12 Documentaries, Shows, and YouTube Channels to Get Into Olympic Climbing

As a seasoned climber myself, I find these videos and articles incredibly captivating. They not only showcase the thrill of climbing but also delve into the lives of some remarkable individuals who have made significant strides in this sport.

As an enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the rich history and tradition of Olympic sports, from Simone Biles’ incredible feats in gymnastics to the Miracle on Ice in hockey. These established games have become embedded in our cultural lexicon, instantly recognizable to American viewers. But there’s a fresh addition to the Summer Olympics scene in 2020 – sport climbing! If you’re like me and haven’t delved deep into this exciting sport yet, fear not! We’re here to guide you on your journey of discovery.

In Tokyo, sport climbing made its Olympic debut, combining three distinct indoor-climbing activities: lead climbing (where a harness is used to tackle longer routes with the aid of a rope while clipping into ascending anchor points), bouldering (a harness and rope-less activity involving shorter, more challenging problems), and speed climbing (using a harness and a rope to swiftly climb a specific route). Despite their similarities, speed climbing stands out as its own discipline; it’s essentially a high-intensity sprint on the wall, while lead climbing and bouldering focus on strategic problem-solving. Initially grouped together, the Olympics later recognized this oversight and separated them for this year’s games in Paris. Sport climbing has now been categorized into two events: one that combines lead climbing and bouldering, and another dedicated to speed climbing. This division doubled the number of medal opportunities for the 68 participating climbers, with 40 competing in both bouldering and lead climbing, and 28 exclusively in speed climbing.

Beginning today, the semifinals lead into finals ending on August 10th, giving you ample time to delve deeper into various climbing categories. To help you get started, here’s a collection of 12 documentaries, series, shorts, and videos that offer an insightful overview of climbing’s history, culture, competitive landscape, and unique rules.

The Dawn Wall

What can you expect to discover from this film? The documentary “The Dawn Wall” offers an enlightening exploration into the world of big wall climbing, where climbers conquer routes consisting of multiple pitches that may require one or more days to complete. Although this isn’t the type of climbing you’ll see in the Olympics, the techniques and skills required for athletes to compete are vividly demonstrated in “The Dawn Wall.”

Free Solo

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=urRVZ4SW7WU

Discovering the art piece depicting Alex Honnold might have been the most groundbreaking climbing event in recent memory, not just because Honnold scaled El Capitan without a rope, harness, or safety gear (except for his shoes and chalk), but also because Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s documentary about the climb won the Best Documentary Feature at the 2019 Oscars. Honnold’s ascent was monumental, and the film Free Solo is both nerve-wracking (each shot of Honnold gripping the rock with only his fingertips will make your stomach churn) and inspiring (you’ll share the filmmakers’ relief upon seeing him reach the summit). This documentary ignited my passion for climbing, and it offers valuable insights into the fundamentals of climbing as a sport (how climbers strategize routes, how they perceive rocks in ways a layperson might not) and as an industry (how sponsorships aid climbers financially and how companies like Red Bull influence extreme sports). Moreover, Honnold is somewhat eccentric and nonchalant about the risk of death while pursuing his passion, which makes for a compelling narrative. Streaming on Disney+.

Valley Uprising

As a seasoned mountaineer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I have always been captivated by the allure and challenge that climbing presents. From scaling the towering cliffs of Yosemite to traversing the treacherous peaks of the Himalayas, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the evolution of this sport over the years.

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa

Exploring Climber Lhakpa Sherpa’s Journey: A Must-Watch Documentary

Here to Climb

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=hAOT4wCgJw8

Exploring the Complexities of Female Climbers: A Look into the Controversial World of Sasha Digiulian and Her Pursuit

Resistance Climbing

What does the film “Resistance Climbing” teach us? This poignant documentary short illustrates how sports can bridge boundaries, a theme echoed in the global Olympics. The story follows Andrew Bisharat, a Palestinian-American climber, and Tim Bruns, an American, who established Palestine’s first indoor climbing gym, Wadi Climbing, after visiting the West Bank in 2012. Over time, a climbing community has grown in the region, but “Resistance Climbing” delves into how the Israeli military and settlers affect this community. Can climbing offer a creative escape and physical release from an oppressive environment? Or is the idea of freedom through sports limited? This powerful film raises thought-provoking questions about the role sports play in promoting equality, much like the Olympics aspire to do. You can watch “Resistance Climbing” on Reel Rock’s website.

The Climb

As a movie enthusiast who’s also into climbing, I’d say you can’t miss out on “The Climb,” an eight-episode series I found particularly fascinating. Co-created by fellow climbing lover Jason Momoa and hosted by renowned climbers Chris Sharma and Megan Martin, this competition show puts eight climbers to the test in various challenges that showcase both lead climbing and bouldering. From free soloing along a cliffside with a wet landing if you fall, to scaling an exposed face 70 feet long, this series provides a unique insight into the world of climbing. The sixth episode, “The Crack,” focuses on how climbers use cracks in rocks to propel themselves upward, making it perfect for newcomers to the sport. To top it off, the beautiful locations (Albarracín and Majroca, Spain; the Wadi Rum Valley, Jordan) almost turn “The Climb” into a travel show. You can catch it streaming on Max.

Cliffhanger

What can you expect to discover? You’ll find out that Sylvester Stallone’s ’90s era was quite an extraordinary journey. If you’re amused by Stallone showcasing his impressive physique while hanging off a cliff, appreciate John Lithgow’s acting prowess as a villain, and want to inspire your friends to give rock climbing a try with phrases like “Doesn’t this look thrilling and enjoyable?”, then Cliffhanger is the ideal choice. This movie was made by a crew member who miraculously survived being struck by lightning three times during production. It offers an “exaggerated yet laugh-out-loud” education on rock climbing. Now streaming on Pluto.

Magnus Midtbø’s YouTube channel

On YouTube, Magnus Midtbø, a renowned climbing prodigy who hung up his competition boots in 2017, now shares his expertise through his channel boasting over 2 million subscribers. He elucidates the nuances between lead climbing and bouldering, emphasizing endurance for the former and dynamism for the latter. His videos, featuring climbing trips versus gym days, offer insight into how route-setting differs for each discipline. However, it’s his collaboration with climbers like Adam Ondra, Anton Fomenko, and Will Bosi that truly sets him apart. Each brings unique specialties to the table, showcasing differences in style and strength during the various challenges Midtbø designs for them. By tuning into these videos, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the sport’s technical aspects than you initially possessed. Enjoy the learning journey on YouTube!

WIRED video about speed climbing

https://youtube.com/watch?v=e863Qr0jaYo?si=Mrkx_0enP6srt1jP

In this activity, you’ll discover the thrill of speed climbing, a discipline that may not be as widely covered in media but offers an accessible and exciting spectacle for viewers. Climbers begin their ascent from the base, with a timer counting down as they leap, jump, and bounce upward using fixed handholds. Unlike lead climbing and bouldering routes, which feature varying difficulties and designs, the standardized speed-climbing route maintains consistent hold sizes and shapes. However, this uniformity doesn’t lessen the challenge; this WIRED video from 2019 aptly illustrates the difficulty by featuring Alex Honnold, an accomplished climber, struggling against then-junior speed-climbing champion Jordan Fishman. While Fishman completes the 15-meter route in a lightning-fast 8 seconds, Honnold takes nearly 30 seconds to finish, highlighting the unique nature of this climbing style. The precision required for each hand placement and every leap from a hold is crucial for reducing your time. Even WIRED’s Robbie Gonzalez manages to conquer the speed-climbing wall better than most of us ever will. You can watch this exhilarating display on YouTube.

The Nose

As a seasoned rock climber with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the three-part Red Bull series featuring Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell is a must-watch for all climbing enthusiasts. Having climbed El Capitan myself, I can only imagine the sheer determination and skill required to attempt the speed-climbing record on this iconic route.

The scene in Alien: Covenant that’s an homage to Ridley Scott’s climber brother Tony

Discover the thrill of climbing, shared passionately by characters like Daniels in Ridley Scott’s “Alien: Covenant.” In a poignant moment, Daniels mourns her late husband Jacob (James Franco), a climber at heart, as she watches his rock climbing video. The scene beautifully encapsulates the pure joy of conquering a peak and yearning to share the breathtaking view with someone you care for, even in the face of danger. This moment serves as a tribute from Ridley to his late brother Tony, also an avid climber who passed away in 2012. The emotional resonance of this scene mirrors the essence of Tony’s filmmaking. Although “Alien: Covenant” isn’t connected to the Olympics, the spirit of climbing it embodies is a perfect fit. Now streaming on Hulu.

2024-08-05 20:54