in existence. With Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, Cheyne Lempe. This drone shot captures his epic climb. 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. This achievement was considered a 90-percent free solo climb. Sport climbing, deep water solo, multi-pitch, trad and aid climbing or via ferratas: discover the best crags in Europe! Feb 3, 2022 · With the recent influx of climbing media, jargon like 'soloing' is spilling out into the general public. So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. Mar 29, 2019 · The 25-year-old climber went up and down an iconic Patagonian peak with nothing more than climbing shoes, a bag of chalk, and skill. Oct 22, 2018 · For most of the documentary, the filmmakers do an admirable job of scrutinizing Honnold's plan, which is why it's so jarring when they stop. It holds a 97% “Fresh” score on film review site Rotten Tomatoes, which states that the film “depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason – and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal. A reasonable comparison would be Roger Bannister breaking the 4 minute mile, or Tommy Caldwell and Keven Jorgeson's Free soloing rock climber in Western Tasmania falls out of the crack in a deadly situation. For these five free solo climbing legends, it’s just another day at the office. For technical rock climbing (like Free Solo) check out the best climbing documentaries. Dec 20, 2024 · Martin Feistl, 27, was among the most talented and bold climbers of his generation. Free Solo is the first climbing film to receive such an award. Now it's one of my favorite ways to climb. In the world of rock climbing, few names inspire as much awe, admiration, and occasional disbelief as Alex Honnold. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Mar 19, 2019 · Free climbers are among the most technically impressive climbers on the planet. Read about six of his amazing free-solos here. 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. So I thought - why not ma 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. A pursuit that brings rock climbing down to its barest essentials. Jun 1, 2023 · Adam Ondra and Chris Sharma are one of the best climbers in the world and undoubtedly at the top of the world climbing scene. Subscribe: http 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. We use the term free climbing to differentiate from using the gear to actually help you get up the wall – normally called aid climbing. Climber: Dylan TubaroFilmed by: Andrew Serack Feb 22, 2022 · But his enduring legacy is his first, and only free-solo ascent of El Capitan featured in the 2018 film, Free Solo. In many ways, it’s the purest form of climbing. I’ve also dedicated an article on the best free solo climbers in the world, so do check that out too! 13 Of The Hardest Free Solos In no particular order here are the hardest free solo ascents ever done. The climbers discussed here represent the pinnacle of skill, courage, and dedication. B. Best known for his unprecedented free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park—climbing 3,000 feet of sheer granite without ropes or protective equipment—Honnold has redefined the boundaries of what many thought humanly possible in the vertical realm. Expertclimbers. His daring and skillful climbs have earned him a place among the best free solo climbers of Adam Ondra, the best sport climber in the world, set himself an impossible-seeming goal of becoming the first person to flash a route rated 9a+ (5. With his calm demeanor and laser-focused concentration, Honnold has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in free solo climbing. What Does It Mean To Free Climb Something? To free climb a route means you climbed the entire thing using your skills and strength – only using the gear to stop a fall. This film won the 2018 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, a watershed moment in climbing culture. Frenchman Alain Robert is best known for his free solos of skyscrapers and other urban landmarks—Taipei 101, the Sears Tower, the Sydney Opera House, the New York Times Building, the Petronas Twin Towers, and the Burj Khalifa, to name a few. Oct 3, 2018 · Photos of Free Solo Climber Alex Honnold’s Most Epic Routes Skill, training, and focus led the climber to his historic free solo of El Capitan and moniker as greatest free solo climber in the world. Paul Preuss (October 3, 1913, Mandlkogel, Austria): Died after falling from a height of over 300 meters (984 ft) while free solo climbing the northern ridge of Mandlkogel. I'm guessing the couple treated it like an exposed hike, rather than what immediately springs to mind when I hear "Free solo" climbing. Alex Honnold Alex Honnold is perhaps the most well-known free solo climber in the world, thanks to his incredible feat of climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without ropes in 2017. This blog aims only to explore the fundamentals of what it is and notable climbs and climbers who have pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved on a mountain. With all due respect, the person who passed seemed to have had a lot of experience both scrambling in the flatirons, and just generally with climbing - as well as being essentially a sub-elite trail runner. To get it out of the way first – we’re referring to mountain climbing documentaries. Covering 35 miles, ascending 23,000 feet vertically across 126 pitches, and conquering 23 summits, this feat included technical routes Jan 2, 2022 · The Alpinist recently released to rave reviews. (Mikey Schaefer Feb 10, 2011 · Rock Exotica Soloist The soloist has probably the best pedigree of any soloing device and has been used on many of the big solo climbs of the past two decades, including all Catherine Destivel’s solos (Eiger, Dru and Matterhorn). 12d), without ropes. Jul 4, 2024 · Alex Honnold’s list of free-solos and speed records includes routes in Yosemite, Squamish, Alaska, Patagonia and countless other world-class destinations. [5][6] Nov 3, 2020 · His free solos have stunned millions worldwide. He pursues it Free Solo, which means climbing without a rope and alone. Reply reply MembersOnline vimeo ·comments MembersOnline cbc ·comments MembersOnline 1:27 ·comments MembersOnline 0:28 Aug 3, 2016 · Neuroscience The Strange Brain of the World’s Greatest Solo Climber Alex Honnold doesn’t experience fear like the rest of us. 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. It is the first free solo ascent of El Cap, and arguably one of the crowning achievements of climbing up to this point. Has anyone publicized a free solo which is a technically harder climb? Is Heaven Alex Honnold's hardest (highest-rated) free solo? May 9, 2024 · Known as one of the best female free solo climb ers and for her significant contributions to big wall climbing, Harrington has carved a niche for herself as one of the most daring and skilled climbers of her generation. Artificial Psicobloc Areas Around the World Advised Climbing Equipment for Deep Water Soloing Related Questions What is Deep Water Soloing aka Psicobloc Deep water soloing is a type of free solo rock climbing where you climb a large rock face, however if you were to fall you’d be falling into a pool of deep water to protect yourself from Mar 22, 2023 · From Free Solo to Meru to The Dawn Wall, these are the best climbing films on the most popular streaming platforms. more Jul 5, 2024 · What is free soloing? Alex Honnold is the most famous name in free solo climbing (Image credit: JJ Kelly, National Geographic for Disney+) Free soloing is a style of climbing involving no rope and no protection. What made this accomplishment so special was the high degree of consequence: If he fell, he died. May 26, 2023 · The controversial French “Spiderman,” known for his illegal building climbs, was also a pioneering soloist on rock in the 1980s and 90s. 15, 2014, Alex Honnold became the first person to free-solo El Sendero Luminoso (the Shining Path), a climbing route in El Porrero Chico, Mexico. Free solo climbing – the act of scaling routes without a rope or any other form of protection – is not only Honnold’s forte but his entire specialty. , a famous free solo climber, died while free soloing, and on an 'easy' route, and at the age of 52. Want to know who the best climbers alive today are? Check out my list here! 10: John Bachar Known for his legendary free solo ascents that helped push climbing into the realm of mass popularity, John Bachar was a member of the infamous Stonemasters of Yosemite. In this discipline, Alex is miles ahead of any other free solo climber of our generation, and could very well be argued as the best ever. Marc-André Leclerc (October 10, 1992 – March 5, 2018) was a Canadian rock climber, ice and mixed climber, and alpinist. Some free Do not attempt any of the activities shown in this video. " Now that movies like Free Solo and Dawn Wall have brought climbing into the mainstream, however, Over time, humans have pushed the boundaries of achievements in extreme sport. 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 In this article, we’ll dive into the thrilling world of free soloing and shine a spotlight on the most famous free soloists of our time, both past and present. [1] 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. The same principle applies on ice and mixed terrain, though free soloists typically use crampons and ice tools. During the 1960’s and 70’s, Bachar was one of the most well-known climbers in the world, renowned for his daring and challenging Oct 23, 2017 · Check out some of the world's most legendary, frightening, and ground-breaking free solos of all time. His Nov 24, 2022 · After all that we’ve found the best mountain climbing documentaries on Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube. 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. James Lucas dives into the story (and backstory) of Honnold's path to Freerider. com describes free soloing as “is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. Specialty Spectacular free solo climbing on big walls is what Alex Honnold is known for. MacKinnon August 3, 2016 Photography by Jimmy Chin Oct 14, 2024 · 'Free Solo' star Alex Honnold saw the effects of climate change in his climbing career. Soloing can also mean going alone with a rope, but free soloing means no rope. The free solo climbs and massive adventures beg the question - Who Was Marc-André Leclerc? Aug 14, 2023 · The routes here are the ultimate ascents you can attempt on Earth, as chosen by the world's best climbers. He’s best known for his daring free solo climbs on the big walls of Yosemite and beyond. Longer video here: https://youtu. When you think of free climbing, you probably think of a solo climber scaling a Check out some of the world's most legendary, frightening, and ground-breaking free solos of all time. According to a UK study UK, you have more chances dying running or playing tennis while dying rock climbing. He died after a 130-foot free solo fall. Free soloing It just made me realize that free soloing isn't this scary, untouchable thing—you solo routes that are well within your ability, and don't let ego get involved, and it's actually a fantastic way to move over the rock without anything holding you back or dictating your pace. So which free solo climbs could qualify as Alex Honnold’s top 5 climbs of all time? Let’s take a look. The climb rises 2,500 feet to the summ Alex Honnold's approach to free solo climbing remains ambitious, even with the responsibilities of fatherhood. His enormous recognition came after the movie, ‘Free Solo’, which documented his solo ascent of Freerider on El Capitan. For the uninitiated, free soloing is a dangerous form of rock climbing where the climber ascends without protective gear or a rope. Feb 12, 2021 · A New Level Attained Through Free Solo No climbing feat will ever quite match Alex Honnold’s famous, first ever free solo of El Capitan in Yosemite. His life has become synonymous with adventure, risk, and an unmatched dedication to the craft of free solo climbing. Mar 22, 2024 · Honnold's free solo of El Cap didn't occur in a bubble. Just the climber, a chalk bag, climbing shoes and the crag. 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. He takes a sport with an already significant amount of risk and turns it into a life-or-death scenario. We discuss rope soloing here. The controversy over free soloing has been around since it’s beginnings – but it’s hard not to be captivated by the unique style of climbing Free Soloing is the act of climbing without any rope, harness, or safety equipment. But a new generation of young savages is already in the starting blocks, cracking the world's most difficult routes - first and foremost Alexander Megos and Ashima Shiraishi. Would you follow in their footsteps in attempting these fearsome climbs? Met him in Red Rocks when I was climbing with my mom in 2012. Real laid back guy - my mom talked his ear off and it seemed he was more interested in making his burrito. 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. He was recently featured with his good friend Tommy Caldwell attempting May 24, 2025 · Alex Honnold is an American professional big-wall rock climber known for his daring free solo (climbing without the aid of ropes) ascents of some of the world’s tallest cliffs. Nov 16, 2023 · Free solo climbing, or free soloing, is the practice of climbing rock or ice without a rope. Climbing without ropes is like a walk in the park for Alex. Jul 23, 2023 · Mainstream media started to get familiar with his mind-blowing climbs when the book, ‘Alone on the Wall’ came out, documenting his life and biggest achievement at the time, soloing Yosemite’s Half Dome. ” Alex Honnold free soloing Cosmic Debris (5. Now, with the Plumber's Crack speed record, environmental activism and his podcast, Honnold's still shaping the future of the sport. Free solo climber Matt Bush hangs from a cliff edge in Cape Town, South Africa. Far from slowing down, his recent 32-hour and 6 minute, Ultimate Red Rock Traverse is a testament to his enduring prowess and passion for climbing. The achievement was documented by National Geographic Documentary Films. Sep 9, 2022 · Climbing docs like Free Solo and Dawn Wall have shown millions how incredible rock climbing can be. Apr 17, 2024 · Alex Honnold, best known for his unprecedented free solo climb of El Capitan, is a symbol of mental fortitude and physical mastery in rock climbing. 1. 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. [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. Free Solo, the first true climbing film to reach a mainstream audience, chronicled Alex Honnold’s 2017 solo of El Capitan’s Freerider route. Honnold talked to us earlier this year about a new route in Greenland with Hazel Findlay, he then went on to attempt some World Cup boulders, encourage climbing mentorship, climb with David Jun 18, 2022 · Of the climbers that climb 'hard' free solo routes, maybe literally none have died while climbing a 'hard' free solo route. By J. Jan 21, 2025 · It is worth noting at this point, that Kandoo Adventures do not operate free solo climbing trips; we don’t endorse free solo climbing; and none of the team have ever taken part in a free solo climb, to date. 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). In the case of rock climbing, free soloists use only their hands, rock shoes, and sometimes climbing chalk to ascend a wall, with no rope to catch them in the event of a fall. In 2018, he was killed in an avalanche on Nov 22, 2016 · Adam Ondra, a world champion Czech climber, just achieved the second free ascent of Yosemite’s hardest big-wall free climb, the Dawn Wall—in record time. Sep 30, 2024 · Severely injured, he has nevertheless become one of the best climbers of his generation, with the Nuit du Lézard solo climb in Buoux (8a/b, France) or the very slabby Polpot solo climb (7c+) in Le Verdon gorges, France. In the five months since its release, the film has grossed nearly $19 million at the box office. While their accomplishments are inspiring, it’s essential to remember the inherent risks and to approach climbing with respect and caution. Mar 18, 2025 · To watch Alex Honnold climb is to witness a man in harmony with nature’s most imposing formations. Super nice kid and the Michael Jordan of his sport. Free so climbing with Alex Honnold **Insane experience** Magnus Midtbø 2. 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. Immerse yourself in the experience of free solo climbing Yosemite’s famous El Capitan alongside Alex Honnold in this breathtaking 360 video. 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 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. What Is Free Solo Climbing? Jan 18, 2024 · Alex Honnold, the GOAT, the champ, the master of free-soloing is the most recognizable figure in American rock climbing. 14b solo in Margalef, Spain. “Evolving on the rock in such a free way is an incredible feeling. Legendär, beeindruckend und schaurig schön: Wenn Menschen steinerne Giganten mit nichts, als ihren bloßen Händen bezwingen. Taking on some of the most difficult grades in the world, these athletes are truly to be admired for their skill and sheer determination. He is known for his solo ascents–often in winter–of major ice and alpine climbing routes. Though many climbers Feb 1, 2022 · Day four brings the best climbing of the traverse, a dozen pinnacles along the Palisade Crest, all named for Tolkien characters: Thorin, Bwalin, Dori, Bifur, Nori, and Gandalf—the main, and only officially named, peak of the traverse. . 2. 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. Oct 31, 2023 · His legendary free solo of El Capitan changed climbing forever. We’ll explore their jaw-dropping achievements and the legendary climbs that have earned them a place in rock climbing history. Let's take a look at some of the greatest feats achieved in the sport of free solo climbing by some of the best 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. Alex Honnold faces the biggest challenge of his career, climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. This device, unlike the Soloiad, allows free movement with no self-feeding required, a boon for free climbers. This style of climbing is extremely dangerous, as any fall could result in serious injury or death. No need for a partner. Today, National Geographic broke the story that Alex Honnold, the best free soloist in the world, climbed El Capitan via Freerider (5. ” I found this article on Climbing Narc from 2008, about Dave MacLeod's 5. ” Discover the best rock-climbing movies ever made! From Free Solo to Pretty Strong, get ready to enjoy adventure from your screen. Sep 4, 2020 · Alex Honnold climbing 3,000 foot up El Cap without a rope in “Free Solo” caught the world’s attention. adinr tqgvvd ussod ccla tje ddlp ztjnxf ussow uzfcx idrx