El Capitan is a giant rock formation located in Yosemite National Park. And when I say giant, I’m not exaggerating. The Dawn Wall of El Capitan is 3,000 feet tall. Two guys decided they were going to climb it. Without rope. Willingly.
Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson took up the challenge of climbing this sheer rock face. Both of them free climb – that’s without rope, in other words, one bad slip up and your goose is cooked. Luckily, both are very skilled climbers, and after 19 days of scaling the cliff, with many people including the President watching, they were the first climbers to complete the journey. Lucky for us, there are plenty of pictures and videos so we can experience the heart-pounding climb ourselves.
When these two guys decided to climb the Dawn Wall of El Capitan, they knew it wouldn’t be easy.
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The 3,000-foot rock face is difficult for even the best climbers.
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There was no room for failure.
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Many of the crevices they used to hold on to the rock face were miniscule, requiring tons of strength and concentration.
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By the end, their fingers were taped up to ensure they had a strong enough grip in every crevice.
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Caldwell says that these frogs emerge in the late hours, hopping around on the walls. “Kevin and I are trying to summon our inner frog.”
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You can’t beat that view.
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After 19 days of climbing, they accomplished their goal, reaching the top of the 3,000-foot behemoth.
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Although some may say they’re adrenaline junkies, Caldwell expressed how he hopes their most recent feat will bring attention to the amazing sport. It’s more about creating bonds with friends, family, and the environment than it is about the thrill.
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Check out a video of one of the sections of Caldwell and Jorgeson’s climb below.
(via Laughing Squid)
These guys really are amazing. Man, I should be a rock climber. All I have to do is remember not to look down…
