Tommy Caldwell Climbing Pitch 15 | The Dawn Wall | Patagonia

On January 14, 2015, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson made the first free ascent of The Dawn Wall on Yosemite's El Capitan. Watch Tommy climb pitch 15 (5.14c) in this first footage released by the film crew on the wall.

“The crux holds of pitch 15 are some of the smallest and sharpest holds I have ever attempted to hold onto,” Tommy wrote on his Facebook page. Four unique camera angles reveal those minuscule holds and the 1,300 feet of exposure under Tommy’s precarious foot placements. While multiple pitches of extremely difficult climbing remained above, the completion of pitch 15 was considered the last major hurdle to the eventual success of this seven-year project.

Note: Pitch 15 was originally rated 5.14d, but was downgraded slightly after the completion of the route.

Video: Big Up Productions & Sender Films.


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[diablmaster]

As I always say, thanks for not adding music.

[ysf-psfx]

People can talk about the tiny crimps all they want, I'm here marvelling at this goddamn footwork. It's next level. Unbelievable

[vtovhero]

He's sent Dawn, he's survived being taken hostage, he's fought a terrorist....Tommy Caldwell is one of the coolest human beings alive.

[leonardmilcin]

The route just recently got downgraded after two flies left their shit on the rock making for additional easy holds.

[cedriceveleigh]

I'd love to see more climbing videos edited like this. No music, no talking - just climbing, uninterrupted.

[TheTibetyak]

Finally. A visual representation of "Mind over Matter"
Mind: Grasp the hold.
Matter: There is no hold.
Mind: Toe-in to the next hold.
Matter: There was no hold you just passed. There is no hold you are reaching for now.
Mind: Cross your legs over one another and continue your toe-in onto the next ledge.
Matter: I'm not a ledge. I'm a bald faced vertical rock.

[futuropasado]

Alex Honnold said this Dawn Wall for the first time is still the most difficult achievement in climbing history and he would not even try it, I believe him. Caldwell obsessed and invented his own route for years through a never climbed wall, it was an impossible dream, but his talent and tenacity made it possible. Huge respect for both, Honnold's mentally crazy feat and Caldwell's.

[fabiopalma]

First time I saw this clip I didn't do any climbing and already thought it was impressive. After starting, everytime I return, I see more technique details which mesmerize me more and more and more. One of the best climbs ever recorded!

[jw]

Multiple times, outloud to myself, "WHAT IS HE HOLDING ON TO????"

[arcticstar]

80 people gave this a thumbs down. Let that sink-in. Who are these people, you ask? You know when you go into a public restroom and there's shit on the walls? These are the people. We may never know for sure who they are, but they walk among us. God Bless Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson and their families, and God bless the whole film and production crew that brought this to us.

[lsrcrft]

He's in outer space, climbing 5.14c minus a finger. Crushing.

[MrGanaface]

These two human beings (Tommy and Kevin), are both inducted into the most incredible elite athletes living today, ever in fact! Their courage, endurance, strength, physical attributes and particularly Tommy's loyalty is up there with the greats of our historical times! Along with Alex Honnold these men are highly regarded, in my simple opinion, as some of the bravest, admirable humans that ever lived.

[Breeelax]

Whenever I think I will never be able to do a certain thing in my life I think of Tommy Caldwell, the man who climbed the dawnwall with only 9 fingers. Absolute legend.

[Agriolimax]

I've been a climber for 48 years. I have nothing but the most profound respect for Tommy and his team. An amazing demonstration of technical ability, and a film that took the tension right into my guts as he was making those tender last moves. Phew! I need a beer!

[chadokamoto]

Tommy is a legend. Mad respect to him. When he chalked up, my hands needed some and I was only watching.

[derrickgarcia]

This just changed my whole perception of what climbing is. Thank you Tommy and Kevin.

[sweetchuck]

Bad advert for Patagonia...after watching this I'd NEVER feel worthy of wearing outdoor technical gear again! For what, going for a hike? A walk in the cold air? LOL!

[patagonia]

“The crux holds of pitch 15 are some of the smallest and sharpest holds I have ever attempted to hold onto, ” Tommy Caldwell wrote on his Facebook page. 

[Artistoic]

This just motivates me to train, and get ready to climb hard this season. Coming back from a shoulder injury, this was a huge inspiration....

[johnb]

We can all take away feom Tommy, his strength to never give up, to never give in to the weight of the world and to drive his passion to another universe. Tommy will forever be an inspiration to those who truly research this young man's life. Tommy Caldwell is a Legend!