On February 9th, 2024, after spending 18 days on the East Face of the Central Tower of Torres del Paine, with the help of popcorn 🍿 , musical instruments 🎶 , various book📚 and good company, @seanvillanuevaodriscoll , @siebevanhee , @_drew_smith_ and I completed the first team free ascent of Riders on the Storm. A team free ascent means every pitch of the route was led and free climbed by at least one of us. Although some consider it better style for one person to free every pitch of a route, the team free ascent provides a totally unique bonding dimension.
Because of the rough weather, the progress was pretty slow, so we needed to be as efficient as possible. Some days, being there was just about showing support: helping to clean snow and ice on a pitch, belaying for hours in the cold while one of us practiced moves or gave another attempt, or hauling a bag to save energy for whoever’s turn it was to climb. And other days it meant everyone was there for you, to support you on your time leading a hard pitch.
In all my years of free climbing on big walls all over the world, I have come to understand that, for me, the whole value of these expeditions lays in the team spirit that arises as a new force and not the actual success. Not only does it allow me to have a good time, but also, together, we can dream bigger 💫 and find extra stimulation to push harder 🔥 📸 @_drew_smith_ @patagonia @patagonia_climb @scarpaspa @petzl_official @samaya_equipment @lyofood @julbo_eyewear @totemmt