#156: Kevin Jorgeson - Professional Climber & Conqueror of 'The Dawn Wall'
Kevin Jorgeson is an American rock climber. He was one of the first two climbers, alongside his climbing partner Tommy Caldwell, to successfully complete a free climb of the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. On this episode, Kevin and...
Kevin Jorgeson is an American rock climber. He was one of the first two climbers, alongside his climbing partner Tommy Caldwell, to successfully complete a free climb of the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
On this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about climbing the Dawn Wall, the 6 years of preparation leading up to the ascent, and the massive media frenzy that became a full-fledged film. They also touch on Kevin's life after Dawn including the process of a ground-up development for a climbing gym and launching a non-profit called 1Climb which aims to get more kids into the sport of climbing. Enjoy!
Follow Chris on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/FortWorthChris
Learn more about Chris Powers and Fort Capital: www.FortCapitalLP.com
Follow Chris on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chrispowersjr/
(02:33) - Kevin’s Story Growing Up and What Led Him to Today
(03:14) - Was there a moment you knew you were really talented at climbing?
(05:06) - Is there anything unique to climbers that physically give them an advantage?
(06:02) - What are the different types of climbing?
(08:10) - Bouldering
(09:32) - How do you ‘Win’ a climbing competition?
(11:05) - Climbing in the Upcoming Olympics
(11:44) - Reaching Out to Tommy Caldwell to Climb the Dawn Wall
(16:32) - The Feeling that it Was Time to Pursue the Dawn Wall
(24:31) - What was your first day ‘on the job’ with Tommy Caldwell?
(32:14) - What was your role in this whole adventure?
(34:23) - What does 6 years of prep look like and how did you map out the climb?
(41:17) - Did you and Tommy follow the same route or go different ways in your sequences?
(44:08) - At what point did you realize you were ready to make the climb?
(46:15) - What was the prep like for the 19 day climb and the experience of living on the side of the wall?
(50:10) - Pitch 15 and the Pressure of Completing It
(1:00:14) - Was there a certain spot in the pitch that caused all the issues?
(1:03:17) - What happened when you realized the media frenzy was gathering to watch you?
(1:08:31) - Was there a crash after the high from completing the Dawn Wall?
(1:15:51) - Getting Married and Having Children
(1:16:48) - Starting a Climbing Gym
(1:24:54) - Starting a Non-Profit - 1Climb.org
(1:31:27) - Do you have a childhood experience that shaped who you are today?
(1:33:17) - Do you have a morning routine?
(1:35:01) - What advice would you give to a beginner climber?
The FORT is produced by Straight Up Podcasts