About this Event
'The South African Route' in Patagonia is 1,200 metres of hard, often icy crack climbing in some of the most unpredictable weather on the planet. When it was first freed in 2009, it took 13 days. On 13 February, Belgian climber Siebe Vanhee and American Tommy Caldwell set off up the East Face of the Central Tower of Paine at 3:20am. They topped out exactly 24 hours later.
Every team before them had climbed it big-wall style over a week or more, with portaledges and fixed lines to retreat on. Siebe and Tommy did it free in a single push, on their third attempt in three weeks, then rappelled for eight hours through a snowstorm to get back down. It’s only the third free ascent of the route, and a landmark in Patagonian alpinism.
Siebe is joining us at Yonder to tell the story of this monumental climb. Along with the story of the ascent, he’ll explore themes around struggle, vulnerability and managing mental health that came with taking on something this big. After the presentation, there'll be an open Q&A. Expect a positive night with plenty of psyche, insight and humour.
The evening is a fundraiser for Yonder’s Climbing for Wellbeing programme, which uses climbing to support people’s mental health. We’re asking for a £5 donation on the door, and every penny goes to the programme.
Free pizza and drinks are served from 7:30pm and the presentation starts at 8pm. The pizza won’t last, so if you want some, be here by 7:30 at the latest.
Thanks to our friends The North Face for their continuing support.
Event venue & nearby stays
Yonder Indoor Climbing Gym, 6 Hooker's Road, London, United Kingdom
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