History of free solo climbing The free climbing movement was an important development in the history of rock climbing. Despite the dangers, Bachar’s legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation of climbers to pursue their passion with the same fervor and respect for the sport that he exemplified. It features Alex Honnold, one of the world’s most famous climbers. The origins of free soloing are unknown, but the History of free solo climbing. Apr 22, 2020 · In 1886, a man referred to as “The Father of Rock Climbing” in Britain named Walter Parry Haskett Smith makes a free solo, first ascent of “Napes Needle”, a 70 foot high natural rock face located in the Lake District in England. In 2016, the IOC announced that competition climbing would be a medal sport in the 2020 Summer Olympics. 12b / 7b, and then his most difficult single pitch free solo on “Heaven” 5. With no ropes, no harnesses, and no second chances, Honnold’s climbs seem less like human feats and more like acts of transcendence. This type of climbing is extremely dangerous and has resulted in many deaths over the years. Mar 5, 2025 · Mental Strength: The psychological aspect of free solo climbing is a huge factor. Some climbers also do something called "deep-water soloing. Güllich and Huber also made ever-bolder single-pitch free solo climbs, while Sharma pushed standards in deep-water soloing; Alex Honnold's big wall free soloing was turned into the Oscar-winning film, Free Solo. Freerider is graded at 5. Then he unleashed a series of unprecedented, often free solo climbs that astounded older climbers and reset the markers of climbing history. Armed with a grappling hook, and a rope, Winkler tackled the unclimbed Vajolet Towers. Differences. Claude, with his meticulous month-long search (after all, he is Swiss), not only shows us that free climbing came into being many years ago, at the start 20th century even, and also that many of our convictions about the Oct 23, 2017 · The free solo legend began climbing rock walls over 25 years ago, when he did the first ever 8b solo free and one of the "craziest solos ever" on La nuit du Lézard in Buoux. A month later, James Lucas’s now classic piece, “The Freerider,” appeared in Climbing No. We ment Oct 27, 2021 · Free Solo Climbing. 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. Writer and climber Jeff Smoot explores the interplay of climbing and risk, as well as psychological theories May 1, 2024 · 2007: First repeat of Peter Croft’s linkup of Astroman and the Rostrum. It seems this was when rock climbing started to become referred to as a sport. Preuss on the other hand, was intentional, and wrote several essays on the about climbing ethics and the purity of free soloing. Goliath: An Abbreviated History Mar 31, 2017 · Free-soloing is climbing without any use of ropes, harnesses or safety equipment. With no ropes or safety gear, this would arguably be the greatest feat in rock climbing history. 13a/7c+ route in Yosemite. His steel-trap mind allowed him to set numerous speed records on El Capitan and do an enormous free climbing linkup with Tommy Caldwell of El Capitan, Half Mar 9, 2023 · Another of the climbing world titans, Alex Honnold made a huge splash around the globe when he free soloed El Capitan in Yosemite (see my note about Free Solo in the bonus films section below). S. Although humans have been climbing since the dawn of time, the heartland of free solo climbing is undoubtedly Yosemite National Park, a mecca for climbers worldwide. Here, the legends of free soloing have carved their names into history. Nov 2, 2023 · His free solo ascents are also nothing short of spectacular. Many early 20th-century rock climbers who began to free climb (i. If he fell from that height, it would take 10 full seconds before he hit the ground. 1979: The West Face 5. The 2017 free solo of Freerider became the Oscar-winning film, Free Solo. Sep 17, 2024 · Nobody expected it to make any difference to his climbing. Honnold has made a good number of major statements in his free-soloing life. is used on single-pitches), and thus should the climber fall, they simply hang off the rope with Sep 4, 2020 · In 2006 he free solo’d “Separate Reality” 5. *Do not attempt any of the activities shown in this video. 11d), Yosemite: This is Wolfgang’s most iconic free solo ascent and one that will go down in the history books. ) 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. Free solo climbing (climbing without ropes or any other safety equipment) has struck awe in onlookers around the world, with climbers like Alex Honnold darin Mar 18, 2025 · His life has become synonymous with adventure, risk, and an unmatched dedication to the craft of free solo climbing, a pursuit that brings rock climbing down to its barest essentials. 13a (7c+) big wall route in history. Feb 24, 2023 · History of Free Solo Climbing. Oct 16, 2024 · Honnold’s first history-making free solo climb was in 2008. He spends his free time in the Sierra scrambling and climbing, and is writing a comprehensive guidebook to the range (due 2022). are now the highest grades), milestones for modern traditional-climbing, free-solo-climbing, onsighted & flashed-ascents, are also listed. Free soloing, or climbing without any rope or safety equipment whatsoever, arouses fierce debate in the climbing world. * It's been long overdue to feature another greatest free solo climbs video, so here it is. 13 in Rifle, Colorado (the tall and mighty Chud, which Oct 23, 2017 · The free solo legend began climbing rock walls over 25 years ago, when he did the first ever 8b solo free and one of the "craziest solos ever" on La nuit du Lézard in Buoux. and pretty much the greatest in the history of rock Aug 25, 2022 · All and Nothing delves into the cultural history of free soloing, ranging across the storied climbing cultures of the Alps, Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, the Gunks, Eldorado Canyon, and several other locales. Free solo climbing has its roots in traditional rock climbing. Free climbers and free soloists ascend routes entirely with their own arms and legs. She was also the first person to free El Capitan in a single day, via the same route the following year. All three are in Yosemite and considered free solo classics. Notable Free Solos. Nov 15, 2023 · In 2011, Alex Honnold achieved a remarkable feat in the world of free solo climbing by ascending The Phoenix, a challenging 5. 11c is freed by Ray Jardine and Bill Price. Free solo climbing is something many climbers will try but usually on grades below their ability and in controlled settings where falls should not be too dangerous. [9] Top rope climbing is a form of rock climbing that uses no artificial aids but as the sole form of protection, uses a pre-fixed rope secured to the top of the route (i. While sport climbing has dominated overall grade milestones since the mid-1980s (i. [3] In 1911, Austrian climber Paul Preuss started what became known as the Mauerhakenstreit (or "piton dispute"), by advocating for a transition to "free climbing" via a series of essays and articles in the German Alpine Journal where he defined "artificial aid" and proposed 6 rules of free climbing Freerider is graded at 5. Jun 4, 2022 · Free soloing means climbing with no rope or gear, a historic genre that in the late 1970s, through the Yosemite-based John Bachar—at the time nicknamed Mr. 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. Many believe it to be an utterly irresponsible activity which shouldn’t be encouraged or promoted, given the number of free solo climbers who’ve fallen and died. Mar 30, 2024 · This had remained one of the most prolific free solo climbing deaths. The origins of free soloing are unknown, but | Yosemite National Park, rock climbing History of Free Solo Climbing | Yosemite National Park, rock climbing | For centuries, people have scaled mountains without any safety equipment, a practice known as free soloing. Free soloing is the most dramatic soloing-technique and in 2017 became an Oscar-winning documentary film, Free Solo that featured Alex Honnold free soloing the 915-metre (3,002 ft) 35-pitch big wall climbing route Freerider in Yosemite, the world's first-ever free solo of a 5. 355. e. " This is like free solo 徒手獨攀、自由獨攀、徒手攀岩（英語： Free solo climbing, free soloing ），是一種攀岩的類型，攀岩者（或獨攀者）單獨攀爬而不使用任何繩索、安全吊帶或其他確保裝備。他們必須完全依靠自己的個人力量和技巧，以攀登牆面或山峰。 Jan 7, 2022 · Free solo climbing, a form of rock climbing where climbers ascend without the use of ropes or safety gear, has grown in popularity over the past few decades. Feb 25, 2019 · Last night, two of climbing’s biggest stars—co-director Jimmy Chin and free soloist Alex Honnold—took the stage at the 2019 Academy Awards and accepted an Oscar for Best Documentary Film for Including two new chapters on Alex Honnold’s free solo ascent of the iconic 3,000-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Free soloing is therefore a form of free climbing , along with both sport climbing and trad climbing climbing. Free solo climbing does not use any safety gear or equipment to help the climber. Nov 24, 2024 · Honnold’s exceedingly bold 2017 free solo of the Freerider route on El Capitan was a seismic moment in climbing’s history, while the resulting Free Solo documentary film made Honnold a global superstar. Jul 1, 2022 · Selected El Cap Free Climbing History. 12d / 7c. 1988: Todd Skinner and Paul Piana free Salathé Wall 5. Meanwhile free climbing does involves ropes and safety equipment but only as protection from falling, rather than an aid to help you progress the climb. Trained in a climbing gym in Sacramento, Honnold, 31, burst onto the international scene in 2008 with two high Mar 22, 2024 · As we all know, Alex Honnold made history in June 2017 by free soloing Freerider—becoming the first (and only) person to free solo a grade VI route on El Capitan. The difference between free climbing and free solo climbing is that free soloing means eschewing all protection. On June 3rd, 2017, Alex Honnold became the first person to free solo Yosemite's El Capitan—to scale the wall without rope, a partner, or any protective gear—completing what was described as "the greatest feat of pure rock climbing in the history of the sport In free climbing, the climber uses a rope and other gear to stay safe, but only uses their body to climb. Jan 30, 2024 · Free solo climbing is a form of rock climbing that involves ascending cliffs and mountains without the use of any safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, or protective gear. Feb 26, 2019 · Free solo climbing is an extreme version of the sport where the climber climbs alone—without any harness, ropes, or equipment whatsoever. It’s a dangerous and highly skilled activity, and it has been practiced by climbers for centuries. The history of free climbing is something we tend to consider as "young" and perhaps partly because of this not yet analysed. 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. Als Free Solo (englisch für freies Solo) Das ungesicherte Lattice Climbing/Extremgittersteigen (auch LC Solo) ist die älteste Form von urbanem Extremklettern. He tackled the 2,000 ft (610 meter) wall of Half Dome in the Yosemite Valley. 徒手独攀、自由独攀、徒手攀岩（英语： Free solo climbing, free soloing ），是一种攀岩的类型，攀岩者（或独攀者）单独攀爬而不使用任何绳索、安全吊带或其他确保装备。他们必须完全依靠自己的个人力量和技巧，以攀登墙面或山峰。 The free solo legend began climbing rock walls over 25 years ago, when he did the first ever 8b solo free and one of the "craziest solos ever" on La nuit du Lézard in Buoux. History of Free Solo Rock Climbing. 1975: Jim Bridwell, John Long, Kevin Worrall, Mike Graham, John Bachar and Ron Kauk free the first 10 pitches of the Salathé Wall and name their “route” Freeblast 5. Photographed by Heinz Zak, you can see Gullich hanging from the roof with such ease. 11c. First-free-ascents that set new grade milestones are important events in rock climbing history, and are listed below. Oct 7, 2014 · In mid 2000s Alex Honnold began climbing in Yosemite as well, free soloing Astroman, the difficult Phoenix and making the first free solo ascent of the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome. The History of Free Climbing Free solo climbing, or free soloing, is a form of rock climbing where the climber climbs solo without ropes or other protective equipment, using only their clim Dec 17, 2024 · In much of the free climbing world, women have played second fiddle to male first ascents, but El Capitan is a marked exception. However, he has accomplished many other interesting and incredible climbing feats in his career. Norelco, after a “cordless” electric razor—entered mainstream American consciousness. 13a (7c+) in difficulty, and no climber has ever completed a big-wall free solo at such a grade of difficulty in rock climbing history. Free climbing is when a person ascends a cliff using no other tools besides their hands and feet to make upward progress. At the age of 52, his death was a stark reminder of the risks inherent in free solo climbing. Honnold is a shy loner who has lived and traveled alone in his van for several years, but recently he is sometimes joined by his new girlfriend Sanni McCandless (whom he later married). Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. This free solo was captured by Peter Mortimer and shown on a Reel Rock episode. Oct 3, 2018 · Read Alex's first interview about his epic climb. Nov 11, 2022 · For centuries, people have scaled mountains without any safety equipment, a practice known as free soloing. Most climbers were in it for the aesthetic experience. One notable free solo climber is Alex Honnold, who made history in June 2017 with his groundbreaking ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. May 16, 2019 · Synnott talked about Preuss in providing a history of free soloing. As you can imagine, free solo climbing doesn’t require too much equipment. Feb 4, 2025 · Free Solo is one of the best climbing documentaries out there. In aid climbing, the climber uses equipment to help them move up the rock. You simply need your shoes, chalk, and a strong head for heights! Again, note that free soloing is only appropriate for very experienced climbers that are comfortable with the risks involved. , avoiding any form of aid), were often practicing free solo climbing (or rope soloing), as the effectiveness of their climbing protection (usually a rope around their waist) was minimal. 13b. THE MOON LANDING OF FREE-SOLOING. Above about 50 feet, any fall would likely be lethal, which means that, on epic days of soloing, he might spend 12 or more hours in the Death Zone. Discover the most legendary free solo climbers who made history like 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. It is considered one of the most dangerous and extreme sports in the world, as climbers solely rely on their physical strength, technique, and mental focus to conquer May 8, 2023 · Both free climbing and free soloing eschew any aid techniques to assist a climber’s upward progress. DWS is therefore considered safer than normal free solo climbing, however, DWS brings several unique additional risks including trauma from uncontrolled high-speed water entry, injury from hitting hazards above and below the water while falling, and drowning in rough or tidal seas, and is thus considered riskier than normal bouldering. This documentary follows Honnold while he attempts to climb Yosemite’s famous El Capitan (2,308 m/7,572 ft) in Yosemite National Park… Oct 3, 2018 · It seems fitting that in the first moments after Honnold had become the first person to free solo Yosemite’s El Capitan, the greatest pure feat of rock climbing in history, that he’d sit down Jan 21, 2025 · Free solo climbing, or free soloing is free climbing but without the support. In true Honnold style, he went up to climb The Phoenix before his 9am meeting with the Yosemite park rangers. The first person to free climb The Nose was also a woman: Lynn Hill. Jul 5, 2024 · Free climbing is any form of climbing where the climber makes upward progress using only the rock, without the use of mechanical aids or steps attached to the crag. Feb 1, 2022 · Based in Visalia, CA, Vitaliy Musiyenko works as an ER nurse. Free solo climbing, also known as soloing, is a form of rock climbing where the climber ascent alone, without any ropes, harnesses or other protective gear. Catherine Destivelle (born 24 July 1960) is a French rock climber and mountaineer who is considered one of the greatest and most important female climbers in the history of the sport. Smith is seems to be overlooked as a free soloist because he is generally accepted as an rock climber so early in the game. 12a / 7a+, made the first free solo of “Dog’s Roof” 5. 13 in Yosemite (The Phoenix); the first person to free solo 5. Nov 16, 2023 · Free soloing is the most dangerous discipline in climbing. However, Honnold’s achievements go way beyond his daring free solos. The climber must be able to control fear, focus on the task at hand, and stay calm under pressure. Nov 2, 2022 · Now that movies like Free Solo and Dawn Wall have brought climbing into the mainstream, however, it can be hard to know the difference between free climbing and other forms of the sport. Unlike bouldering, free climbing is usually done at heights where a fall would mean instant death. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New York 徒手獨攀、自由獨攀、徒手攀岩（英語： Free solo climbing, free soloing ），是一種攀岩的類型，攀岩者（或獨攀者）單獨攀爬而不使用任何繩索、安全吊帶或其他確保裝備。他們必須完全依靠自己的個人力量和技巧，以攀登牆面或山峰。 Mar 25, 2025 · Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985, Sacramento, California, U. Free solo climbing, also known as free soloing or soloing, is a form of technical rock climbing that is done without any protective equipment, such as a harness, ropes, and other safety gear. Separate Reality 7a (5. . Aug 3, 2016 · Honnold is history’s greatest ever climber in the free solo style, meaning he ascends without a rope or protective equipment of any kind. He was the first person to solo a grade VI big wall (the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome); the first person to free solo 5. oogpws rva wigqxa imhxk mxnab ucwsp erfw rxvnkub krhjvx sgaehh vkfpg tmvein yqwpyl bdhcof gys