Monday, March 24, 2014

AFTERMATH OF OUR ASCENT

This was the appreciation from the media about Sean's ascent of Bridalveil Falls.
Here is the  ROCK and ICE report and also a very cool video that The Denver Post made. Also, a cool blog that one of my favorite sponsors PETZL did about our climb. Last but not least, here is the recount that MILLET did.

We really want to thank them for the support!!!!! 

FIRST PARAPLEGIC TO CLIMB BRIDALVEIL FALLS


I had the great opportunity to climb Bridailveil Falls WI5+/6 with Sean ONeil.
He became the first Paraplegic to climb the falls and to climb the hardest ice climb that a paraplegic has climbed.
Sean has a very impressive climbing resume with 3 ascents of El Capitan, an ascent of half dome, amongst many other big rock climbs.

For me, climbing with Sean was one of the most inspirational things that I have wittnessed and something that I will always be thankful for. 
This awesome adventure would not  have been possible without the help and support of: Paradox Sports, Timmy ONeil, Leon Davis, Kevin Zeichmann, Dan Sohner, Pete Davis, Ben Clark, Dane Cronin, Kirk Williams, Hellen Davis, Abbott (snow machine expert) and off course PETZL, MILLET, BLUE WATER ROPES, GU, JULBO, FIVETEN.

Thanks a ton!!!!!



Here Sean is explaining me his new system. We are soooooo stoked to climb and see how it works....




At the base of the route contemplating our climb Bridailveil WI5+/6, one of the most iconic ice climbs in USA, maybe in the World too!!!!


Working out last minute details before heading out to climb the first part of the falls.


Let the climb begin, all sorts of rope systems we had to use. Basically, we used big wall ice climbing techniques.


Time for Sean to try out his new ice climbing system. That blue ice was very hard to penetrate, but it was very awesome for the eyes :)


Mid way up the route Sean is climbing like a machine, the ascent was recorded for a movie that a very prestigious outdoor film making firm is going to make. The short film will be out and in all the major outdoor film festivals.  


Last moves before reaching the top of the climb. By that time our effort, especially Sean's is 110%.


Sean it is super stoked about his accomplishment. Check out that awesome smile!!!!!


Summit shot!!!!!!!