Gateway 8C+ for Martin Keller
Martin Keller has made an ascent of Gateway 8C+ on the Dreamtime boulder in Cresciano, Ticino, Switzerland.
Our Friday Night Video this week takes us deep into the world of long-term projects. How far does your perseverance stretch? Three years of effort, over 150 sessions, -6ºC in 50cm of snow, all-night 12-hour sessions, then 25ºC in July. Ninja Skills Sit Down Start was Martin Keller's ultimate nemesis. In this short film, join Martin on his journey as he discovers the secret to unlocking his first ascent of Ninja Skills 8C/8C+.
Nestled in between chestnut trees on a south-facing slope in Sobrio, Switzerland, the 8B+ (V14) stand start for the famous Ninja Skills was first climbed in 2009 by Nalle Hukkataival.
Comments
He didn't power scream to annoy you but because it enhances his performance. There's an Ondra interview where he's asked about this and he explains that screaming is a way to ensure that he is breathing out at certain high intensity points in time. Some top tennis players also do this. If you don't like it mute the video or better yet go climb 8C in silence and post the vid.
I don't mind hearing the outpouring of effort in climbing but some (most?) of the time it just seems very much LAM (look at me). There should be a grade barrier, if you're screaming on anything below 8b you need a muzzle, Wim Hof explanation or not.
Ondra screams because if he didn't he'd cry, ask his Mum.
Boulder looks stunning.
Oh for God's sake. *THAT's* what you get from that film?!
jcm
Good work Martin, looks mega.
And you don't have to justify anything :)
Flipping brilliant. Well done Martin! Bonkers degree of obsession and commitment. Good video. After all that, screaming all the way came across to me as totally natural.