Amity Warme and Brent Barghahn's adventure on El Cap lasted eight days. Their goal: to free climb the Pineapple Express variant of El Niño (8a/+) ground up. The documentary film of the same name impressively shows how much courage, persistence and commitment are required for this endeavor.
In GroundUp Amity Warme and Brent Barghahn attempt to free climb the difficult big wall route El Niño via the Pineapple Express variant. The route leads over 25 pitches through the steep rock on the right side of El Cap. Instead of fixed ropes and sport climbing tactics, the duo relies on a ground-up ascent, which makes the adventure more unpredictable and exciting.
As a rope team, Amity Warme and Brent Barghahn not only have to haul all their equipment and supplies up the wall for several days, but also have to deal with changing weather conditions, loose rock and difficult climbing passages.
The combination of technical challenges, physical exhaustion and logistical complexity make their project a true test of endurance.
Ground Up offers breathtaking insights into the physical and emotional challenges of big wall free climbing and is a must-see for all climbing enthusiasts who love adventure, endurance and breathtaking scenery.
That might interest you
- 600-meter big wall: On expedition with the Houlding family
- Young gun Soline Kentzel free climbs 1000 meter big wall Golden Gate on El Capitan
+ + +
Credits: Cover picture Arcteryx, @chrisalstrin / @avant_climbing_innovations