Free Solo

By reading this koob, you will learn how Alex Honnold accomplished the impossible: climbing the 3,000 foot El Capitan summit in Yosemite National Park without any protective gear.

You will also learn that:

• Climbing culture has its roots in the Yosemite Valley

• Free soloing is the most dangerous climbing technique possible

• It takes a relentless personality to make history

• You can use exposure to reduce fear

The world of climbing has been defined by accomplishments that push boundaries and change our understanding of human prowess. Professional climbers aim to outdo performances and records set by their predecessors, and to inspire future climbers to take the sport to new levels. George Mallory’s first ascent of Everest, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson’s infamous Dawn Wall climb, and now Alex Honnold’s free solo of El Capitan all mark distinct chapters in climbing lore. The story of Free Solo and Alex Honnold does more than push climbing to new heights, it breaks the boundaries of what is considered humanly possible and challenges the idea of living life without taking risks.