This story originally appeared in the July 2014 issue of our print edition.
The Svolværgeita, or Goat’s Horns formation, towers over Svolvær, Norway. It’s a climber’s rite of passage to jump the 1.5-meter gap from the Storhorn (big horn on the right) to the Lillehorn (little horn). Photo: Jan Vincent Kleine
This spring, we sifted through nearly 5,000 images from under-the-radar photographers to find these—the shots that made us break a sweat and inspired us to climb harder and farther afield. Don’t sit back, and don’t relax. In fact, load your pack. Then dive into these images and get to know the next generation of great climbing shooters.
1. Jan Vincent Kleine
Miguel Navarro enjoys three-dimensional climbing in the Trebena area of Geyikbayiri, Turkey, including the challenging Freedom is a Battle (5.13c/8a+).
Gabriel Cervantes cruises Andrology (5.11d), Estes Park, Colorado. Although this route originally required gear in addition to the bolts, it’s been retro-bolted so only quickdraws are necessary.
The Grampians mountain range in Australia provides beaucoup rock for climbers of all stripes. Here, Nina Williams tries out the smaller blocks on Butchers Choice (V10).
Cody Scarpella belays Jason Brown as he sinks his tips into the granite on the third pitch of Undertow (5.10a A4 R), which goes free at 5.11+, on the Black Wall of the Mt. Evans massif, Colorado.
Paul Tattersall solos on Jetty Crag in Gairloch, Scotland. This crag is known for being a friendly roadside area with walls in every direction to catch the sun at any time of the day.
Rob McKay nears the crux on Camping Under the Influence (5.12-), Indian Creek, Utah. Clipping the anchors is the most difficult part of this 100-foot line.
The über-classic Edge of Time (5.9+) in Estes Park, Colorado, is surprisingly difficult for the grade, with just enough space between the bolts to keep you on your toes.
Micha Vanhoudt lives up to the name Boys Don’t Cry (5.12d/7c) as he takes the whip in Siurana, Spain. To create the dramatic atmosphere for this shot, Schermer waited until night fell and it was pitch black so he would have full control over the lighting conditions.
In March 2014, Fabian Buhl made the third boltless ascent of the 5.13d/5.14a route Prinzip Hoffnung (8b/8b+), Bürs, Austria. Austrian Beat Kammerlander made the first ascent of the route, which means “the principle of hope,” on bolts about 15 years ago, then decided to remove them 10 years ago. However, he didn’t nab the first gear-only ascent until 2009.
