Free solo climbing, also known as free soloing, is a form of free climbing where the climber (the free soloist) forgoes ropes, harnesses and other protective gear while ascending and relies only on his or her physical strength, climbing ability, and psychological fortitude to avoid a fatal fall. Free solo climbing should not be confused with general free climbing, in which gear is typically used for safety in case of a fall, but not to assist the climb.
There is something to be said for the (cartoon) "Road Runner" cliche of running off a cliff and not falling until you look down and realize that you are supposed to be falling. Climbing is like that. If you don't expect to fall, you climb a lot more confidently and do things that shouldn't be possible. However, the moment you get a notion of danger while you are tired and losing grip strength, your mind goes into panic mode and your field of vision closes down and you start making stupid mistakes as your brain runs out of oxygen. This guy must have a very different brain that lets him not even consider falling as an option.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have that ability a bit, but I freak out just climbing a bit above my protection at the climbing gum.
Wow. Not only wow, but I had this video muted because I was listening to Pandora. I started the video 22 seconds into Only The Young by Brandon Flowers. I couldn't have planned it better if I'd tried.
ReplyDeleteHow does he get down?!?!
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to go back down the face. There's a hike-able way up and down.
Deletesome free soloists also basejump, one of the craziest ones even free solos with a chute and pulls it in case he falls
Deletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf49cw0134U
Thank goodness. It was truly disturbing imagining him somehow soloing back down. And it was surprisingly sickening watching him climb up. But, at the same time, o the sights he must see!
Delete(I wonder why my avatar is a triangle and exclamation point in that first comment)
DeleteOne should only free solo if you have no dependents, be they physical or emotional dependents.
ReplyDelete