My whole body is stiffening up and i get a sick feeling when watching this video from my comfy home. Why do i have such a heavy irrational body reaction whilst he decides to climb at this mountain wall? I really can't understand why somebody can be so brave like those two guys, whilst i am save at home, but having feelings like beeing one of those two guys.
@@farmersmith7057 😂 I would do exactly the same thing! I mean i am not overly scared of height, but this is so crazy my brain literally can't process it.
After watching this video, I’ve come to the conclusion that nothing’s scarier than a professional climber freaking out due to the surreal height and consequent view.
i was leaning back in my chair and nearly tipped back, kneed my underside of my desk so hard the keyboard hoppped, pressed the space bar when it landed, and paused the video. 😂
I have been a climber for almost 30 years and it's even difficult for me to try and put this into perspective. This ledge is 1800 feet. That's the equivalent of 166 stories. The Empire State building is 102 stories. So, from this ledge, you are looking down upon the Empire State building, from 64 stories above. Now, let's make the palms really sweat: you're by yourself, alone on the wall, standing on the ledge, no ropes, no partner, no belay, with 200 more feet of climbing above. Alex Honnold has done that journey twice! Crazy.
It's insane how exposure wrecks you on a primal level. I love heights and thought I couldn't feel uncomfortable climbing no matter how high as long as I felt my protection was solid. One day I got on a slab that was more exposed than anything I had experienced... My body reacted despite my understanding that I was perfectly safe. My heart rate shot up, I started shaking uncontrollably, my vision started to blur with vertigo, and I felt a terror I couldn't explain. So eye opening regarding how one can lose reason in an emergency. Happily, I learned that as you experience exposure multiple times, the brain adapts and you stop having those involuntary reactions. I appreciate havening that experience
@@gutierrezp49 Exposing yourself to your phobia (Not that this person has a phobia) can make it easier to deal with. Just as with anything. Repeating anything will normalize it to you. Same thing happens in addiction.
@@ComeGetSome5297 no, he means exposure to the void. an exposed section of climbing is a part that just drops into the void with nothing below you for a long way. This video itself is a great example of exposure.
This happened to me once climbing and jumping gaps in Red Rock Nevada. I climbed down a smooth boulder preparing to jump a large gap, I then realized the gap was larger than expected so I had no choice but to turn around and climb back up the boulder. The boulder was at such an odd angle, was rounded and smooth so trying to find grip was almost impossible. If I lost grip, I would fall backwards with nothing to grab onto, falling into the dark void. I started having a panic attack, sweating and just in some sort of shock that I got myself into this situation. Luckily I managed to climb up the boulder by literally straddling the rock like a snake, something I've never done before. Afterword's the relief was incredible but that was likely the last time I ever climbing, I don't want to relive that shear terror.
I've had recurring dreams like this for years now. At least every 2 weeks. The line in the beginning "I can't get up" is exactly how it feels. Huge drop to the left, tiny bit of earth to the right. If I stand up, a huge gust of wind might blow me off into the abyss, or I'll lose my balance in the process. Clinging to the mountain just makes you feel more stuck. At this point, I'm either dying on that ledge from starvation, or waiting for a rescue team to come by (or godforbid the worst is trying to turn around). But IRL getting through that fear is incredible. Nothing beats the feeling of climbing to the next stretch of stable ground and sitting far away from that ledge. Keep on keeping on.
I know this guys fear , I nearly didn’t make it crawling outta bed to go to work Monday , toLd the wife to go on and leave me behind . It was only her inspiring words of “ get your ass to work , we got bills to pay “ that got me through that difficult decent
This video captures the fear and anxiety like no other video I have seen. I thank you for sharing! I watch hundreds of climbing videos a year, all styles. This one is exceptional
True. I’m usually extremely calm when watching these videos, but this one’s been the exception. It has really made me question my recent viewing choices and life in general. Cool video, nonetheless 😂
Crazy brave man. With great risk comes great reward. A view no one else gets. Camera can never give us the true beauty and sensation that is earned by these brave men.
I look at this climber and how terrified he is, with safety mechanisms in place, then I think back to Alex Honnolds Free Solo and the infamous picture of him standing on that very ledge with absolutely no safety net. Insane!
as a gym climber this really makes me appreciate the burden of the amount of equipment you have and rope drag. could definitely feel this super personal moment thanks for sharing
It’s funny, I went trad climbing for the first time after about 4 months in the gym, and cleaned pro all four pitches. The stuff doesn’t weigh as much as I thought it would. It definitely weighs a good bit, but for some reason I thought it would weigh more than my backpack. Definitely did not
I think the actual climbing if harder in gym than on the mountain. I mean the moves you have to pull off in gym are more frequent than on most mountain climbing routes. (Of course, this is what making gym climbing interesting, otherwise I could just climb stairs) But the equipment and tech you have to bring up the mountain makes outside climbing hard
There used to be a big slab above this ledge. But it peeled off and went crashing to the ground. The gap between this ledge and the rock face allows water to seep in - and in winter that water expands. Just something to think about when you stand on it. Or climb up from below.
Delamination would be a real beeotch at that moment. And if the process is mostly complete maybe all would take as some have noted is the leverage of a climbers weight or a tremor along a fault line. But we as humans in general base our decisions on probable outcomes rather than possible futures. That being it wont happen today.
Yes many times pieces of this rock wall fall off and people below are killed or harmed. I think people who do this like living on the edge and doing things us normal would never attempt.
I'd be too scared of that reality to even climb that. Like, one slip, and if nothing is 150% secured, you're dead. If the slab peels off, you're dead. If a slab above you peels off, you're dead.
As an ancient climber, it's the exposure that gets you every time. 😃 All you have to do is imagine that you are only one foot above the ground. Well, that what my climbing mates would tell me!
When the crevice you're relying on to catch you, isn't really a crevice, but a slow separation of a rock face, and any undue pressure could be the last straw that takes you both. I've watched a lot of risky rock climbing, but this one I really felt.
This was my first thought too. That gap is there for a reason. You almost feel like if he makes a fist while his hand is in there the lot could topple. 😂
I was at clouds rest last month on a public trail, and I was still scared shitless climbing to the top. Never in my life have I felt so small and insignificant when I was looking out across the horizon and down the cliffside. This video is giving me the exact same vertigo I felt then. Absolutely insane climb.
Climbing Half Dome is officially (now) scratched from my bucket list. Considering I've only climbed in a gym a few times, and I am terrified of heights I think it's best to leave this one alone.
Give it time. The fear of heights goes lessens as your confidence in your gear and abilities grow. You also get better at managing the panic with practice. I still get a little jolt of fear on my first route every time I go to the gym but I work through it!
@@johnmcho true this. Even with just my first trad climb, I felt the fear lessen with each pitch. After the first I could barely stand up I was so scared. Before the last I was the one leaning back on my rope over the face of the mountain to get a better view 😂
Yeah, u might also want to leave El Cap and Mt. Everest alone too. Maybe leaving stuff like Half Dome and K2 to ppl who have more than a few hrs of practice is a good idea.
Once I started, I couldn't stop watching. That was incredible. I didn't realise I was leaning right over towards the wall, my heart pounding. I was scared to breath in case my movement pushed you off the ledge. Well done you 😊
I’m not sure why this came up in my recommendations list a year after being posted, but damn, I have so much respect for anyone willing to give climbing this a try.
@@executioner_ecgbert884 That's why you triple check your stuff when you climb, and if a piece of gear like a carabiner falls onto a hard surface from more than like a foot, you don't use that carabiner for belaying anymore. You might still get unlucky doing all the proper precautions, but if you don't have a proper safety routine you're bound to fuck up eventually.
The amazing thing is that you have a better chance of successfully making it while feeling that fear. It makes you think and be more concise and thoughtout. I hear a lot of guys who were in combat say the same thing.
My stomach got tingles watching this. My mind almost got tricked in to being there. Thank you for giving me this perspective. I love wide, high, frightening views but this is beyond me. Thank you for sharing this. Love it. The worthy side of RUclips and educational too
As someone who used to run parkour atop roofs/building tops....this, THIS made my hands INCREDIBLY sweaty. I watched the whole thing, full screen, headphones, face right up against the screen...and i felt completely tense lol. What an upload, thank you. 😄
Not a place for your legs to get tired, even though you just finished climbing up thousands of feet of sheer vertical. Not a place to be afraid to run out of those clips either. I’ve got Maximum respect for anybody who would even attempt this with or without a rope
And it’s funny because you usually don’t respect absolute morons. And I definitely respect these guys. And I definitely think they’re morons. I remember walking past his drug attic that was getting interviewed in Portland one time. And I remember as I was passing him I could make out him saying anyone who does opiates or hard drugs has a bit of a Deathwish. And while that may or may not be true it’s not nearly the Deathwish that these fucking guys must possess
I would like to say I respect the bravery for climbing the rock, but I, who is afraid of heights would respectfully have to say you are crazy :) Watching this made my hands SWEAT!
I know absolutely nothing about rock climbing. Does stitching up refer to those things he's connecting to his rope? Are they supposed to hold him if he falls? Do you have to retrieve all that stuff on your way back down?
@@sammym116 Hi Sammy. Yes, climber installed temporary devices and clipped the rope in behind himself along the way for protection - a.k.a. “placing pro” These tools are spring-loaded camming devices or cams. They are slid into secure cracks and automatically expand to create friction against the sides of the rock. Pulling on them creates more expansion and therefore provides greater security for a falling climber when the rope tugs it during a fall (assuming it was installed correctly 😉🙏) Cams have specific sizing that suit a particular width of rock opening. We see climber struggle a few times to find the best one (normal, as often the crack narrows or flares further inside and deceives you in your first choice). We also watch climber have to switch hands to reach for a cam on the “uphill” side of his harness. This hand switch creates a stance where his body weight and angle forces him out into space. Very unnerving! And, yes, those cams will be removed and stowed by his partner when he follows. Lead climber will build a new anchor station above before 2nd climber begins. When 2nd arrives at lead climber he’ll either return the collected gear or he’ll take the entire “rack” of pro and proceed as the new lead climber. Some climbing routes end by finishing at the top of a cliff then hiking back down along an easier route. Other routes require coming down approximately the way you came up and lowering oneself on the rope attached to a new anchor point (rappelling or abseiling). Rapping down is usually a straight line (gravity) so this ledge would not be traversed again with desperate hands! Sometimes a ledge traverse is still necessary when heading down but you can walk it with your feet while suspended above. The route in this video is at my skill set but above my boldness level and pay grade!! 😎
@@stephenw.6588 Thanks so much for taking the time to explain Stephen! Part of my confusion was the assumption that the way down wasn't always the same as the way up, the 2nd climber collecting them as he goes makes a ton of sense.
The Thank God Ledge is the ideal location for any escape artist to prove their skills. No need to cuff their hands or blindfold them, just lower him on the ledge, leave him there without a rope and let him do his magic.
Clipped in short to all those cams, rather than having them extended with slings, one wonders whether the rope would have been cut by that outer edge in the event of a fall. It sounds, too, as if the rope was inside the crack at the start and jamming against the first cam - hence the rope drag!
Don't feel bad, it happens. I was an avid alpinist, in the process of obtaining my commercial helicopter license. Yosemite was something I've been planning to do before 2025. As of April of last year, after climbing dozens of mountains, and 6 months into obtaining my pilots license I get into the helicopter with my instructor (like I had hundreds of times) and begin to take off. At the 100ft or so mark I was completely paralyzed with fear. Not like *"holy smokes I'm nervous"* but more like *"JFC I'M GOING TO DIE"* and nearly fainted. For some random, unknown reason after that day I have a physically debilitating fear of heights. I literally started to hyperventilate just watching this, and felt like I was moments from a panic attack; the times I was even able to look. I have no idea what's changed, but I have a deep seated, genuine phobia of heights now. I literally just woke up one morning afraid of heights, ironically as someone that consistently dealt with heights in my day to day. I can't even watch RUclips videos, and me attempting to overcome my completely random, new found fear is why I'm here watching this. I don't know what to do, or why it's happened. For anyone attempting to obtain their commercial helicopter license you're fully aware of what that entails, and the obscene costs associated; it generally takes years and costs upwards if $100k. It's a really shady industry. Yet here I am, terrified of watching a video. So don't feel bad man, some things are out of our control. I don't think I'll ever be able to overcome my new found fear of heights, and it's unfortunate it didn't happen before I had invested tens of thousands into obtaining my license.
You had a traumatic experience. It happens. Our brains sometimes mix things up, and being up in the air while having a panic attack, your subconscious instantly paired the two, even if they are rationally unrelated. Now in your subconscious, height = deathly fear. I feel like maybe I have something that could really help you. I just don't know how to get it to you... Do you have an @ I can message or something? It's free don't worry, I just feel like I should show you it at least. Otherwise, look up orpheusmindtechnologies. It was created by the same guy if I'm not mistaken (Tim Phizackerley) and it might get rid of your phobia.
That happened to me I work high-rise construction and never had any fear of heights and one day on the 42nd floor it just hit me like a brick, ever since then I have a horrible fear of heights. I took my daughters to the water slides the other day and I was shaking just walking up the 5 flights to the top of the water slide, I almost couldn't do it, I don't know what has happened to me.
@Johnny White genuine terror. Tbh it's gotten worse. I can't watch this video. I'd be really interested in hearing what a psychologist had to say. I assume it's something that was subconsciously triggered.
Haha this isn’t meant to be mean but it’s fascinating to me you climbed all the way up but the moment you have to stand up on a pretty flat surface you’re freaking out ! Haha it’s awesome ! Apologies if I miss something I am a beginner climber
Exposure. Going up you're looking up and are against the wall. In a sense less exposed. On that ledge my guess is suddenly 3D comes into play and that throws you off.
Back in 1981 I walked across that pitch, the crux was the two times I had to lean forward & down far enough to stuff a Friend into the slot to protect against any big swings. I still think Honnold is/was crazy, and even he froze on the tiny slab part just after the traverse. How did you like that part?
The slabs at the top are legit. Even the last 5.8 slab is a heads up. The atmosphere is also surreal as you are in plain sight of hikers at the top watching your every move while chatting and taking videos for Instagram or whatever.
Bro, nothing but respect to you for doing this. I’m a backpacker and aspiring mountaineer, but whenever I see cliffs like Half Dome, I feel very intimidated by the sheer size and grandeur of them. Props to you and anybody who does this kind of stuff for fun, I doubt I’ll ever have the balls to do it.
@Kevin Skydives I called them stupid because of the conversations I've had with them. I could say you don't have the balls to do some of the things I've done. The difference is that I did what I had to do to survive, and you do the things you do for a thrill.
@@seana2375 idk bud i have been to Iraq, been blown up and have done things you probably couldn't imagine either. but don't need to sit here and explain myself to a dude on the internet. thanks tho for your input. You should really keep those kind of comments to yourself. But go ahead call people stupid and generalize a group off your interactions with a few people makes you look big and smart.
@@seana2375 bravery easily. Climbers brains work entirely differently. As does mine, like I said I’m an aspiring mountaineer, backpacker and hardcore adventurer. I’ve had a few run ins with dangerous stuff on my adventures and it hasn’t stopped me from doing more of it. Does this mean I’m stupid? No, it means I enjoy what I do. The only thing that will stop me, and these climbers, from stopping what we do is either literally getting killed or so badly Injured we physically cannot do them anymore.
Funny thing is, it's actually "easier" to do this the Honnold way as you don't need to lean forward and backward, you can just cruise through it... 😄 What is amazing with your video is that we can physically feel the precariousness of the position.
combatting fear and gripping with existential fear while not making a single mistake for every move on the route is much easier than leaning forward and backward sometimes, you're right
@@WhatsY0UTUB3 Well, if someone had told me there was someone somewhere incapable of spotting irony in that post, I would not have deemed it possible. Thank you for expanding my horizon.
I absolutely love climbing but there is no fucking way you'd ever catch me doing something like this. Absolutely insane. Never been so stressed watching a RUclips video in my life lol
This type of ledge is mentally draining because you’re a lot more scared than when you are facing the wall and holding on to tiny holds, which are more physically draining holds. I personally prefer to be physically exhausted. And then you never know if those blockers will hold if you fall, so u just don’t want to actually test them. I remember back in my climbing days, those were the parts I totally hated because I would feel vertigo… which I wouldn’t when facing the wall.
Im terrified of heights. Ive done things like Angels landing, half dome. I plan on doing mount whitney and i can’t remember the name but I believe it means iron road in utah. My goal is to start learning to rock climb and tackle something like this because although heights scare me the adrenaline ive been getting from these hikes have been such an amazing feeling. Congratulations on the climb! 🔥
For me fear is always somewhere there. I wouldn't like it to disappear. Some time ago I decided it's time we swapped places and I learned I can listen to it and not freeze scared. It's like in a nightmare, you freeze until you realize it's just a dream. Here it's just an emotion, a very natural emotion. After you get to know it it becomes a friend and a vital warning system.
You guys are amazing, I used to climb, fell once about 25 ft on to scrub brush got hurt and an that was that. Why don't you fellas wear base jumping parachutes? These are extreme heights. God bless you and your team.
@@coolos6890 mhmm, with any wall youre supposed to pull it when youre as far away from it as you can get, if you have enough time, completely depends on the situation.
What blows my mind isn’t simply that people go and do this for fun, it’s that they somehow beyond me manage to survive it, get back onto solid ground with some cool video and an awesome story knowing they managed to get out of this alive, THEN THEY DO IT AGAIN.
Thanks, I always notice that other videos cut out the struggle or difficult parts. This was surprisingly scary. I think what’s hard to capture is that the wall is slightly more than vertical pushing your center of gravity more over the edge than just a typical wall.
@@GreenGloop to be honest, your video is much more impactful than anything I’ve watch from Alex… because you have us a taste of fear, you pulled us in to what you were going thru.. damm, that was really scary and I felt that rush of anxiety when the rope went tight..
If you did fall, how difficult would it be to pull you back up onto the ledge? How long would it take and such? Like would it be mostly fine or would it be quite a big problem?
@@connalmoran6980 have you tried bringing you up on vertical granit without knowing how to execute a self rescue manuver? bc it isnt that easy at all. If the wall is inclined then its different.
If you fell close to a piece it’s no big deal. If say you fell 5 feet from the last piece you would probably have 15 feet of rope to stop you with slack in the system and rope stretch. The minor issue here is that piece is horizontal to you and you would pendulum and likely scrape along the wall. Getting back up you would ascend the rope - if your big walling you are already good at this and should only take a few min.
Assuming his back isn't broken it may be easy? Think of how hard even a 5 ft rope would pull in a drop 150-69 lbs it doesn't really stop you from being severely hurt it just stops you from going splat on the ground and more than likely pendulum would pull you right into the rock wall
Its hard because every survival instinct in your body is screaming. Mad respect for throwing those instincts out and conquering your fears. I jumped from a plane to conquer my fears. I'm not doing this. lol
I have mad respect for the courageous people who watched this video.
My whole body is stiffening up and i get a sick feeling when watching this video from my comfy home. Why do i have such a heavy irrational body reaction whilst he decides to climb at this mountain wall? I really can't understand why somebody can be so brave like those two guys, whilst i am save at home, but having feelings like beeing one of those two guys.
@@Marcus_Berger1701 If I had the equipment, I would have roped myself to the bed and chalked my hands just to watch this.
@@farmersmith7057 😂 I would do exactly the same thing! I mean i am not overly scared of height, but this is so crazy my brain literally can't process it.
And I quote... "It was WAY scarier than I thought it would be!"
After watching this video, I’ve come to the conclusion that nothing’s scarier than a professional climber freaking out due to the surreal height and consequent view.
I can't adequately describe the jolt of panic I felt when my elbow slipped off my desk while watching this.
😭😭😭 felt dat
Bro, the SAME thing happened to me. Stg thought I was gonna have a heart attack
i was leaning back in my chair and nearly tipped back, kneed my underside of my desk so hard the keyboard hoppped, pressed the space bar when it landed, and paused the video. 😂
*hahaha*
Hope you're ok I wouldn't be
I have been a climber for almost 30 years and it's even difficult for me to try and put this into perspective. This ledge is 1800 feet. That's the equivalent of 166 stories. The Empire State building is 102 stories. So, from this ledge, you are looking down upon the Empire State building, from 64 stories above. Now, let's make the palms really sweat: you're by yourself, alone on the wall, standing on the ledge, no ropes, no partner, no belay, with 200 more feet of climbing above. Alex Honnold has done that journey twice! Crazy.
And then there’s me lying chilling eating chocolate and Pringles lol
I’m shivering bro this shit is crazy!!
After 4 or 5 stories what the difference? A bit more time to ponder your life choices, I guess.
Twice?? I thought he just solo'ed it just the one time. I know he's climbed it around 15 times.
@@sharpie337 That's El Capitan. This is the Half-Dome. They're both in Yosemite national park.
lying on the floor watching this video and even that i don't feel safe
Cover me boys, I'm going fullscreen.
Right behind you
Lmao
lol didn't know this was a thing, im doing it alone
lol
You couldn't pay me enough money in the world to do this, the idea that people do this for fun is incomprehensible to me... Respect
Give me the money people are giving you so I can get there ASAP :D
Dude the thrill is nuts
@@pestotron8291 you free solo?
Same.
@@pestotron8291 I get the exact same thrill from watching Law & Order reruns with a warm cup of chamomile tea.
It's insane how exposure wrecks you on a primal level. I love heights and thought I couldn't feel uncomfortable climbing no matter how high as long as I felt my protection was solid. One day I got on a slab that was more exposed than anything I had experienced... My body reacted despite my understanding that I was perfectly safe. My heart rate shot up, I started shaking uncontrollably, my vision started to blur with vertigo, and I felt a terror I couldn't explain. So eye opening regarding how one can lose reason in an emergency. Happily, I learned that as you experience exposure multiple times, the brain adapts and you stop having those involuntary reactions. I appreciate havening that experience
What do you mean by exposure?
@@gutierrezp49 Exposing yourself to your phobia (Not that this person has a phobia) can make it easier to deal with. Just as with anything. Repeating anything will normalize it to you. Same thing happens in addiction.
@@ComeGetSome5297 no, he means exposure to the void. an exposed section of climbing is a part that just drops into the void with nothing below you for a long way. This video itself is a great example of exposure.
@@babo0252 Ahh
This happened to me once climbing and jumping gaps in Red Rock Nevada. I climbed down a smooth boulder preparing to jump a large gap, I then realized the gap was larger than expected so I had no choice but to turn around and climb back up the boulder. The boulder was at such an odd angle, was rounded and smooth so trying to find grip was almost impossible. If I lost grip, I would fall backwards with nothing to grab onto, falling into the dark void. I started having a panic attack, sweating and just in some sort of shock that I got myself into this situation. Luckily I managed to climb up the boulder by literally straddling the rock like a snake, something I've never done before. Afterword's the relief was incredible but that was likely the last time I ever climbing, I don't want to relive that shear terror.
Anybody else ever worry that these slabs of rock could break off at any moment? That's the real scary part to me.
Nah, cameraman never dies
One broke in squamish 1 year ago
They have a shear strength of many thousands of tons and only break after tens of thousands of years.
@@Connection-Lost Until they break off I'm sure they're extremely sturdy.
@@Connection-Lost so what are you going to do, check the sell-by date?
This is the realest climbing video that I have ever seen. Honest emotions, encouragements and banter. Joy
I've had recurring dreams like this for years now. At least every 2 weeks. The line in the beginning "I can't get up" is exactly how it feels. Huge drop to the left, tiny bit of earth to the right. If I stand up, a huge gust of wind might blow me off into the abyss, or I'll lose my balance in the process. Clinging to the mountain just makes you feel more stuck. At this point, I'm either dying on that ledge from starvation, or waiting for a rescue team to come by (or godforbid the worst is trying to turn around).
But IRL getting through that fear is incredible. Nothing beats the feeling of climbing to the next stretch of stable ground and sitting far away from that ledge. Keep on keeping on.
Sounds like your subconscious is trying to tell you something
Stress, or stress from the day your brain is trying to process, the feeling of panic or stress in dreams suck
You know you need to climb right? You have to get up there to discover something about yourself
@@Invertiga yeah lemme know what you discovered about yourself on the big rock, humanity is waiting to find out.
Sounds like u may need some help 🤷♂️
I know this guys fear , I nearly didn’t make it crawling outta bed to go to work Monday , toLd the wife to go on and leave me behind . It was only her inspiring words of “ get your ass to work , we got bills to pay “ that got me through that difficult decent
😂 Thanks for the laugh. Good one.
Lmao 🤣
😂🤣
Watching this gives you even more respect for Honnold.
he didnt do this route
@@wyattrogers8689 What do you mean? There's literally a picture of him standing on Thank God Ledge.
@@wyattrogers8689 he did half dome a few years before with little to no prep
A small anecdote is that he said he actually freaked out while on the Ledge, and so stopped for a short while, hence the famous picture.
@@sobantahir1011 That's the pic on the cover of National Geographic I think.
This video captures the fear and anxiety like no other video I have seen. I thank you for sharing! I watch hundreds of climbing videos a year, all styles. This one is exceptional
Yeah my hearts beating just watching this. This 💩 is crazy.
True. I’m usually extremely calm when watching these videos, but this one’s been the exception. It has really made me question my recent viewing choices and life in general. Cool video, nonetheless 😂
Without fear there no bravery
I watch videos like this to humble myself sometimes, the courage it takes to do something like this is crazy, mad respect
Crazy brave man. With great risk comes great reward. A view no one else gets. Camera can never give us the true beauty and sensation that is earned by these brave men.
I look at this climber and how terrified he is, with safety mechanisms in place, then I think back to Alex Honnolds Free Solo and the infamous picture of him standing on that very ledge with absolutely no safety net. Insane!
as a gym climber this really makes me appreciate the burden of the amount of equipment you have and rope drag. could definitely feel this super personal moment thanks for sharing
It’s funny, I went trad climbing for the first time after about 4 months in the gym, and cleaned pro all four pitches. The stuff doesn’t weigh as much as I thought it would. It definitely weighs a good bit, but for some reason I thought it would weigh more than my backpack. Definitely did not
@@leokavanagh3425 I ageee I dunno what Bryce is moaning about, he’s just a coward basically, weak also
@@devondetroit2529 aggressive take lol
@@devondetroit2529 Ok bud 😂
I think the actual climbing if harder in gym than on the mountain. I mean the moves you have to pull off in gym are more frequent than on most mountain climbing routes. (Of course, this is what making gym climbing interesting, otherwise I could just climb stairs)
But the equipment and tech you have to bring up the mountain makes outside climbing hard
There used to be a big slab above this ledge. But it peeled off and went crashing to the ground. The gap between this ledge and the rock face allows water to seep in - and in winter that water expands. Just something to think about when you stand on it. Or climb up from below.
Delamination would be a real beeotch at that moment. And if the process is mostly complete maybe all would take as some have noted is the leverage of a climbers weight or a tremor along a fault line. But we as humans in general base our decisions on probable outcomes rather than possible futures. That being it wont happen today.
Yes many times pieces of this rock wall fall off and people below are killed or harmed. I think people who do this like living on the edge and doing things us normal would never attempt.
More like Hell No Ledge. Keep going.
… or perhaps not think about when you are on that wall.
I'd be too scared of that reality to even climb that. Like, one slip, and if nothing is 150% secured, you're dead. If the slab peels off, you're dead. If a slab above you peels off, you're dead.
I love his comment around 5:45 "I'm really scared of this *for some reason*" 🤣
That laugh at the very end was the absolute cherry on top for me.
As an ancient climber, it's the exposure that gets you every time. 😃 All you have to do is imagine that you are only one foot above the ground. Well, that what my climbing mates would tell me!
Until you decide to take a break and step onto the ground for a moment lol
@@04dram04 just a little break! Lol
I'm not even there and I feel my stomach turning when he looks down. Much respect.
Ehh its more of a play stupid games win stupid prizes vibe, like congrats you've won a stupid prize
This is by far the best video form this infamous section on Half Dome, my palms are sweating and my heart is racing...
Thank you for sharing!
Moms spaghetti
I didn't even notice how wet my palms were till the end of the video. First time it does that. What the fuck?
You’re so brave for being up there In the first place. I couldn’t dream of doing this ever
Finally, a climber that I can understand from my chair.
Gnarly. My palms are still sweaty after watching that. Congrats on your climb.
When the crevice you're relying on to catch you, isn't really a crevice, but a slow separation of a rock face, and any undue pressure could be the last straw that takes you both. I've watched a lot of risky rock climbing, but this one I really felt.
This was my first thought too. That gap is there for a reason. You almost feel like if he makes a fist while his hand is in there the lot could topple. 😂
The actual clmbing immediatly before and after are way harder than that ledge, but the exposure is so wild. Thanks for sharing!
Yea, wait till he gets wrecked by the flared chimney lol. The ledge itself is a bit of piss once you hand traverse it.
@@johntuttle9544Just put a couple bolts above the ledge.
„palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy“
-Eminem, after watching this video
I was at clouds rest last month on a public trail, and I was still scared shitless climbing to the top. Never in my life have I felt so small and insignificant when I was looking out across the horizon and down the cliffside. This video is giving me the exact same vertigo I felt then. Absolutely insane climb.
Climbing Half Dome is officially (now) scratched from my bucket list. Considering I've only climbed in a gym a few times, and I am terrified of heights I think it's best to leave this one alone.
Give it time. The fear of heights goes lessens as your confidence in your gear and abilities grow. You also get better at managing the panic with practice. I still get a little jolt of fear on my first route every time I go to the gym but I work through it!
@@johnmcho true this. Even with just my first trad climb, I felt the fear lessen with each pitch. After the first I could barely stand up I was so scared. Before the last I was the one leaning back on my rope over the face of the mountain to get a better view 😂
You can always walk up the other side if you don’t want to climb it. 16 mile round trip hike.
Yeah, u might also want to leave El Cap and Mt. Everest alone too. Maybe leaving stuff like Half Dome and K2 to ppl who have more than a few hrs of practice is a good idea.
What about a pilot who suddenly develops fear of heights later on in life?
“I’m really scared of this FOR SOME REASON.” 🤣
Camera tilted down and I saw my life flashing before my eyes. This is absolutely mental.
Maybe he has an irrational fear of sharks.
Once I started, I couldn't stop watching. That was incredible. I didn't realise I was leaning right over towards the wall, my heart pounding. I was scared to breath in case my movement pushed you off the ledge. Well done you 😊
The first real breath I took after this video was insane! My pulse went to the roof!
I feel like he owes us all a thank you for remaining still and holding our breath so he didn’t fall. 😂
I’m not sure why this came up in my recommendations list a year after being posted, but damn, I have so much respect for anyone willing to give climbing this a try.
My feet are tingling every time he pans over the edge to show how high up he really is.
I hiked angles landing and that was an insane feeling. Nothing in comparison to what this must feel like. So much respect
the amount of trust you put into those little metal things is mind blowing.
For real, I use sturdy carabeans at my job and they still break constantly
It's not blind trust, it's physics.
@@executioner_ecgbert884 That's why you triple check your stuff when you climb, and if a piece of gear like a carabiner falls onto a hard surface from more than like a foot, you don't use that carabiner for belaying anymore. You might still get unlucky doing all the proper precautions, but if you don't have a proper safety routine you're bound to fuck up eventually.
@@Mrraerae Carabiners don’t work like that.
@@burnsbabe87 Don't work like what? I didn't say a word about how they function?
The amazing thing is that you have a better chance of successfully making it while feeling that fear. It makes you think and be more concise and thoughtout. I hear a lot of guys who were in combat say the same thing.
My stomach got tingles watching this. My mind almost got tricked in to being there. Thank you for giving me this perspective. I love wide, high, frightening views but this is beyond me. Thank you for sharing this. Love it. The worthy side of RUclips and educational too
why does he sound so miserable but so commited i love it
I was scared right along with you, sitting in my office chair 700 miles away....Good job controlling the shakes.
As someone who used to run parkour atop roofs/building tops....this, THIS made my hands INCREDIBLY sweaty.
I watched the whole thing, full screen, headphones, face right up against the screen...and i felt completely tense lol. What an upload, thank you. 😄
I did parkour too and i thought i did some crazy shit with heights but this is just insanity im sweating so hard on this one.
Reminds me of the rush that you get climbing. Thank you! Loved it 😊
youre crazy man, my heart started pounding and legs shaking from just watching, mad respect!
Not a place for your legs to get tired, even though you just finished climbing up thousands of feet of sheer vertical. Not a place to be afraid to run out of those clips either. I’ve got Maximum respect for anybody who would even attempt this with or without a rope
And it’s funny because you usually don’t respect absolute morons. And I definitely respect these guys. And I definitely think they’re morons. I remember walking past his drug attic that was getting interviewed in Portland one time. And I remember as I was passing him I could make out him saying anyone who does opiates or hard drugs has a bit of a Deathwish. And while that may or may not be true it’s not nearly the Deathwish that these fucking guys must possess
the guy behind u picks up the clips
I Heard That !
Nothing but respect for you folks who participate in this sport!
"Be brave" haha I closed my eyes the first time you looked down... man you're a beast!
My feet hurt, my hands are sweating, and my nethers are fully retracted into my pelvis just from watching this. I could never
I would like to say I respect the bravery for climbing the rock, but I, who is afraid of heights would respectfully have to say you are crazy :) Watching this made my hands SWEAT!
Dude. I had no idea how much stitching-up that ledge requires. That was epic! Congrats.
I know absolutely nothing about rock climbing. Does stitching up refer to those things he's connecting to his rope? Are they supposed to hold him if he falls? Do you have to retrieve all that stuff on your way back down?
@@sammym116 Hi Sammy. Yes, climber installed temporary devices and clipped the rope in behind himself along the way for protection - a.k.a. “placing pro”
These tools are spring-loaded camming devices or cams. They are slid into secure cracks and automatically expand to create friction against the sides of the rock. Pulling on them creates more expansion and therefore provides greater security for a falling climber when the rope tugs it during a fall (assuming it was installed correctly 😉🙏) Cams have specific sizing that suit a particular width of rock opening. We see climber struggle a few times to find the best one (normal, as often the crack narrows or flares further inside and deceives you in your first choice).
We also watch climber have to switch hands to reach for a cam on the “uphill” side of his harness. This hand switch creates a stance where his body weight and angle forces him out into space. Very unnerving!
And, yes, those cams will be removed and stowed by his partner when he follows. Lead climber will build a new anchor station above before 2nd climber begins.
When 2nd arrives at lead climber he’ll either return the collected gear or he’ll take the entire “rack” of pro and proceed as the new lead climber.
Some climbing routes end by finishing at the top of a cliff then hiking back down along an easier route. Other routes require coming down approximately the way you came up and lowering oneself on the rope attached to a new anchor point (rappelling or abseiling). Rapping down is usually a straight line (gravity) so this ledge would not be traversed again with desperate hands! Sometimes a ledge traverse is still necessary when heading down but you can walk it with your feet while suspended above.
The route in this video is at my skill set but above my boldness level and pay grade!! 😎
@@stephenw.6588 Thanks so much for taking the time to explain Stephen! Part of my confusion was the assumption that the way down wasn't always the same as the way up, the 2nd climber collecting them as he goes makes a ton of sense.
I climbed the angels landing a month ago and I was sweating bullets haha 😂 that’s literally nothing compared to this. Huge respect dude.
I'm not easy to impress but this is just stunning. Reaching your goals and beyond.
you know the hobby is dangerous when the "thank god ledge" is the safest place there
Your friend is so calm. Incredible
what have been cool if he screamed: "WE ARE GOING TO DIE HERE!!!!"
as a very bad climber i m impressed how this resting area can be such a difficult route for the very experimented climbers who managed to reach it
I think its the exposure, height, fatigue and swing potential if you fell.
@@michaelnguyen5707 Swinging like a pendulum!
Finally, a relatable reaction to mountain climbing!
Agreed! It’s so surreal to watch a normal (you’re still a beast) human traveling on this,
Versus the non fearing superhuman !
I'm the type of person that loves heights and this video still makes my heart race. Can't imagine what it must be like to actually be up there.
Nice video, really brings it to life from the point of view of the regular climber.
Big props to you doing this, I got so scared couldn't get past 1:21 of the video. I wouldn't want to see this in VR that's for sure.
Oh crap. I forgot I could watch in vr. Oooh. This is a bad idea but I gotta lol
You gotta share what that VR is like 😮
The Thank God Ledge is the ideal location for any escape artist to prove their skills. No need to cuff their hands or blindfold them, just lower him on the ledge, leave him there without a rope and let him do his magic.
David Blaine’s crazy ass might actually be able to climb up and out. Or he might j stand there for three days.
I have absolutely no desire to rock climb but I respect you guys that do do it🤘🏻
Haha, you said do do
Clicks on this video. Palms instantly start sweating just from watching! 😂😂😂
Clipped in short to all those cams, rather than having them extended with slings, one wonders whether the rope would have been cut by that outer edge in the event of a fall. It sounds, too, as if the rope was inside the crack at the start and jamming against the first cam - hence the rope drag!
Don't feel bad, it happens. I was an avid alpinist, in the process of obtaining my commercial helicopter license. Yosemite was something I've been planning to do before 2025. As of April of last year, after climbing dozens of mountains, and 6 months into obtaining my pilots license I get into the helicopter with my instructor (like I had hundreds of times) and begin to take off. At the 100ft or so mark I was completely paralyzed with fear. Not like *"holy smokes I'm nervous"* but more like *"JFC I'M GOING TO DIE"* and nearly fainted. For some random, unknown reason after that day I have a physically debilitating fear of heights. I literally started to hyperventilate just watching this, and felt like I was moments from a panic attack; the times I was even able to look. I have no idea what's changed, but I have a deep seated, genuine phobia of heights now. I literally just woke up one morning afraid of heights, ironically as someone that consistently dealt with heights in my day to day. I can't even watch RUclips videos, and me attempting to overcome my completely random, new found fear is why I'm here watching this. I don't know what to do, or why it's happened. For anyone attempting to obtain their commercial helicopter license you're fully aware of what that entails, and the obscene costs associated; it generally takes years and costs upwards if $100k. It's a really shady industry. Yet here I am, terrified of watching a video. So don't feel bad man, some things are out of our control. I don't think I'll ever be able to overcome my new found fear of heights, and it's unfortunate it didn't happen before I had invested tens of thousands into obtaining my license.
Might be God telling you “No!” stay away from that.
@@THISISLolesh it must be. Even the thought of flying to heaven during the rapture scares me though, lol.
You had a traumatic experience. It happens. Our brains sometimes mix things up, and being up in the air while having a panic attack, your subconscious instantly paired the two, even if they are rationally unrelated. Now in your subconscious, height = deathly fear. I feel like maybe I have something that could really help you.
I just don't know how to get it to you... Do you have an @ I can message or something? It's free don't worry, I just feel like I should show you it at least. Otherwise, look up orpheusmindtechnologies. It was created by the same guy if I'm not mistaken (Tim Phizackerley) and it might get rid of your phobia.
That happened to me I work high-rise construction and never had any fear of heights and one day on the 42nd floor it just hit me like a brick, ever since then I have a horrible fear of heights. I took my daughters to the water slides the other day and I was shaking just walking up the 5 flights to the top of the water slide, I almost couldn't do it, I don't know what has happened to me.
@Johnny White genuine terror. Tbh it's gotten worse. I can't watch this video. I'd be really interested in hearing what a psychologist had to say. I assume it's something that was subconsciously triggered.
Haha this isn’t meant to be mean but it’s fascinating to me you climbed all the way up but the moment you have to stand up on a pretty flat surface you’re freaking out ! Haha it’s awesome ! Apologies if I miss something I am a beginner climber
I thought the same thing :)
@@GreenGloop do you have the footage from your partner going across? Would be really interested to see them going across too.
Yep, he handles it much better than I. Here’s his channel
ruclips.net/video/rTPPZASjQxg/видео.html
Exposure. Going up you're looking up and are against the wall. In a sense less exposed. On that ledge my guess is suddenly 3D comes into play and that throws you off.
Bro was more scared ON the ledge than off the side
I was sweating bullets 10 seconds in and I'm in the comfort of my home in front of a screen. Mad props for facing these daunting challenges!
Imagine if the whole rock slab just broke off.
Back in 1981 I walked across that pitch, the crux was the two times I had to lean forward & down far enough to stuff a Friend into the slot to protect against any big swings.
I still think Honnold is/was crazy, and even he froze on the tiny slab part just after the traverse. How did you like that part?
The slabs at the top are legit. Even the last 5.8 slab is a heads up. The atmosphere is also surreal as you are in plain sight of hikers at the top watching your every move while chatting and taking videos for Instagram or whatever.
@@GreenGloop We had far less hikers as well, most of the few there were hadn't made it up the wire ladder by the time we finished (around 13:00)
Surley
@Chrome Book It's normal. AM-PM is a north American invention because our schools only teach us to count to 12.
@Chrome Book
It’s not military time.
It’s the 24 clock.
Bro, nothing but respect to you for doing this. I’m a backpacker and aspiring mountaineer, but whenever I see cliffs like Half Dome, I feel very intimidated by the sheer size and grandeur of them. Props to you and anybody who does this kind of stuff for fun, I doubt I’ll ever have the balls to do it.
Is it bravery or lack of intelligence? I've met a lot of climbers and they're generally pretty stupid people.
@@seana2375 not cool calling someone stupid because you don't have the skills or balls to do what they do.
@Kevin Skydives I called them stupid because of the conversations I've had with them. I could say you don't have the balls to do some of the things I've done. The difference is that I did what I had to do to survive, and you do the things you do for a thrill.
@@seana2375 idk bud i have been to Iraq, been blown up and have done things you probably couldn't imagine either. but don't need to sit here and explain myself to a dude on the internet. thanks tho for your input. You should really keep those kind of comments to yourself. But go ahead call people stupid and generalize a group off your interactions with a few people makes you look big and smart.
@@seana2375 bravery easily. Climbers brains work entirely differently. As does mine, like I said I’m an aspiring mountaineer, backpacker and hardcore adventurer. I’ve had a few run ins with dangerous stuff on my adventures and it hasn’t stopped me from doing more of it. Does this mean I’m stupid? No, it means I enjoy what I do. The only thing that will stop me, and these climbers, from stopping what we do is either literally getting killed or so badly Injured we physically cannot do them anymore.
Funny thing is, it's actually "easier" to do this the Honnold way as you don't need to lean forward and backward, you can just cruise through it... 😄 What is amazing with your video is that we can physically feel the precariousness of the position.
combatting fear and gripping with existential fear while not making a single mistake for every move on the route is much easier than leaning forward and backward sometimes, you're right
@@WhatsY0UTUB3 Well, if someone had told me there was someone somewhere incapable of spotting irony in that post, I would not have deemed it possible. Thank you for expanding my horizon.
Yea but how would he put the clip anchor things if he was facing away from the wall?
This is maybe the most sympathetically scared I have been watching a video, this is insane
I absolutely love climbing but there is no fucking way you'd ever catch me doing something like this. Absolutely insane. Never been so stressed watching a RUclips video in my life lol
LANGUAGE
Nice one. I live for the day that someone walks the whole traverse without going down to grab.
I optimistically thought that would be me - I was wrong
@@GreenGloop you're still a beast.
@@GreenGloop how high is the sheer vertical drop?
@@sjacrane about 2000ft of vertical then another 3000 to the valley floor
This type of ledge is mentally draining because you’re a lot more scared than when you are facing the wall and holding on to tiny holds, which are more physically draining holds. I personally prefer to be physically exhausted. And then you never know if those blockers will hold if you fall, so u just don’t want to actually test them. I remember back in my climbing days, those were the parts I totally hated because I would feel vertigo… which I wouldn’t when facing the wall.
You guys are so f-ing brave. And strong. Oh my gawd! I'm so proud of you and I don't even know you. And I'm just so impressed!
Watching this made my palms sweaty. Doesn't stop me from having rock climbing on my bucket list though lol this stuff looks so fun to me
Im terrified of heights. Ive done things like Angels landing, half dome. I plan on doing mount whitney and i can’t remember the name but I believe it means iron road in utah. My goal is to start learning to rock climb and tackle something like this because although heights scare me the adrenaline ive been getting from these hikes have been such an amazing feeling. Congratulations on the climb! 🔥
The fear goes away after you get up there. For some at least.
For me fear is always somewhere there. I wouldn't like it to disappear. Some time ago I decided it's time we swapped places and I learned I can listen to it and not freeze scared. It's like in a nightmare, you freeze until you realize it's just a dream. Here it's just an emotion, a very natural emotion. After you get to know it it becomes a friend and a vital warning system.
Honestly don't think you should do these for the adrenaline. You don't want to be pumping to much of that substance on this ledge or on a crux...
@@nosreuter That's what Honnold says. Adrenaline is not your friend in those situations.
You guys are amazing, I used to climb, fell once about 25 ft on to scrub brush got hurt and an that was that. Why don't you fellas wear base jumping parachutes? These are extreme heights. God bless you and your team.
hello! for use base jump parachute the wall must be inclined . I don't know if it works if the wall is vertical
Its still a little risky with a parachute, there is a chance it could open and send you in to the wall
@@Saltinator with a vertical wall?
@@Saltinator I think when you're falling to your death it's a better chance than none
@@coolos6890 mhmm, with any wall youre supposed to pull it when youre as far away from it as you can get, if you have enough time, completely depends on the situation.
Best part is where he says "OMG I can't Honnold"
What blows my mind isn’t simply that people go and do this for fun, it’s that they somehow beyond me manage to survive it, get back onto solid ground with some cool video and an awesome story knowing they managed to get out of this alive, THEN THEY DO IT AGAIN.
Goat man. Both greatest of all time and an actual literal goat-man. This was terrifying just to watch and I'm glad you didn't die
Finally an " honest review" of Thank God Ledge hahahaha. You seem like a decent climber, but it still freaks you out.
Thanks, I always notice that other videos cut out the struggle or difficult parts. This was surprisingly scary. I think what’s hard to capture is that the wall is slightly more than vertical pushing your center of gravity more over the edge than just a typical wall.
@@GreenGloop it makes it so much scarier, damn!
@@GreenGloop Pfff, I can't emagine what that would feel like!
I've only done 2, 900 feet walls in France, but they were low grade easy climbing
@@GreenGloop to be honest, your video is much more impactful than anything I’ve watch from Alex… because you have us a taste of fear, you pulled us in to what you were going thru.. damm, that was really scary and I felt that rush of anxiety when the rope went tight..
He drops those cams in so casually? How did he know those were good holds? I would be so scared lol
I don’t even know how those work and I’m watching him casually place them in the crevasse, I’m like uhhh how’s that work? Lol wild
Three feet off the ground and you'd run along it. 😆
Sweaty palms... anxiety level went waaay high watching this. Insane and incredible at the same time.
I feel a sense of achievement getting through to the end of this video. Respect.
7:33 Fly getting sent into the abyss.
And Alex just walked there without rope!!!
The secret is to not fall
If you did fall, how difficult would it be to pull you back up onto the ledge? How long would it take and such? Like would it be mostly fine or would it be quite a big problem?
@@connalmoran6980 thank you
@@connalmoran6980 have you tried bringing you up on vertical granit without knowing how to execute a self rescue manuver? bc it isnt that easy at all. If the wall is inclined then its different.
If you fell close to a piece it’s no big deal. If say you fell 5 feet from the last piece you would probably have 15 feet of rope to stop you with slack in the system and rope stretch. The minor issue here is that piece is horizontal to you and you would pendulum and likely scrape along the wall. Getting back up you would ascend the rope - if your big walling you are already good at this and should only take a few min.
@@connalmoran6980 You've never climbed before have you!
Assuming his back isn't broken it may be easy? Think of how hard even a 5 ft rope would pull in a drop 150-69 lbs it doesn't really stop you from being severely hurt it just stops you from going splat on the ground and more than likely pendulum would pull you right into the rock wall
Wow! Amazing footage! I watched the whole thing
imagine getting a Charlie-horse in your ham-string as you are on all 4s while reaching back to find a new anchor. Fear Fuel right here! Bravo!
Rope or no rope, big bollox fella. Didn't think I was that scared of heights until just now. Respect.
Some people do this route without ropes these days
No they don't.
By some, you mean one?
I really felt it when you went down after your first shimmy. I felt exactly what you felt in that moment.
“I’m like really scared of this for some reason” everyone would be scared this is amazing.
People who do this are just PURELY focused, it really is impressive. Can imagine you have no room for fear up there
I watch this every morning to get enough courage to even go outside.
Complete respect 🙏
I'm recalling the image of Alex Honnold stood unroped on that edge 😮
Its hard because every survival instinct in your body is screaming. Mad respect for throwing those instincts out and conquering your fears. I jumped from a plane to conquer my fears. I'm not doing this. lol