Alex Honnold’s Upcoming Climb of Taipei 101
Alex Honnold, the American rock climber famous for his daring feats, is set to scale Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world. On Saturday, Honnold will climb all 1,667 feet of this skyscraper without ropes, harnesses, or safety nets, just like he did with El Capitan in the documentary Free Solo. This climb will be streamed live on Netflix.
Originally planned for Friday, the ascent was pushed back by a day due to rainy weather. No one has free soloed Taipei 101 before—similar to El Capitan, where Honnold made history. The only previous climber was Alain Robert, known as the French Spider-Man, who climbed it in 2004 but used safety equipment.
This climb marks a groundbreaking event, as it’s the first time such a high-risk endeavor will be broadcast live.
Honnold himself seems unfazed, expressing confidence in the climb’s difficulty. He mentioned, “It’ll be engaging for me and obviously an interesting climb.” But for viewers, this will be a nail-biting experience.
The Challenge of Climbing Taipei 101
Climbing a building like Taipei 101 is quite different from climbing natural rock faces. Honnold explained, “Buildings are steeper than most rock faces.” The smooth glass and steel surfaces also pose unique challenges. Colorado climber Noah Kane noted that trusting glass with climbing shoes can be particularly daunting. The consistency of a building’s structure means Honnold will need to execute the same moves many times, leading to physical fatigue.
What the Climb Will Entail
Taipei 101 has 101 floors, and the most challenging section will be the 64 floors in the middle, which feature bamboo-like boxes that taper outward. These overhangs can be quite demanding, requiring Honnold to exert himself repeatedly before reaching balconies for brief rest periods.
Safety Measures
There will be some communication and oversight during the climb. James Smith from Plimsoll Productions noted that they’ll have cameramen inside and personnel who trust Honnold, keeping him monitored throughout the ascent. The weather plays a crucial role; if conditions aren’t right, the climb could be delayed even further to ensure safety.
Why Climb Taipei 101?
When asked why he is taking on this challenge, Honnold simply replied, “Why not?” He acknowledges that opportunities like this don’t come often. The chance to experience the thrill of climbing such a unique man-made structure excites him. He hopes viewers will see the joy in climbing, expressing that maintaining a childlike wonder is essential for his enjoyment.
Interestingly, Honnold downplayed financial motivations. He stated he would be willing to undertake the climb for free, seeking the thrill rather than a payday. However, according to reports, he will be compensated in the mid-six figures for this event.
Family Considerations
Honnold’s wife and children have concerns about his safety. His wife, Sanni McCandless, has expressed worries since their life together began. Even with the increased stakes, Honnold believes he can prepare adequately to minimize risks. He acknowledges that he may have more to live for now, yet he insists that his preparations remain thorough.
Past Accomplishments
Honnold has a long list of remarkable climbs under his belt, including the Phoenix and Half Dome at Yosemite, and the Moonlight Buttress in Zion. His climbing feats have consistently pushed the boundaries of what is considered possible.
How to Watch the Event
Viewers can catch this remarkable event live on Netflix. It promises to be an unforgettable experience as Honnold takes to the heights of Taipei 101.
For more insights on Alex Honnold and similar climbing feats, check out resources like National Geographic and climbing forums where enthusiasts share their thoughts and tips.
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Netflix, Alex Honnold, Taipei 101, Alain Robert
