Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is notable about the Dawn Wall compared to other climbing routes on El Capitan?
What is notable about the Dawn Wall compared to other climbing routes on El Capitan?
- It is the easiest route available.
- It requires specialized climbing gear for success.
- It has the highest average grade.
- It is considered the most challenging free climb in the world. (correct)
What is a defining characteristic of a 'free climb'?
What is a defining characteristic of a 'free climb'?
- Climbers only use their hands, feet, and body for support. (correct)
- Ropes are used to assist in ascending the rock face.
- Climbers use technical climbing gear for support.
- Climbing without any safety measures is encouraged.
Which climbers are known for their specific attempt to scale the Dawn Wall?
Which climbers are known for their specific attempt to scale the Dawn Wall?
- John Muir and Jeff Lowe
- Warren Harding and Tommy Caldwell
- Kevin Jorgeson and Alex Honnold
- Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson (correct)
What was the total duration of Caldwell and Jorgeson's climb up the Dawn Wall?
What was the total duration of Caldwell and Jorgeson's climb up the Dawn Wall?
Why do climbers ascend later in the day and during the night?
Why do climbers ascend later in the day and during the night?
What type of rock texture is mentioned in relation to the Dawn Wall?
What type of rock texture is mentioned in relation to the Dawn Wall?
What activity did climbers perform to manage their physical condition during the climb?
What activity did climbers perform to manage their physical condition during the climb?
What average grade is associated with the walk-up route of El Capitan?
What average grade is associated with the walk-up route of El Capitan?
Flashcards
Dawn Wall
Dawn Wall
A challenging rock face in Yosemite National Park, considered the most difficult free climb globally.
Free climb
Free climb
A climbing technique that only uses hands, feet, and body for support. Ropes are used for safety, but not for assistance.
El Capitan
El Capitan
A towering granite mountain in Yosemite with various climbing routes.
Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson
Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson
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Climbing Pitch
Climbing Pitch
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Climber's Strategy
Climber's Strategy
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19 days
19 days
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Climbing Safety
Climbing Safety
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Study Notes
El Capitan Climb
- El Capitan is a 3,000-foot-high cliff in Yosemite National Park, California.
- People can hike to the top via a 5.3-mile route with a steep incline (99% average grade).
- Another way to reach the top is by climbing the sheer rock face.
- Warren Harding made the first ascent in 1958, taking 18 months.
- Today, climbers can ascend the Nose route in less than a day.
- El Capitan is a challenging climb compared to other rock formations.
The Dawn Wall
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The Dawn Wall is a very difficult climbing route on El Capitan.
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It is considered one of the most challenging climbing routes worldwide.
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Climbers use a "free climbing" style, relying only on their hands, feet, and bodies.
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A rope provides safety, not aid, during the climb.
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Climbers often use ropes in sections called "pitches".
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Jorgeson and Caldwell made the first free climb of the Dawn Wall, using multiple pitches, over 19 days.
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The Dawn Wall is a smooth granite rock face.
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Climbing is done in sections referred to as "pitches". Climbers have to untie and retie ropes on each pitch.
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Daytime climbing is influenced by sunlight and temperatures. To avoid sweat, climbers climb at night, or when the sun is not directly on the rock face.
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Their climbing gear and boots help climbers grip the rock better.
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The whole plan takes approximately 19 days.
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They take breaks to eat, sleep, and recover.
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Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson completed the Dawn Wall climb in 2014, taking 19 days.
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They faced extreme conditions; dipping to 30 degrees at night and used ropes for safety, and techniques to keep hands and feet dry.
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