Now that the Dawn Wall climb is officially complete, EpicTV has spoken to a few other climbers to get their take on Tommy Caldwell and his relentless efforts to scale the toughest big wall on the planet. The video below provides some insight and perspective on that accomplishment, with top climbers sharing their thoughts.
More about → Video: Climbers Weigh in on the Dawn Wall Climb
Showing posts with label Dawn Wall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dawn Wall. Show all posts
Video: Climbers Weigh in on the Dawn Wall Climb
Posted by Unknown on Thursday, January 15, 2015
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Mission Accomplished on the Dawn Wall!
Posted by Unknown
The Dawn Wall – so named because it is the first granite face to catch the morning sun – is a massive chunk of rock that stands 3000 feet (900 meters) in height. It has been climbed previously of course, but all other ascents were aid climbs which use ropes, pitons, and ascenders to move up. Caldwell and Jorgeson are the first to do it using only their own physical abilities. Their ropes and protection were only place to prevent them from falling.
For the two men, this is the end of a quest that started more than eight years ago. Scouting the Dawn Wall and trying every pitch took many days and previous attempts fell short of the goal. This year, Tommy and Kevin were determined to get to the top, and although it wasn't easy, they were able to accomplish something that many thought was impossible.
After finishing the climb yesterday Jorgeson said “I hope it inspires people to find their own Dawn Wall, if you will. We’ve been working on this thing a long time, slowly and surely. I think everyone has their own secret Dawn Wall to complete one day, and maybe they can put this project in their own context.”
When they finished yesterday a crowd of well wishers were on hand to greet them. The Dawn Wall climb has captivated the world over the past few weeks, with even non-climbers getting pulled into the drama. The final pitches of the ascent were even streamed live on television and the Internet, with millions watching as Tommy and Kevin made history.
Neither man is ready to discuss what projects are next on their schedule, nor should they. They have just complete an amazingly difficult expedition, and it is time to rest, reflect, and recovery. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more about their efforts in the days ahead, but for now these two men should simply experience the moment.
Congratulations to Tommy and Kevin on an amazing job, and for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams.
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Video: Tommy Caldwell Talks Dawn Wall with EpicTV
Posted by Unknown on Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson's climb of the Dawn Wall is one of the biggest stories in the world right now – in or out of climbing. The two men are incredibly close to wrapping up what many have called the toughest climb in the world, and by this time tomorrow they may have found success at last. Prior to starting this expedition, Tommy sat down with the Climbing Daily crew from EpicTV and talked to them about the challenge of the Dawn Wall, which he has been exploring for more than eight years. That interview can be found in the video below, which also includes some amazing shots from Yosemite as well.
More about → Video: Tommy Caldwell Talks Dawn Wall with EpicTV
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Update From The Dawn Wall: Final Push to the Top Begins
Posted by Unknown
The two men started the climb back on December 27th, and have been methodically working their way up the 3000 foot (900 meter) rock face on El Capitan ever since. The Dawn Wall – so named because it catches the first light of the sun on El Cap each morning – has never been free climbed before, which means Caldwell and Jorgeson are making the ascent using only their physical abilities and considerable climbing skills. The ropes and protection that are in place are only there to prevent them from falling, but are not helping them move up in any way.
The most difficult pitches are number 15 and 16, which Caldwell was able to overcome more than a week and a half ago. But his partner struggled for seven days on pitch 15, falling more than 11 times. For awhile it looked like Jorgeson might not be able to get past that section, but this past weekend he completed the pitch at last, and scurried up 16 with very little difficulty. This allowed him to rejoin Caldwell, and the pair are now finishing off the final sections, none of which are as remotely difficult as anything they have already passed.
The men have been climbing at night, when the rock allows their hands and feet to grip the surface better. Tonight is expected to be their final evening on the wall. Most estimates indicate that they should complete the climb sometime late Wednesday or early Thursday morning. That means we're about to see climbing history be made. This epic expedition to climb the hardest big wall on the planet is about to wrap up, and even the non-climbing world has been sucked into the experience.
Stay tuned for more updates. I expect to have good news to report tomorrow morning.
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Video: Day 14 on the Dawn Wall - Major Success!
Posted by Unknown on Tuesday, January 13, 2015
As climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson continue their efforts to climb the incredibly difficult Dawn Wall in Yosemite, we all watch with baited breath in anticipation of them finally completing the ascent. This video comes from a few days back, when Kevin was finally able to push his way past the incredible difficult 15th pitch, which had stymied him for a week. The clip not only gives us insights on to what he was thinking, it also gives us a very close look at the wall itself. This video will give you even more appreciation for what these two men are doing.
More about → Video: Day 14 on the Dawn Wall - Major Success!
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Update From The Dawn Wall: Climbers Above Hardest Pitches, Success Still Not Assured
Posted by Unknown on Monday, January 12, 2015
For those that don't know, the Dawn Wall is so named because it faces east and is the first section of El Cap to receive light in the morning. The 3000-foot (900 meter) granite face was first climbed by Warren Harding and Dean Caldwell (no relation to Tommy) back in 1970. But that ascent was made with the use of ropes and protection to get to the top. Even with aid, the duo still struggled to compete the route, even refusing a rescue at one point. What Tommy and Kevin are attempting to do is on a completely different level however, as they are free climbing the wall. That means they're only using ropes and protection to arrest their fall, but are making the ascent completely under their own power, using nothing more than than their physical strength and considerable climbing skills.
Most experts indicate that the 15th and 16th pitches are the two toughest on the entire route, which consists of 30 pitches over all. Last week, Caldwell was able to get past both of those challenges, and seemed poised to scamper up the rest of the route, reaching the top as early as this past weekend. Meanwhile, Kevin struggled for seven days on the 15th pitch, falling 11 times over that period. As the skin on his fingers wore thin, it started to look like he might not be able to get past those daunting sections. Over the weekend however, he managed to finish the 15th pitch at last, and his momentum even carried up the 16th with little trouble as well. His partner watched on with interest, offering encouragement, and cheering the success of his friend.
Now, the two men are reunited on the Dawn Wall, and will continue upwards together. They have passed what most consider the most difficult part of the climb, and are now getting ready to push towards the top. They still have some considerable obstacles to overcome, but considering their talent, nothing that remains on the route should be insurmountable. That said, until they finish the last pitch, success it still not assured.
This is the biggest climb in the world, and many observers have been transfixed by the events that are unfolding in Yosemite. Even non-climbers are watching with anticipation to see if Tommy and Kevin can complete the route. In a few days time, we should know more.
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Video: Push Day on the Dawn Wall
Posted by Unknown on Friday, January 9, 2015
Do you wonder what it is like for Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson, the two men who are currently attempting to climb the Dawn Wall in Yosemite? If so, than take a look at this video. It was shot on Day 8 of their climb (they're currently on Day 14), and it gives you a good look at just how massive and difficult this 3000 foot (900 meter) rock face truly is. The Dawn Wall has been called the most difficult rock climb in the world, and these two men have been planning the project for five years, and have attempted it a couple of times in the past. With a little luck, they'll wrap it up this weekend, successfully reaching the top of El Capitan at long last.
The Push Day 08 from Rock & Ice on Vimeo.
More about → Video: Push Day on the Dawn Wall
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Video: Tommy Caldwell and the Dawn Wall
Posted by Unknown on Thursday, January 8, 2015
If you've been keeping up with what has been going on in the world of big wall climbing this week, you're probably already aware that Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson are attempting to free climb what many have called the hardest route in the world. The two men are now 13 days into the ascent of The Dawn Wall in Yosemite, which is a 3000-foot rock face on El Capitan. This is their third attempt on this project, and they are making better progress than ever before. It is now possible that they could complete the route this coming weekend.
The video below is a bonus clip from the film Valley Uprising, which takes a look at climbing culture in Yosemite. It features Caldwell talking about the importance of the Dawn Wall, and its place in the annals of rock climbing history. It seems a fitting clip to watch as we all wait for Tommy and Kevin to make history. If they are successful, it will be the first complete free climb of the route. Good luck boys!
More about → Video: Tommy Caldwell and the Dawn Wall
The video below is a bonus clip from the film Valley Uprising, which takes a look at climbing culture in Yosemite. It features Caldwell talking about the importance of the Dawn Wall, and its place in the annals of rock climbing history. It seems a fitting clip to watch as we all wait for Tommy and Kevin to make history. If they are successful, it will be the first complete free climb of the route. Good luck boys!
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