Yesterday, on November 15, Japanese climber, Keita Kurakami, joined the ranks of the few elite climbers to ever free climb every pitch of El Capitan’s The Nose (5.14a) in Yosemite Valley. This impressive lineup includes Lynn Hill, Tommy Caldwell, Beth Rodden, and Jorg Verhoeven.

Needless to say this route is known the most famous big wall route in the world. Therefore, there is some difficulties to climb it as free. But I realized it that if really want to climb it, can be sure to find a solution. [sic]

According to Keita’s website biography, he’s achieved previous trad ascents up to 5.14a and climbed several V14s.

Wooooow!! My mission has done!!! I grabbed the 5th free ascent of The Nose 5.14a! So I freeclimbed all pitches!!! I climbed up 4 times from ground from last year. But I found some difficulties every time. (of course, the crux pitches is so hard!) Needless to say this route is known the most famous big wall route in the world. Therefore, there is some difficulties to climb it as free. But I realized it that if really want to climb it, can be sure to find a solution. So it’s just effort and patience. That’s the most important things for this time on this route. Of course, not only that, there is many thanks!! For Lostarrow, inc (my work place) giving me long holiday, for @scarpaspa making high performance shoes, for @trailbutter supporting me real natural energy food (we are calling Sending Butter! ), for every my friend and family cheering up us, and for my partner Yusuke Sato living together on the wall. Lastly, I learned many things from you, thanks a lot for the big stone. I will come back next year! 逃げ場もなく雨に打たれながらビニール袋に包まり夜を過ごした斜めのテラス、50kg超えの荷揚げで浮いてしまった真っ黒な指爪、ビッグウォールでの無知と未熟さに対する自分への苛立ち、デポした食料の大半を失い空腹に耐え続けたCamp6。何もかもが不甲斐なかった１年前。Changing Cornersの終了点にクリップした時、当時の記憶が走馬灯のように蘇り雄叫びと歓喜の涙でいっぱいになった。 The Noseをフリーで登ると決めた日から２年間。昨年の大敗退を経て以来、今年はこの日のために努めた１年間だったと言っても過言ではありません。今年も様々な困難がありましたがようやく、ようやくこのクライミングを成し遂げることができました。 Yosemite Elcapitan “The Nose 5.14a”の第５登。2017年11月13日、昨年の雪辱を晴らしリベンジ達成です。 今回、長期のクライミングツアーを容認してくれた勤め先のLostArrow, inc、いつも限界を押し上げてくれる @scarpaspa のクライミングシューズ、トレーニングの段階から手厚くサポートをしてくれた @trailbutter 、トライを励ましてくれた友人と家族、苦節を共にしたパートナーの佐藤裕介さん、そして様々な学びを与えてくれたYosemiteのビッグウォールに大感謝です。 #yosemite #bigwall #thenose #climbing #lostarrow #blackdiamond @scarpaspa @scarpa_climb @trailbutter @trailbutter.jp

A post shared by Keita Kurakami (@keitakurakami) on

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