Alex Honnold has cemented himself as one of best climbers in the world not just because of what he climbs, but how he climbs: solo. For Alex, soloing is the purest form of climbing: no ropes, no harnesses, no partners, no one to rely on. It is just himself and the rock (and now due to his fame, usually a camera-man or two...). We've seen Alex locked in a solid fist jam high above the deck, and as a fellow climber, I can say, "Ok, that's a solid hold. I can reason with this." But in his latest feat, Alex high on El Sendero Luminoso in El Potrero Chico, Mexico, and creeping along on tiny edges and crimpers! This video of his hardest solo yet will leave your palms sweating. Better chalk up before watching this.
In keeping in the theme, you had better chalk up for his one as well. A couple of daredevils decided to hop the fence and climb the world's second highest building, the 650m tall Shanghi Tower, while it is still in the middle of being constructed!
So these first two videos are enough to push the limits of a seasoned climber. But it is also interesting to take a step back and see how the average joe regards climbing. This clip is from a CBS piece on Tommy and Becca Caldwell and life on a portaledge.
Have a great weekend! - James
Saturday, February 15, 2014
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