Touchstone Blog Archive
Monday, August 30, 2010
First Ascent: The Series
Over the past decade, Sender Films has been working to produce some of the greatest climbing videos out there. With gripping stories about the first ropeless ascent of Half Dome, the longest BASE jump ever, and a tragic expedition to Western China, Sender Films six part series takes viewers over five continents, and a world of adventure.
The First Ascent box set includes the six half hour films of the series, plus more than an hour of bonus footage, with outtakes, behind the scenes, making-of, trailers and additional climbing, high-lining and BASE jumping scenes. It is available on their website at Sender Films.Com. It will provide hours of entertainment for climbers who want to get out but can't beat the hot California summer sun.
"First Ascent: The Series" Trailer from Sender Films on Vimeo.
The First Ascent box set includes the six half hour films of the series, plus more than an hour of bonus footage, with outtakes, behind the scenes, making-of, trailers and additional climbing, high-lining and BASE jumping scenes. It is available on their website at Sender Films.Com. It will provide hours of entertainment for climbers who want to get out but can't beat the hot California summer sun.
Labels: First Ascent, Sender Films
¶ Monday, August 30, 2010 0 Comments
Friday, July 9, 2010
Profile of a First Ascensionist: Tom Addison
A climber with over thirty years of experience, Tom Addison is a veteran of the rock. When he's not busy working as a lobbyist for clean air in Sacramento, he spends his time crushing the lead routes in the caves at Berkeley Ironworks, training for his weekends of first ascents. Addison is one of the most prolific first ascensionist in the Sierras with over one thousand new routes in places like Sonora Pass and Owens River Gorge. Not only has he helped develop new cliffs but he's also worked with landowners in access sensitive areas, like Sonora, to make sure that climbers can continue to climb there. Addison took a few moments to talk to the Touchstone blog about his first ascents and his climbing.
The Wide of Frankenstein 5.11+ Sonora Pass Photos by Jerry Dodrill
How did you get started?
It was something I tried and I immediately knew I wanted to do. I learned to lead in college at the Gunks, and somehow survived that apprenticeship with some luck and lots of wise mentors.
What areas have you established first ascents? How many first ascents have you done?
I’ve put up new routes in at least 17 states, all over the country from the East Coast to the West Coast. A few places where I’ve been overly enthusiastic include Farley Ledges (MA), Owls Head (NH), City of Rocks (ID), the Superstitions (AZ), and around California. I’ve established over 1,000 new pitches, but I lost count a long time ago. Hopefully I’ll have added another 2 or three in the next week.
The witty Addison cracking a smile.
What motivates you to establish routes and areas?
I’ve always loved climbing, particularly at beautiful places off the beaten path. And figuring out if a piece of rock is climbable is a lot of fun. But you have to be a little bit demented to like putting up routes.
What's your greatest first ascent experience?
For me, it’s the partnerships and friendships and camaraderie. That stays with you much longer than the memory of the moves or the sequences.
Hung Frankenstein 5.12a Sonora Pass
What's your access work like? Why is being concerned about climbing areas important?
I started working on access issues when I lived and was climbing in New England in the mid-80’s. Armando Menocal, Al Rubin, and Paul Minault are all climbers who’ve done tremendous things for all of us with their access work, and I really respect what they’ve accomplished. I’ve had the opportunity to climb in some amazing places, and I’d like for us all to be able to keep doing that. We tend to get worked up as climbers about some pretty inconsequential stuff, but none of that matters if we can’t even touch the rock.
The Wide of Frankenstein 5.11+ Sonora Pass Photos by Jerry Dodrill
How did you get started?
It was something I tried and I immediately knew I wanted to do. I learned to lead in college at the Gunks, and somehow survived that apprenticeship with some luck and lots of wise mentors.
What areas have you established first ascents? How many first ascents have you done?
I’ve put up new routes in at least 17 states, all over the country from the East Coast to the West Coast. A few places where I’ve been overly enthusiastic include Farley Ledges (MA), Owls Head (NH), City of Rocks (ID), the Superstitions (AZ), and around California. I’ve established over 1,000 new pitches, but I lost count a long time ago. Hopefully I’ll have added another 2 or three in the next week.
The witty Addison cracking a smile.
What motivates you to establish routes and areas?
I’ve always loved climbing, particularly at beautiful places off the beaten path. And figuring out if a piece of rock is climbable is a lot of fun. But you have to be a little bit demented to like putting up routes.
What's your greatest first ascent experience?
For me, it’s the partnerships and friendships and camaraderie. That stays with you much longer than the memory of the moves or the sequences.
Hung Frankenstein 5.12a Sonora Pass
What's your access work like? Why is being concerned about climbing areas important?
I started working on access issues when I lived and was climbing in New England in the mid-80’s. Armando Menocal, Al Rubin, and Paul Minault are all climbers who’ve done tremendous things for all of us with their access work, and I really respect what they’ve accomplished. I’ve had the opportunity to climb in some amazing places, and I’d like for us all to be able to keep doing that. We tend to get worked up as climbers about some pretty inconsequential stuff, but none of that matters if we can’t even touch the rock.
Labels: First Ascent, Sonora Pass, Tom Addison
¶ Friday, July 09, 2010 0 Comments
Monday, December 15, 2008
Americans Climb Unclimbed Patagonia Peak
Hello and Happy Monday! The time between now and Christmas time is dwindling down and I couldn't be happier. You know what else makes me beyond happy? When I wake up and I find out that some American climbers bagged some awesome, previously unclimbed peak somewhere in the world. Turns out today was my lucky day as that is exactly what i woke up to.
According to some international news, two Americans, Dave Turner and Mark Matthews, did just that recently. The pair bagged what is being called the "first ascent of a small granite tower in the Paine region of Chilean Patagonia." The article I read said that "The two climbed Gemelo Alto in the French Valley, via a 10-pitch route called Adios Ayer (5.10-, 400m)."
Apparently, the whole reason for their expedition in the first place was to find a new solo route on the South Face of the South Tower of Paine. Looks like they bagged a first ascent too, how impressive can one trip get?! At any rate, to get a much more in-depth look at their climb and their expedition, head over here and check it out. We just wanted to throw out some serious Congratulations to both Dave Turner and Mark Matthews for their awesome first climb! Keep up the good work!
(Image from Dave Turner)
Hello and Happy Monday! The time between now and Christmas time is dwindling down and I couldn't be happier. You know what else makes me beyond happy? When I wake up and I find out that some American climbers bagged some awesome, previously unclimbed peak somewhere in the world. Turns out today was my lucky day as that is exactly what i woke up to.
According to some international news, two Americans, Dave Turner and Mark Matthews, did just that recently. The pair bagged what is being called the "first ascent of a small granite tower in the Paine region of Chilean Patagonia." The article I read said that "The two climbed Gemelo Alto in the French Valley, via a 10-pitch route called Adios Ayer (5.10-, 400m)."
Apparently, the whole reason for their expedition in the first place was to find a new solo route on the South Face of the South Tower of Paine. Looks like they bagged a first ascent too, how impressive can one trip get?! At any rate, to get a much more in-depth look at their climb and their expedition, head over here and check it out. We just wanted to throw out some serious Congratulations to both Dave Turner and Mark Matthews for their awesome first climb! Keep up the good work!
(Image from Dave Turner)
Labels: Climbing News, Dave Turner, First Ascent, First Climb, Mark Matthews, Patagonia
¶ Monday, December 15, 2008 0 Comments
