This One Is Even Crazier Than Wing Suit Base Jumping-Free Solo Climbing

[Steve Williams]

There aren't too many people in the world who can do what this kid can do

or how about this

 

[MylesBAstor]

There aren't too many people in the world who can do what this kid can do

or how about this

Did you see the TV special about a year ago on these fliers and how many have died? In fact, one of the people interviewed died right after the show aired

 

[Steve Williams]

What I suddenly realized is that once he's on his way up, there is no going down so the the only way is up

 

[Steve Williams]

Now if he got to the top and then did a wing base jump from the top..........

 

[MylesBAstor]

And in the show they were jumping in the Alps. Holy ****!

 

[RBFC]

The free-soling craze really took off when Peter Croft did Astroman in Yosemite over 20 years ago. The difficulty of that climb (5.11+) is only slightly less than the Regular Northwest Face route on Half Dome (5.12). However, Hannold upped the ante since the Half Dome climb is over twice the length of Croft's solo.

One of the most striking features of the Half Dome climb is the Thank God Ledge, where Hannold is shown with his back to the wall, contemplating his future. The ledge is 1800 feet off the ground, and narrows to under 1 foot in width with ZERO handholds along its length. If there's any wind that day, it's a harrowing experience even though you're "standing on a flat surface". A fall, when roped, would mean a serious pendulum swing, since it's virtually without any placements for protective gear along the ledge.

Only to be done by those with no families to leave behind.

Lee

 

[RBFC]

What I suddenly realized is that once he's on his way up, there is no going down so the the only way is up

Downclimbing something of that difficulty is almost impossible, since you don't pass by the next foothold as you go.

Lee

 

[Ron Party]

Tremendous. I haven't backpacked Yosemite in years. Watching that video brings back a ton of great memories. Having stated that, I'd try wingsuit jumping in a heartbeat before I'd try to free climb Half Dome. A bit of trivia: back in the '70s there actually was talk of building a restaurant at the top of Half Dome. Can you imagine?

 

[RBFC]

Half Dome has another famous feature, the "Visor". The Visor is a protruding layer of rock at the very top of the climb that gets its name from its similarity to the brim of a hat. So, you do 1900+ feet of this ridiculous climb, then have to surmount this overhanging protrusion. I imagine that a restaurant at the top would be positioned near this feature. The "easy" side of Half Dome involves walking up a very steep rock trail that has inset pipes with connecting cables to hold onto! You'd probably develop a healthy appetite by the time you reached the top!

Lee

 

[NorthStar]

Here's the scoop! ...The cameraman following him has two parachutes with him; so if Alex falls, the cameraman jumps off too and reaches Alex to give him a chute real quick.
Then Alex is all secured and protected at all times: emergency exit, safety net.

* And those are special quick released chutes.

No?

 

[LL21]

I wouldn't do the climb with 3 cameramen and 6 chutes...and the guy did half dome in 3 hours, whereas serious pros apparently are happy to do half dome in...half a day. Smokes!

 

[NorthStar]

Maybe Alex is that good then!