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| Can you imagine how strong mentally you must be to do this, much less physically? |
Dear students:
Last week saw the completion of a vision no one thought possible in the small, elite world of rock climbing. Two men completed a free sport climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in California.
They said they did it because they want to encourage other people to climb or find the Dawn Wall in their lives, and take it on.
They practiced for six years. In that time span, each of them spend over 400 full days on the wall practicing in order to accomplish the climb in one effort without leaving the wall. That's over a year on a vertical rock face to try to achieve a dream!
Pretty incredible and worth exploring more, I believe.
Wow.
Many links below.
Assignment for Homework (see handout as well):
Read and browse as you prefer, but find one you really like and want to write about and share your thoughts. Then in the Comments section, write a 150-250 word summary of what the article/video was about. Take active notes for key ideas, quotes and themes as you read/listen.
As always, have fun, and every chance to write is a chance to write well.
Mike
Online articles and graphics
From National Geographichttp://news.
From New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/15/sports/el-capitans-dawn-wall-climbers-near-top-yosemite.html
Dawn Wall interactive graphic
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/01/09/sports/the-dawn-wall-el-capitan.html
Profile story on Tommy Caldwell
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/08/sports/on-el-capitan-dawn-wall-in-yosemite-and-beyond-climber-tommy-caldwells-drive-pushes-him-toward-the-impossible.html
Profile story on Kevin Jorgenson
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/10/sports/kevin-jorgeson-completes-crucial-pitch-on-el-capitans-dawn-wall.html
From Park Service and Friends of Yosemite. A list of dangers and accidents for El Capitan.
http://www.friendsofyosar.org/safety/climbingSafety.html#risk
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbing_safety.htm
Videos
http://youtu.be/fANAk7UC6rg?list=PL-WnhqkddCM15K4y5qbTWNL2uHTML7F4KTommy Caldwell and the Dawn Wall
http://youtu.be/fANAk7UC6rg?list=PL-WnhqkddCM15K4y5qbTWNL2uHTML7F4K
The ascent of Alex Honnold from 60 Minutes
http://youtu.be/SR1jwwagtaQ?list=PL-WnhqkddCM15K4y5qbTWNL2uHTML7F4K
Top woman climber and boulders competitor Alex Puccio
http://youtu.be/2e3uXNOuHp4?list=PL-WnhqkddCM15K4y5qbTWNL2uHTML7F4K
11-year old girl is best young climber in the world
http://youtu.be/5P5akoQ_eNI?list=PL-WnhqkddCM15K4y5qbTWNL2uHTML7F4K
Chris Sharma and Adam Ondra spent two years working together to climb La Dura Dura (5.15c / 9b+), the world's hardest climb. If there are climbers as eccentric than Alex Honnold, these guys are it.
http://youtu.be/V1P97VVt6_k?list=PL-WnhqkddCM15K4y5qbTWNL2uHTML7F4K
Female rock climber and base jumper Steph Davis gives a powerful TED talk, which includes insights on the loss of her husband from base jumping.
http://youtu.be/BR9dbjubfuU?list=PL-WnhqkddCM15K4y5qbTWNL2uHTML7F4K
I watched the video of the record breaking 11-year old girl climber. This video seemed the most interesting to me because yeah, you hear about adults who break climbing records because they have been practicing for decades, but this girl is only 11. Her name is Brooke Raboutou and her daily activities include going to the rock climbing gym to practice all day and then visiting actual walls that are extremely dangerous on her free time to break world records. She is from Boulder, Colorado and comes from a long line of climbers, including both her parents. Her mom, Robyn Erbestfield-Raboutou and dad, Didier Raboutou are both world champ climbers. She is one of two female climbers in the world at the age of 11 to be setting records. Brooke has completed seven record-setting climbs around the world since 2009. I find her unbelievably amazing because she has made so many more records than some professional adult climbers have in their lifetimes and she is only 11! Brooke said that she enjoys challenges because they keep her motivated and she doesn't like doing the same thing all the time. In rock climbing, it's extremely important to always be strong mentally as well as physically. If you aren't mentally focused, there's no way you will succeed. You have to go all in when it comes to climbing, which is very difficult to do, and makes Brooke even more impressive at her age. She doesn't give up ever, and is extremely hard on herself when she fails, which only makes her stronger and made her who she is.
ReplyDeleteWow this story was incredible because if I had not known her age I would of thought she was a seasoned climber and an adult. This girl seems to have her life figured out by age 11, which is incredible because people can go almost their whole life and still not know what they want to do with it. The little girl is inspiring not only for young people who want to accomplish something at a young age but for anyone that has a dream and wants to accomplish it. Even in the next 11 years of my life I probably wont hold a world record in anything, which is okay with me.
DeleteI watched the same video and was blown away. Most 11 year old children that I talk to seem to only be concerned with video game achievements and how close they are to being taller than me. I think that the amount of focus and physical training that this young girl has is simply astounding.
DeleteThere are many things that we as individuals like to accomplish during our life. For most it would to be successful. According to Tommy Caldwell and his partner Kevin Jorgeson it is climbing Dawn Wall. Dawn Wall is a 3000 foot climb that consists of mixture of raw steepness along with pure flat rock. Both climbers have been successful since they were children. They both started when they were at the age of 3. Caldwell was brought up a mountain by his father and Jorgeson was climbing his aunts ladder. For Caldwell climbing was his life. His dad climbed and he was just like him. He started young. On the other hand Jorgeson did not start really climbing till he started beginner lessons when he was 11. When they both were teens they signed up for numerous competitions and were very successful. When they decided to climb Dawn Wall it took many days of training. There were a couple of broken bones on the way but they put it all together. Starting from day one they had to face the problems of the climate and weather when scaling the mountain. It required extensive planning and everything had to go according to the last detail. They were free climbing which made that all the more important. After climbing each day they headed to bed knowing that they were hundreds of feet above ground level. They had to do this for 19 days! This is one trail of life that had to have great purpose. They knew they had survived “the hardest completed rock climb in the world.”(New York Times)
ReplyDeleteBrooke Raboutou is an eleven year-old rock climber from Boulder, Colorado. The self determination and passion Brooke has is inspiring. Since Brooke was able to walk her parents, Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou and Didier Raboutou, who are both World Cup champions in rock climbing have given her the tools she needs to become a champion herself. Brooke has completed seven record setting climbs around the world since 2009 over a span of four years. She is one of two girls at the age of eleven in the world who are setting records in rock climbing. Brooke is very focused and spends her free time training on a wall her father built in their basement or at the gym where her mother trains children on rock climbing. I found the interview done on Brook inspiring and I liked when Brooke said "There's a lot of challenges in climbing but there's so many ways you can climb". I looked at her saying that as a type of metaphor for life. People always experience challenges in the course of their life but there are many paths that can be taken to help overcome the challenge so don't give up.
ReplyDeleteI never got to truly read every article. Your interpretation has me interested in this article. I think it is cool that Brooke Raboutou is 11 and is climbing mountains. That is amazing. I do not think I could do it. Not to say I would not because I proble would. Her dedication is something that everybody should try to achieve.
DeleteThis is a moving story and inspiring. She is only 11 years old and yet she has done so much as a rock climber. She sets a great example of how to achieve goals by working hard and to never back down from a challenge. She has done so much in her 11 years it is hard to believe that she is 11.
DeleteThe fact that this girl is only eleven years old is the most interesting piece! I cannot believe she is that young and is already so driven to accomplish things like this at her age. Her quote about the challenges in life and continuing to climb them is a very powerful quote and I have never heard anything like that before.
DeleteI read the article "Abduction, Lost Finger, Now a Rock Climbers Tallest Hurdle" the article focused on what lead Tommy Caldwell to take on the task of free climbing the Dawn wall. One obstacle Caldwell had to overcome was that he severed his left index finger with a table saw during a home renovation, however the self amputation was the least of his worries. When Caldwell, his girlfriend at the time, Jason Smith and John Dicky, were climbing in Kyrgystan rebels from an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan abducted the group. For days they didn't believe they were going to survive but when they found themselves walking with only one armed guard they took the opportunity to escape. Caldwell shoved the solider over the cliff, thinking he had killed him. Although his action saved the group Caldwell was traumatized with the thought that he had killed someone. "The thought that he had killed someone, even a captor, was nearly too much to bear" said Mike Caldwell. Later the guard was found alive and Caldwell was changed. I found this article to be extremely motivating because even though Caldwell had endured so much he was still able to accomplish his goals and overcome the obstacles that were presented.
ReplyDeleteI read a similar article by the New York Times. The article explained how he was captured by the rebels. I thought it was cool how he saved everybody in his group. I remember seeing in the video we watched in class of his finger missing. Now I know why. Thanks for the information.
DeleteI read the article about Caldwell from National Geographic. It only talks briefly about his groups abduction in Uzbekistan. This is really interesting and shows that even though he killed a person for the safety of his group he still felt bad about it. In my article the idea was the same that even though Caldwell had a lot of low points in his life he still persevered and accomplished his goals.
DeleteThis story seems very interesting, the fact that they escape that situation is amazing it is too bad that he was traumatized by it because he saved their and his own life by doing that. Its amazing that he still climbs even though he is missing a finger.
DeleteI watched "Top Women's Climber and Boulder Alex Puccio." This video appealed to me greatly because I could relate to her story of how she started off in the sport. She said that she wanted to improve and become better so that she could be better/not get shown up, by her siblings! I got into skating the same way: my cousins played hockey and all I wanted to do was go faster than them, and it really worked in my favor. She also mentioned how the constant learning of technique and little things keeps her coming back for more- there's always more to improve (which I can really relate to, in figure skating, hockey, and weightlifting)! Puccio also explains how people that don't know the sport also lack appreciation for it. She goes on to explain her three year plan, which I admire because my cousin is doing the same thing as her! He's going to climb a "circuit" and then move out to California with his girlfriend and do whatever pops up next! My family talks about how he is just "wandering" through life, but I really admire his drive for his passion and not letting society conform him. My cousins name is Drew and we're the only athletes that continued our athletics out of High school, so it's pretty awesome to talk with him about his adventures as a climber.
ReplyDeleteWow that is really cool that you can relate to her and what she's been through with your connection to your sport! I find it really inspiring that you didn't give up after high school as so many people tend to do, and always try to improve yourself as does Alex. You fit in right along with her because you are both determined and have your goals set on what you want to accomplish.
DeleteI watched "Behind the Scenes with Alex Puccio". She was first inspired to become a bouldering champion when her mother took her and her siblings climbing. Puccio claims her competitive nature was what initially got her involved in the sport. I think it is inspiring how learning new things and overcoming obstacles and fear is her biggest motivation to keep going with bouldering. I also like what she said about having to try something first before you can fully understand it, because many people assume climbing is easy. Puccio also talks about doing something you love no matter what your priorities are. Professional ouldering is not just her hobby, it's her passion and goal. Puccio also discusses her three year plan in the video, which involves traveling to Europe and Australia. I think an opportunity like that to travel and see the world is impressive. It all just contributes to what she said about doing something your passionate about while trying and learning new things along the way.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate to Alex when she says she has a competitive nature. It's cool to read that her family originally got her involved with this sport. I agree with her advice of trying something first before you can fully understand it. It's inspiring to see how much time some people put into certain sports in their life.
DeleteI read the story from National Geographic about Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgenson. The title of this article was "Summiting Yosemite's Dawn Wall, Climbers Make History". The article was about how Caldwell and Jorgeson had tried many times before trying to climb the dawn wall but they never gave up and accomplished their goal eventually. The location of this was is Yosemite. The climb is 3,000 feet tall and it took the climbers 19 days to achieve this great feature. Their goal was to free climb all 30 pitches which are 30 rope lengths. In their previous attempts it had taken them years to complete the first 12 pitches which are the hardest but only took them a few days to complete 14 pitches in their latest try. The theme of this article was to never give up and to always follow your dream. Caldwell soared after those first 14 pitches but Jorgeson on the other hand had a difficult time on pitch 15. It took him about 10 days to complete pitch 15 but then after that something just clicked and he soared as well. Free climbers take the Dawn Wall as a challenge is because of how steep, tall, and blank the wall is, meaning that it doesn't have many places to hold onto while climbing. Free climbs are both challenging and athletic at the same time. Despite all the highs and lows in their lives they never gave up hope and achieved their dreams.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that these two have been able to climb and conquer this great wall shows something of their character. Just from hearing their story you are able to get a sense of how determined and driven they are. People like Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgenson are an inspiration to many people.
DeleteI chose to watch 'The ascent of Alex Honnold" presented by 60 Minuites. This video was about Alex Honnold, a free climber who continues to break records for making ridiculous climbs. This 60 Minutes segment centered around his climb of Sentinnal, Yosemite Park national park. The crazy thing about what Alex is doing is the sheer fact that he is scaling a wall, which is over 90 degrees, without using any rope. He also completed this feat in under two hours, finishing at just over an hour and a half.
ReplyDeleteAs a man, Alex is 5 11, 160 pounds. He is pulling himself up the side of a mountain without any support or safety net. The most intriguing this about this video was learning about the fear factor. Alex learned as a small kid how to not just control his fear, but how to control his breathing as well. If fear becomes a part of the climb, his breathing will become strained and make the climb even more treacherous. I can say as a 20 year old, i would simply not be able to do that. At a young age, he had to learn how to not have fear, basically to eliminate the possibility of having fear take him off a wall.
This entire 60 Minutes video was interesting and terrifying at the same time. Fewer than one percent of all climbers free rope, based solely on the dangerous nature of such an adventure. Alex Honnold is not just a star in the community for his climbs, he is a star because he continues to go out and make these climbs. Much of the rock climbing community feels that this activity is not sustainable. I for one, certainly would not mind continuing to keep tabs on Alex and his exploits as long as he continues to do what he is so gifted at doing, free rope climbing.
Wow! Alex Honnold is truly a star. I didn't watch the 60 Minutes episode but after reading this I must. It's amazing he climbed a 90 degree wall rope free. I never thought about breathing being a factor when climbing but it makes sense. If Alex would become scared his fears could make him start breathing irregularly than he could fall. I couldn't imagine the courage and strength it takes every time Alex steps onto a wall.
DeleteThis guy is the real life fear factor champion. It sounds almost impossible to me to be able to block almost all the fear out of your mind. It amazes me that not only does he climb with no safety but he also climbs at an astounding rate. He truly loves what he does and I hope one day I can live my life to its fullest but without the risk of falling to my death. The fact he continues to climb without any safety precautions says a lot about his character and how much focus he is able to direct on what he does. His mind sounds stronger than his actual physical strength because he is able to control his emotions while walking a fine line with death.
DeleteThat is amazing that he climbs with no rope. It is pretty crazy that he is that brave to risk his life climbing without any back up measure to save him from falling. That's is what makes this truly amazing because every move is what depends on if he falls or not.
DeleteI read the article from National Geographic about the climb on El Capitan. I liked this article the most because of the detail it would go into about just how big of a feat these two guys completed. Tommy Caldwell loved climbing so much that he after he had heard his reattached finger would hold him back from climbing he made a decision to cut it off. That is the definition of hardcore for him to depart from a piece of his body to continue doing what he loves in life. It was nice to hear about how clumsy and awkward Tommy was growing up but when he got to his climbing wall it was as if he was in a different world. He didn’t climb the Dawn Wall just for fun or to say he did it but because he had a dream and a mission to accomplish the wall the hardest and unimaginable way possible. This story can be used in other aspects of life when you want to accomplish something big or have a lifetime goal that seems impossible.
ReplyDeleteI think it is incredible Tommy would cut his reattached finger off so it wouldn't hinder his climbing. I also think it is pretty cool how the article describes Tommy as a gangly kidwhich a lot of people can relate to. It makes more people realize if they try hard enough and and keep at it you can accomplish great things in your life.
DeleteI didn't get around to reading this but your summary has certainly peaked my interest. The fact that he was willing to chop off a digit in order to climb a rock is amazing. I think that Tommy's dream of completing a challenge is extremely admirable and inspiring.
DeleteWHAT?! That is crazy dedication that he cut his finger off. I hope I find myself that inspired and dedicated to something like that one day. The fact that he was always clumsy his whole life minus when he rock climbs is so cool. Like when he is climbing he feels that's where he should be, like everything makes sense and clicks for him when he is out there living his dream. That is just awesome.
DeleteI read the article called Abduction, Lost Finger, Now a Rock Climbers Tallest Hurdle. In this article they spoke about Caldwell losing a finger in a home renovation but I had no idea that he made the decision to cut it off! I couldn't agree more that this accident makes him hardcore, and shows his passion for climbing!
DeleteThe article I chose to attain more information about was from The New York Times. It was the interactive website, which I found more interesting because it had a 3D image of the mountain. Also as you scrolled down the article, the mountain would move as well, showing Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson’s journey. As we observed in class, these two men were inspired enough to free climb a mountain 2,500 feet above ground level. It took Caldwell and Jorgeson nineteen days to complete this trek to climb up, but after it all there was celebration. It was not an all-around positive experience though. Starting out this climb, they were suspended 1,200 feet above the valley floor. This is also where their base camp was; where they slept and ate. Like I said, it was not an overall positive time throughout the climb. Specifically, Jorgeson struggled on pitch 15. It took him over ten attempts to conquer this area and continue. Obviously, Jorgeson struggled with this area, so his hands were very beat up from pitch 15. Caldwell kept moving up the mountain and eventually reached Wino Tower, where he waited on Jorgeson to catch up. Finally once Jorgeson’s fingers were healed, they both climbed and made it to the top where family and friends were waiting on them to celebrate this epic climb.
ReplyDeleteI didn't read the article on The New York Times about Tommy Caldwell and Kyle Jorgeson but I felt you gave a really good overview on the website. I thought it was interesting that the site had a 3D image of the mountain so it could give you a better since of the climb the men had to endure. I couldn't imagine spending 19 days climbing a mountain, those men were focused and determined to reach their goal. It must have felt amazing to reach the top and being able to celebrate with family and friends.
DeleteI did not read this article, although it sounds pretty sweet. It is crazy to think that i struggle everyday just to get out of bed, yet these guys are struggling to climb a mountain 2,500 feet above ground level. I think that that's inspiring, and to see a 3D view of the actual climb would be cool to see. That would help to maybe get a slight idea of what they were up against.
DeleteI did not read this article. But the fact that these guys were suspended 1200 feet above the valley floor terrifies me. I can ride roller coasters without even thinking about the height factor. But being that high up is terrifying. That's also a cool way to set up the website, to have the mountain moving in the background as you scroll through it.
DeleteI watched 11-Year-Old Girl Shatters Climbing Records. Brooke Raboutou is an eleven year old girl who is motivated by a good challenge. Brooke has been climbing ever since she could walk and comes from a family of climbers. Her mother, Robyn, started climbing at the age of 18 and also competed in several world cups. Her father also climbed in world cups. Although he is no longer climbing, Brooke's father has created many small obstacles within and around his family's house in order to improve their climbing abilities. Brooke's mother no longer climbs competitively, but instead lives out her dream by coaching other young climbers. Students thrive off of Robyn's intensity and passion. Robyn explains that Brooke is hard on herself, therefore she does not need to be hard on brook. According to her coach, Garrett Gregor, "Brooke is one of the two female climbers in the world at the young age of eleven to be setting records." He also states that she is able to do climbs once thought impossible. Between the years 2009 and 2013, Brooke had completed seven record-setting climbs. She says "When I'm on a high rock I feel I'm in control and just happy." Brooke is without a doubt one of the most focused children on the planet and not afraid to fail in order to learn.
ReplyDeleteI chose to watch the video "11-Year-Old Girl Shatters Climbing Record". Brooke Raboutou is an 11 year old girl who has started her life by facing and conquering any challenge. Although she is a mere 11 years old she has done climbs that older more experienced climbers have found difficult. Since Brooke pushes herself so hard she has managed to complete seven record setting climbs in the past four years. She is only one of two children at the age of 11 that have done so. Brooke's parents are extremely supportive of her passion and they themselves used to be world cup climbers. Her dad no longer climbs but is still active in helping to build the walls Brooke trains on. Her mother, Robyn helps to coach her along with Garrett Gregor. It takes both physical strength and mental to complete the feats Brooke has done. Brooke is extremely passionate and driven to succeed at her very intense sport.
ReplyDeleteI watched this video too and I can definitely say that Brooke is an extremely bright and determined kid. She is only 11 years old for pete's sake and she speaks about rock climbing as if she were a 30 year old experienced climber! Don't get me wrong, I mean she is an experienced climber, but that's what blows my mind. She is already experienced and made world records before learning how to drive a car. She is a true inspiration to everyone to follow your dreams because hard work really pays off.
DeleteI did not watch this video, but that is ridiculous to think of an 11 year old rock climbing and doing so this successfully. When i was 11, i was more worried about what yu-gi-oh cards i needed to collect to complete my deck. That level of focus and dedication is amazing and inspiring to hear about.
DeleteI chose to watch "11-Year-Old Girl Shatters Climbing Record". Eleven year old Brooke is a world class rock wall climber. She is an extremely strong young girl, mentally and physically. She has broken records in rock climbing and has done climbs that most grown up climbers cannot even do themselves. Brooke said that she has been climbing since she could walk, which is awesome. I believe she was born to climb. Her dad built a training rock wall in their home basement so that Brooke and her family are able to practice whenever they are home. They also have planks of wood hanging down from their ceilings so that they can work on finger strength. They were literally hanging there holding themselves up with only three fingers, which i find to be incredible strength. It is inspiring to see a young girl chasing after her dream and thriving in it as well.
ReplyDeleteI watched climbing a girls best friend, it is about Alex Puccio. She is a very successful climber, her first inspiration was when her mother brought her climbing and she wanted to get better because she is very competitive. She talks about how she is always learning new technique and learning to get better with her feet. And how climbers always have room to progress and get better and challenge themselves. She believes that climbing is a great thing to do as a hobby even if you have a job you can do it in your spare time. There is even mothers who climb, everyone should do what they love no matter what it is. Her plans are to go to Europe for the world cup circuit then to Austrlia where her boyfriend is from. She also talks about how it is a great hobby because there is so much to climb so it is endless what you can do with the hobby.
ReplyDeleteI agree that everyone should do what they love no matter what it is. I have always been terrified of climbing, when i was little going up a little bit on of the rock walls scared me. I would usually panic and someone would have to come help me down. That's why i think it's amazing that she enjoys climbing, something people, like myself, are terrified of. It makes her original and inspirational that she has the goals that she does.
DeleteI watched the video, 11-Year-Old Girl Shatters Climbing Record. This video featured Brooke Raboutou, who is one of two 11-year-old females to be setting records in the world of rock climbing. Brookes has completed seven record setting climbs in the past four years. Her outstanding climbing abilities come from her father and her mother who have both won world cup titles. Her mother now coaches Brooke as well as other children in rock climbing. Her father built a small rock climbing wall in their basement where Brooke can practice. Brooke is very hard on herself, which makes it easier for her coaches because they do not have to push her, they simply have to provide her the tools she needs to be at the level she wants to be. Her amazing strength and determination aid her greatly in being one of the top rock climbers in the world. Many people are stunned by her ability; because of her level of climbing where she can accomplish climbs that even people three times her age cannot. Brooke always seeks to finish a climb no matter what, she never wants to leave a climb unfinished.
ReplyDelete