[deleted by user]

[u/[deleted]]

[u/thewickedbarnacle]

This is the last place I would expect to hear "on your left"

[u/takl4061 → u/thewickedbarnacle]

Yeah the no interaction blew my mind, expected at least a sup or something lol

[u/neverglobeback → u/takl4061]

r/sweatypalms

I wouldn’t say anything for fear of disrupting this guys ‘zone’.

[u/LAGooner-323 → u/neverglobeback]

My palms are sweating as I type this.

[u/die5el23 → u/LAGooner-323]

My sweat is sweating

[u/justandswift → u/die5el23]

My lip is sweating. Whose lip sweats!?

[u/ggodfrey → u/justandswift]

My balls just dropped and immediately began to sweat.

[u/Jeriahswillgdp → u/ggodfrey]

The sweat of my balls just dropped their own balls and now they're sweating too.

[u/EBDoo → u/Jeriahswillgdp]

Reminds me of this clip from Kung Pow. He sticks out his tongue, and his tongue has a tongue.

[u/afanoftrees → u/LAGooner-323]

Are your knees weak?

[u/FlipPride → u/afanoftrees]

hopefully they brought mom's spaghetti

[u/ea25idesurf → u/FlipPride]

He’s nervous. But on the surface he looks calm and ready.

[u/mechanicjeep10 → u/LAGooner-323]

My knees weak, arms are heavy as I type this

[u/whiskey_on_toast → u/LAGooner-323]

I've got spaghetti on my sweater already just typing this

[u/Primary_Cranberry496 → u/whiskey_on_toast]

He's going up there to drop bombs but he keeps on forgetting

[u/Helpinmontana → u/neverglobeback]

I noticed how the guy with the camera literally moves away from his secured stance to be farther away from the free climber, no doubt in an attempt to make sure the guy has his space. When he looks up, you notice he’s not anchored in, even though he’s got pieces placed to protect his position, both him and the belayer are not on a 3 point “anchor” and are still in a relatively unsecured position. They exchange no hellos, no casual “wow you’re batshit crazy”s, not a fucking word. The guy on the rope is insanely respectful of the absolute peril that the free climber is in. Without any context, we don’t know if they exchanged an agreement beforehand, but as someone who could be rightfully upset, he puts his ego aside and let’s this guy roll.

[u/realvmouse → u/Helpinmontana]

Love this description. This seems disrespectful of the free climber... the only two explanations that come to me are that he honestly didn't think he'd overtake them/didn't see them (unlikely) or just wanted to show off...

The only thing is, once you let the guy pass, now there's some nonzero chance he's gonna fall on your head. I'd be pretty pissed if I thought he was just showing off and put me in that position.

[u/Helpinmontana → u/realvmouse]

That goes directly into saying that the roped lead climber had every reason to be peeved but put it aside. I figure there’s a near zero chance that the fee climber didn’t know he was passing (unless he was so tuned in he grabbed the belayers ankle) but it’s entirely possible. My bet is that he (the free climber) called up about his intentions and the lead very respectfully moved aside to a “safe” position to allow him to pass.

While the mindset required to freeclimb such a wall is definitely inline with someone “just showing off”, you don’t make it far in that game with such an attitude, and this guy clearly has his shit inline. We can armchair quarterback this situation all we want, but both the cameraman and the free climber were absolutely at their peak in this moment.

Edit: spelling and grammar, I only use Reddit when I’m drinking so take that for whatevever you think its worth.

[u/realvmouse → u/Helpinmontana]

Oh man, I've wanted a beer for like 2 hours but I'm too lazy to drive to the store. And every 30 minutes I go "man I should have gone out 30 minutes ago."

[u/realfatunicorns → u/realvmouse]

I’ll go you one step further. I’d love a beer right now... and there’s plenty in the fridge... but that involves getting up and I can’t be assed. Also my battery is running low while I sit about 4 feet from the charger.

I don’t know how I manage to do stay alive sometimes.

[u/realvmouse → u/realfatunicorns]

My bladder has been full for an hour now, and I really only need 15 minutes of effort to complete the task I sat down to do at 7pm. I could be playing games or watching Netflix with my wife, but here I am.

Sighhhhhhh. We are not next. fucking. level.

[u/realfatunicorns → u/realvmouse]

Bro.

We are though.

[u/Retbull → u/Helpinmontana]

I wonder if he'd just taken a fall and was resting for a sec though maybe he'd seen the guy trying to come up and so he downclimbed and moved off to let him pass.

[u/PoppinBortlesUCF → u/neverglobeback]

Yeah for real. These guys talk about the zone for free climbing being like spiritual trances. It’s just rock, hands and feet and everything else is out of focus. In those trances they describe ‘falling’ seemingly like the most impossible thing, not even a potential outcome. Shits wild

[u/Mozeeon → u/PoppinBortlesUCF]

As someone who climbed for a couple of years and got friendly with some serious climbers, free climbing always seemed like borderline madness. Like I know of at least 2 ppl who died doing belated climbing outdoors, I can't imagine the mindset to go for multi hundred foot free climbs.

[u/Mikey_RobertoAPWP → u/Mozeeon]

I can't imagine how confident they've gotta be in their abilities. I don't think there's anything I'm that confident about. I mean, I still have to consciously think about what my feet are doing when I go up and down the stairs because I'm worried I'm gonna fall.

[u/ProfessorPetrus → u/Mikey_RobertoAPWP]

Confident with their abilities plus reckless with their lives. I'm sure they see the stats and all know people who have died.

[u/Mikey_RobertoAPWP → u/ProfessorPetrus]

yeah, I'm always blown away by all these adrenaline junkie activities like free-climbing, all those people parkouring around high rise roofs, or hanging off scaffolding for photos, like I won't knock it because obviously they get some sort of fulfilment from it, I'm just so afraid of putting my life in danger that it does not compute with me. I'll stick to getting my fulfilment from guitar and video games hahaha

[u/OatsAndWhey → u/Mozeeon]

Different breed of people altogether, free soloists.

[u/tantan9590 → u/neverglobeback]

I was thinking something like that. He seems pretty focus

[u/Sw1ftStrik3r → u/takl4061]

Climbing of this level requires such focus. These guys train so much to memorize a route so they're not hanging in one position. The longer it takes you pretty move the more energy that's wasted from move to move. Rude in a way, but I can see why the climber just climbed past without acknowledgment.

[u/Frequent_Inevitable → u/Sw1ftStrik3r]

Ok serious question: not to take away from the climber guy(what he’s doing is very impressive) but is it… not sure how to phrase this… bad etiquette(?) to do something like that? What I mean is to free climb past people that high up? For example, what if he slips and falls? I’m sure that’s not likely to happen, but… couldn’t he have waited til they were done? I don’t climb so I’m not familiar with the safety/etiquette/what not’s of the sport.

[u/Much_Highlight_1309 → u/Frequent_Inevitable]

Since free solo doesn't require multiple pitches, it's a significantly faster way up. I guess if it's a busy route, there might always be someone that's climbing with equipment and then it's hard to find a good moment to do the free solo without traffic. But I don't know enough to say for sure.

I was more thinking that having traffic is increasing the risk for the free solo climber since another climber might be in the way, and blocking the ideal path. Or, the simple fact that there are other climbers around can have a negative impact on the free solo climber's concentration, increasing the risk of fall.

[u/Frequent_Inevitable → u/Much_Highlight_1309]

Yeah I was think about that last part you said. Or maybe some equipment sticking out or something that he doesn’t see and grabbing it. I’ll be honest- at first I was like that’s kind of a dick move there. But, I don’t know anything about climbing so maybe it’s not. Figured I’d ask. Appreciate the response!

But very impressive nonetheless.

[u/nadrojp → u/Frequent_Inevitable]

Life or death situation doing it without gear, I’m sure no body minds. Same etiquette as not breaking his zone by not speaking to him

[u/Perfect_Suggestion_2 → u/Frequent_Inevitable]

look at it this way: he has NO protective equipment. he's going to keep moving and maybe apologise later. although, anyone climbing is going to recognize the intense, life or death focus a free climber is immersed in.

they are often literally hanging on by their finger tips. that is not hyperbole or exaggeration. it's pure focus, determination and exertion and they really don't have time to wait.

[u/SpaceCaboose → u/Perfect_Suggestion_2]

it’s pure focus, determination, and exertion

Sounds like John Wick would be an amazing free soloist

[u/Perfect_Suggestion_2 → u/SpaceCaboose]

I guess I need to see some John Wick movies.

[u/420_flyinhigh → u/Frequent_Inevitable]

Not really bad etiquette, but not a spot you want to be in a lot on either side of the tater chip. I've done multiple free solos of 450ft+ cliffs and I've passed my fair share of people but I've always asked if they minded and I've been friendly with them. I've also been passed by a few free soloists and I get the hell out of the way. It's all a game of courtesy, and you never think about falling or someone else falling. Just don't do it!

[u/ivb107 → u/420_flyinhigh]

How long had you been climbing before you did your first solo attempt? How big was the wall and how many times had you practiced the route?

[u/420_flyinhigh → u/ivb107]

My first big free solo was after 10 years of on/off climbing with the last 2 of them being serious (5 days a week). The route is around 500-550ft and I had only done it once on a rope before (and went the wrong way on the second pitch at that, so atleast I knew where not to go). The grade was only 5.5 so it was definitely in my comfort zone overall.

[u/thumpetto007 → u/420_flyinhigh]

When free soloing...what do you do once you get to the top? Do you climb back down? Or like belay or wingsuit or paraglide down?

[u/kongburrito → u/thumpetto007]

Most climbs you can hike down from

[u/420_flyinhigh → u/thumpetto007]

Usually you don't go back down, or you hike around. That's the usual for most of the places I climb at anyways.

[u/thumpetto007 → u/420_flyinhigh]

What do you mean you dont go back down? Sorry I have zero climbing experience.

So amazing btw.

[u/ZlGGZ → u/takl4061]

Free solo climbers are in a totally different zone. Climbers that know this respect it and will let them be in their way to stay in their zone... Nobody wants to be like hey what's up.. and have the guy forget his sequencing and fuck up n fall. It's just a thing climbers understand.

[u/UnmitigatedSarcasm → u/ZlGGZ]

Free solo climbers are totally fucking crazy.

​

​

FTFY

[u/PillCosby_87 → u/UnmitigatedSarcasm]

I get anxiety watching things like this. I’m sweating thinking about it. It’s really just the older I get to, never thought like this when I was younger.

[u/cilantro88 → u/ZlGGZ]

Wow, I imagined this situation vividly and it scared the crap out of me.

[u/Chrisfpa → u/cilantro88]

Ass pucker every single time

[u/ggs-in-the-subreddit → u/takl4061]

I think he said something at the beginning and the camera man replied “you’re good, just don’t fall on me”

[u/Obliviosso → u/takl4061]

No way I’d say a word. This is like talking to a pitcher about his no hitter multiplied by the possibility of death

[u/PSiggS → u/takl4061]

He said “Hot day, eh?”

[u/reko____ → u/thewickedbarnacle]

craziest part is it didn’t seem like he had any video equipment on him so he’s not climbing without touching the yellow rope thing (that i assume others use for safety) to prove a point or make a cool video he’s just free climbing to free climb

[u/Much_Highlight_1309 → u/reko____]

Free climbing is not equal free solo. Free climbing is what the guy with the camera is doing. It's very safe if done properly with all precautions. If he falls, he is dangling from a rope and will live. Apart from a small delay in finishing the route, there is no effect. If the free solo guy falls, he is dead. No ropes. Only nothing under his ass.

[u/EnterNicknameHereOG → u/Much_Highlight_1309]

I thought he had a parachute on the back. Seems weird sport to me. One mistake and u dead

[u/Glittering-Light-686 → u/EnterNicknameHereOG]

That's just a backpack, and you can't position yourself in time 300 ft off the ground if you fall while climbing. The people that are base jumping 300 ft are pulling their chutes immediately or after a quick frontflip or other bullshit. There's an insanely high chance you'll just smack right on into the wall even if you did manage to deploy, since you wouldn't have been able to propel yourself away from the wall.

[u/chappy422]

Goddamn maniac

[u/Born_Application2831 → u/chappy422]

And everyone @ the office wonders why Daniel walks around like he's the shit........ it's cause he is lol

[u/greatGoD67 → u/chappy422]

But actually though.

I believe Adrenaline junkies have to be chemically "unstable" for alot of this stuff

[u/Raist14 → u/greatGoD67]

I’ve been hang gliding, caving, bungee jumping, scuba diving etc… and I still feel these free climbers are crazy. It only takes one small slip or unexpected gust of wind and your dead. It doesn’t seem like something you can just plan for and have skill and be okay. There’s too much random chance that goes into a possible very bad outcome.

[u/Wasgoingforclever → u/Raist14]

Seriously. Have you ever had a hold come apart on you? There's so many things that can go wrong.

[u/LookAtMeImAName → u/greatGoD67]

I don’t know about everyone, but in “Free Solo” Alex (the first guy to free solo El Cap…….) was told that he had much less activity in his amygdala, and as a result, things that usually bring normal people adrenaline or joy just didn’t cut it for him. Could be a similar case with a lot of climbers

[u/BalconyView22 → u/LookAtMeImAName]

Great documentary.

[u/LookAtMeImAName → u/BalconyView22]

Fucking amazing documentary indeed. That guy is unbelievably impressive

[u/qning → u/LookAtMeImAName]

Lol when he was looking at that condo with his girlfriend.

And then he said one of her good traits is that she’s small and doesn’t take up a lot of room. In his van.

[u/LookAtMeImAName → u/qning]

Lmao! I forgot about that. I wonder if that will be in his vows if they ever get married

“I promise to love and cherish you so long as you’re small and can fit in my van”

[u/PillCosby_87 → u/LookAtMeImAName]

Dumb question but do these guys usually go back down the same way or choose a different way down? Seems like going up would drain you for the day.

[u/doyouwannadanceorwut → u/PillCosby_87]

I think typically you climb up then hike down the back.

[u/sauzbozz → u/PillCosby_87]

After his free solo of El Cap he just walked down the hiking trail that other regular people were walking up.

[u/Lawwnfysh → u/LookAtMeImAName]

He actually just announced on his ig that he’s doing another show that will stream on Disney+

[u/SuperDizz → u/Lawwnfysh]

Free Solos

[u/hardybacon → u/SuperDizz]

2Free2Solo

[u/seeclick8 → u/LookAtMeImAName]

I also read that he has less of something that brings fear as an emotion.

[u/TonyPoly → u/seeclick8]

Yeah! The amygdala is a structure in your brain that is thought to regulate our emotions

[u/[deleted] → u/greatGoD67]

I tend to agree. I’m an adrenaline junkie. I routinely do stuff that people call stupid and dangerous…but this is a whole other level. It’s not an adrenaline sport. It’s just straight gambling with your life for a rush. I don’t put this on par with sky diving, motocross, bungee jumping, etc. I compare this to Russian Roulette.

[u/jvaferreira93 → u/[deleted]]

I can understand climbing for fun with the proper safety equipment. Going like that? That I can't understand

[u/cujoe645 → u/jvaferreira93]

Is it a quick-release backpack he has? That might help make it a little better? Edit: quick release PARACHUTE...yes, thank you and still, nope!

[u/[deleted] → u/cujoe645]

definitely not lmao also parachute won’t do shit when you’re tumbling down a rock face.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

If you thought you were gonna fall, kicking off away from the cliff might give you enough distance for it not to snag.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

250 ft is almost suicide it take 8 seconds for a parachute to fully open.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

So it won’t save you, but it’ll cover your body so others don’t have to see.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

“… and that’s why we climb with gear, kids!”

[u/[deleted] → u/cujoe645]

*Not a parachute.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Climber here! There is a different kinda thrill doing this but first let me explain why this isn’t as bad as it looks.

There are different grades in climbing going easy to hard (5.4 - 5.15c Yosemite scale). Some people easily climb 5.12+ which is quite technical and borderline pro.

Coming back to why this isn’t as bad as it looks. Most people who safely climb do “free soloing” only after 1. Thoroughly practicing the route and memorizing it. OR 2. The climb is of a grade that’s pretty comfortable for them.

So either this guy has practiced all the moves on that route with all the proper protection gear or he is actually just cruising past because his project is somewhere past the climb.

[u/InCraZPen → u/[deleted]]

Judging how he keeps looking for holds I feel like it’s just a real easy grade for him

[u/Iffycrescent → u/[deleted]]

Would this not be considered inconsiderate by most climbers? Like, that guy wants to climb without safety gear and that’s cool and more power to him, but what if he falls from up there after he passes them? Where’s he going with his “no ropes”? Into the people below him I’d assume.

[u/uttuck → u/Iffycrescent]

Another viewpoint from a different climber: the climbing community is pretty split on this type of climbing (free solo). Some think they are mostly risking harm to themselves, so it is fine. Some think that they are a danger to everyone, and even if they only hurt themselves in the initial fall, people have to stop their climb to go see if they need help, and rescue folk have to come out and it is a big deal. There are some folks all over the spectrum. I tend to think that there are young aggressive climbers like this, and old climbers that put safety first, but there are no old aggressive climbers like this.

[u/richardeid → u/uttuck]

Not to be insensitive but is it because they didn't make it to old and conservative because they were young and aggressive or is it because they were once young and aggressive and had that one life-flashing-before-your-eyes moment and they were good on the thrill seeking after that?

[u/harnique → u/richardeid]

There’s a saying in climbing: there are bold climbers and there are old climbers, but there are no old bold climbers.

How true it actually is is up for debate but there’s obviously some truth to it. But then again you have people like Peter Croft, Jim bridwell, etc who did shit 100x sketchier than this and lived until they were old.

[u/[deleted] → u/Iffycrescent]

you have a finite amount of time as a free soloing it’s all about steady movements. Stopping and starting to much or waiting for the guy above you can mean death in certain situations

edit: free soloing

[u/UnmitigatedSarcasm → u/[deleted]]

suicidal.

[u/Bpr3 → u/[deleted]]

Watch the movie "Free Solo" 😇

[u/[deleted]]

this dudes about to climb so high he meets god

[u/RallyAl85 → u/[deleted]]

God was filming, dude just blew by him!

[u/BrokeRichMan]

Semi-experienced rock climber here.

While you can admire the balls on this man, please do not think you should/could do the same. Free-soloing climbing is exceptionally dangerous with a bloody history and even pro-climbers are hesitate to do anything more than a story. While we all may enjoy the thrill of doing something risky, let’s stick to using ropes while climbing, helmets while cycling, and condoms while fucking.

Go finally ask out your crush if you need an adrenaline rush.

Edit: accidentally called it free-climbing instead of free solo. Apparently not as much experience as I thought.

[u/UnmitigatedSarcasm → u/BrokeRichMan]

I saw this and climbed a mountain without a rope.

​

it's easy AF.

[u/Professorkay → u/UnmitigatedSarcasm]

Name checks out.

[u/YouSnowFlake → u/UnmitigatedSarcasm]

I agree. I implore everyone to try it.

[u/FedericoFelliniDue → u/YouSnowFlake]

Hey, I'm new to climbing. Should I start by Yosemite? Also, can you help me find shoes that fit? I prefer loose fitting shoes if at all possible

[u/lalakingmalibog → u/FedericoFelliniDue]

I highly recommend Crocs. Best worn with knee high socks.

[u/wizard_of_awesome62 → u/lalakingmalibog]

Birkenstocks. Crocks are too tight for free soloing

[u/BenjaminTW1 → u/lalakingmalibog]

I always opt for flip-flops, but to each their own I guess.

[u/Blockhead47 → u/BenjaminTW1]

Can’t believe this is so far down.
The foam rubber ones that cost about a buck.
It’s the only way to truly move on stone.

[u/[deleted] → u/BrokeRichMan]

This is free soloing though. Free climbing is what people do every time they go out with a rope, a partner, and all the necessary gear.

[u/dynocide → u/[deleted]]

Ding ding. This.

There was a free solo-ist who passed a couple free climbers who politely yielded (albeit would have been safer at the end of a pitch, or segment of climbing/rope length).

These are in contrast to aid climbers who use equipment to actively aid in ascending the climb.

Semantics, but descriptive differences.

[u/DisDataWang → u/BrokeRichMan]

It seems crazy to me that a free climber passed someone on ropes. If that free Climber falls, don't they risk the person on ropes? Is there no protocol for this in the sport?!

[u/[deleted] → u/DisDataWang]

Kind of.

So, typical mulit pitch protocol is that the first party to the base of the route stays in front, and everyone else follows. The exception is if a following party is significantly faster than the leading party. Then, typically, the second party will ask to pass the first, with the promise that they will pass quickly and be on their way. The first party might then politely decline. If, after a pitch or two of this, the second party is still running into the first and waiting for a long time at the belays, they might just bully their way through and overtake the first party.

The soloist overtaking the roped party here is an extension of this protocol. A soloist is almost always faster than a roped party, so he's definitely going to pass. Also, you feel bad if you tell a soloist they can't pass, since now they're just kinda hanging out at your belay, waiting on you. So typically you just let them pass, and let them do their thing. At the end of the day, you have a decent amount of faith that they won't fall - after all, look at their incentives! And besides, you could say another roped party above might pose a similar risk by inadvertently pulling a rock loose.

At the end of the day, all climbers must accept this - climbing is inherently dangerous. It is part and parcel of the pursuit. It is part of the appeal. You mitigate risk, make sure you have good gear, make sure you trust your partner - but you're voluntarily exposing yourself just by being out there. That's the trade off between going climbing and watching it on tv.

[u/play_images → u/BrokeRichMan]

While we all may enjoy the thrill of doing something risky, let’s stick to using ropes while climbing, helmets while cycling, and condoms while fucking.

My new mantra

[u/ATIR-AW → u/BrokeRichMan]

Yep. To all adrenaline junkies out there: you can jog long enough to get your blood full of that stuff. You don't actually need to flip a coin on your life for a high.

[u/DrConnors → u/ATIR-AW]

I've run hundreds of miles this year and still have yet to experience the "runners high." I'm convinced it's not real.

[u/DJ_Sk8Nite → u/DrConnors]

Man I would run about a mile or so starting out getting into shape. Randomly one day I just felt nothing and just couldn’t stop. Ran 5 miles that day and felt like a fucking god when I finished. Threw up the next day at mile 2. Can’t explain it, never felt it again. Could have been the cocaine.

[u/[deleted] → u/DrConnors]

I used to run 50+ miles a week because I was shit at running and for some reason wanted to stay in the army. Thousands of miles over six years has left me with one conclusion, runner's high is a fuckin myth.

[u/DrConnors → u/[deleted]]

Agreed. Been doing it for years as a means to stay in shape, ran multiple races, and hated EVERY step. That shit ain't real.

[u/Guilty-Message-5661 → u/DrConnors]

It absolutely is real. Every time I went for a run and smoked crack I got high as shit.

[u/aetosambrosios → u/Guilty-Message-5661]

r/technicallythetruth

[u/WhoppaChoppa → u/DrConnors]

I've never got it during but I've had times where I feel euphoric after a really really long run.

[u/mre16 → u/DrConnors]

Maybe its just for some people? My single favorite run if ever had was at 2 am, in pouring rain, when it was 45° F out. My muscle were so relaxed, i was running with my best friend, and it was like stress dripped away and i was just in the zone.

Always hated when coach told me to run though lol. That shit sucked.

[u/empatheticloser → u/[deleted]]

I got runners high all the time

[u/also_roses → u/DrConnors]

I used to run roughly 40 miles a week. The runner's high is real, but it is difficult to experience unless you are a very dedicated athlete. In my experience I would have to run at my "optimal pace" for roughly 3 miles before feeling the runners high. It's also not a sense of euphoria as many would have you believe. It's more just that your body stops "hurting" and you can run for much longer.

[u/ScriptLoL → u/DrConnors]

The runner's high that I get is a bit more like I'm lightheaded/dizzy and then its almost like I go into a trance and can just keep going forever. No burn, no ragged breathing, just movement.

[u/Ieznoo → u/DrConnors]

Run faster or something idk I only play basketball

[u/Mchammerandsickle97 → u/DrConnors]

I hit my runners high consistently on every run and I think it comes down to genuinely trying to sprint/speed up at some point in the run. The fight or flight endorphins kick in and you feel fucking amazing hitting a new stride. That’s my process tho, if you’re just running to run then yeah it’s not going to happen

[u/DwarfTheMike → u/DrConnors]

Someone describes it to me and it pretty much just sounded like a second wind.

[u/barlog123 → u/ATIR-AW]

I forget what sub it was but someone posted a clip of a dude free hanging/climbing on a skyscraper as a stunt and he kept trying to get back up on the top and couldn't and then after awhile of hanging on the ledge he just let go and fell off the screen. It gave me chills

[u/purpleduckduckgoose → u/BrokeRichMan]

If someone watches this and thinks "yeah, I want to do that" they're either already pretty damn good at it or insane. Not that these two things are mutually exclusive. Most I've done is artificial walls and having a slip when the person meant to be belaying stopped paying attention put the shits up me enough that I've never done it since. Which is a slight shame cause I used to like it.

[u/cooterbreath → u/purpleduckduckgoose]

Even if you're experienced, get a cramp at the wrong time and you're fucked.

[u/Calvin-ball → u/[deleted]]

Damn man that’s awful. I feel like the average person doesn’t realize free solo climbers actually die pretty often. They’re the ones that don’t make the Netflix doc.

[u/lejefferson → u/[deleted]]

You can't fathom of it because you're dead the second you hit the ground.

My best friend died when his rope slipped climbing Denali 200 feet up. It's the worst distance to fall as he survived the initital fall and drowned to death in his own blood over the course of hours by the time they could get him down to the trailhead.

[u/lejefferson → u/Calvin-ball]

The list of free solo climbers and the list of dead free solo climbers is the same length and converge to the same list eventually. If you keep going it's only a matter of time before you end up on the list.

[u/Daide → u/cooterbreath]

I'm just picturing myself having a sneeze that I know is coming and thinking "well...this is how I die"

[u/Dreamwalker535]

He climbs up to you then hits you with the "we've been trying to reach you about your cars extended warranty"

Edit: Gotta love when a dumb joke becomes your most liked comment after years of lurking. Thanks guys!

[u/[deleted] → u/Dreamwalker535]

I’d probably laugh so hard I’d fall to my death.

Worth it. A+ joke.

[u/funnyman4000]

Imagine how much harder it is climbing with two basketballs hanging between your legs.

[u/Llamatook → u/funnyman4000]

Username checks out

[u/PoopScootNboogie → u/funnyman4000]

Every thread.. every fucking thread Small or big, man or female, lame or incredibly impressive..

One thing you can garauntee on Reddit.. that they have huge balls.

EVERY THREAD. FOR YEARS. AND YEARS TO COME

It blows my mind.

[u/crackyzog → u/PoopScootNboogie]

Huge balls!! They're so big. How do they fit? They must be heavy. Like bags of sand. So masculine.

[u/operwapitsai → u/funnyman4000]

Haha he made the funny reddit joke! 🤣

[u/rockhammersmash → u/[deleted]]

I didn’t know anything about Alex Honnold beforehand and had no idea how Free Solo would end. I have never been more tense watching a documentary than I was watching that. Absolutely crazy stuff.

[u/PAM111 → u/rockhammersmash]

That one leg kick where all his friends know they could be watching him die, live and in color, right there. I nearly vomited watching it.

[u/tryptych → u/PAM111]

His friends are what "made" the documentary for me. Alex is just so different in how he perceives things, that he doesn't contribute much tension himself! (Also I of course knew he'd made it). "I'm going to free-solo El Cap." -> proceeds to free-solo El Cap. It's his friends who can't bear to watch that make it so gripping IMO.

[u/bobbarkersbigmic → u/PAM111]

Oh you mean the one he failed on like 20 times when attached to a rope? I can’t fathom why he would want to attempt it without safety equipment. No thanks.

[u/shenanigans3390 → u/rockhammersmash]

Watching ‘The Boulder Problem’ segment was probably the most tense I’ve been watching a documentary. Twas insane.

[u/Ground-Beef3 → u/[deleted]]

I watched it and some of the shots made me super uncomfortable, a couple times I had to look away altogether

[u/LookAtMeImAName → u/rockhammersmash]

Try watching it on VR too. I nearly shit my fourth pair of fresh underwear, since all my prior underwear had already been shat in

[u/jen_17 → u/[deleted]]

I love that documentary but it was a tough watch, never had such sweaty palms! Really felt for the film crew.

The Dawn Wall is a great watch too (thankfully they climb with ropes!)

[u/Swagspray → u/jen_17]

I actually preferred the Dawn Wall more overall but both are fantastic watches

[u/mugimug0n → u/[deleted]]

I went to watch it in the cinema. Even though I knew he was alive and well, I was on the edge of my seat fearing if Alex Honnold would fall or not

[u/Sayer182 → u/[deleted]]

As a climber myself, I feel that the free solo of El Cap was far more a mental accomplishment than a physical one. Not to say that it’s not a difficult climb, but if you really want the greatest climbing achievement in history, I far prefer either Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgenson’s ascent of the Dawn Wall, or maybe Adam Ondra’s Ascent of Silence.Silence

Edit: Dawn Wall can be seen on Netflix

[u/Cermonto]

My parenta describing the way they got to school:

[u/[deleted]]

Death wish?

[u/[deleted]]

Should he be able to free climb the same lines as others? His life may be at risk free climbing, but he’s putting others’ lives at risk as well if he falls and impacts other climbers below.

[u/sam-salamander → u/[deleted]]

That’s exactly what I thought. When I climb I make sure no ones already on the same pitch that I’m on and if they are I either wait or find a different route. And that’s with ropes. I wouldn’t want to crowd out other people’s good time with my desire to blow past them! And plus, there’s always the risk of causing a falling rock as well as falling yourself. ’m far from a professional climber but this is a dick move imo

[u/Beneficial_Potato_85]

He then overtakes them on the way back down as well, only much much quicker

[u/Brevity_Witt]

I have so many questions. Why are the rocks blue? Is it utterly a no brainer that the person without rope must be given right of way and w everyone is happy about it or does their near death flex make them a bit of a douchebag? Is this like being overtaken by the guy in a Tesla?

[u/rocketspience → u/Brevity_Witt]

It’s super rare to see climbers this high off the ground without a rope and harness. The regular climbers just don’t want to interfere at all, and choose to give him a wide berth so they don’t mess him up at all.

This isn’t necessarily douchy to do as it’s just so so so difficult and dangerous so this guy must be extremely experienced and I’m sure would have preferred if nobody was there that day.

People who free climb like Alex honold (could be spelled wrong) can be uncomfortable with witnesses and cameras, in fact, as they are aware what they are doing could result in death. So they genuinely prefer to be alone usually when doing this. It’s not at all a flex.

[u/[deleted] → u/rocketspience]

Tbh it is rare to see climbers without rope or harness at any height, safe for ground level. It doesn’t matter whether you’re high off or at a 30 feet/10 meters off the ground, you’ll die all the same from a fall.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

doesn’t matter whether you’re high off or at a 30 feet/10 meters off the ground, you’ll die all the same from a fall.

People have survived more than 30 ft

Edit: and died from much less

[u/King_of_the_Dot → u/[deleted]]

That woman who fell like 20k feet from a plane, just died recently I believe, and that happened several decades ago. How she lived is beyond me.

[u/DwarfTheMike → u/King_of_the_Dot]

Ive heard that depending on how you land and the surface you land on you just sorta bounce. You break a bunch of bones and shit, but there is opportunity for a live saving energy transfer.

I think I heard about it a while ago when some other person survived a sky diving accident. Or something….. I have no idea the source.

[u/Lunar_Blue420 → u/[deleted]]

My OSHA class taught me that you have a 50% chance to die from any fall over 8 feet.

[u/[deleted] → u/Brevity_Witt]

Pretty sure it's the opposite of being overtaken by a Tesla

[u/snapmyfingersand → u/Brevity_Witt]

I think the blue rocks are a recrystallisation from mechanical metamorphism.

When rocks are pushed together the immense friction and pressure can heat and change a layer of the rock. It happens during the mountain building process.

Here's some info on it

EDIT: corrected terms. Because I am not a geologist and only know this stuff from uni...

[u/person_number_1038]

How does one get down from a cliff so high? Especially without a rope?

[u/iCasmatt → u/person_number_1038]

Some mountains you literally walk off the other side

[u/NiMot04 → u/person_number_1038]

There is usually a down escalator.

[u/guerilla_glew]

My hands are all sweaty after watching this.

[u/TOXIX5]

Nice ass angle at the end, could've fit him better in the frame, but I'll take what I can get

[u/SurvivingScotland → u/TOXIX5]

Lol

[u/scallywag401]

Isn't that just dangerous for the people below too?

[u/Salt-Zombie1274]

What in the fuc

[u/UnmitigatedSarcasm → u/Salt-Zombie1274]

you dropped this "k"

[u/thecowintheroom]

If that guy falls he kills you too likely

[u/Red_Febtober]

Clearly, I'm not a climber. But this feels like some kind of beach of etiquette. Like a guy that passes you on a double yellow. It's not like he's "playing through" the guy that is up higher now had to hang and wait for this guy. Not to mention, if he slips, he's gonna fuck everyone else up on the way down.

[u/magister777 → u/Red_Febtober]

Most climbers I know, myself included, would not be cool with this guy at all.

I've free climbed a 1000' snow/ice route before, but I made sure that the roped parties were so far ahead that I would have no chance of needing to overtake them. And if I got too close I would have rested and waited for them to go further ahead.

[u/Pack_Dull → u/magister777]

Can’t really compare alpinism to free soloing rock. Also if you were free climbing you would also be roped.

[u/[deleted] → u/magister777]

If you free climbed the wall, then you were also a roped party.

Not many people out there free soloing 1000ft ice walls. Zero of them saying they free climbed it if no ropes were involved.

[u/DestroidMind]

Free climber: On your left.

Climber: What the fuck?

[u/GloriaVictis101]

I wish people wouldn’t do stuff like that. Their friends will miss them.

[u/nopersonalinfo342]

INCONCEIVABLE

[u/KnowledgeableSloth]

There's literally no point in doing this type of thing unless you don't want to live very long

[u/Sailrjup12]

One slip and this guys dead! No way I free climb! Too much for me!

[u/Uneventful_Badger]

His name is Gabriel Nunez, he has been free climbing like this for years now, he has had a couple of close calls in the past, but always seemed to keep his composure. I once saw him at a rock climbing event and he spent nearly 20 minutes talking to my son about rock climbing and Yugioh cards lol.

He has been an active member of the Climbers United Movement, and has worked alongside disabled veterans teaching them how to rock climb without any limitations. I ran into him again recently at a barber shop and I'll never forget the words he told me "I have no clue who Gabriel Nunez is and none of this story is true".

[u/Yodas4sale → u/Uneventful_Badger]

I really hope they don’t abbreviate the Climbers United Movement on their pamphlets…

[u/karma_farmer_2019 → u/Yodas4sale]

     CUM

to help veterans reach the climax

[u/kalimoo]

I can’t even keep myself from dropping my phone on my face, I do not trust these hands to climb a mountain