Free climbing vs free soloing. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Understand the five classes of terrain and the different techniques and styles mountaineers, rock climbers, and alpinists use to travel, explore, and play among them. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. Oct 22, 2018 · For most of the documentary, the filmmakers do an admirable job of scrutinizing Honnold's plan, which is why it's so jarring when they stop. Here's a beginner guide to the terminologies, definitions and key differences. Over the past few years, I’ve heard more and more rock climbers describe free soloing as scrambling. And just in case you aren’t clear Dec 27, 2022 · In the case of free solo deaths, there often isn't much to analyze or improve upon accident wise, since free-soloing is a personal decision and one that climbers execute alone, without gear. Apr 30, 2023 · Free soloing gets a bad rap in many parts of our world, but it is mostly misunderstood. Free solo climbing (or free soloing) is a form of rock climbing where the climber (or free soloist) climbs solo (or alone) and without ropes or any form of protective equipment — they are allowed to use climbing shoes and climbing chalk (or ice tools and crampons if ice climbing). ” Free climbing is a form of rock climbing in which the climber can only use their rock-climbing equipment for their protection but not as an artificial aid to help them in ascending a climbing route. [1] What is the difference between free solo climbing vs free climbing. com May 19, 2022 · What is free climbing vs free soloing? In free soloing, you definitely use your own strength to climb the wall, but with the added excitement of using no ropes or protective gear (Image credit: Johannes Kroemer) Aug 11, 2022 · What is Free Soloing? Free soloing is a type of free climbing where absolutely no protection is used to catch them in case of a fall. This picture and the title are a bit misleading. Soloing, on the other hand, is a broader term that can involve protective equipment like ropes and harnesses, even though you're climbing alone Oct 16, 2023 · Free Climbing vs Free Solo: What’s The Difference? Rock climbing, with its myriad styles and techniques, offers climbers a range of experiences, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. Understand the distinctions between these two challenging forms of rock climbing. May 26, 2023 · But while free soloing is currently in vogue, ushered into the mainstream by award-winning films like Free Solo and The Alpinist, Robert feels this wasn’t always the case. Jul 15, 2021 · While free solo climbing is receiving a lot of attention, there are other ways of climbing that are just as risky. And with both movies featuring the same sport, an interchangeable cast, and a similar set of locations, it’s no wonder they get confused in the public eye. He asked how far the anchor was and I said, 25 ft. Jul 11, 2019 · Technical rock climbs and scrambles in Canada are measured on the same scale, the Yosemite decimal system (3rd class, 4th class, fifth class (5. Adam Ondra HAS free-climbed a route like this on El Cap (I believe this is the Dawn Wall). this all comes up when googling either one, so I don't really see any additional value of the website. Having to explain to an insurer the different between "free climbing" and "free soloing" proves that most people are uninformed, even the ones that should be informed. Jul 13, 2016 · EVO Rock + Fitness is a group of climbing and fitness facilities committed to providing a great climbing experience with a friendly inclusive vibe. What is the purpose of adding the word "free" in this context? Sep 15, 2020 · The Dawn Wall vs Free Solo. This feat was documented in the Academy Award-winning film “Free Solo. But the recent birth of his daughter could mean a departure from the rock for the US climber. In free soloing, you climb without any ropes or protective gear, relying solely on your skills and mental fortitude. 65M subscribers Subscribed Jun 8, 2017 · Today on the podcast, we try to wrap our heads around Alex Honnold’s successful free solo this past Saturday morning of the Freerider Route on Yosemite’s El Capitan. Two of the four later died soloing. He is an enthusiast rope soloist but is not an expert or certified instructor. The controversy over free soloing has been around since it’s beginnings – but it’s hard not to be captivated by the unique style of climbing Free Soloing is the act of climbing without any rope, harness, or safety equipment. See full list on ascentionism. Two of rock climbing’s most awaited and critically acclaimed movies of all time. Jul 5, 2024 · Free soloing is a dangerous form of climbing without ropes or safety equipment, distinct from free climbing. In mountaineering it is common to go unroped on easier terrain to move fast. Soloing can also mean going alone with a rope, but free soloing means no rope. It can be hard to find someone to go climbing with. Free soloing usually means climbing something that is commonly considered worthy of a fifth class rating. Free soloists do not use ropes, harnesses, or gear to secure themselves to the wall and arrest a fall. Apr 16, 2022 · The Dawn Wall and Free Solo are two of the better-known climbing documentaries. Nov 22, 2021 · What is free climbing vs free solo? The principal difference between free climbing and free solo is the use of protective gear. Nov 11, 2023 · Which movie is better, The Dawn Wall Vs Free Solo? Join me as I dig deep into epic tales of two legendary climbs: The Dawn Wall & Free Solo. Free soloing and soloing are distinct climbing styles. You don't have to free solo to climb alone. We were probably 30 ft. According to a UK study UK, you have more chances dying running or playing tennis while dying rock climbing. 'Fall and you die' is, from a risk-reward perspective, equivalent to free soloing. Nov 15, 2023 · This is the exhilarating world of free solo climbing, where the stakes are as high as the peaks themselves. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation about the responsibility of free soloers. So, together, free solo = climbing ropeless. If an individual falls in this situation, survival is highly unlikely. Jun 1, 2021 · We’ll discuss whether rock climbing solo is safe or not, some common solo climbing activities, and how to find climbing partners. Nov 16, 2023 · The Breakdown Many free soloist have died trying, so why do it? Free soloing, the act of climbing without the use of ropes or safety gear, is one of the most daring and controversial forms of rock climbing. Feb 10, 2011 · Rope soloing is highly dangerous and demands a great deal of experience and good judgment and in many ways is more dangerous than free soloing, due to an increased reliance on ‘systems’. Jan 19, 2022 · Michael Reardon fell while free soloing and lived. Both document extraordinary climbing; both feature El Mar 14, 2011 · Free Soloing Often confused with free climbing, (which is simply climbing without the use of direct aid, but with a rope) free soloing is the art of climbing a route without a rope. free climbing: using only your body and the rock's natural features to climb, while having ropes as backup in a fall. While free climbing requires the use of a rope, harness, and quickdraw and/or traditional gear or rack (or in the case of bouldering a crash pad), free solo climbing offers no protection against falls. Oct 3, 2023 · Learn about the exhilarating world of free climbing and free soloing. Many climbing media outlets, he says, were reluctant to cover his early free solo exploits on rock, for fear of promoting the wrong image. Jul 13, 2016 · This type of climbing has been pioneered most recently by Alex Honnold and the late Dean Potter. At the end of this article, you’ll everything there is about free climbing and the difference between free climbing, aid climbing, and free soloing. So, free soloing is free climbing, but free climbing is not free soloing. 4 climb, but others may require a higher rating Sep 28, 2018 · What’s required for a free solo climb is an intimate knowledge of the surface you intend to climb, and Honnold, after multiple climbs using ropes, fills notebooks with descriptions of specific “pitches” on the rock, which he then memorizes, along with the moves necessary to navigate them. May 3, 2022 · The Salesforce Tower free solo climb wasn't the first time an urban daredevil free climbed a tall building in a death-defying stunt. There are few more daring and death-defying feats in the world than free soloing, the art of climbing treacherous cliff faces with nothing but hands and feet to prevent a potentially fatal fall Aug 29, 2022 · Alex honnold and Adam ondra show the differences between free soloing and free climbing on El Capitan Nov 30, 2022 · Free solo rock climbing is the practice of climbing a cliff without the use of safety equipment such as a safety rope. [1][2] Free climbing, therefore, cannot use any of the mechanical tools that are widely used in aid climbing to help the climber overcome the Sep 21, 2023 · Check out some of the world's most legendary, frightening, and ground-breaking free solos of all time. The definition of free soloing according to Merriam-Webster is: a climb in which a climber uses no artificial aids for support and has no rope or other safety equipment for protection in case of a fall. Jun 29, 2022 · What does "free solo" mean as opposed to "solo"? I've always understood that to climb solo is to climb without the protection of a rope. 15), but they’re not the same thing. We’re going to investigate all of the different types of climbing within the sport. Mar 7, 2025 · Whether you’re a climbing aficionado or a newbie, Free Solo challenges you to confront this dilemma, making for an unforgettable cinematic experience. Climbers do it in isolation, extraneous attention can be very distracting and interfere with concentration. It is imp The problem with free soloing is that if you do die, best case scenario you're creating a horrific mess somebody else has to clean up; worst case scenario you're damaging the global climbing community with a high-profile accident that will make people think climbing is more dangerous and irresponsible than it is, inspire private landowners to Free solo climbing is, in its simplest form, rock climbing stripped down to its raw essentials: just the climber, their climbing shoes, chalk and the rock. If it's got bolts, it's usually climbed with gear, or it is rated using the YDS, then you can be pretty sure that climbing it without a rope is a free solo. Deep-water soloing (DWS), also known as psicobloc (from "psycho-bouldering"), is a form of free solo climbing where any fall should result in the climber landing safely into deep water below the route. ” I think he’s accurate when he Feb 21, 2019 · Moving on to free soloing – climbing without ropes – was a natural progression. The "Free" part of "Free Solo" means free climbing, which is when someone uses only their hands and feet to climb. It's extremely dangerous and practiced by only a handful of elite climbers. It takes more effort, is more time consuming What’s the difference between these movies? How come free solo was a 3 hour climb and dawn wall is 2 weeks but they’re both 3000 feet up? Jun 10, 2017 · Moreover, free-soloing is way more difficult – you skip the belaying points and thus around Enduro corner you climb four pitches that have around 100 metres altogether and the difficulty gets to 8a [5. What free soloing and free climbing do have in common is that in both cases you are using the rock face to climb, which contrasts with a third style of climbing: aid climbing. Explore its challenges, risks, and misconceptions while learning how legendary climbers have redefined solo ascents. Plan your next adventure with Expedreview, connecting you to top guides like Furtenbach Adventures, SummitClimb, and CTSS. The bolts/draws/ropes he’s using have either been edited out or are hard to spot. Free Soloing One of the most common gaffes non-climbers make is confusing free climbing with free soloing. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Alex honnold and Adam ondra show the differences between free soloing and free climbing on El Capitan If people hear the term "free climbing" and assume it means something different than it does, then it isn't good jargon. In this piece for The Zine he recounts the process. Dive into the thrills, skills, and sheer vertical miles. When it comes to rock climbing as a whole, it is a generally safe sport. Mark Synnott, arguably one of the best all-round climbers in the U. Oct 3, 2022 · In a new book, Jeff Smoot, author of “Hangdog Days,” launches an encyclopedic investigation into free soloing’s history… and why we do it. It is a common misconception that these terms all refer to the same thing. And, of course, some trad climbers run out on routes so far that they're effectively free soloing pretty long sections of a pitch of whatever route they're climbing. Yes Immerse yourself in the experience of free solo climbing Yosemite’s famous El Capitan alongside Alex Honnold in this breathtaking 360 video. Obviously free soloing is the most dangerous type of climbing that there is. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, Sunday March 3 at 9/8c Generally speaking when free soloing the climbing is easy enough or rehearsed enough that you're 2-3 relatively majore screwups away from taking a digger. I feel the implication is that free soloing is when a rope probably should be used but isn't. But he has NOT free soloed anything like this. sport climbing, we discover that sport climbing is simply one form of free climbing. “It was an important part of rock climbing for me,” he said. Since watching The Dawn Wall film and reading about the climb and some of the interviews from Tommy, Kevin, Alex Honnold, Beth Rodden, and other involved with the first ascent I’ve got a few questions about free climbing vs aid and what constitutes a first free ascent. Feb 21, 2017 · Free Climbing vs. Onsight is widely considered the supreme discipline in free climbing. While the risks are evident, the reasons why climbers choose to free solo are multifaceted and deeply personal. The answer is to refer to what we now call "free solo" as "free climbing", and replace "free" with "unaided". aid climbing: using ropes and gear to pull yourself up the mountain. Fremont Canyon, WY. Although I do think it shouldn't be publicised; it's something hard to understand and puts genuine risk against our access to wild places It can be pretty confusing, especially starting out, to understand the difference between sport climbing, free climbing, free soloing, trad climbing, top roping, bouldering, deep water soloing, and all of the other variations of rock climbing. Roped soloing can refer to any of a variety of ways a climber can use a rope for protection without another person acting as belayer. Free soloing or free solo climbing is a type of rock or ice climbing where climbers, or more commonly known as free soloists, climb alone without using safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, helmets, and the like. Free Soloing Unlike aid climbing, free climbing is characterized by making upward progress relying only on the natural features of the rock—using ropes and equipment only to Oct 12, 2018 · World-renowned athlete Alex Honnold, star of the new National Geographic film "Free Solo," talks with NPCA about his historic rope-free climb, his passion for Yosemite, his leave-no-trace ethic and his connection with the natural world. Oct 3, 2018 · Watch Alex Honnold’s journey toward his rope-free climb of Yosemite National Park's El Capitan in Free Solo, the Oscar-winning film by E. Understanding the definitions and distinctions between these two climbing styles is crucial for climbers and enthusiasts. Alex Honnold free soloing El Cap (photo by Jimmy Chin) I’m joined by our climbing editor, Dave Alie, to talk about the feat, and to try to put it into perspective and historical context. These form of climbing each need different climbing skills and mental preparation. Just like other styles of free climbing, the climber relies on their hands and feet to make it to the top of a rock. climbing with Alex Honnold **Insane experience** Magnus Midtbø 2. Mar 30, 2024 · The Numbers: Free Solo Death Rates Let’s start with some cold hard numbers to get an idea of how much free solo contributes to solo climbing deaths and accidents. Nov 2, 2023 · Notable Free Solos El Capitan’s “Freerider” Route, Yosemite National Park: In 2017, Honnold achieved what many considered the pinnacle of free soloing by climbing the 3,000-foot granite monolith in under 4 hours. What Is Free Solo Climbing? In climbing, a basic distinction is made between aid climbing and free climbing. Roped soloing techniques can be employed either on lead or on a top rope, for either free or aid climbing. Feb 7, 2024 · I saw this graph on Facebook and thought it was interesting. Using just their hands and feet in some sticky-rubber May 13, 2025 · An avid ropeless climber explores the terms scrambling and free soloing, surveying pro climbers and his own experience. Sep 17, 2024 · Pete Whittaker documents his 2016 solo of El Capitan the first climber to “solo-free” the wall in a day. Stats from the AAJ, via Escalade Bliss Climbing on fb. Covid and the 'Honnold' effect have led to a hockey stick increase in soloing deaths in America. I hike, then scramble, then rope assisted scramble, then after that it's climbing with rope. This is a basic guide to how it works and some of the gear you can use. Dec 19, 2024 · Discover what "solo climbing" truly means in high-altitude mountaineering. A. up. Now it's one of my favorite ways to climb. free soloing: same as free climbing minus any and all protection. See, wasn't that easy? Jun 4, 2022 · The term free soloing is usually applied to steep and technical rock climbing done with only hands and feet, with the sole equipment being climbing shoes and chalk bag, but the word solo also applies to ice climbs and routes done ropeless in the Alps and Greater Ranges. 5-5. I hope this helped explain it a bit better! I will also update the article to make it clearer :) By: Angel Thank you for this excellent explanation. In this realm, a select few climbers have pushed the boundaries of what's possible, achieving ascents that leave us mere mortals in awe. Apr 9, 2015 · What re the differences between these 4 styles of rock climbing? Bouldering Aid Climbing Free Climbing Free solo climbing If you’re thinking about trying rock climbing, you need to learn the difference between free climbing vs free soloing. Dec 13, 2018 · Free solo climber Alex Honnold prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: scaling Yosemite's 3,200-foot El Capitan without a rope. Sep 3, 2023 · Many people will use the terms free solo, solo, and free climbing interchangeably. Luke Strier is the main author of this project. and a well-known writer, wrote Aug 12, 2022 · Alex Honnold is a star of the free climbing scene. Oct 23, 2017 · Discover the most legendary free solo climbs of all time, showcasing incredible feats of courage and skill in the world of climbing. How do you feel about free-soloing? When I read about free-soloing, for the most part I think, "Whatever floats their boat. Jul 16, 2025 · All this exposure has a lot of people wondering about free climbing vs free soloing. We welcome everyone equally, regardless of skill, age, or ability. Honnold free climbs. Free solo climbing, or free soloing, is a form of technical ice or rock climbing where the climbers (or free soloists) climb alone without ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment, forcing them to rely entirely on their own individual preparation, strength, and skill. It just made me realize that free soloing isn't this scary, untouchable thing—you solo routes that are well within your ability, and don't let ego get involved, and it's actually a fantastic way to move over the rock without anything holding you back or dictating your pace. If rope is removed from the picture then, I'm free soloing. " But when I was climbing outside awhile back, while rappelling after cleaning a climb, I saw a man free-soloing past me. " Now that movies like Free Solo and Dawn Wall have brought climbing into the mainstream, however, Nov 16, 2023 · Free solo climbing, or free soloing, is the practice of climbing rock or ice without a rope. Emily Harrington was the first woman to climb Golden Gate unaided. So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. Free solo climbing should not be done by anyone but an experienced climber that’s okay with taking on a sizable amount of risk. Generally the determining factor between a highball boulder or a free solo is simply the accepted norm for the climb. Top rope soloing on small practice crags is not uncommon, but roped soloing on longer climbs is quite unusual. Nov 2, 2022 · Whether you're a first-time climber or a seasoned mountaineer, at some point, you've probably heard the term "free climbing. Oct 27, 2021 · Nevertheless, free soloing is one discipline that has serious consequences should something go wrong. Nov 7, 2022 · Definition and Distinctions Free climbing and free soloing are two distinct forms of rock climbing that require different levels of , , and . Free solo climbing (sometimes also just called soloing) [2] is where the solo-climber uses no climbing protection (or any form of climbing aids), whatsoever, except for their climbing shoes and climbing chalk (for a rock-climber) or ice tools (for an ice-climber), to ascend a climbing route. "Free soloing" is just a version of free climbing where the climber is not using any gear, like a rope, to protect themselves if they were to fall. I think Alex Honnolds quotes on the experience of mastery and freedom are the most applicable here. 13]. Contact him if you want to help add ideas, images or links to other resources you found helpful. Only a few are capable of it. The same principle applies on ice and mixed terrain, though free soloists typically use crampons and ice tools. Definition of free climbing and free climb ascents. S. Nov 4, 2024 · Free soloing, made famous by climbers like Adam Ondra, means climbing without ropes or harnesses – it’s extremely dangerous. Jun 4, 2022 · The term free soloing is usually applied to steep and technical rock climbing done with only hands and feet, with the sole equipment being climbing shoes and chalk bag, but the word solo also applies to ice climbs and routes done ropeless in the Alps and Greater Ranges. Using only climbing shoes and magnesium, free soloing is the purest and most dangerous way to climb. more. What's the difference? Jul 10, 2021 · So in exploring free climbing vs. The distinction between these two movies is clear to those with a passing knowledge of climbing history. [1] Rock climbing has many types and forms that are hard to explain to non-climbers, so we asked a climber to define them for us. What exactly is free solo climbing? In a free solo climb, often called soloing, you’re climbing cliffs without using any climbing equipment, save for your rock shoes and chalk bag. Some free May 8, 2023 · The difference between free climbing and free solo climbing is that free soloing means eschewing all protection. [2] Free soloing is the most dramatic soloing-technique and in 2017 became an Oscar-winning documentary Free soloing is climbing workout a rope. Feb 16, 2018 · Soloing can be anything that involves fear of falling and dying (Mt Si, Das Tooth). I had to make a decision: continue climbing into the unknown or down-climb the difficult bulges risking falling off. Sep 22, 2021 · Climbing without ropes or a harness is not madness. Free soloing is strictly forbidden in gym settings, but if you’re curious about other forms of free climbing, stop by or check out our current program schedule – we offer classes for all ages and ability levels! you could make it much simpler. See relevant content for climbingport. For some people free soloing might be a long 5. The Dawn Wall vs Free Solo Now let’s dissect the key differences between The Dawn Wall and Free Solo, which are both masterpieces in their own right but divergent in many aspects. Oct 9, 2020 · Learn the difference is between scrambling, bouldering, and free climbing, and the difference between free climbing and free soloing. Dec 14, 2019 · Climber free solos above the water. In the movie Free Solo, Alex Honnold said: “…the free soloing mentality is pretty close to warrior culture, where you give something 100-percent focus because your life depends on it. . TL;DR Ondra isn’t free soloing here, he’s free climbing. Subscribe: http Mar 16, 2016 · Free Climbing vs. comContent blocked Please turn off your ad blocker. So Did John Bachar, James Lucas, and Ben Heason. In the case of rock climbing, free soloists use only their hands, rock shoes, and sometimes climbing chalk to ascend a wall, with no rope to catch them in the event of a fall. But gear has to be used by climbers and we're humans and we fuck up fairly routinely. When it comes to free solo, the term 'free' here indicates some sort of climbing without equipment and the term 'solo' indicates you are doing it alone. Sep 4, 2020 · Alex Honnold climbing 3,000 foot up El Cap without a rope in “Free Solo” caught the world’s attention. There is also aid climbing, in which you use tools to attach to the rock instead of using your hands/feet (such as cams, hooks, etriers). Free climbing can be divided into several different styles of climbing, which are briefly explained below: Onsight, Flash, Redpoint, Pinkpoint, Clean/Trad, Toprope, Rope Solo, Free Solo and Deep Water Solo. ntkcf nokx dgkbayf gnmka awsr kszkuu lgnw tjia otxbf jdmnvb