Watch Daniel Fisher Make the FA of Vertigo (5.14a), Australia's Hardest Trad Route

“I’m not a trad climber.” So says Daniel Fisher, the man who made the first ascent of what is likely the hardest trad route in Australia. Vertigo (5.14a), located at Orroral Ridge in Namadgi National Park was a longstanding hard aid route. Fisher told Vertical Life, an Australian climbing magazine, that he spent at least 30 days on the route before freeing it. He first climbed in on pre-placed gear before coming back a week later and for the redpoint. Fisher announced the ascent on Instagram on September 29, 2019. “I sent Vertigo (32) placing gear which was utterly terrifying for a poor little sport climber/boulderer like me!” he wrote. “Get on it people, it’s all time.” Watch the ascent above.

Related:

• Watch the First Ascent of One of Australia’s (Previous) Hardest Trad Routes
• Avoid the Antipodes: 5 Pretty Darn Good Reasons Not to Climb in Australia
• Video: Sonnie Trotter Makes FFA of Tasmania Totem Pole Route