Weekend Whipper: Huge Fall in the Czech Republic Becomes Religious Experience
"Much harder than it looks." Daniel Krolop paws at the features in search of a good hold, but eventually ... "First ascents are tough here."
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As Daniel Krolop set out on this first ascent last month in the valley of Rokle Srabů at the historic sandstone area of Roklice, the Czech Republic, it was 90 degrees F. The local ethic forbids chalk—hence the kitchen towel hanging off his harness.
While climbers have frequented the area since 1909, they had left this line untouched, meaning it was probably quite difficult. He encountered bad slopers, crumbly feet, dirt, and moss.
“It is much harder than it looks,” says Krolop of the climb, which he and his friends have named To by se v Arcu nestalo (“That would not happen in Arco”) for the sandstone tufa-like features. “The upper section was also close to my grade limit.”
Fortunately, Krolop had drilled a good ring bolt, a massive thing 3/4-inch in diameter and foot long, about halfway up the route.
In the video, you can see him pawing in search of a good hold and eventually taking a 10-meter whip, caught by the brave local Jakub “Hurvajs” Vavřička.
Excuse us, but isn’t that his foot touching the … ground? And oh the soundtrack.
Krolop says he sustained a minor ankle injury, but will return to the climb once it is healed.
He says, “First ascents are tough here.”
Happy Friday, and be safe out there this weekend.
Thanks to Krolop and all involved for the video. Readers, please send your whipper videos and information—and any lessons learned—to Alison Osius, aosius@outsideinc.com. Thank you.